Allyson Schwartz

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, the people of my district, like all Americans, are deeply worried about the economic challenges facing our Nation and optimistic about the future under our new President. They know that swift and meaningful action is needed to restore confidence in our markets, save jobs, and rebuild our economy. This rule allows the House to take an important step to address the needs of people and industries most affected by the current economic downturn and to stimulate the innovation that is essential to drive our economy in the future. Action is necessary now towards energy independence, educational advancement, infrastructure, and improvements in quality and efficiency in health care to better enable us to meet the economic challenges ahead. I am particularly proud of the major new investment in health information technology. By increasing the use of health IT to 90 percent of physicians in this country within 10 years, we can assure that vital medical information is available at the point of service, we can improve quality and reduce unnecessary interventions, better coordinate care, save lives, and save costs for patients, employers, and taxpayers, all leading to a healthier, more economically competitive America. It is a smart, timely investment to meet today's challenges and fulfill America's promise. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the rule, to vote ``yes'' on final passage, and by doing so vote ``yes'' for relief for American families, to vote to stimulate job growth here in America, to vote ``yes'' for the essential investments we need now for the future.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, today is a good day for American families. Today, we reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program for nearly 7 million children currently covered and to expand coverage to an additional 4 million uninsured children. My commitment to ensuring health coverage for every child in our great Nation is just as strong today as it was in 1992 when I successfully worked for the early creation of CHIP in Pennsylvania. Yet today, 9 million children are still uninsured--almost 140,000 children in Pennsylvania alone--and the number grows daily. As the economy continues to suffer and unemployment grows, more and more American families are losing their insurance coverage. Parents without coverage worry that their children will get sick or need to visit the doctor, and they simply do not have the money to pay. So as we work to reverse the economic downturn, we can and we should ensure that our children's health will be protected now and into the future. Strengthening CHIP for 111 million children is the right thing to do, and in just 6 days, we will have a President who--unlike our outgoing President--will sign this bill and achieve this goal for America's children. Change is here. It is a good day in America.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, on November 17, 2008, Sgt. Timothy Simpson, a 20-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and a constituent of the 13th Congressional District was killed by a drunk driver while responding to a robbery. He is the fourth Philadelphia police officer killed this year in the line of duty. Sgt. Simpson, 46, left behind his wife, Catherine, and three children. His brother, Terry, is an officer on the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team. He was a decorated officer, having recently earned superintendant of the month in the 24th District. Other accolades included a heroism award, four merit awards, and a letter of commendation. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said Simpson was ``a good officer trying to do his duty.'' Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said he was ``an excellent sergeant, excellent police officer,'' adding ``you can't say enough good things about him.'' Sgt. Simpson's death is a major shock to Philadelphia opening wounds that have had little time to heal. He was the partner to Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, a 12-year veteran and former constituent, who was shot and killed on May 3, 2008 while responding to a bank robbery. The sacrifices that the Simpson and Liczbinski families have made to protect the City of Philadelphia can never be repaid. All Philadelphia residents owe a debt of gratitude to these families and the families of the other fallen officers from Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, including Gary Skerski, Charles Cassidy, Isabel Nazario, and Patrick McDonald all of whom died in the line of duty in the last two years. I ask that the House of Representatives extend its condolences to Catherine Simpson, her family, and the Philadelphia Police Department for yet another significant loss.