[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[House]
[Pages 7196-7197]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     CONSTITUENT WORK PERIOD RECAP

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Barletta) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, once again it is a privilege to rise this 
morning and share with my colleagues in the House what my neighbors at 
home shared with me during the last constituent work period. During 
those 2 weeks in April, I met with business and community leaders in 
Wilkes-Barre to see how they're working to keep their downtown alive 
and vibrant. For example, they converted an old storefront, right in 
the heart of the city, into a business incubator which encourages local 
entrepreneurs and start-up firms. The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of 
Business and Industry is also trying to restore the city's Irem Temple, 
a local landmark that is a truly beautiful building, one of the last 
buildings of its kind in the United States.
  I toured an ongoing flood control project in the city of Scranton. 
There, the Army Corps of Engineers is working to make sure the flood 
walls meet new standards to protect thousands of residents and dozens 
of businesses. These constituents have been very patient, waiting 
decades for their relief. Now, the Corps of Engineers and the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency are finalizing plans that will provide the 
protection they deserve.
  About 200 people came out to my Home to House public forums, where 
they learned about the issues we're tackling here in Congress. I was 
eager to talk with them about Medicare reform and about the steps we're 
taking to cut the outrageous overspending. Most of my constituents 
understood what we're doing here, especially the senior citizens. They 
know that we're trying to save the future for their children and their 
grandchildren. Many of my constituents also told me they don't want us 
to raise the debt ceiling without securing substantial budget cuts.
  But everywhere I went, my neighbors asked me what we're doing here in 
Congress to lower the price of gas. Over the 2-week constituent work 
period, regular unleaded gas cost between $3.90 and $4 a gallon. People 
would come up to me at the gas station as I was filling up and tell me 
that we need to work harder here to solve this problem. I am happy to 
report that this week and last I voted on two bills that will put 
thousands of Americans back to work, while increasing American energy 
production to help address rising gasoline prices.
  There are two events in the constituent work period that stand out 
for me. One was speaking to a class of students at St. Jude's School in 
Mountain Top. These bright, eager young men and women were curious 
about what we do here in Congress. They asked insightful questions. 
They wanted to learn about Washington. They offered some insights on 
how to make their futures brighter. As I continue to examine education 
and workforce programs as a member of the House Education and the 
Workforce Committee, I will remember these students and their advice.
  The second event was the arrival of the Patriot Flag in my hometown 
of Hazleton. This giant symbol of the United States is traveling around 
the country to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11 
attacks. It was my privilege to stand on the steps of city hall and 
help first responders, law enforcement, Boy Scouts, and members of the 
military fold the Patriot Flag.
  Less than 36 hours later, we learned that Osama bin Laden was dead. 
The death of the most visible face of international terrorism is a 
historic event, and it is one that unified our country.

[[Page 7197]]

My neighbors in the 11th District of Pennsylvania are proud to 
congratulate our brave men and women in our Armed Forces and 
intelligence services, and we thank all of them and their families for 
their continuing sacrifices. We also commend President Obama for taking 
bold action.
  The spontaneous celebrations after bin Laden's death in front of the 
White House, at Ground Zero in New York City, and all across the 
country once again remind us that there is more that unites us than 
divides us. We are all, at the core, proud Americans. If we can learn 
anything from recent events, it is that America is strong and 
resilient. If we stay dedicated to our efforts, we can get our country 
back on track.
  Fueled with the feedback I heard from my neighbors during 2 weeks at 
home in northeastern Pennsylvania, I am ready to keep fighting for 
them.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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