Combating the Spotted Lanternfly Invasion

Submitted Photo

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th, second from right, and PA Rep. David Maloney, R-130th Dist., meet with USDA officials about efforts to combat the invasion by the spotted lanternfly

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the office of U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello

In February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a grant to combat the spotted lanternfly, a pest that is native to Southeastern Asia and first appeared in the United States in Berks County. 

Last week, federal and state officials came together for an update on the grant program. U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello R-6th Dist., and Pennsylvania state Rep. David Maloney, R-130th Dist., heard from USDA Deputy Administrator for APHIS Plan Protection and Quarantine Osama A El-Lissy and USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach, who leads the Office of Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

The office oversees the $17.5 million that Costello helped secure to combat the spotted lanternfly in the residential areas, wooded areas, and commercial agriculture areas. 

All three communities need specific approaches to combat the fly, and Costello and Maloney were briefed on the approach taken by the USDA. The department’s initial steps are to suppress the fly and stop the spread of the fly until it can be eliminated entirely.

“Pennsylvanians have shared how their farms and homes have been impacted by the spotted lanternfly. The ongoing partnership between federal and state officials is critical to stopping the spread of this pest in the Commonwealth, and I thank State Rep. Maloney and the USDA for their work and attention on this issue,” said Rep. Costello, who represents parts of Berks, Chester, Lebanon, and Montgomery counties. 

Each county is currently under quarantine for the spotted lanternfly.

“Knowing how important eliminating this pest is to our community, I was pleased to join Rep. Costello for a progress update from the USDA and thank federal officials for their commitment to resolve this threat in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The continued focus on the core and the perimeter will be a key part of successful treatment,” said Maloney. “I also brought attention to the growing concerns related to Chronic Wasting Disease, another new challenge we are facing in Pennsylvania.”

Maloney has been working to address the spotted lanternfly since it was discovered in Pennsylvania, and has urged state and federal officials to take an aggressive approach. Information provided during the meeting was the first evidence that this aggressive approach was showing signs of progress, according to Maloney.

Both Rep. Costello and State Rep. Maloney have previously urged officials to take action to control the pest.

If Pennsylvanians notice the spotted lanternfly in their neighborhood, they should contact the Automated Invasive Species Report Line at 1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359).

Coventry Christian Senior Earns Bronze Award

Christian Molfetto, left, receives his Bronze Award from Congressman Ryan Costello.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Congressman Ryan Costello's office.

A Coventry Christian Schools senior has earned the Congressional Award Bronze Medal for logging more than 100 hours of volunteer service and achieving several challenging personal development goals.

Christian Molfetto of Perkiomen Township,received the Bronze Medal from Congressman Ryan Costello during a ceremony on May 21.

To qualify for the Congressional Award Bronze Medal, Molfetto completed a minimum of 100 hours of public service. He also spent an additional 100 hours and at least seven months working toward the goals set in the areas of personal development, physical fitness and expedition.

Costello commended Molfetto for taking the initiative to find organizations and projects in need of volunteers and thanked Molfetto’s parents, teachers and advisors who supported him as Molfetto worked on completing the requirements for earning the Congressional Award Bronze Medal.

“Public service and helping our neighbors builds a true sense of community,” Costello said. “Even during times when our country experiences a toxic political environment, volunteerism and community engagement reminds us that we all share common ideals, including a genuine desire to come together and make the places we live better. By recognizing the accomplishments of Christian and other students who have earned this distinguished award we are congratulating them on a job well-done and hopefully inspiring others to give back to their community and commit to setting and achieving their own goals.”

Molfetto met his public service goal by getting involved his Lower Pottsgrove Township school’s annual charity auction, traveling to West Virginia for an Appalachian service project, and assisting with an event center expansion project.

He also achieved a personal development goal by enrolling in summer classes to expand his math skills and a physical fitness goal of improving his free throw percentage and ball-handling skills in basketball. To meet the Congressional Award expedition requirement, Molfetto took a trip to San Antonio, Texas where he gained an appreciation for the cultural significance of Mexican-American relations by visiting the Alamo, sampling local cuisine and observing the region’s unique architecture.

Molfetto said that working toward the Congressional Award taught him the importance of time management, especially making time after school and on weekends for his volunteer work.

“It was definitely challenging at times, but it was really rewarding being able to help my community and achieve something that's recognized by Congress,” Molfetto said.

Congress established The Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people age 14 to 23.

The program is funded primarily by charitable contributions. Congress provides in-kind support by authorizing the U.S. Mint to produce the medals provided to recipients as well as allowing the use of office space in the Capitol.

Approximately 48,000 youth participate in the program across the country. To learn more about The Congressional Award or enroll in the program visit http://congressionalaward.org/.

Costello Lauds Passage of Fire Grant Funding

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist., meets with Limerick firefighters.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Ryan Costello's office.

Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist.,  applauded House passage of H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act, which passed recently on a bipartisan, unanimous basis. 

The legislation reauthorizes grant programs for six years, including the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The legislation also provides for better oversight of the grants and training for grant administration.