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, on November 12, 2008, Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor and former State Treasurer Catherine Baker Knoll, a dedicated mother, political pioneer and tenacious public servant, lost her battle with cancer while surrounded by loved ones. Knoll, 78, is survived by her four children, Albert, Charles, Mina and Kim Eric. Her late husband Charles was a U.S. Postmaster. Knoll was born one of nine children in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. She was a schoolteacher, a businesswoman, and an innovative State Treasurer from 1989 to 1997. In that post, she created the Tuition Assistance Program, which opened doors for thousands of Pennsylvania's youth to attend college. The self-described ``steel woman from the steel city,'' Knoll became the first woman Lieutenant Governor in Pennsylvania in 2003 and was well-known for her persistence, initiative, and unflinching commitment to the public good. Her affection for all the people of Pennsylvania and unstoppable desire to knock down barriers for women and minorities were obvious to all who witnessed her energetic and caring demeanor. On the day she was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor, she compared Pennsylvania to a 10-speed bicycle, saying, ``We have gears we haven't even tried yet.'' Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell called her one of the ``strongest, most dedicated public servants in Pennsylvania's history,'' adding that ``Her passing is a tremendous loss for the many people whose lives she touched.'' I ask that the House of Representatives extend its condolences to Catherine's family and friends, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which feels the loss of a true public servant.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, as the American people have witnessed over the past several days, the instability in the financial markets requires immediate attention. The longer this instability continues, the harder it will be for employers to meet payroll, for retirement plans to meet their obligation to retirees, and for families to access the credit they need to pay for college, for a car, for a home, or for just getting by. The road has been difficult, but the risk posed to everyday Americans is simply too great not to act. My constituents and I were appalled when President Bush asked us to hand over $700 billion with no oversight, no accountability, and no reforms to the fundamentally flawed policies that allowed this crisis to occur. Due to bipartisan cooperation--and now compromise between the Senate and the House of Representatives--this economic recovery proposal is fundamentally different than the proposal first brought to us by President Bush. Today, we have an economic recovery proposal before us that will protect the interests of hardworking Americans by: Restoring investor confidence in our economy and the financial markets; Protecting taxpayers by requiring full transparency of actions taken by the Treasury Secretary, creating a strong oversight board appointed by Congress, and establishing an independent Inspector General to guarantee compliance; Ensuring fiscal responsibility by making resources available in installments that require congressional and Presidential approval, and guaranteeing that the financial services industry repays any losses to the U.S. Treasury; Helping distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure by facilitating loan modifications; and Limiting the compensation for the corporate executives that created this crisis by eliminating multimillion dollar golden parachutes. I will vote for the proposal before us today because I believe that the current economic crisis requires action by Congress. It is unfortunate that the Senate took this opportunity to add unrelated measures to this bill. These measures include items that I have strongly supported--such as: mental health parity; Alternative Minimum Tax relief; property tax relief; the personal deduction for higher education expenses; incentives for energy conservation and the development of alternative and renewable energy; and the extension of current tax policies that encourage innovation and help U.S. companies compete internationally. I support these proposals and I appreciate that they will become law by our action today. But, I believe that we should have--and could have--covered the cost of these provisions, had the Senate not acted first. It is also embarrassing that just a few Senators would use this critical economic recovery proposal to enact narrowly targeted tax benefits--risking passage and angering American taxpayers who have rightfully called for reform of such practices Nonetheless, action is required to stabilize our financial markets. We must begin the process of economic recovery by making credit and capital available to families and businesses of all sizes to meet their obligations and move this country forward. There is still more to do. We must focus on the regulation of our financial markets, strong enforcement, and sound fiscal policies in Government and in the private sector that are all necessary to restore our economy to one of prosperity, opportunity and growth--not just for a few--but for all Americans.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Anne d'Harnoncourt for her contributions as an internationally esteemed museum leader and art scholar. When Anne d'Harnoncourt passed away on June 1, 2008, Philadelphia and the world lost a highly accomplished professional and dear friend. As a graduate of Radcliffe College and the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, she began her illustrious career at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1967. Anne d'Harnoncourt was dedicated to the city of Philadelphia, and as the director and chief executive officer of the Museum of Art she worked tirelessly to preserve and enrich the art and culture of our city for nearly two decades. In 1982, Anne d'Harnoncourt was named the director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and her intellect and her unique abilities lead to