Allyson Schwartz

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I strongly support the families of the brave men and women who fight every day to keep our communities safe and that is why I believe the Officer Daniel Faulkner Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act is such an important piece of legislation. Inspired by the heroic service of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner, this legislation would offer financial assistance for higher education to the children of police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Officer Faulkner's own life was tragically cut short when he was murdered performing a simple traffic stop. Officer Faulkner is one example of the countless first responders who put themselves into harm's way every day. Tragically, since 2006, seven police officers from my district have died in the line of duty: Officer John Pawlowski, Officer Gary Skerski, Officer Chuck Cassidy, Officer Isabel Nazario, Sergeant Patrick McDonald, Sergeant Tim Simpson and Officer Stephen Liczbinski. These men and women selflessly risk everything so the rest of us may live in peace and safety. This Act will help the children of fallen heroes to be all they can be. It is yet another way for us to honor their service and their sacrifice. This legislation is one way to meet our shared debt of gratitude to our police officers, firefighters, and other first responders, to their families and to their children.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Today, the House of Representatives will take a significant step towards advancing American innovation and strengthening American competitiveness with the America COMPETES Act. This bipartisan proposal will expand public-private collaboration, assist industry and manufacturers, improve science and mathematics education, and create new, good-paying jobs. It accomplishes this by continuing the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects, devoted to next-generation energy research and development projects; providing loan guarantees for small- and medium-sized manufacturers to enable them to access capital and become more efficient; and by promoting more research and development initiatives. This bill is supported by more than 750 businesses and academic organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, National Venture Capital Association, and the Biotech Industry Organization. This continuing initiative is part of the Democratic solution to promote innovation and new technology in both older and new industries, prepare a skilled workforce, enhance our economic competitiveness, and build a strong 21st century national economy.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. I rise today to announce new legislation that will incentivize development and production of the next generation of biofuels. As Congress seeks ways to grow jobs, reduce our alliance on foreign oil, and develop cost-effective renewable energy sources, the cellulosic biofuel industry has enormous potential to help meet this demand, create green jobs, and bring economic benefits to rural and urban communities across our Nation. American companies can be at the forefront of producing the next generation of renewable biofuels developed from biomass as alternatives to fossil fuels. Enactment of my proposal, the Green Jobs Act, will accelerate construction of bio-refineries and encourage the domestic production of biofuels, bio-based chemicals and other bio-based products. It will reduce our reliance on foreign oil, reduce carbon emissions, and create thousands of good jobs here at home. There is no better time than today to make smart investments in America's renewable green economy. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Green Jobs Act.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 224, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Montgomery County Senior Games & Expo on the occasion of this organization's milestone 25th Anniversary. The Montgomery County Senior Games & Expo will be held at Montgomery County Community College from May 10 through 14, 2010. The Montgomery County Senior Games & Expo originated in 1985 through the efforts of Montgomery County's state legislative delegation. Through the continued support and tireless work of talented volunteers, the Montgomery County Senior Games & Expo has been successful in ensuring that this annual event combining healthy exercise and community spirit has continued. The Games & Expo is comprised of weeklong competitive events for Montgomery County senior adults and culminates with an Expo featuring health screenings and various exhibits with services and products to benefit the lifestyles of senior citizens. This event gives seniors the opportunity to not only gain information about their health resources, but to come together in the spirit of community to engage in sports and recreation. I am proud to represent the volunteers who work so hard to organize this outstanding event, as well as the participants who take advantage of such a wonderful experience. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the Montgomery County Senior Games & Expo's 25th anniversary and in wishing the volunteers, participants, and community many more years of health and fellowship.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Seniors who see a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant as their primary care provider face unnecessary delays in receiving necessary home health services. Medicare recognizes that nurse practitioners and physician's assistants diagnose and care for patients, prescribe medications, and order nursing home services for seniors, all in accordance with State law. But even when State laws explicitly include ordering home health care within the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, as Pennsylvania does, Medicare still requires a physician's signature for referral and payment. That Medicare allows nurse practitioners and PA's to sign the forms to place a senior in a nursing home but not for less expensive home health care just doesn't make sense. This requirement leads to unnecessary and costly delays. I urge my colleagues to join with me to fix this problem and to ensure that seniors get the care that they need in appropriate and cost efficient settings by cosponsoring my bill, H.R. 4993, the Home Health Care Planning and Improvement Act, and make sure that seniors get the care they need in the right setting.