E-News from Congressman Murphy

Southwestern PA Focuses on Manufacturing
School Visits in Washington County on Teachers Day
In his hometown, thousands pay tribute to the King
Murphy Presents Medals to Vietnam War Veteran

Murphy tours Custom Tool & Grinding on Manufacturing Day.

Southwestern PA Focuses on Manufacturing

Since 2000, the United States has lost more than 5 million manufacturing jobs. With excessive federal regulations and foreign countries like China undercutting American workers with illegal trading practices, Congressman Murphy has pressed for better trade deals and common-sense regulations to bring back our once-robust manufacturing base in the United States.

This week, in celebration of Manufacturing Day 2016, Murphy visited local manufacturing businesses to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. The events brought together local manufacturers with students, teachers, parents, job seekers, and community leaders at open houses, plant tours, and educational sessions to showcase modern manufacturing technology and the jobs available now and in the future.

On Monday, Murphy toured Custom Tool and Grinding located in Canton Township, Washington County. Founded in 1976, by Kenneth Stasiowski, Custom Tool and Grinding is a family owned business with 18 employees designing, manufacturing, and engineering custom tools for companies like Alcoa. A major concern of Custom Tool and Grinding is the rising cost of healthcare premiums for their employees since the Affordable Care Act went into law.

On the invitation of DMI Industries, Congressman Murphy spoke with students at the Ductmate Industries Facility in Forward Township and Allegheny County as well as with staff from the US Department of Commerce. Murphy urged students to consider careers in manufacturing citing the great pay and benefits offered to employees from companies like DMI Industries. Hardworking and driven students who are talented in mathematics, engineering, and technology can have a strong future and avoid paying tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. Murphy also spent some time at the US Steel Manufacturing Day at the Waterfront. He participated in roundtable discussions about the region's infrastructure, domestic energy, trade laws, and workforce development. Murphy was joined by local government officials and community leaders like Governor Tom Wolf, CEO of US Steel, Mario Longhi, and Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-14). 

Murphy tours Ductmate Industries on Manufacturing Day.

Murphy, who recently weighed in with the President to stop a “Lame Duck” vote on the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership, said, “This trade agreement fails to adequately address currency manipulation and misses the mark on ratifying the low threshold of Rules of Origin to stop backdoor trade cheats. Foreign countries continue to engage in illegal trade practices that cost the United States millions of jobs. We need to negotiate stronger deals that protect American industry and workers.”

To keep the issue of American manufacturing on the front burner, Murphy signed a Congressional Resolution designating “National Manufacturing Day,” to honor the hardworking men and women of the United States manufacturing sector. The resolution also recognizes the critical role manufacturing plays in the United States economy creating good paying jobs that help support working families.

To share your thoughts on manufacturing issues, including TPP, click here.

School Visits in Washington County on Teachers Day

As nations across the globe recognized educators on International Teachers Day this week, Congressman Murphy spent the day in Washington County visiting local high schools and speaking with teachers, administrators and students. Murphy visits school districts in the 18th Congressional District throughout the academic year, engaging with young constituents, informing them of the legislative process, and listening to their opinions on issues being debated in Congress.

Congressman Murphy’s first visit was to Beth Center High School, home of the Bulldogs, in Deemston Borough. Murphy joined Social Studies teacher Paul Cech, Principal Aaron Cornell, and Superintendent Linda Marcolini. Beth Center School District comprises of Pennsylvania 18th District communities of Beallsville, Deemston, Marianna, and West Bethlehem Township. Students inquired into issues ranging from the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, the Presidential Election, and student loans and debt.

Next up, Murphy visited Bentworth High School, home of the Bearcats, located in Bentleyville Borough. Bentworth School District includes the communities of Cokeburg, Ellsworth, North Bethlehem Township, and Somerset Township. Murphy applauded Bentworth Administration partnership with Centerville Clinics to provide mental health and special needs assistance to the student population. To read more on this important partnership, please click here.

Murphy provided all the students a pocket Constitution and encouraged them to learn more. If you would like to have Congressman Murphy visit your classroom this year please contact his South Hills District Office at (412) 344-5583.

To share your thoughts on International Teachers Day, education, or debt and student loans, click here.

In his hometown, thousands pay tribute to the King

On a sunny Tuesday in Westmoreland county, at St. Vincent College Basilica, nobody was turned away to honor and remember the King, Latrobe native, Mr. Arnold Palmer.

Arnie's clubs at his memorial service in Latrobe.

Sadly, as he was preparing for heart surgery, Mr. Palmer passed away September 25 in Pittsburgh at 87 years old. The Palmer family held a private funeral, but requested a public service be held after the Ryder Cup so that nobody was left out. Past players such as Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, Curtis Strange and Peter Jacobsen, and current players such as Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson and William McGirt joined the rest of “Arnie’s Army” to pay tribute.

Thousands attended Palmer’s two-hour memorial service to celebrate his life and the legacy he left behind. The audience flowed beyond the walls of the Basilica, with monitors set up in several locations on campus and two giants screens set up on Chuck Noll Field. Palmer’s grandson, Sam Saunders, told Archabbot Nowicki, who presided over the service, “Don’t turn anyone away. My grandfather wouldn’t want anyone turned away.”

Murphy, who attended the service, described the event as a “joyful celebration of Palmer’s life” in which all shared stories of his kindness, humor, and philanthropy. Murphy presented the family a flag flown over the United States Capitol in Mr. Palmer’s memory.

Arnie's plane flying over St. Vincent College - a farewell.

The public remembers Mr. Palmer as more than a 62-time winner on the PGA Tour and more than a seven-time major champion. Longtime friends recounted his incredible love for the game, his ability to make everyone feel important, and the way the camera always seemed to love him. Before the service, Pete Luster, Palmer’s co-pilot, flew Palmer’s plane over St. Vincent College. The plane – tail number N1AP – made one last pass before soaring upward and disappearing behind a cloud, a farewell to the King.

To share your memories of the late legend Arnold Palmer, please click here.

Murphy Presents Medals to Vietnam War Veteran

At a ceremony held at McMurray VFW Post 764, Congressman Murphy presented Peters Township resident Dennis Hixson with military medals Mr. Hixson earned during his service in the United States Navy.

In 1968, Mr. Hixson enlisted and attended jet mechanic school in Tennessee and later transferred to become a crew chief on the helicopters. Mr. Hixson served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971 with the U.S. Navy Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, famously known as the Seawolves. While serving in Vietnam, Hixson was part of numerous rescue and reconnaissance operations.  

Murphy presents Hixon with military medals.

Mr. Hixson was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Petty Officer Third Class. He spent the rest of his career as a network analyst engineer and is now retired. Among the medals Murphy presented: Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal with lapel pin, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expert Pistol Medal and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation. Murphy also presented a United States flag flown over the Capitol in honor of Mr. Hixson’s service.

A short video about the Seawolves was shown during Monday's ceremony. Today, former members of the squadron are working on expanding the video into a large-scale project. Murphy noted, “What an honor to present Mr. Hixson with the many medals he earned in service to a thankful nation. He demonstrated courage, commitment, valor, and contributed to saving countless lives at the risk of his own during flight missions."

If you are a veteran or know a veteran who has never received military medals, please contact Congressman Murphy’s District South Hills Office at (412) 344-5583 or Westmoreland County Office at (724) 850-7312.

To read the Observer Reporter article about the medal presentation, please click here.

To share your thoughts on veterans issues, click here.