her becoming the chief executive officer in 1997. She was widely respected for her ability to connect the work of the museum with the broader public, and she presided over many successful efforts to engage diverse audiences at the museum. She directed numerous successful touring exhibitions, and led major capital campaigns to enable the expansion and renovation of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, ensuring the museum's rightful place in the arts and cultural community of the Greater Philadelphia region and its place as one of the most esteemed arts institutions in the world. Anne d'Harnoncourt's long-lasting and positive impact will continue to be felt in the arts community well beyond Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She served as a citizen member of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution and she was consistently recognized by her peers around the world for her meaningful, insightful, and intellectual contributions to her field through her numerous scholarly articles, books, and retrospectives on modern art and artists. Had we not lost this devoted leader this past June, the international art community and the city of Philadelphia would have joined with Anne's family, including her husband Joseph J. Rishel, earlier this month to celebrate her 65th birthday. Anne d'Harnoncourt will be sorely missed by all who knew her and her esteemed work.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, during the past 8 years, the economic policies of President Bush have failed American families and destabilized our nation's economy. Now my constituents and hard working families across this country are rightfully concerned about what this all means to them. Let us be clear--it is the Bush policies of deregulation, non- existent oversight, disregard for our nation's infrastructure, irresponsible tax policies, and excessive deficit spending that exploded our national debt and lead us into the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. The action we take today is difficult, but it is the responsible one. The potential downside for everyday Americans is simply too great not to act. The instability in the financial markets creates serious difficulty for every company seeking to meet payroll, every retirement plan seeking to meet their obligation to retirees, and every family who needs to borrow money for a car, for college, for a home, or for just getting by. My constituents want to trust Washington to do the right thing to turn the economy around, but they want us to protect their interests and address their everyday concerns. That is why the American people and members of Congress were appalled when President Bush asked us to hand over $700 billion with no oversight, no accountability, and no reforms to the fundamentally flawed policies that allowed this crisis to occur. Because of Democratic leadership, this economic recovery proposal is fundamentally different than the proposal first brought to us by President Bush. We now have an economic recovery proposal that will protect the interests of hardworking Americans by: Restoring investor confidence in our economy and the financial markets; Protecting taxpayers by requiring full transparency of actions taken by the Treasury Secretary, creating a strong oversight board appointed by Congress, and establishing an independent Inspector General to guarantee compliance; Ensuring fiscal responsibility by making resources available in installments that require Congressional and Presidential approval, and guaranteeing that the financial services industry repays any losses to the U.S. Treasury; Helping distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure by facilitating loan modifications; and Limiting the compensation for the corporate executives that created this crisis, by eliminating multi-million dollar golden parachutes. Responsible action to stabilize our economy is required and warrants bipartisan support. But, efforts to rebuild our economy cannot stop here. Moving forward we must focus on the regulation of our financial markets, strong enforcement, and sound fiscal policies in government and in the private sector that are all necessary to restore the economy to one of prosperity, opportunity and growth--not just for a few--but for all Americans.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, Officer Patrick McDonald, an 8-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and a constituent of the 13th Congressional District, was murdered after pursuing a previously convicted felon. The shooter was wanted for a recent altercation with the police. The pursuit ended in a shootout that also injured 12-year veteran Officer Richard Bowes. Officer McDonald, 30, was assigned to the Highway Patrol Division. He was known to his colleagues as a ``stand up guy,'' the type of person who would ``go out of his way for anybody.'' Another officer called him ``a great cop.'' Protecting the public was a McDonald family tradition. His father, Captain Larry McDonald, spent 34 years with the Philadelphia Fire Department. Families like the McDonalds are the backbone of Philadelphia's law enforcement, guardians who are willing to put themselves in harm's way for others, some of whom make the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of our city. The McDonald family's loss is a loss for all of us. Officer McDonald grew up in Morrell Park. He graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in 1996 where he