Allyson Schwartz

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Abington Memorial Hospital for winning the Keystone Alliance for Performance Excellence, KAPE, 2010 award. As the first recipient of this state-wide honor, Abington Memorial Hospital is being recognized for an ongoing commitment to quality and excellence that makes it a leader among the area's hospitals. I am honored to represent Abington Memorial Hospital in Congress. Abington Memorial Hospital has provided comprehensive, high-quality services to residents of Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia Counties for more than 90 years. A not-for-profit hospital, Abington Memorial Hospital has a staff of more than 900 physicians including primary care, medical, and surgical specialties. Abington Memorial Hospital has the only Level-2 trauma center in Montgomery County and is a major regional referral center for cancer care, cardiac care, and surgery. Recognition for its outstanding workplace environment and high quality of care is not new to Abington Memorial Hospital. In 2008, Abington Memorial Hospital was awarded the Magnet Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the nursing field, and has also been accredited, approved or licensed by more than 15 state and nationwide organizations. Applicants from both small and large organizations across Pennsylvania, from all sectors including education, health care, manufacturing, government and non-profit organizations were able to apply for the 2010 KAPE award. Applicants were evaluated by an independent board in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce focus, process management, and results. Abington Memorial Hospital's excellence in all of these categories made it a clear winner for the 2010 KAPE award. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me as I congratulate Abington Memorial Hospital for winning this prestigious award and applaud the hospital for more than 90 years of excellent care.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Rhawnhurst-Bustleton Ambulance Association on its 50th anniversary. This volunteer ambulance corps, located in Northeast Philadelphia, serves the residents of the Bustleton and Rhawnhurst neighborhoods. Fifty years ago Rhawnhurst and Bustleton were not served by the ambulances operated by area hospitals. This lack of emergency medical services was a serious safety and health challenge for these residents and businesses. Seeing this need, a small group of dedicated citizens took action. Five individuals met in the basement of a neighborhood home to take an oath to provide this much needed service. Six months later, with two ambulances in its fleet, the Rhawnhurst-Bustleton Ambulance Association incorporated as a non-profit organization. The ambulance association is now state-licensed and certified, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Over the past 50 years these dedicated volunteers have incorporated advanced technologies and practices into their daily operations. This neighborhood has been safer and more secure over these past 50 years because this small group of committed people decided to take an extra step to care for their neighbors. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and wishing the Rhawnhurst-Bustleton Ambulance Association many more years of faithful service to the community.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, last week, the Small Business Jobs Act was signed into law, marking the latest effort by the Democratic Congress to partner with small businesses to put the economy back on track. The Jobs Act makes $30 billion in lending and $12 billion in tax breaks available to small businesses to create 500,000 new jobs. The Democratic Congress has already helped small businesses by providing tax credits for hiring unemployed workers, by reducing tariffs on goods used in U.S. manufacturing and by expanding incentives for capital investments. Nearly 2 years ago, our economy was losing 700,000 jobs per month. Now we are on pace to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the private sector. Yet, instead of joining with us to grow small businesses and the jobs they create, Republicans in Congress opposed loans to small businesses, opposed tax incentives for businesses to hire unemployed workers, opposed tax credits for health benefits, and opposed new incentives for business investments. Democratic Members stood up to provide American businesses with the right tools to innovate and create jobs. Access to capital, encouraging investment and hiring will ensure that we are continuing to create new jobs today and for tomorrow.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Holy Redeemer Health System in Meadowbrook, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania on the momentous occasion of Holy Redeemer St. Joseph Manor's 75-year and Holy Redeemer Hospital's 50-year anniversaries. These milestones will be celebrated with an Anniversary Mass on Sunday, October 17, 2010. In 1924, a group of Catholic Sisters journeyed from their home in Werzburg, Germany, to Baltimore, Maryland, and then Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to continue their ministry of service to those challenged by poverty and illness. The Sisters cared for the sick and elderly in their homes. Through their homecare visits, they recognized the need for a home for the elderly to provide for their security, as well as their spiritual and physical comfort. To meet this need they purchased a 45-acre estate in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania and in 1936 celebrated the groundbreaking for Holy Redeemer St. Joseph Manor. St. Joseph Manor opened its doors on June 11, 1937, accommodating 125 residents. In its beginning days, the Sisters ran the Manor and did all of the nursing, cooking, cleaning, washing, and gardening as a demonstration of their heartfelt care for all of the residents. St. Joseph Manor was funded solely on donations, ``built by good people for the good of people.'' As their endeavor grew, the Sisters' desire to realize their