[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H6370-H6371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   STRENGTHENING THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Costello) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
recent efforts to strengthen the partnership between Israel and the 
United States by this Congress.
  Our countries have a long and important friendship. That is why my 
and this Congress' support of H.R. 5877, the United States-Israel 
Advanced Research Partnership Act, and H.R. 5843, the United States-
Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act, two bills that 
advance the vital goal of bolstering the U.S.-Israeli partnership on 
security, are so important. These bills focus specifically on 
strengthening cybersecurity collaboration through grants, research, and 
antiterrorism programs.
  Knowing of the security challenges Israel faces in its region, these 
measures would reinforce our commitment to our most critical ally in 
the Middle East at a time when the evolving threat of a cybersecurity 
attack has never been more serious. It is imperative we continue to 
work together on the security issues faced by our respective countries.


                            Student Veterans

  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
bipartisan legislation to improve and simplify the decisionmaking 
process for our student veterans.
  H.R. 5047, the Protecting Veterans' Educational Choice Act, would 
help veterans clearly understand if and how their coursework credits 
might transfer between schools. The legislation would require the 
Department of Veterans Affairs to provide student veterans with 
detailed information about education assistance benefits, including how 
to request free education counseling services at the VA.
  For our veterans who wish to obtain or complete a degree, access to 
this information can not only save them countless administrative 
headaches, but also precious time and money. I am proud to support 
measures such as this bill that would streamline the transition for 
veterans into civilian life and provide them with the tools and 
resources to succeed.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.


                             Finding Cures

  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act, a bipartisan bill that focuses 
solely on solutions for patients.
  All of us have been affected, whether directly or indirectly, by 
tragic diseases. That is why advancing and improving medical innovation 
and providing much-needed resources that are required for finding 
cures, which this bill would do, are such important goals.
  The 21st Century Cures Act would target diseases that do not yet have 
a cure. Bringing safe, effective drugs and devices to Pennsylvanians 
and Americans in a more efficient manner will benefit our families and 
communities. This bill would also bring much-needed certainty to job 
creators and help keep Pennsylvania at the forefront of medical 
innovation.
  In Congress, we have a responsibility to ensure that resources are 
available to help defeat these yet incurable diseases. This bill is a 
significant step forward toward this goal.
  The 21st Century Cures Act also includes important mental health 
reform measures. I have focused much of my attention since coming into 
office on ways to make Pennsylvania communities healthier and safer, 
and families across my district have shared their stories about how 
mental health issues impact individuals, families, and communities. 
Much-needed reforms are included in this bill: empowering patients and 
caregivers, ensuring availability of treatment, encouraging students to 
choose careers in mental health, providing for those on the front 
lines, and maintaining transparency in government programs.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.


                   HomeNet Automotive Wins Tech Award

  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate 
HomeNet Automotive, a company in my district, on receiving the Tech360 
Technology Team of the Year Award from the Chester County Economic 
Development Council.
  I had the opportunity to visit HomeNet Automotive over the summer and 
enjoyed learning about their innovative company, which is bringing jobs 
and forward-looking technology to our community.
  HomeNet Automotive makes the SnapLot Photo Capture App, which 
provides car dealers with the ability to update the inventory it 
displays on their Web sites. A tech team from the company based in East 
Whiteland, Chester County, updated the technology to improve its ease 
of use for dealers. The app is currently used by dealers nationwide as 
well as at Manheim Auto Auctions, with the possibility of expanding 
with Manheim into Europe.
  I am very proud of that company in Pennsylvania's Sixth Congressional 
District.

[[Page H6371]]

  



                         Recognizing Ryan Vargo

  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring attention 
to the leadership of Ryan Vargo, a senior up at Pottsgrove School 
District, and his role in helping expand recreational opportunity at 
the Upper Pottsgrove Township Park. He spearheaded a project to install 
donated playground equipment at Hollenbach Park off North Hanover 
Street, adding recreational opportunity for children in the Pottsgrove 
community.
  It is a testament to how our country and its future is great when we 
look at student leaders and what they are doing in their teenage years 
to help improve communities across this Commonwealth and across this 
country.

                          ____________________