H7282 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Today a similar effort is underway the very beginning of our great Nation b 1115 with respect to climate change. The and the first American Congress, Ches- FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE BOB DOLD science is clear, with a vast majority of ter Countians have served their south- Mr. COSTELLO of . Mr. climate scientists agreeing that the east Pennsylvania constituents in the Speaker, when I came to Congress, as I climate is warming and that con- House of Representa- suspect when most new Members come tinuing to emit carbon into the atmos- tives. Not all have been nationally to Congress, you tend to look around phere at current levels will bring sig- known leaders or internationally re- for those Members who you can take a nificant and mostly detrimental nowned legislators, but, by and large, little something from to improve your- change to our environment. Moreover, Congressmen from Chester County self and to see what they do and also even though the evidence that climate have played a major role in American what they don’t do. change is already taking place and is history.’’ That was written by Richard Congressman BOB DOLD is finishing overwhelming and increasingly obvi- T. Schulze, member of the United his second term. I would like Mr. DOLD ous, there is widespread denial that cli- States House of Representatives, serv- to know that I have taken a great deal mate change is even happening or that ing from 1975 to 1993. from him. I find him to be a very hon- it would be possible to help combat it. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize orable man and a friend who has served But the things that need to be done to Congressman JOE PITTS, who has with purpose, a positive attitude, and address climate change, such as taxing served Chester County, Lancaster is partisan-free. He is a great example carbon emissions, can be done gradu- County, and Berks County with tre- of how to serve in this body effectively, ally, predictably, and in a way that mendous distinction for the past two with distinction, and with a great atti- helps the economy grow and puts peo- decades. Whether it was his legislative tude. ple to work. focus and advocacy involving religious I wish Congressman DOLD the very So why is there so much resistance? liberty, life, health care, land con- best in all his future endeavors. The resistance in America is caused servation, or focusing on those issues FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE RICHARD HANNA by a well-funded campaign to create at the most local level, JOE PITTS’ leg- Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. doubt about obvious scientific facts. acy and achievements as a legislator Speaker, RICHARD HANNA, serving New The fossil fuel industry, in particular, will prove lasting in the history of York’s 22nd Congressional District, is has been paying its own scientists to Chester County and this Congress. retiring. I want to commend Congress- go on talk shows, to publish in their My predecessor, , serving man HANNA on his thoughtfulness, own denial journals, and generally to in the neighboring Sixth Congressional independence, and courage of convic- create doubt whenever possible about District, commented: ‘‘I had the good tions. I find him to be a great example climate change, suggesting that it fortune of working with JOE from my of how to serve in this body honorably, would be better to wait for conclusive first years as a State legislator in the and I wish him and his family the very evidence before doing anything. But to PA house all the way through my last best in his retirement. wait for conclusive evidence is to wait year in Congress. During those 24 FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE MIKE for catastrophe. years, JOE PITTS was a steady and com- FITZPATRICK While Republicans in Washington are mitted voice for conservative prin- Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. trying to reduce or eliminate funding ciples and policies that are the bedrock Speaker, Congressman MIKE for climate change research, there also of our economy and society. He cared FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania’s Eighth seems to be an effort by Republicans to deeply about his constituents and Congressional District is retiring. His reduce science funding across the country, and he always voted for what brother, Brian, has big shoes to fill to board. This will result in fewer sci- he believed was best for both. In short, serve in MIKE’s place. entific advances in the U.S., which will he was a principled leader who worked When I came to Congress, one thing likely cause us to fall behind our com- hard every day to do the right thing, that you would always hear in political petitors. But this is part of a larger and his leadership will be missed.’’ circles is that , while trend that denies there are real ex- JOE PITTS’ predecessor in Congress, serving in Congress, never stopped perts. Science denial has become a pop occupying what is commonly referred being a Bucks County Commissioner. culture. This is dangerous because to as ‘‘the Pennsylvania Dutch seat,’’ What that really means is, while he modern society is built upon the things Congressman Bob Walker, commented: came down here to focus on Wash- that science got right. ‘‘JOE PITTS has distinguished himself ington and issues important to this I see the war on science in this coun- and the district he represents with his country, he never stopped spending try as shortsighted and very damaging congressional service. He has become time in Bucks County, serving the dis- to our economy. We need to change the an acknowledged leader in healthcare trict with distinction. tone and direction toward a positive policy, and his human rights work has I wish MIKE FITZPATRICK the very process that acknowledges and sup- won worldwide claim. I have been best in retirement and thank him for ports the role science has played and proud to call him my congressman for his mentorship during my first year in will continue to play for our country. the past 20 years, and wish JOE and Congress. That means working with legislators Ginny the very best in the years f and getting more scientists and other ahead.’’ concerned citizens involved in the po- CONGRATULATING STAFF litical process to ensure that our Na- This book, ‘‘Congress: The Chester SERGEANT AARON TOBLER tion can continue to benefit from new County Line,’’ was written in 1992. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The scientific discoveries and innovation There will be a day when a second book Chair recognizes the gentleman from and which will help create the jobs we about the history of Congress and New York (Mr. TONKO) for 5 minutes. need to continue to be a great eco- Chester County will be written. We Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise nomic power. don’t know who will write it, but we do today to recognize Staff Sergeant know there will be a chapter on the f Aaron Tobler, an Albany native and La service of Jim Gerlach and on the serv- Salle Institute of Troy graduate who FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE ice of Bob Walker; and there will also was recently selected for the Out- JOE PITTS be a very long chapter, rich in content, standing Airman of the Year award by The SPEAKER pro tempore. The on the contributions that JOE PITTS the . Chair recognizes the gentleman from has played in American history for the The Air Force provides this recogni- Pennsylvania (Mr. COSTELLO) for 5 min- betterment of this country, for the bet- tion to top enlisted Airmen for their utes. terment of Chester County, Berks unique individual achievements in Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. County, and Lancaster County. leadership, job performance, signifi- Speaker, in my hand is a book, ‘‘Con- Congressman PITTS, I wish you the cant self-improvement, and community gress: The Chester County Line’’ writ- very best as you retire, and a long and involvement. ten by Wayne C. Woodward. A portion healthy retirement to you and your Sergeant Tobler is a fine example of of the foreword reads as follows: ‘‘From family. God bless you. the best the capital region, the Air

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