dream of providing a hospital for Northeast Philadelphia and Montgomery County grew ever stronger. In the mid-1950s the Sisters donated a portion of their land to build Holy Redeemer Hospital. The Sisters, along with civic-minded citizens and friends, raised the funds for the construction of the $3.5 million, 217-bed community hospital which was dedicated on December 8, 1958 and officially opened in March 1959. Through Holy Redeemer St. Joseph Manor's 75-year and Holy Redeemer Hospital's 50-year history, buildings have expanded, updated technology, and developed treatment techniques. What has remained constant is the unwavering commitment to ``care, comfort and heal'' those under the health system's care. The Holy Redeemer Health System has grown to include nearly 4000 staff members who provide services through the Delaware Valley and in 11 counties in New Jersey. Please join me in wishing Holy Redeemer Health System congratulations on these milestone anniversaries. I am proud to have had the privilege of visiting the Hospital itself and representing Holy Redeemer in the U.S. Congress.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Today marks an important milestone in our effort to ensure access to high quality health coverage for all Americans--the implementation of the Patients Bill of Rights. As of today, no child can be denied insurance coverage because of a preexisting condition. I introduced this bill, championed it throughout health care reform, and now it offers financial and emotional security for so many families. And there is more. Young adults may remain on their parents' policy until age 26. Insurers may no longer drop coverage when someone gets sick. From now on, plans cannot set annual or lifetime limits on coverage. And new policies must include prevention and screening without copayments and consumer choice of their primary care physician. Other important provisions of health care reform are already underway. Every State now has a high-risk insurance pool. Seniors get the help of a $250 check to help with the doughnut hole, the gap in prescription coverage, and thousands of businesses are receiving relief for providing health coverage to workers and retirees. Access to meaningful coverage and these new consumer protections are improving the lives of Americans and mark a new era of high quality insurance for all Americans.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I regrettably missed rollcall votes No. 526, No. 527, and No. 528 because I was testifying before the Institute of Medicine on geographic adjustment factors in Medicare Payment. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: rollcall No. 526: ``yes''; rollcall No. 527: ``yes''; rollcall No. 528: ``yes.''

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Flourtown Fire Company on the 100th Anniversary of their founding. Located in Springfield Township, this all-volunteer fire company serves not only the residents of Springfield, but also several surrounding communities. When a local barn burnt down in 1910, a small group of dedicated citizens came together to form what would become the Flourtown Fire Company. From a modest start of a hand-drawn hose-cart stored in a barn to a modern firehouse with state-of-the art life saving equipment, the Flourtown Fire Company has been a vital asset to the community. The volunteers of the Flourtown Fire Company have relocated several times to accommodate their growing fleet. In 1983 the company opened its doors to women volunteers as well as men. Over the past century the Flourtown Fire Company has demonstrated its commitment to protecting its neighbors numerous times. The Flourtown Fire Company is the home of station 6, Engine 6, Ladder 6, Squad 6, and Utility 6. The company's heroic work and valor has been recognized by the Montgomery County Firemen's Association for life saving efforts far above and beyond the call of duty. In 2003, the company added a Firefighter Assist and Search Team to help protect volunteers during rescue operations. The company also offers safety training courses and activities for children and families. My constituents in the Springfield area are safer and more secure because of dedicated men and women like those who serve and support the Flourtown Fire Company. I am honored to represent the volunteers of the Flourtown Fire Company and the communities they serve. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Flourtown Fire Company's 100 year celebration and wishing them many more years of faithful service to the community.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. This week marks the 1-year anniversary of three American hikers being detained in Iran. Joshua Fattal, Shane Bauer, and Sarah Shourd were visiting a mountainous region in northern Iraq and innocently strayed across the unmarked frontier into Iran. The Iranian Government locked them up, accusing them of espionage--a baseless accusation. Last fall, Senator Arlen Specter and I championed a resolution calling on Iran to release the hikers. I have met with all three mothers and stayed in touch with Josh's mother, Laura, who lives in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. This Saturday the families of the hikers will gather at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to hold vigil for Josh, Shane, and Sarah. I am deeply taken by the steadfast determination and spirit of the families as they advocate for their children's health, safety, and release. The hikers have been detained far too long, and Iran should demonstrate compassion and release them back to their families here in the United States. I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging and sympathizing with these three young Americans and their families and calling on the Government of Iran to release them now.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1481) supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Save for Retirement Week'', including raising public awareness of the various tax-preferred retirement vehicles and increasing personal financial literacy.