These programs provide critical support for firefighter and emergency response companies. Both of these grants are awarded through a competitive process to career and volunteer fire departments, and both grants are intended to help meet equipment, training, and staffing needs.

In Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District, firefighters and first responders have used these grants for self-loading stretchers for ambulances, coats, portable radios, boots, and gloves, among other resources.

“Communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania and across the country rely on brave first responders, and firefighters and emergency response officials need the appropriate equipment to safely and effectively do their work,” said Rep. Costello. “I have been proud to support federal grants that help provide vital resources to our local fire departments.”

Since coming to Congress, Rep. Costello has signed onto funding requests for the AFG program and the SAFER Grant program.

Costello Co-Sponsors Bi-Partisan Education Bill to Eradicate Sexual Harassment in Congress

Blogger's Note: The following was provided (mostly) by the Congressman Ryan Costello's office.

U.S. Representatives Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist., Jackie Speier (D-CA), Bruce Poliquin (R-ME), and Robert Brady (D-PA) have introduced the Congressional Education About Sexual Harassment Eradication Resolution (CEASE) Resolution.

This bipartisan resolution will require Members of the House, congressional staff, and other employees of the House to complete sexual harassment prevention and response training annually, and then provide a certification of completion with the House Committee on Ethics.

Ryan Costello

“I believe mandatory compliance training for sexual harassment prevention and procedures for response should be instituted for Members of Congress and all employees of the House,” Costello said. “This resolution is an important step forward to establishing a clear standard and approach to addressing this issue.”

(Given the prominence sexual harassment and misbehavior has achieved in recent weeks, toppling powerful men in Hollywood, Fox News, comedy and even threatening the campaign of a candidate for U.S. Senate, the measure seems particularly timely.)

“The Congressional Office of Compliance process is shockingly biased in favor of the perpetrator. This legislation is the first step to fix this abusive process,” Speier said. “It’s long past time that Congress held itself to the same standards applied to other branches of government and to the private sector.”

Jackie Spier

“Required training for Members and staff on sexual harassment prevention should be quickly adopted by the House,” Brady said. I applaud Representative Speier’s leadership on this issue, and this resolution is a necessary first step.”

“It is fundamental to an employee’s safety for he or she to always feel comfortable at their workplace, and it’s past time Capitol Hill move in that direction,” Poliquin said.

“In Congress, we set the laws and the policies for employees in the Executive Branch requiring federal workers to undergo sexual harassment awareness training. How can we be expected to lead on those policies when we, ourselves, are so far behind? There can be no tolerance of any kind for sexual harassment anywhere—period.”

Costello Questions DeVos Decision Rescinding Protections Against Sexual Assault in Schools

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello during a town hall earlier this year
at Pottstown High School

Blogger's Note: The following was issued by the office of U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist.

Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist, issued the following statement Friday in the wake of the announcement by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that the Department would rescind Title IX guidance issued in 2011 that protects young people from sexual assault and harassment. This decision affects all the nation's colleges, universities, and K-12 schools:

"At the very least, parents expect Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to be safe learning environments for our students, and Title IX helps uphold this standard. Any threats to a safe and healthy learning environment – especially sexual misconduct – must be taken seriously and addressed swiftly and fairly. I am concerned by Secretary DeVos' decision today to formally rescind the 2011 Title IX guidance document issued by the Department of Education that protects young people from sexual assault and harassment. I will continue paying close attention to the Department’s actions as it reevaluates existing guidance to improve due process under the law. Any new guidance MUST maintain strong protections for victims, further clarify the responsibilities of schools under Title IX, and more effectively prevent sexual assault on campus."

In June, on the 45th anniversary of Title IX, Rep. Costello led a bipartisan letter to DeVos urging her

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos

to maintain Title IX guidance in K-12 schools that protects young people from sexual assault and harassment. The letter, signed by 52 Members of Congress, also urged Secretary DeVos to continue training for Title IX coordinators and support other critical programs that combat sexual violence in schools.

A recent study conducted by the National Women’s Law Center found that more than 1 in 5 girls ages 14 to 18 reported being kissed or touched without their consent. The same study found that 68 percent of survivors had difficulty concentrating in class and another 30 percent reported being absent from school because they felt unsafe at school following their assault. These statistics demonstrate that victims of sexual assault in K-12 schools face far-ranging emotional and academic consequences that can have a negative impact on their education. Continued strong focus on Title IX programs would decrease these numbers.

Rep. Costello is also a cosponsor of H.R. 1949, the Campus Accountability and Safety Act. This comprehensive legislation would require colleges and universities to revise campus security policies, including entering into Memorandums of Understanding with local law enforcement agencies to delineate responsibilities and share information about certain serious crimes, including sexual violence, on campus.

The June letter to Secretary DeVos can be read below:

Dear Secretary DeVos:

As you begin to craft the priorities of the U.S. Department of Education, we ask you to consider an issue of great importance: protecting young people from sexual and dating violence. As you know, K-12 schools have a responsibility under Title IX to take measures to prevent sexual violence and harassment in schools and to promptly investigate these instances when they occur. We request that you prioritize efforts to combat sexual violence and harassment at K-12 schools by maintaining the 2011 Title IX guidance document issued by the Department and to supporting other critical programs that combat sexual violence in our schools.