played football and basketball. The toughness that he exhibited as a cop was developed on the football field. Glen Galeone, his coach, said Officer McDonald ``always gave his all.'' Officer McDonald dedicated his entire adult life to serving and protecting the people of Philadelphia. He worked as a paramedic before joining the Philadelphia Police Department in 2000. After he joined the force, Officer McDonald constantly worked to better himself by taking night and weekend classes at St. Joseph's University where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice in 2005. He was a role model for his neighbors and his fellow officers. Officer McDonald joins Gary Skerski, Chuck Cassidy, Stephen Liczbinski, and Isabel Nazario as Philadelphia Police Officers from northeast Philadelphia killed in the line of duty since May 2006. The loss of these officers saddens and outrages me and my constituents. I ask that the House of Representatives extend its condolences to the McDonald family and the Philadelphia Police Department for their significant loss.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Oreland Volunteer Fire Company on the celebration of their 100th anniversary. Chartered in 1908 with the help of just a handful of volunteers, the Oreland Fire Company has developed into a modern, professional fire company. One hundred years ago, dedicated officers chartered the Oreland Fire Company. In 1911, the Oreland Fire Company held its first meeting, with 5 officers and 11 members present. Today, the organization is comprised of 35 members who are committed to protecting their community's people, homes and businesses. It is with great pride that the Oreland Fire Company continues to operate as an all volunteer fire company. At the time of the organization's inception, the fire company owned a fire wagon and a horse drawn wagon, without a horse--manpower provided their strength when a fire struck. The company held their meetings at Aiman's Hall on the 100 block of Plymouth Avenue, until they were able to construct their first Fire House in 1913. Today, the company continues their proud tradition of providing the best service to the community. These firefighters, just like those described by Benjamin Franklin, still ``apply themselves with all vigilance and resolution,'' as well as dedication and courage, to the protection of their community in times of fire crises and as promoters of fire safety and prevention. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate the members of the Oreland Fire Company for their service, commitment, and sacrifice. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating this milestone and wish these dedicated firefighters another 100 years of success and safety.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act. The United States consumes 25 percent of the world's oil, yet only holds 2 percent of the world's oil reserve. The fact is that we cannot simply drill our way out of this energy crisis, but that's exactly what Republicans would lead you to believe, that drilling is the answer. But it is simply shortsighted, misleading, and wrong. We can drill responsibly, but lower gas prices and energy independence require immediate and significant investments in American innovation in alternative fuels, investments in renewable energy technology, and in energy efficiency. The Republicans say that they want an all-of-the-above plan. Well, that's exactly what we have before us today. This proposal is a 21st- century energy plan that spurs innovation, puts the Nation on a path to energy independence, and lowers gas prices for American families and American businesses. It will expand renewable energy production and improve energy efficiency through $18 billion in tax incentives paid for by repealing subsidies to the oil industry. It will promote conservation by encouraging the construction of commercial buildings that are 50 percent more energy efficient. It will increase domestic production of traditional energy sources by allowing new offshore drilling. And it will create hundreds of thousands of new high-quality, good-paying American jobs. This plan is a stark contrast to the Republicans' drill-only mantra. If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to vote for an all-of-the-above approach, this is their chance. Vote for a uniquely American solution to our security and to America's energy future.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 200th anniversary of the Byberry Friends Meeting House, located at 3001 Byberry Road in the far northeast section of Philadelphia. In 1675, four adventurous Quaker brothers--Nathanial, Thomas, Daniel, and William Walton--arrived in New Castle, Delaware, from England, in search of a new home and religious freedom. They walked nearly 50 miles along the banks of the Delaware River into Pennsylvania, arriving at Poquessing Creek. They were captivated by the region, which reminded them of their former home in Bibury, England, and so they established their home here. They had success farming and were able to establish good relationships with the Native American tribes who helped them survive their initial difficult years. This community subsequently grew with the influx of more Quakers in the 1680s. The first Quaker meetings were held in the homes of members. As the community grew, members were able to build a log meetinghouse in which to worship. In 1808, 133 years after the Walton brothers settled here, the community built the larger meetinghouse that is still in use today. Members of the Byberry Friends Meeting were influential in the movement to abolish slavery. Today, the Byberry Friends Meeting continues to hold weekly worship meetings. The school building, used for many years to educate the children of the Meeting, is used by a community day care academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the historic Byberry Friends Meeting House on this momentous milestone and honoring the contributions that the members of this community have made to the people of my district and Philadelphia.