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record.

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, I rise in support of the National Save For Retirement Week resolution that I have sponsored with my friend and colleague, Representative Sam Johnson. He and I have championed this proposal, which has passed the House of Representatives in each of the last 3 years. Saving for one's retirement is of paramount importance. Less than two-thirds of workers are saving for retirement and those who are saving are not saving enough to adequately fund their retirement. As a result, too many Americans rely solely on Social Security to fund their retirements. Social Security is the bedrock of retirement security and retirement income for many Americans. However, on average, Social Security retirees today receive $14,000 a year, hardly adequate as the sole source of retirement income for most Americans. This resolution will help raise public awareness of the importance of saving for retirement and encourage greater personal financial responsibility. Congress and employers can encourage saving for retirement through information on long-term saving vehicles and payroll deduction options that currently exist for most American workers. Since the economic downturn, the personal savings rate has risen to 3 percent, up from 2 years ago when Americans were barely saving at all. We can build on this recent experience to raise awareness about the need to save for emergencies, for future expenses, and for retirement. Small savings throughout one's working lifetime will result in a more secure retirement. So as we acknowledge the 75th anniversary of Social Security and renew our commitment to Social Security's guaranteed minimum benefits for future seniors, we should also acknowledge and support this resolution and encourage more Americans to save for their retirement. House of Representatives, Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC, July 28, 2010. Hon. Sander M. Levin, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Levin: I am writing to you concerning the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Education and Labor in H. Res. 1481, supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Save for Retirement Week.'' Our committee recognizes the importance of H. Res. 1481 and the need to move expeditiously. Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over portions of the resolution, I do not intend to request a referral. This, of course, is conditional on our mutual understanding that nothing in this resolution or my decision to forego a referral waives, reduces or otherwise affects the jurisdiction of the Committee on Education and Labor, and that a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging our jurisdictional interest will be included in the Congressional Record during consideration of this resolution by the House. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, George Miller, Chairman.

Ms. SCHWARTZ. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today to honor the service and the commitment of the Pennsylvania National Guard 111th Fighter Wing. Their bravery and sacrifice over the years has helped to ensure our Nation's safety and freedom. Originally growing out of the sod fields of the Philadelphia airport in 1924, the squad was first called to active service in February of 1941 to perform antisubmarine patrols off the coast of New England. The squad saw a lot of action during World War II. In 1943, they deployed and performed support operations in the China-Burma-India theater of combat. The same year, they earned the Distinguished Unit Citation for their execution of ground attack missions in France and the low countries in advance of the invasion of Normandy and in Germany for their support in the aftermath of the Battle of the Bulge. Members of the 111th honorably served in support of the U.S. war efforts during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. In 1963, the 111th ended their 39-year history at the Philadelphia airport and relocated to the Willow Grove Naval Air Station now in my district. In 1995 and 1999, they performed combat operations in support of Operation Southern Watch. Immediately following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the 111th Fighter Wing deployed on very short notice to support our joint combat operations for Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2002 and 2003, the wing was the lead unit on short notice, voluntary, out-of-cycle air expeditionary force deployments to Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan. In 2003, they volunteered for deployment yet again, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. So outstanding was their service during this period that they earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with Valor, for voluntarily deploying to austere bases in two separate combat operations within a 5-month period. It has been my honor to represent the 111th Fighter Wing as a Member of Congress. Though the latest round of BRAC decisions removed the squad's fighter mission, they will remain stationed at Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and will undoubtedly continue to serve our Nation. To quote the resolution before us, ``Members of the 111th Fighter Wing of the Pennsylvania National Guard have served with courage, selflessness, and compassion in every role that they have been asked to fulfill and have earned the respect and gratitude of the citizens of Pennsylvania and of all Americans.'' I appreciate the bipartisan support for Resolution 1411 and thank the members of the 111th Fighter Wing--I have met many of them--who currently serve in the 111th Fighter Wing, for the dedication, honor, service, and sacrifice to this country.