[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 15, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H549-H550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING CORPORAL KEVIN McCLOSKEY 

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I was proud to stand with 
our community and join Homes For Our Troops as a new house for an 
American hero was unveiled. On Saturday morning, Kevin McCloskey and 
his wife, Bridget, received the keys to their new home in Upper South 
Hampton in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
  On June 8, 2008, Corporal McCloskey was severely injured in 
Afghanistan after his vehicle struck an IED. He suffered critical 
injuries to both his legs and vision in his right eye, and he suffered 
severe burns and traumatic brain injury.
  While Kevin has made significant progress in his recovery, everyday 
activities can still be challenging. The McCloskeys' new home is 
retrofitted to make these tasks easier and more accessible for Kevin 
and Bridget.
  Mr. Speaker, Kevin is a true patriot and an American hero. We thank 
him for his service, and we wish him and Bridget all the best in their 
new home. We are so proud to have them join our Bucks County family.
  I would also like to thank Homes For Our Troops and their entire 
board for honoring those who sacrifice for our freedom.


                      Recognizing Pineville Tavern

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small 
business in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that has gone out of their way 
to help Federal employees who are not being paid due to this prolonged 
government shutdown.
  For the duration of the government shutdown, Pineville Tavern has 
offered furloughed workers and their immediate family their popular 
pickle-brined chicken at no cost. At this time of so much unneeded 
uncertainty for our Federal workers, the charity of Pineville Tavern is 
deeply appreciated by our community.
  Pineville Tavern chef Drew Abruzzese says it best when he calls the 
current impasse ``a political game of chicken.''
  Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to put aside our differences, 
fund our government, and get our Federal employees back to work.
  I am grateful for Drew's generosity and leadership, along with his 
father and the owner of Pineville Tavern, Andrew Abruzzese. Their 
dedication to our community is deeply appreciated.

[[Page H550]]

  



                           Honoring Ed Burns

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
memory of a Bucks County icon who passed away on January 10 at the age 
of 87. Ed Burns embodied public service throughout his entire life and 
his storied career.
  A Navy veteran, Ed became a teacher after graduating from La Salle 
College and Temple University. He later served as the head of the 
Bensalem Recreation Department and served on the school board.
  In 1972, Ed entered State government, serving as a State 
representative for the 18th District for nearly 20 years. Notably, Ed 
later became the first mayor of Bensalem, serving honorably from 1990 
to 1994.
  We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Ed's wife, Joan; 
his son, Joseph F. Burns; and his two beautiful grandchildren.
  Ed's legacy of public service to Bensalem and to Bucks County has 
left an indelible mark on our community, one that will last for 
generations.

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