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I come before you today to congratulate the Historical Society of Whitpain on the 150th anniversary of the Franklinville School. The Franklinville School, a one room schoolhouse, was originally constructed in 1858 to serve the small area of Franklinville and served in that capacity until 1916. After its closure, Ralph Beaver Straussburger, a Naval Academy Graduate and aide to President Theodore Roosevelt, purchased the schoolhouse as part of a small estate when he married into the Singer family, of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Mr. Straussburger modeled his estate after a French manor house and named it Normandy Farms. The Franklinville School was an integral part of Straussburger's estate, serving as a school not only for Straussburger's children but also for the children of the employees of the estate. In the following years, the schoolhouse was abandoned and fell into a state of dilapidation and disrepair. In 1983, The Historical Society of Whitpain was founded for the purpose of restoring the old schoolhouse. Over the next 14 years, volunteers tirelessly worked to raise money to restore the schoolhouse and in 1997, the Historical Society gained title to the Franklinville School. The Society has worked tirelessly to finish the restoration of the schoolhouse, including replacing the building's unsafe flooring. Prior to the completion of the restoration, the Society commissioned an archeological dig and recovered a number of artifacts that exemplify America of the 1850's, including medicine bottles, inkwells and an 1876 Liberty Head quarter. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate the members of the Historical Society of Whitpain on their tireless efforts to reclaim and restore the history that has made our country what it is today. It is through such efforts that we can hope to learn more about our Nation's past and ensure that our extraordinary history is accessible to future generations.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, on Friday September 5, 2008, Officer Isabel Nazario, an 18-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and a constituent of the 13th Congressional District was killed in a crash while assisting fellow officers in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle. The crash also injured her partner, 12-year veteran Terry Tull. Officer Nazario, 40, left behind a 15-year-old daughter, Jazmin, and a fiancee, Carlos Buitrago. She was remembered by her friends and colleagues as a ``beautiful mother'' and ``a great officer.'' Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey called her, ``a very, very good officer in a very high-profile unit with highly motivated officers.'' Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said she ``was a dedicated public servant who spent her life protecting others.'' Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5 President John McNesby said, ``She had a great work ethic and a great reputation on the street. She was always willing to do what needed to be done.'' Officer Nazario joined the Department because she was called to make her community a better place. A graduate of Olney High School in Northeast Philadelphia, Nazario was promoted to the Narcotics Strike Force division 12 years ago. She was part of a police family, her sister Maritza Mohamad and her fiancee were also Philadelphia Police Officers. Jazmin Nazario said the thing that she admired most about her mother was her strength--the type of strength that enabled a single mother to walk the beat through city streets and put away criminals. Madam Speaker, in the 4 years I have represented the people of the 13th Congressional District, 4 police officers from my district have been killed in the line of duty. The loss to families, communities and the force is acute. It is our duty to recognize the sacrifice of our law enforcement officers who put themselves in harm's way to protect the people of our great city. I ask that the House of Representatives extend its condolences to Jazmin Nazario, her family, and the Philadelphia Police Department for their significant loss.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Here in the gallery today are 23 members of Parliament from Indonesia, Kenya, Macedonia, and Ukraine. They are visiting the House of Representatives this week as guests of the House Democracy Assistance Commission. HDAC, chaired by Representative David Price, partners with legislative bodies in 12 countries. They are each moving steadily towards democratic governance. The four countries represented here today are among the most promising participants in this important congressional initiative. The MPs, many of whom are committee chairs, will work directly with Members of Congress to learn how we conduct committee business in the U.S. House. They will take this information back to their respective legislatures and use these concepts and procedures to strengthen their legislative process and, as a result, strengthen their democracy. I ask that the House give these distinguished guests a warm welcome and offer our strong encouragement for the work that we are doing together. By building relationships with our fellow parliamentarians in emerging democracies and sharing their aspirations for their future, we can promote the safety and security of our own Nation and encourage stability around the world.