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Mr. Norman Weiss, a constituent of my congressional district who has dedicated his life to serving his community, his nation, and the spirit of volunteerism. Mr. Weiss admirably served his country for 22 years in the United States Navy until his retirement in 1967. He has contributed both at home as a boxing coach at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station and abroad as a volunteer for more than a decade at a South Korean orphanage. The loss of his brother, Mel, during the Korean War inspired Mr. Weiss to travel to Korea to see the country and meet the people his brother had fought to defend. While visiting, Norm began a friendship with a Korean orphanage that would bring him back to South Korea each year during his leave from the Navy. His time in South Korea was spent not relaxing on a much deserved vacation, but devoting his energy and knowledge to the orphanage. A few years after Mr. Weiss retired as a Chief Petty Officer he moved to Korea to continue his work with orphans. Under his supervision, a new pool was constructed at the orphanage. With the help of nearby American service members other improvements were made to the orphanage such as the renovation of the kitchen and dining area. Mr. Weiss's assistance was so valued by the orphanage that he was made honorary Vice-Superintendent. In 1980 Norm was officially recognized for the work that had made an undoubtedly positive impact on the lives of many children; he was given a Civil Merit Medal by the Mayor of Pusan on behalf of the President of South Korea. After 12 years in South Korea, Mr. Weiss returned to Pennsylvania. He continued his dedication to strengthening the friendship between Americans and Koreans by teaching English as a second language to Koreans in his community. He also began to volunteer his time to the Willow Grove Naval Air Station as a boxing coach at the base's gym. In the years he has spent providing guidance and expertise to the base, Mr. Weiss has also given considerable financial support to the base's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department. Despite recent health concerns Mr. Weis continues to spend time in the base's gym, teaching young boxers the techniques and perseverance needed to achieve their goals. I am honored to represent Mr. Weiss in Congress and to know that Mr. Weiss has spent his life proudly representing our country abroad. I congratulate him on a lifetime of service to community, country, and international cooperation and friendship.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. As a result of the BP Deepwater Horizon blowout, tens of millions of gallons of oil have polluted the gulf coast. This is the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history. It is also a clarion call to action--an urgent call to develop alternative sources of energy. Without a determined commitment to alternative fuels, we will never end our Nation's addiction to oil, which demands drilling in deeper and more dangerous locations, increasing the potential for other devastating consequences. I've introduced legislation with bipartisan support to encourage the next generation of biofuels--fuels made from living matter like plants and algae. Along with incentives to expand other alternative energy sources and promote energy efficiency, this proposal is exactly what the renewable fuel industry needs to get biofuel facilities built in the United States. New bio-refineries will produce clean energy and create new jobs here at home. The Biotechnology Industry Organization estimates that direct job creation from cellulosic biofuels will create over 200,000 jobs in the next decade. By working with the private sector to advance the next generation of fuels, we can and we should put our Nation on a path to safer, cleaner, domestically produced energy.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Iran Sanctions Act. This legislation makes clear to the Government of Iran that we will not tolerate their continued illicit pursuit of nuclear weapons or their support for terrorism. Supported by the ongoing multilateral efforts of the United Nations Security Council and the European Union, these tough sanctions are intended to put greater pressure on Iran to change their behavior. President Obama will now have a range of new options to deal with the threats posed by Iran. Expanding upon previous sanctions, this legislation imposes a wide array of tough new economic, energy and financial sanctions. These sanctions target businesses involved in refined petroleum sales and those that support Iran's domestic refining efforts, as well as international banking institutions involved with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, nuclear program or support terrorism. Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is one of our paramount national security priorities. Nor can we allow their flagrant support of international terrorism continue unabated. Strong sanctions and enforcement of those sanctions make it clear that Iran must change its conduct now.