What a pleasure it was to honor my old friend Laurie Tombasco for her courageous battle with cancer, as she was recognized at the American Cancer Society's Season of Hope Harlequin Gala. Laurie and I grew up together, and she has shown great perseverance over a nearly 13-year journey through several diagnoses. And her fight continues today. May God continue to bless her!
I applaud this decision of the Obama Justice Department to ask for a pause in their pursuit of a case in support of the president's unlawful executive amnesty for illegal immigrants. They recognize that the Trump Administration will take a dramatically different view of the case, and that incoming Attorney General Jeff Sessions will no doubt oppose the Obama amnesty. This is a victory for the rule of law and an acknowledgement of the reality of the situation. Good move.
Each bit of good news brings us closer to the day when we can cut the ribbon and open the new courthouse. The new courthouse will be an important new facility for Harrisburg, as it will serve as a hub of activity and drive new economic development for the area. I am proud to have been working on this project for a number of years, and I commend Judge Smith, Judge Conner, all of the members of the judiciary, and everyone in Harrisburg who has worked so hard to make the courthouse possible.
I have been asked by President-Elect Donald J. Trump to serve on the Presidential Transition Team Executive Committee and I have accepted. It is a great honor to be asked by the next President of the United States to be part of the team that will help put together the new administration to take office in just two months. As I said many times during the campaign, I have seen the "Board Room Donald Trump" when I sat in meetings with him. In those sessions, he always sought t...he input of those around him and listened to their opinions and ideas. I anticipate that he will expect similar counsel from his transition team. It is an exciting time, as we will be assembling the people who will be tackling the problems facing the country and making America great again. I appreciate the confidence President-Elect Trump has shown in me and I take on the responsibility with humility and the resolve to perform to the best of my abilities.
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Veterans Day is a time to remember the brave men and women who have kept us safe during peacetime and dangerous times of conflict over the course of the history of this country. They – and their families – have made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of their fellow citizens. We observe the holiday on November 11th every year to signify the end of World War I – recalling the armistice at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Today, we honor all veterans for... their service.
The heroes that began America’s story at Lexington and Concord in 1775 have been followed through the decades and centuries by men and women who have fought – and still fight to this day – so that we can remain the greatest and most freedom-loving nation the world has ever known. For those who have served, and those who still wear the uniform today, a grateful nation salutes you.
What a thrill it has been to watch our own Joe Maddon lead his Cubs to a come-from-behind triumph in the World Series, bringing the title back to the franchise for the first time in 108 years. Back in Hazleton, we all knew Joe was the kind of guy who wouldn't give up when the going got tough, and we could not be more proud to call him a friend ... and also World Champion!
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of a true American hero, John Barry Lawler, a "double ace" fighter pilot from World War II. I had the honor of making his acquaintance and it was something I will always cherish. Rest in peace, Captain Lawler.
The business of the 114th Congress has largely drawn to a close, and it's clear that we made progress on a lot of fronts and addressed some problems facing Pennsylvania and the nation. There is still much work to be done, but the work we did over the past two years represents large steps in the right direction.
I have my staff joining Rep. Ron Marsico at his 2016 Senior Expo today from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in South Hanover Township. The expo is free and open to the public. Please stop by and see us if you have issues with federal agencies you need resolved.
In my role as the chairman of the subcommittee which oversees federal buildings, I was proud to take part in a ribbon cutting at the federal courthouse in Philadelphia this afternoon. The courthouse will expand its capacity, securing future chambers for four judges without increasing the court’s footprint or rent. Glad to have 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge D. Brooks Smith on hand to do the honors.
As we have learned from cyber-attacks here at home and around the world, our infrastructure can be vulnerable to outside assault. With the possibility of our power grid failing in the face of a cyber-attack or another cause, a little preparation can go a long way. I encourage all localities and first responders to take this opportunity to assess the plans they have in place, or craft new ones to fit evolving possibilities.
This is precisely why it was so important that my bill protecting newborns was included in the recent sweeping legislation we passed attacking the opioid epidemic. Every 25 minutes in this country, a baby is born addicted to opioids. It was time we made sure that programs are in place to protect these little ones and their caregivers. The bill was passed and has been signed into law.
Had a great time at the National Lights On event at the Hazleton One Community Center last, celebrating the success of after school programs. I am proud to have helped expand the SHINE program to Luzerne County, and to have prevented the elimination of the federal funding that helps kids who participate - the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.
While spending the afternoon in Mountain Top, there's no way I was going to miss stopping by the local fire department. Like all first responders, these are our friends and neighbors who keep us safe by protecting our homes and businesses. I am proud to have gotten the IRS to change its policy and stop treating volunteers as employees for tax purposes. That change prevented volunteer fire companies from being bankrupted by Obamacare's onerous employer mandate.
This is a tremendous step in the right direction in Harrisburg, and I urge the Pennsylvania Senate to follow the state House in approving this important legislation. Sanctuary cities provide refuge for illegal immigrants, drain local resources, and contribute to an increase in crime. This bill says that sanctuary cities can no longer operate with impunity and holds them accountable for their own actions and the behavior of the illegal immigrants they are sheltering.
It was a pleasure to speak this afternoon to hospital professionals in Harrisburg about the threat we face from cyber-attacks. Sharing information among federal, state, and local authorities is vital to any response we have to such an assault. Many thanks to the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania for hosting our discussion.
Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury deaths in this country. We should do everything we can to remove old, unwanted drugs from medicine cabinets to protect children and prevent abuse by others. If you have unwanted prescription drugs in your house, please consider turning them in on October 22nd. Click below for details.
Had a great meeting at my Hazleton office with folks from Veterans Promise, an organization that advocates for and assists veterans and their families. They do good work in finding services and support to improve the quality of life for veterans, with a special emphasis on raising awareness of and preventing veteran suicide. Thanks to Dave Ragan, Bill Snyder, and Lorri Vandermark.
As a former mayor of my hometown of Hazleton, I know how difficult it can be for local fire departments to make ends meet. Our first responders are the first line of defense for our homes and businesses, and we must do everything we can to get them the tools they need. My office stands ready to assist local fire companies in applying for these vital grants.
Today in Carlisle I had the pleasure of meeting Lindsay Baird and Diego, both of Children and Youth Services (CYS). Diego is a service dog who helps comfort children who are appearing in court in custody or abuse cases. Lindsay is the solicitor for CYS and is Diego's human friend. What a great program that every county should have!