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Rangel and Chairman Frank for working with the Senate and the Administration to modernize the Federal Housing Administration, provide tax incentives to stimulate the private housing market, and to provide greater oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. By addressing a whole range of issues--from the foreclosure crisis and market concerns about Fannie and Freddie to the new and existing homes that are sitting vacant and further depressing the market--this package represents a significant step toward stabilizing the economy and restoring consumer confidence. I am proud of the portion of this package that came through the Committee on Ways and Means, which includes a timely, targeted, and well-designed first-time homebuyers credit, a new Federal tax deduction to help families meet rising state property taxes, and an expanded ability of cities and states to raise capital for infrastructure improvements by partnering with the Federal Home Loan Banks. I am particularly pleased that the package includes a bill that I introduced, which would enable state housing finance agencies to raise capital through tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and use these additional funds to help at-risk borrowers to refinance their subprime loans, access mortgages at a fair rate, and enable them to meet their financial obligations and stay in their homes. Specifically, this legislative language allows state housing finance agencies to--for the first time--use funding raised by mortgage bonds to refinance qualified subprime mortgages. It also increases the current cap on these bonds by $11 billion to ensure that the housing finance agencies have sufficient capital to fully take advantage of this new abilty to help at-risk borrowers in their states. This provision will work hand in hand with the Federal Housing Administration reforms that have come out of Chairman Frank's Committee--and it will allow states to play a role in addressing the needs of their local communities. It is in everybody's interest that we overcome this crisis in the housing market, prevent a deepening of current economic troubles, and maintain our competitive edge in the global economy. The proposal before us takes a comprehensive, reasonable and balanced approach to this challenge--and it is one that deserves bipartisan support.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to congratulate Briar Bush Nature Center on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Briar Bush Nature Center is a true testament to community outreach and wildlife preservation, both in its work over the past century and in its very roots. In 1908, a Quaker couple, Everett and Florence Griscom, fell in love with a twelve acre plot in the heart of Abington, Pennsylvania. They found the area so beautiful that they began inviting friends and family to spend days with them in the tranquil area and soon, local children and adults began flocking to the refuge that the Griscoms had fondly named ``Briar Bush.'' After the Griscoms passed away, area residents led by T. Russell Frank established the ``Friends of Briar Bush'' organization, which was instrumental in encouraging the Township to acquire the land in 1962. The Friends of Briar Bush carried on the Griscoms' mission by offering the woodland retreat as a Natural Education Center for local children and adults. Over the years, Briar Bush has become an important facet of the Abington Community. In 2000, the Center implemented a renovation project to make the Center even more visitor-friendly and expanded their education programs, which has enabled the Center to serve over 47,000 visitors annually. Briar Bush programs have received numerous awards, including ``Best of Philly.'' The Briar Bush day camp is currently in the running for a Nickelodeon ``Parents Pick Award'' for the best day camp for small children. The Briar Bush Nature Center is a true Abington community treasure. It is my pleasure to stand before you to honor this special organization for achieving its' 100th anniversary milestone. It is my most sincere hope that Briar Bush will continue to educate our community about the joy of nature for many years to come.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, under the Democratic-controlled Congress, the country is moving in a new direction. Improvements in our health care delivery system are key parts of this new direction. I applaud my colleagues for an overwhelming bipartisan victory yesterday in support of our Nation's seniors, disabled and health care providers. The Medicare bill we passed yesterday will not only prevent the impending physician fee cut, but it will also strengthen Medicare and will provide more accessible access to service and will promote improved patient safety and health outcomes. I'm proud to be a leader in Congress in promoting health technology. The legislation I introduced last year, which was included in the Medicare bill yesterday, promotes the use of E-prescribing by Medicare providers. Electronic prescribing will eliminate injuries, hospitalizations and mortalities that occur each year as a result of 1.5 million prescription errors annually. The use of E-prescribing is smart; it is timely, and it is a major step forward in expanding the use of electronic medical records. It has the potential to improve quality, to improve health outcomes and to reduce costs in our health care system. I urge the Senate to pass and accept our legislation.