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dorothy Mann and celebrate her retirement after 33 years as the bold and visionary Executive Director of the Family Planning Council in Philadelphia. The Family Planning Council administers all public funds for family planning services in the five-country Philadelphia region. Under Dorothy's leadership, the Council worked to prevent teen pregnancy, HIV infection and other STDs; to provide care to HIV positive women, children and families; and to provide breast and cervical cancer screening programs for uninsured women and so much more. In 2008, the Council served 145,000 patients, and in 2009 was the 6th largest provider of Title X family planning services in the nation. Dorothy has worked tirelessly to improve reproductive health care for women and men in the United States. Beginning as a family planning outreach worker in California, she went on to play a key role in the development of groundbreaking research paving the way for the Title X Family Planning program we know today. Arriving in Pennsylvania in the early 1970's, Ms. Mann was instrumental in opening the first federally funded family planning programs in the Commonweatlh. A tenacious advocate, Dorothy Mann took her leadership to a national level where she testified before Congress and served on two Institute of Medicine panels about the importance of preventing STIs and the perinatal transmission of HIV. In addition, Ms. Mann is a founding member and former Board President of National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA) and the AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families. On personal note, I am grateful to be among those with the honor of calling Dorothy Mann a colleague and a friend. We have spent many years working closely together, and I am very proud of our work. Today we recognize the achievements of Dorothy Mann and her preeminent career in the field of public health. She has done vital work to advance the Title X Family Planning Program and promote the critical link between preventive health care and opportunity for women are the hallmarks of her career.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. I thank the chairman for his good work on small business and on the economic recovery. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act, which, when merged with the Small Business Jobs Credit Act, will increase lending to small businesses, will expand entrepreneurship, and will put Americans to work. The bill offers small businesses additional capital through capital gains tax cuts, relief from onerous tax penalties, and expanded deductions for start-up costs. It provides funding to create a small business lending pool which will make loans available to small businesses through our smaller community banks. This pool will provide small business access to much needed capital to acquire new equipment, to renovate, to make energy-efficiency improvements or for other business growth opportunities. It is hard to overstate how important access to capital is for small business, so this action is critically important. Last week, during a Budget Committee hearing, Ben Bernanke responded to me when I outlined our actions to help our small businesses. He said he was ``glad the Congress is exploring these different programs for making credit available to small businesses.'' He talked additionally about the need to be particularly attentive to new and start-up companies, all critical to our economic recovery and job growth. All of these comments demonstrate the wisdom of the action that we are taking today to support small business growth. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this latest initiative to work with business owners in the private sector to strengthen our economy, to spur innovation, and to create jobs.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. I appreciate your organizing this hour of special order and giving us the opportunity to speak about the Gaza flotilla incident and to speak in support of one of our Nation's closest allies, Israel. While the full details of the incident aboard the lead ship that came in under the flotilla is still under investigation, it is apparent that the organizers of the flotilla intentionally sought to confront Israeli security forces and to defy the embargo of Gaza that was established by Israel and Egypt. The organizers, the activists, as they called themselves, rejected means offered by Israel--that has been talked about tonight--to deliver the humanitarian aid used by internationally accepted organizations, including the Red Cross, repeatedly, to get that aid to Gaza. The resulting altercation and loss of life could have been avoided had the organizers of the flotilla agreed to Israel's repeated offers for them to dock at one of their ports and allow the overland transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel has the right to defend and protect herself. The blockade of Gaza exists particularly because it needs to prevent arms being smuggled into Gaza and to protect the citizens of Israel, who have been the subject of thousands of rocket attacks launched by Hamas since 2005. Hamas, which is recognized internationally as an enemy of Israel and as a terrorist organization, has as its mission the destruction and dissolution of the State of Israel and is continuing to be a threat to the safety and security of the residents of Israel. The loss of life is tragic, but there is no question that the organizers of the flotilla were clearly intent on provoking a military response rather than delivering humanitarian aid; otherwise, they would have worked with Israel to transfer the supplies to Gaza. I see there are others who want to speak. Let me just conclude by saying I am proud to stand with my colleague in support of Israel and the right that she has to defend and protect herself. We will continue to work towards peace and security for Israel, and I appreciate being here tonight. Yet, in spite of the fact that Hamas is singularly focused on the destruction of Israel, Israel currently allows delivery of 10,000- 15,000 tons of humanitarian aid a week to the people of Gaza. The United States will continue to stand by our ally and friend Israel. And we will continue to work closely with all of our allies including Israel to suppress violent extremism around the world. We will continue to work to end hostilities in the Middle East and find a way to ensure security for the State of Israel and a future of peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people. But, we will do so with a keen understanding of the threats against Israel and the threats against the values we share. I appreciate joining with my colleagues in standing tonight to support our valued friend, Israel and its right to defend herself and protect her people.