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the sixty-second anniversary of Yom Ha'atzmaut, to congratulate the State of Israel on its Independence Day, and to celebrate the unshakeable U.S.-Israel relationship. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I understand personally how important Israel is for all Jews everywhere. On May 14, 1948, Israel declared independence, providing a new safe haven for Holocaust survivors and for Diaspora Jews before and since the Holocaust, who experienced a millennium of anti-Semitism. In honor of Israeli Independence Day and in recognition of the close relationship between Israel and the United States, we will continue to work with our trusted ally to pursue a secure and peaceful Middle East, assuring liberty, economic prosperity, and security for Israel and its neighbors. While Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran threaten this security with words and missiles, the U.S. Congress stands committed to work towards a secure Israel where all of its citizens can live, prosper, and dream in security. In its 62 years of nationhood, Israel exemplifies freedom, opportunity, and democratic values. Its unfettered elections, transparent press, and vital economy distinguish it as a leader in the Middle East. It is our closest ally in the region. As such, I welcome the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate its independence and our shared efforts to ensure its safe and secure future.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the First Baptist Church of Crestmont on its momentous 100th Anniversary. Just north of Philadelphia, First Baptist Church of Crestmont was the very first church to be established in the town of Crestmont over a century ago. The congregation that founded the First Baptist Church of Crestmont originally met in the homes of two of its members. The group was formally organized into a Baptist church in October of 1910. Determined to build a meeting place for their new congregation, the members of the church worked together to begin digging the foundation with their own hands. Neighborhood children assisted with fundraising by performing concerts and organizing social events. In the early 1920's, the congregation developed plans to construct a new building for their church, which was a fortunate decision as the original building was destroyed in a fire shortly before the new church was completed. This new building housed the congregation for decades before construction began on an updated building. As the congregation continued to grow, transitioning from one pastor to the next, the commitment to community was passed down from generation to generation. In 2008 the sanctuary was once again destroyed by a fire. The First Baptist Church of Crestmont turned to their neighbors for support as they worked to repair their church. Last September the congregation returned to worship in their newly renovated edifice and fellowship hall. For decades, this community has provided a place for generations of children and adults alike to learn and worship together. The congregation has overcome great hardships over the past 100 years and has emerged even stronger. Although First Baptist is a small assembly, it has served as a significant, steadfast source of spiritual sustenance for its people while remaining committed to working hand in hand with the community to create a positive environment in which to raise our children and keep our seniors safe. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating First Baptist Church of Crestmont's 100th anniversary milestone and wishing the congregation many more years of community enrichment and service.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 based at Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, for being selected as the 2009 Marine Forces Reserve winner of the Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Award. Their honor, courage and commitment to our nation and those that serve in defense of it, unquestionably helps to ensure the safety of America and the entire world. Activated in April 1958, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 has a proud history of serving our country with great distinction. Courageously serving in the Republic of Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as numerous humanitarian relief operations, they have acted with honor and distinction whenever called upon. Today, the squadron continues to build upon this legacy, earning formal commendation for their robust family readiness program. Improved family readiness programs aid Guard and Reserve families readiness when called up for active duty. In 2000, the Department of Defense established the Reserve Family Readiness Awards Program to formally recognize the National Guard and Reserve units with the finest family support programs. The Unit Family Readiness Program of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 has distinguished itself as an exemplary support program. They have earned this award through their development of seamless, integrated readiness and support programs, in combination with their ability to provide resource information, training, and support services for family members. These programs play a vital role in supporting our nation's service members during a critical time. Madam Speaker, I thank and congratulate the members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 for their honor, courage and commitment. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating this award and wishing these dedicated Marines continued success in their efforts to enhance our nation's military personnel and family readiness.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, today, it is my unique honor to congratulate Barbara Laker and Wendy Ruderman from the Philadelphia Daily News, winners of the prestigious 2010 Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting. Their resourceful reporting exposed a rogue police narcotics squad, resulting in an FBI probe and in the review of hundreds of criminal cases tainted by the scandal. Their investigative reporting series in the Philadelphia Daily News exposed allegations that a narcotics cop and his informant fabricated evidence so that the police could obtain warrants to enter homes and to make arrests. The series led to appropriate actions that better ensure the integrity and confidence that our law enforcement officers deserve. Ms. Laker and Ms. Ruderman represent the finest tradition in the profession of journalism. Their commitment to journalistic principles, including the fulfillment of the role the press can play in exposing serious public failings, has earned them this prestigious prize and the accompanying well-deserved recognition. Ms. Laker and Ms. Ruderman have brought excellence to the Philadelphia Daily News and to the Greater Philadelphia area. I congratulate them on their achievement and on the recognition they have received for their journalistic excellence.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I, on behalf of myself and Mr. Neal, rise to speak about the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), which is a new executive branch entity created in the Senate passed health reform bill, H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In particular I want to clarify legislative intent with regard to one issue in IPAB. Section 1899A(c)(2)(A)(iii) of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 3403 of PPACA, states that in the case of IPAB proposals submitted prior to December 31, 2018, IPAB shall not include any recommendations that would reduce payment rates for providers that receive an additional market basket cut on top of the productivity adjustment. The rationale for this provision is that these providers are already facing extra downward adjustments in their payments and thus should not be subject to ``double jeopardy'' by also being subject to IPAB recommendations which will further reduce spending. In creating this exclusion, it is the intent of Congress to exclude all payment reductions applicable to providers captured by this language in all the relevant years. Therefore, in the case of inpatient hospitals, the provision excludes from IPAB recommendations payment reductions applicable to hospitals including payment reductions for indirect medical education under 1886(d)(5)(B), graduate medical education under 1886(h), disproportionate share hospital payments under 1886(d)(5)(F), and capital payments, as well as incentives for adoption and maintenance of meaningful use of certified electronic health record technology under 1886(n). In addition, further clarifications are needed to ensure that IPAB is empowered to recommend payment improvements for all items and services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Democrats are committed to rebuilding America's economy, putting our workers back to work and ensuring our businesses can compete in a global 21st century economy. Today we will vote on the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act, which makes smart investments, including: expanding Build America Bonds, which have been used by State and local governments across the country, including 21 times in my own home State of Pennsylvania, to finance $2 billion in essential infrastructure projects; excluding capital gains taxes on the sale of small business stock; exempting water and sewer facility bonds from State volume caps initiating new infrastructure water projects which will improve the quality of our drinking water; and ending unfair tax penalties for small businesses that offer certain pension plans. Let's be clear. This bill means voting for lower taxes for small businesses, for new infrastructure, and for new jobs. And it does not add to the deficit. In fact, it is paid for by collecting taxes from corporations located in tax havens. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, today we will act on a uniquely American solution to health care reform. Our action will bring down health care costs for middle-income families, will help small businesses afford coverage for their employees, will improve coverage for our seniors, will rein in wasteful spending, and will provide access to 32 million uninsured Americans. For those with insurance, starting right away, insurance companies will be prohibited from discriminating based on preexisting conditions, from placing annual or lifetime caps on coverage, and from dropping people for coverage when they get sick. It is time to put American families back in control of their health care. It's time to hold insurance companies accountable to keep premiums down and to stop their denial of care and coverage. And it is time to ensure that 95 percent of Americans have access to affordable, meaningful health care choices. It's time to finally fix the Medicare prescription drug gap, known as the doughnut hole, and to provide seniors with preventative and primary care. And it is time to rein in the Federal deficit by reducing it by $1.2 trillion. It's time to vote ``yes'' on health care reform.