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Rangel for his leadership and I am proud of our work to protect 25 million American taxpayers-- including half a million people in Southeastern Pennsylvania--from the pain of the Alternative Minimum Tax. True to their record of increasing debt, the Republicans continue to say, ``there's no need to offset AMT relief because this tax was never intended to hit these people.'' But in 2001 they knew that the Bush tax cuts would increase--by 127%--the number of AMT taxpayers this year. And they consistently used these taxpayers to mask the true cost of their failed fiscal policies. We cannot ignore the consequences of these bad decisions. We are committed to reversing the Bush Administration's policy and fiscal failures. We are committed to enacting permanent--fiscally responsible--AMT relief for middle income taxpayers. And we are committed to act today to protect millions of Americans from the AMT this year without adding to the Nation's exploding debt. Mr. Speaker--given the economic downturn and financial challenges facing our families and our Nation, our constituents have the right to expect fair and responsible tax policy. Today's proposal to provide tax relief to 25 million American families by closing loopholes that benefit only the wealthiest individuals is fair, it is responsible, and it deserves passage.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1294) supporting the goals and ideals of National Save for Retirement Week.

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The resolution before us supports the goals and ideals of National Save for Retirement Week, which this year falls between October 19 and October 25, 2008. I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Johnson of Texas, for working with me to bring attention to the importance of retirement planning for American families. We are living in a time when workers are being asked to shoulder an increasing share of the cost of saving for retirement. Even with an employee-sponsored retirement plan and the promise of Social Security benefits, Americans need to put additional money aside to ensure a financially secure retirement. For many Americans, saving is becoming an increasingly difficult task as they struggle to meet their everyday obligations. Even in solidly middle-income families, financial resources are stretched thin as parents work to meet other pressing needs, whether it's purchasing health care coverage, paying for college, buying a tank of gas, or simply paying monthly bills on time. Over the past several years, we have seen a dramatic shift in our retirement system. Most workers are no longer eligible for traditional pensions, which provide a predictable monthly benefit throughout retirement. Instead, workers are bearing more of the costs and investment risks of saving adequately for their retirement through workplace defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s or through IRAs. As a result, the value of most Americans' retirement benefits, and the security of their retirement, is now directly linked to their own decisions and the amount of dollars that they save over the years and the balance held in their accounts when they retire. The dramatic shift towards individual defined contribution plans is clear. According to Employee Benefits Research Institute, only 10 percent of workers are currently covered by defined benefit plans, compared to 63 percent of workers who are currently covered by 401(k) plans. This stands in stark contrast to the reality of 30 years ago when it was just the opposite, when coverage rates were 62 percent for defined benefits plans and 16 percent for 401(k)s. While this shift is empowering American workers to make more of their own financial decisions, many families are finding it difficult to save significantly to meet their retirement needs. It is particularly difficult during a time of economic uncertainty, as we are experiencing today. It may be difficult but continues to be vitally important for Americans to prepare for retirement, to think about savings, especially given that half of all workers have less than 25 percent in total savings, whether for retirement or to help them in periods of financial difficulty. As our country shifts towards an increasing reliance on individual savings and as families are tempted to dip into their retirement accounts to meet current everyday expenses during this time of high gas and food prices, it is more important than ever that we educate Americans about the pressing need to save even small amounts every year that they possibly can. In my district, I have partnered with banks and credit unions and other financial institutions to host seminars to help provide information on how to make educated, financially responsible decisions about personal and family budgets and to help establish a habit of saving for the future. I have even visited with schools in my