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of House Resolution 1381 and have appreciated working with my colleague, Congressman Brady, to bring this to the floor. This resolution recognizes the National Museum of American Jewish history, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, as you have heard, the only museum in the Nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and preserving the American Jewish experience. As the museum completes its new, expanded facility on Philadelphia's Independence Mall, the museum will have a greater capacity to inspire people of all backgrounds with a deep appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and, more broadly, the freedoms and the opportunities to which all Americans aspire. Freedom, liberty, and the opportunity to thrive in America is the museum's overarching theme that will be a powerful experience for people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. The new facility will be better able to tell the American immigrant story of the individuals meeting challenges and embracing and often fulfilling the American values of self-determination, equality, and opportunity. The museum highlights the great contributions of Jewish Americans that were made over the history of our Nation to the sciences, public service, and the arts. I encourage all of my colleagues to visit this remarkable institution when it opens its new building on November 14, 2010. For me, the experience of the National American Jewish History Museum is marked by the remarkable yet familiar story of one immigrant to America. Over 60 years ago, a young woman named Renee Perl was forced to flee Austria to escape the Holocaust. She arrived alone on the shores of America as a 16-year-old without family or friends. She arrived after years of fear and uncertainty, deeply grateful for the security that America offered and hopeful about her future. Renee Perl was my mother. She instilled in me a deep love for this country and its capacity to provide not only a safe harbor, but also freedom and opportunity.

Ms. SCHWARTZ. I thank the gentleman. Her story and her life are a constant reminder to me of the importance of our democracy and our shared responsibility to meet the goals and ideals of our Nation. The National Jewish American History Museum in its new location honors and elaborates on the stories of Jewish Americans like my mother, both ordinary and extraordinary, which make up the fabric of who we are as Americans. I am proud to honor the occasion of the opening of this new facility and look forward to the role the museum will play in telling a part, and for me a very personal part, of our Nation's history.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 337, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, as Memorial Day approaches, it is important we each take a moment to pay tribute to the generations of Americans who have given their lives so that we may enjoy the rights and freedoms we hold so dear. It is important to remember and honor those who have served us and have given the ultimate sacrifice. As the daughter of a veteran of the Korean War, I had the privilege of knowing firsthand the pride commanded through military service by those who served and the families who supported them. As a member of Congress, it has been my honor to work to provide those who have served our Nation with benefits reflective of their service. This Memorial Day, each of us can express our gratitude with a simple yet powerful act of tribute. Americans are asked to pause at 3 p.m. for a National Moment of Remembrance. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, stop for just one minute. Consider all the rights and liberties that are guaranteed to us as Americans, but withheld from so many others around the world. Consider the members of the armed forces who served, fought and died so that our great Nation can be strong and we can live with liberty and security.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. I thank the gentlewoman, and I'm very pleased to join you this evening. Thank you for organizing it, and thank you, of course, for your sponsorship of the resolution that created the Jewish American Heritage Month. And I am very pleased, as the only Jewish member of the Pennsylvania delegation, to be able to speak tonight a bit about the contributions of Pennsylvania's Jewish communities, in particular, Philadelphia's Jewish community and the contributions we made. I would be remiss if I didn't also say that I appreciate our colleague's comments before about Jewish veterans. And as many of my colleagues know, my father was a veteran serving in the Korean War, and certainly those experiences have helped inform who I am. But this evening, I did want to talk a bit about some other subjects, and, in particular, let me start by saying that