mr. fitzpatrick: i thank the chairman and mrs. wagner for bringing about an increased awareness of the stark realities of human trafficking and modern-day slavery in our world. while these tragedies have focused us on the issue at hand, the terrible crime of human trafficking is sadly not a new phenomenal. nor is it a -- phenomenon. nor is it a concern solely outside our borders. during our fight against this heartbreaking epidemic, we must recognize and support also the invaluable work of nonprofit groups and law enforcement agencies who are giving their all to prevent this crime and to protect its victims. i'm proud to report that today in my district in pennsylvania, the police department and the bucks county district attorneys office are being trented -- presented with an award for their proactive pursuit of human trafficking crimes over the past year. we're all thankful for the persistent efforts of these organizations and law enforcement organizations. a remarkable nonprofit in pennsylvania known as where is opening long-ter

mr. fitzpatrick, for five minutes. mr. fitzpatrick: thank you, mr. speaker. american manufacturing has always been the engine driving the american economy. while the recent recession has slowed our growth, american manufacturing is poised once again topropel our passion-to propel our nation and families forward. my district in pennsylvania sustains tens of thousands of good-paying family sustaining jobs in factories. the people of pennsylvania november that when they buy american made goods, not only are they buying quality products, they are helping businesses and workers in their neighborhoods and across our country. with that in mind, last summer i introduced the made in america act. it is bipartisan legislation that would connect american consumers to american manufacturers like never before. by creating a definitive standardized definition of american made goods. michael erickson, the c.e.o. of a group based in my district correctly notes, this is a quote, the keys to the success of american manufacturing are stem education, abundant energy, and consumer

mr. fitzpatrick: the disturbing reports of the unethical treatment of our military men and women at the v.a. is not only an affront on those who we count on to protect our freedoms and liberties, it shows the systemic lack of accountability, starting at the top and permeating throughout the agency. mr. speaker, no veteran should pass away waiting for the care they need or the benefits they deserve. the ineptitude of the v.a. is an affront to the sacrifice of the veterans who are turning to this agency for assistance and the taxpayers whose hard-earned dollars should be funding this worthy cause. while this week the house took action to empower the v.a. to rid itself of those who fail to meet their responsibilities with the passage of the department of veterans affairs management accountability act, there is still much work to be done. and i firmly believe that sunlight is the best disinfectant, will continue to shine a bright light on this situation until we assure that the v.a. provides the service and respect that our veterans deserve. mr. speaker, i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: t

mr. fitzpatrick: and the community that i represent proudly recognizes the spirit and unflinching courage of its dedicated and skilled volunteers who remain faithful and ready to protect their neighbors year after year. the fire company continues to serve the northhampton township community with a staunch group of trained firefighters who consistently demonstrate the highest order of public service. risking their lives as they do to save others. each of the firefighters and company officers are an integral part of the history of the century-old fire company. and each reflects the true spirit of first responders everywhere. throughout its history, the northhampton township volunteer fire company and its members have set an example of self-selfless volunteerism and dedication for others to follow. i congratulate them on this landmark anniversary and with that, mr. speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the chair lays before the house a communication. the clerk: the honorable the speaker, house of representati

win in dublin where mary fitzpatrick is bidding to become an ndp but perhaps reflecting that the party is studiously playing down any talk of a breakthrough in the capital. mr martin said the park east of the journey to convince people to practice. but the journey had no begun in earnest. our engagements is to visit the mood is not a citizen if you aren't. and readers meet the current very pretty. it also equipped with the rate things are. and so want that somebody could recall people the unfairness of many of the kaufman measures. david m or tv news. the people before profit alliance launched its election manifesto this morning. the alliance's running forty three candidates is also seeking to win the european parliament seats in dublin. from a building boom to a housing crisis and soaring rents with the elections and spice twenty then for this group to reflect on all americans is really neat approach to the fore which one is the biggest single cause coughing up a party which is to provide a solution that is imported from afar. that having four people in the alliance promising to to push to change the way cone cells work. we will not torture charges. we dem