district to help reach out to young people in order to emphasize the importance of saving for the future. It is never too early to learn that every little bit we save now will help in the long run. So whether you're a 16-year-old receiving your first paycheck, or a 25-year-old getting your first real raise, or a 45-year-old with a mortgage and two kids, the habit of putting a little bit away every month in regular savings can, with the help of compound interest, add up to a more secure retirement. The resolution before us supports and encourages educational opportunities on a national scale and creates a collaborative effort to emphasize the importance of making savings for retirement a priority for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution so that we can help Americans create a financial security for themselves in their retirement years. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. SCHWARTZ. I just want to close by thanking my colleague Mr. Johnson for working with me on this legislation this year, and for encouraging even in these difficult economic times that all Americans think about saving even a little bit of I week. With compound interest, it does add up, particularly if you start young to do that. But any time is good. And certainly as we recognize that there is increasing reliance on our own individual ability to save and to think about the future, this is an important resolution that can help Americans have greater financial security in their retirement. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Arcadia University on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its successful Study Abroad Program. In the summer of 1948, Jack Wallace, a newly hired economics instructor, and his wife, Betty Jean set sail from New York with 17 Beaver College (now Arcadia University) students, hoping to study the economic effects of World War II and the post-war rebuilding efforts in Europe. They arrived in Southampton and purchased used Royal Air Force surplus bicycles. After traveling around England, they crossed the Channel and continued biking through Belgium and France, ending their eight-week sojourn in Paris. Such faculty-led summer study voyages to Europe continued for several years. In the 1960s, the university began offering access to its study abroad programs during the regular semester at City of London College to students from other colleges. ``Full credit for work done in England was readily accepted by Beaver College for each participant,'' notes the University history, ``and an institution was born-the Beaver College Center for Education Abroad.'' Accredited accounting for course credits remains a cornerstone of Arcadia's Center for Education Abroad today, along with a worldwide network of professional employees, including in-country staff in host countries that support students while they are abroad. This year, Jerry Greiner, Arcadia's President, will commemorate that landmark trip's 60th Anniversary in July 2008. In addition, the University will introduce a new curriculum that emphasizes multi- cultural experience and reflection. In addition to the hundreds of Arcadia students who study abroad each year, the Center now serves 3,000 students a year from more than 300 colleges and universities. And what began at City of London College is now a menu of more than 100 programs around the world, expanding recently to Africa, to China and soon to India. I commend Arcadia University for providing opportunities for young leaders to learn about the world and connect with students in other countries and I congratulate the University on reaching the 60th anniversary of its nationally acclaimed international program.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Congregation Adath Jeshurun in Elkins Park, PA on the celebration of its 150th anniversary. In 1858, three years before the Civil War, this proud congregation was established in the heart of Philadelphia. The congregation occupied many homes before settling down at the current Elkins Park location. Adath Jeshurun or ``The Congregation of the Upright'' first conducted services in German and Hebrew. In the years following its establishment, a choir and organ were added to create a more beautiful and spiritually moving experience for participants. Adath Jeshurun's involvement in the founding of the United Synagogue of America in the early 1900's under the guidance of their Spiritual Leader, Rabbi Max D. Klein, continues to be a crowning achievement for the congregation. Through the guidance of its exemplary leaders and devotion of its committed members, Adath Jeshurun has continued to offer many award- winning educational, spiritual and social opportunities ranging from religious education for members of all ages to youth music programs. The congregation is also dedicated to community service within their place of worship, their neighborhood, and their greater community. Madam Speaker, once again I would like to honor and acknowledge Congregation Adath Jeshurun for its remarkable congregational passage as a Jewish community in America through the past century and a half. I was so pleased to share in the opening event celebrating this ``incredible journey.'' I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating this milestone and wishing ``AJ'' another 150 years of joy--from strength to strength!

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. (Ms. SCHWARTZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)