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, health care reform represents the largest deficit-reduction measure in nearly a generation while controlling the rising cost of health care for families and businesses, and improving access to and quality of coverage for 95 percent of Americans. This plan strengthens coverage and health care for all Americans, including provisions that I have fought hard for: prohibiting insurance companies from excluding coverage for preexisting conditions for children and adults; prohibiting insurers from dropping coverage when you get sick, or placing annual or lifetime limits on benefits; insuring that all insurance policies use plain, easy-to-understand language so that consumers know what they are buying and can honestly compare their choices; allowing young adults up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents' policies; offering tax credits to small businesses so they can afford to provide insurance coverage for their employees; eliminating copayments for preventive care for seniors; closing the Medicare prescription drug coverage known as the doughnut hole, making sure that we close that doughnut hole; promoting the important education and research missions of our Nation's teaching hospitals and academic medical centers which train the next generation of doctors and nurses; focusing on primary care by better ensuring Americans, particularly those with chronic diseases, have access to ongoing primary care; investing in American innovation and technologies by creating new incentives for the development of new cures and treatments; and incentivizing collaboration among health providers through new payment reforms that promote high quality, efficient delivery of care. These provisions, and others, in health reform ensure new consumer rights and protections for those with insurance. It contains costs for families, businesses and for our Nation. And it extends affordable, meaningful coverage to 32 million Americans. Health care reform is vital to the health of Americans and the health of our economy. The status quo is unacceptable and unsustainable. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Today we are close to achieving a long-sought goal ensuring that all Americans have access to meaningful, affordable health coverage. Passing health care reform benefits all of us: families, seniors, businesses, taxpayers, and our Nation. This plan includes many vital prescriptions that strengthen health care for all Americans, provisions that I have fought hard for: prohibiting insurance companies from excluding preexisting condition coverage for children and adults. Six months after reform is passed, all children will be protected from these denials, strengthening primary care for seniors with a new focus on those with chronic diseases. Seniors will no longer have to pay copayments for preventative care and will have greater access to primary care doctors and nurses. And reform ensures that all insurance policies use plain, easy-to-understand language so that consumers know what they're buying and can honestly compare their choices. The status quo is unacceptable and unsustainable. I urge a ``yes'' vote on health care reform.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Barbara Posey upon her receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal on March 10, 2010 for her service with the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs). During World War II more than sixty years ago, the Women's Air Force Service Pilots worked under the direction of the United States Army Air Forces. These female civilian pilots flew fighter, bomber, transport, and training aircraft. The women of the WASPs pioneered the contribution of American women to the war effort. This commitment to their country was a catalyst for the reform that led to the integration of women pilots into the U.S. Armed Services. Mrs. Posey's dedication to flying began when she became captivated during her first trip on board a plane. The joy she felt in the air led her to pursue her dream to become a pilot. She traveled to Cortland, New York to earn her pilot's license and in January of 1944, joined the WASPs. At Avenger field in Sweetwater, Texas she completed the same training program required by male pilots. Barbara Posey was one of 1,074 graduates of the program, and served as a test pilot at Shaw Army Airfield in Columbia, South Carolina, flying repaired planes that had been damaged in training operations. Although the director of the program had intended to militarize and commission the pilots, the improving military situation in 1944 reduced the need for additional pilots to be sent overseas. In January of 1945, Barbara married John Posey before he left for the Pacific theatre. She has been blessed with 8 children, 27 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. Before her retirement in 1986, she continued her excitement for aviation by helping with a grassroots aviation effort in the Delaware Valley. Madam Speaker, once again I applaud Barbara Posey for her dedication, service and accomplishment. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to her on the momentous occasion of being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that Congress can award. I am honored to represent Barbara Posey in Congress.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Families across our Nation understand deeply and personally that the status quo in health care is not working. They're calling upon us through millions of supportive calls, emails, and messages to Congress to pass a uniquely American solution to ensure that all Americans have access to meaningful, affordable health coverage. And that is what this Congress is committed to do. Health care reform means commonsense consumer protections like prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions, a provision that was supported by bipartisan, unanimous vote last night in the Budget Committee. It means affordable, private health care options. Choices for individuals and small businesses. It means strengthening Medicare for seniors, which means closing that doughnut hole--the gap in prescription coverage for too many seniors; improving quality and efficiency in health care services; and containing the rising cost of health care, a challenge that faces all of us as taxpayers and as purchasers of health care and health coverage. Our plan builds on America's public-private system. It is not only paid for, but it reduces the Federal deficit by $100 billion. Passing health care reform benefits all of us. The status quo is unacceptable. Now is the time to act.