William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania in 1682 as a colony, did so making sure that the colony was based on religious tolerance. The Philadelphia Jewish community has been around for a very long time and really came really expecting and being honored to be able to experience that religious tolerance, particularly in Philadelphia, and has been a part of Jewish Philadelphia and the Philadelphia community for generations. As early as 1735, Nathan Levy established himself in the import/export trade with his cousin David Franks in the bustling Philadelphia port. Well, today the Philadelphia port is still bustling, and it is one of the busiest ports in the Nation. Philadelphia Jews have contributed to our national fabric through sciences, public service and through the arts. Just to name a few--and it's always risky to just name a few, but I will--philanthropist Sam Guggenheim and Watergate counsel Samuel Dash, Science Nobel Prize recipient Howard Temin, and the comic Larry Fine all were graduates of Philadelphia's public magnet school, Central High School, where my sons went to school, and certainly proud Philadelphians, and they are among the members of Philadelphia's Jewish community. Philadelphia continues to proudly distinguish itself as an important epicenter of American Jewish life. As a new Member of Congress, I was very honored and proud to support Temple Beth Shalom, which is located on Old York Road in Elkins Park, Montgomery County--I represent Montgomery County--becoming a national historic landmark. It is the only synagogue designed by the great American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and it is a remarkable place to see. I would commend it to all of my colleagues. And looking forward, on November 14, 2010, the National Museum of American Jewish History will open its spectacular new facility on Philadelphia's Independence Mall. This museum is the only museum in America dedicated exclusively to exploring and preserving the American Jewish experience. And again, I encourage all of my colleagues, Jews and non-Jews, to visit this remarkable institution and to learn the stories of Jewish Americans, their challenges, their hardships, and their successes as they became a part of the fabric of who we are as Americans. For me, the significance of American Jewish Heritage Month is marked by a story of one young woman named Renee Perl. Over 60 years ago, Renee fled Austria on a Kindertransport. Some of the Jews may know what that means. It was a children's train. Parents sent their children on this train hoping they would be embraced by strangers and taken care of. She was, of course, fleeing the Holocaust. After almost 2 years, first in Holland and then in England, she arrived alone on the shores of America, a 16-year old without family or friends, but armed with a keen sense of hope and expectation. As with many refugees, she was anxious to put her difficult experiences behind her and embrace her new country, which she did with deep gratitude. Renee Perl was my mother. She instilled in me a deep love for this country and its capacity to provide not only safe harbor but opportunity. My mother's search for security and freedom in America is part of who I am and why I do what I do. It is a deeply personal reminder of the importance of democracy, not only for American Jews, but for so many. Her story, her life, as for so many others, calls on us to meet the responsibility we have to respect the values of our great Nation, to build and protect the freedom and hope that it offers to so many citizens and newcomers. It is with pride and gratitude that I mark the occasion of American Jewish Heritage Month, and I am pleased to participate in this evening's discussion.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Israel Rocket and Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act, legislation that recognizes the significance of our partnership with Israel, the mutually beneficial and historic nature of the relationship and our ongoing commitment to ensure its security for the State of Israel. For decades, support for Israel in Congress has been bi-partisan. In fact, it is one of the few issues where Republicans and Democrats have consistently agreed. Leaders of both parties recognize the importance of a strong and steadfast U.S.-Israel relationship and work together to strengthen it. Israel remains one of our most trusted and reliable allies. Terrorist organizations that vow to destroy Israel also vow to destroy the United States. As we continue to combat extremism worldwide and the violence it incites, a strong U.S.-Israeli strategic partnership is essential. Since coming to Congress, I have consistently and fervently supported America's commitment to the safety and support of Israel. In part, my commitment to Israel is based on the experiences of my mother, who fled Austria to escape the Nazis and emigrated alone at age 16 to the United States. My mother's stories have given me a deep understanding of the importance of Israel as a safe haven for Jews and as a strong voice on behalf of the Jewish people. The bill before us will better enable Israel to be a safe haven for Jews. It will formalize the United States' commitment to provide support for the deployment of Israel's ``Iron Dome'' missile defense system. This system will help protect Israeli citizens from the short- range rocket attacks of the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist attacks. I thank my colleagues for their support of Israel and for enhancing Israel's ability to defend itself. Our action today reaffirms our commitment to our closest of allies, Israel.