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 90, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, unfortunately, I missed the vote on legislation called the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act, the HIRE Act, because I, along with several of my New Democratic Coalition colleagues, were meeting with President Obama in the White House. I apologize for not getting back to the floor in time. I would have liked to. But I did want to speak on the legislation because, in fact, this is an important jobs bill. It is one, I hope, of a series of jobs bills that we will pass in the House and in the Senate and get to the President's desk to move this economy forward, to enhance our economic competitiveness and create job growth, help stimulate job growth in the private sector. This bill did pass the House of Representatives by 217-201, and I believe it will be an important step in giving America the tools to jump-start job growth. It provides tax cuts to spur investments by small businesses and it allows tens of millions of new dollars for infrastructure investment. Specifically, this bill will grow small business investments by extending provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that Congress passed in 2009 and which have been very successful in stimulating new jobs. These provisions double the amount that small businesses can immediately expense for capital investments and purchases of new equipment made in 2010 from $125,000 to $250,000. The legislation also extends surface transportation programs to allow for billions more to be invested in infrastructure necessary across this country. It makes it easier for States to borrow for these infrastructure projects, such as for school construction and energy projects, and it bolsters the Highway Trust Fund to support existing highway and transit projects. As vice chair of the House Budget Committee, I am particularly pleased that the HIRE Act is fully paid for and it does not add to the annual deficit. It is paid for by cracking down on overseas tax havens. The legislation provides the U.S. Treasury with new tools to find and prosecute U.S. individuals who hide assets overseas from the IRS. This jobs bill provides new investments needed to get our Nation back from this economic crisis we have experienced and to stimulate job growth in the private sector by investing in small businesses and in infrastructure, and it does so in a fiscally responsible manner. I am proud of the House's work on this legislation. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this legislation quickly and send it to the President, and I look forward to additional legislation that we will see and help work on to produce those new jobs to rebuild this economy and to make sure that America is well positioned and well prepared for 21st century economic competitiveness in a global marketplace.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Dede Long on her retirement after 31 years of exemplary, devoted service to Briar Bush Nature Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education in Abington, PA. I am honored to represent Ms. Long and the people of Abington in Congress. Founded in 1908 as a wildlife refuge Briar Bush was acquired by Abington Township in 1962 upon the passing of its founders. In 1964 the Friends of Briar Bush was created as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing environmental education to individuals and groups of all ages through on-site and outreach experiences, protecting and nurturing a natural wildlife habitat, and promoting conservation of natural resources by increasing awareness and understanding of the environment. Dede Long was selected as Executive Director of Briar Bush in 1979. She brought with her her experience with the USO in Athens, Greece, as a junior high school science teacher in Japan, and her work at outdoor- education schools in California. Through her stewardship Ms. Long has worked to establish many effective relationships with local organizations and the nationally recognized partnership between Briar Bush Nature Center, the Friends of Briar Bush, Abington Township and the Abington School District. During her tenure at Briar Bush, she has increased the number of staff members, completed a full renovation of all exhibits, and added facilities such as The Treetops classroom and Butterfly House. The Briar Bush Nature Center has received numerous awards, including ``Nonprofit of the Year,'' and ``Nickelodeon Parents' Pick'' for the variety of family oriented programs and events offered yearly. Ms. Long has been acknowledged personally for her valuable work, receiving the 2008 Keystone Award from the Pennsylvania Alliance of Environmental Educators. She is an active member of her community and is involved in the Rotary Club of Jenkintown, the Abington Community Taskforce, and the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. She also supports many special events sponsored by other community organizations including the Jenkintown Day Nursery, Abington Education Foundation, Police Athletic League and Old York Road Historical Society. Madam Speaker, once again I applaud Dede Long for her dedication, service, and accomplishment as Executive Director of Briar Bush Nature Center and environmental leader for over three decades. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to her on the momentous occasion of her retirement.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. One year after its enactment, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is creating jobs, about 2 million nationally, and making smart investments in communities across the Nation. Last week, the City of Philadelphia received a $17.2 million grant to develop an integrated, multicounty bicycle and pedestrian network. This network will be a unique asset to the Philadelphia region and will transform biking and pedestrian greenways in our region. Residents will benefit greatly from this network of trails and street improvements, using them to commute to work, to go to school, to the local grocery store, and it will create new opportunities along the North Delaware Riverfront in my district for recreation as well as for residential and economic development. The fact that this project was one of just 61 projects funded out of 1,380 applications demonstrates the substantial need for such infrastructure investments nationally. My Democratic colleagues and I are working for innovative solutions to create jobs, to promote clean and safe communities in which we live and work and raise our families.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Richmond Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia on its momentous 100th Anniversary. The Richmond Branch is located in the Port Richmond section of Northeast Philadelphia which was once home to the busiest port along the Atlantic seaboard. While the Richmond Library officially opened on March 15, 1910, the library's inception dates back to 1897 when a ``Traveling Library'' that was open two nights each week was established in a flour and feed store located in the heart of the Port Richmond neighborhood. In that same year a group of Protestant ministers rallied the community to establish a neighborhood library which featured expanded hours. The library was moved to the Mutual Hall Association at Richmond Street and Neff Street, which is now Indiana Avenue. This neighborhood library was named the Port Richmond Branch and housed 3000 books. In 1908, the cornerstone of the current branch was laid through the generosity of both Andrew Carnegie, who endowed the Free Library of Philadelphia with a financial gift to construct library buildings, and Anne W. Penfield, who was considered the wealthiest woman in America at the time, who donated the land at 2987 Almond Street for the library. The building was renovated in 1994 as part of the city's ``Changing Lives'' campaign, which brought Internet service to this library as well as other libraries across Philadelphia. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the Richmond Library's 100th anniversary milestone and wish the friends, staff, and patrons many more years of community enrichment and service.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Today, the House will take a major step in efforts to balance the Federal budget. Like American families and businesses, Congress must be fiscally responsible and pay for what we spend. Our focus this year is twofold: restoring our economy and reducing the deficit. PAYGO legislation is an essential step in the process of cutting the deficit. Growing jobs and restoring fiscal discipline is not easy or quick, particularly given the financial situation we inherited. In 2002, Republicans allowed PAYGO to expire and turned budget surpluses into a deficit for 2009 of $1.3 trillion. How did this happen? They grew annual spending by over 8 percent. They passed the largest expansion of entitlements without paying for it. They started and didn't pay for two wars. And they gave and did not pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans. Collectively, these actions added $8 trillion to the national debt. We must agree, and we should, as Republicans and Democrats, agree to pay for what we spend as an important step in putting our Nation back on track towards fiscal discipline and responsible budgeting. I would say vote ``yes'' for PAYGO legislation.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Honorable Hyland R. Johns on the occasion of his retirement after 36 years of faithful service to the borough of Bryn Athyn, a close-knit community northeast of Philadelphia. I am honored to represent Mayor Johns and the entire Bryn Athyn community in Congress. Before being elected to Bryn Athyn borough council in 1971, Mr. Johns served both as a volunteer with the Bryn Athyn Fire Company and as borough zoning officer. He was elected to the borough council in 1971 and one year later became vice president. Mr. Johns held the position of vice president until 1975 when he became borough council president. His service as president lasted for nine years until he was elected mayor. During his tenure as mayor, the borough of Bryn Athyn prospered. Bryn Athyn is home to the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Cairnwood, and Glencairn Museum. Under Mr. Johns' leadership, the historic district of Bryn Athyn--which contains these local landmarks--was officially designated a National Historic Landmark. As Mayor, Mr. Johns served as a charming, enthusiastic, informed ambassador to neighboring residents, communities, businesses, organizations, and leaders in the region, sharing the unique significance of Bryn Athyn's architecture and religious heritage. Before his career as a local official, Mr. Johns faithfully served his country during the Second World War in the Navy's Construction Battalion. Mr. Johns went on to earn a graduate degree in Urban Forestry from Michigan State University. He is an active member of his church, has served on the board of the Academy of the New Church, and serves on the board of the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. Under Mayor Johns' leadership, the Academy of the New Church has continued to expand, with the Mitchell Performing Arts Center opening in 2002. Madam Speaker, once again I applaud Mayor Johns for his dedication, service and accomplishments as an elected official for nearly four decades. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to him on the momentous occasion of his retirement from public office.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 2, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''