All children deserve a learning environment in K-12 schools that is free from sexual

violence and harassment. While sexual violence and harassment has received great attention at the collegiate level, we know that most of the behavior we see on our college campuses didn’t begin there. Many of the attitudes and behaviors begin much earlier, and if addressed early might prevent more serious incidents of rape and sexual assault. Sexual harassment and assault, including cyber bullying that often accompanies assaults, can have a profound effect on victims, forcing many to drop out of school and in some of the most devastating instances drive a student to take her or his own life.

The numbers illustrate this point far too well. Sexual and family violence are two of the biggest drivers of youth suicide, and are also unseen drivers of absenteeism and drop-out, particularly for girls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40 percent of rape victims were first raped before the age of 18, and youth suicide is increasing, with the rate of suicide among 10-14 year olds doubling since 2007. In a study conducted by the National Women’s Law Center in January of 2017, more than 1 in 5 girls ages 14 to 18 reported being kissed or touched without their consent. The same study found that 68 percent of survivors had difficulty concentrating in class and another 30 percent reported being absent from school because they felt unsafe at school. Continued strong focus of Title IX programs would decrease these numbers.

As you know, under Title IX schools have a responsibility to address and prevent sexual violence and harassment. In 2011, the Department of Education issued guidance to K-12 schools – in response to their request for more information – regarding how they can meet their Title IX obligations. This guidance document provides clear guidelines to schools on how to respond to reported incidents of sexual violence and harassment. By providing clarity to schools on how to respond, the guidance has driven a more thorough and fair process for all involved. We believe it is vital this guidance be maintained and ask you to preserve it throughout your tenure as Secretary.

In addition to maintaining the guidance document, we ask that you support training and education for Title IX coordinators and school personnel in K-12 schools. Schools need this targeted technical assistance to ensure they have the training to fairly and adequately enforce the intent of the law. Having a knowledgeable and well-trained faculty is essential to ensuring our K-12 schools are free from sexual harassment and violence, and we hope the Department will continue to provide this support.

Finally, as you continue your work as Secretary of Education we ask you to engage in

active outreach and dialogue with survivors of sexual assault in K-12 schools and their advocates. This is essential to ensuring the Department is hearing from all voices and is crafting policies that are responsive to the needs of victims. This is an important part of ensuring that our K-12 schools are safe spaces for all.

We believe you share our commitment to these issues and were encouraged by your comments in March of this year when you said, “We all have a common responsibility to ensure every student has access to a safe and nurturing learning environment.”
We ask the Department to preserve the 2011 Title IX guidance for K-12, schools, support Title IX coordinators at K-12 schools, and engage the voice of victims of assault as the Department moves forward in these areas. We look forward to working with you to ensure that our K-12 schools are free from sexual assault and violence.

Sincerely:

Reps. Ryan Costello (PA-6), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Patrick Meehan (PA-7), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-2), David Joyce (OH-14), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Tom Reed (NY-23), Jerry McNerney (CA-9), Gwen Moore (WI-4). Luis Gutierrez (IL-4), Elise M. Stefanik (NY-21), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), Judy Chu (CA-27), José E. Serrano (NY-15), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), David Cicilline (RI-1), Jacky Rosen (NV-3), Sander M. Levin (MI-9), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Adam Smith (WA-9), Bobby Scott (VA-3), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Dwight Evans (PA-2), Lois Frankel (FL-21), John Yarmuth (KY-3), James P. McGovern (MA-2), Donald M. Payne Jr. (NJ-10), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Tom O’Halleran (AZ-1), Katherine Clark (MA-5), Mike Thompson (CA-5), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), David Scott (GA-13), Susan A. Davis (CA-53), A. Donald McEachin (VA-4), Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), Al Green (TX-9), Elizabeth Esty (CT-5), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Donald Norcross (NJ-1), Richard M. Nolan (MN-8), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Colleen Hanabusa (HI-1), Diana DeGette (CO-1), Mark Takano (CA-41), Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Jared Huffman (CA-2).

Pottstown Library Needs Region's Support

The Pottstown Regional Public Library has begun its end of year appeal for funds.

You can donate online by clicking right here.

The library gets public funding, at varying levels, from the borough and the three surrounding townships of Lower Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove and West Pottsgrove.

Cutting the ribbon on the interior renovations.

(It also gets many users from North Coventry, who make no tax contribution but find it more convenient than the library in Ludwig's Corner of Phoenixville, the nearest Chester County libraries).

It also gets funding from the state, funding that has not been increased in years, but is under constant threat of being decreased.

Nevertheless, through grants, fundraising events and donations, the library just last December completed a $755,000 renovation to the interior of the historic building that was once Pottstown's Post Office.

As board member Arthur Green recently reported to borough council, the library is now making use of a Schuylkill Highlands mini-grant to design improvements to the exterior, with an eye toward stormwater control and keeping it out of the building's basement.

The full "wish list" would cost about $235,000, Green said, adding that the landscape advisers broke the project up into smaller segments that could be completed sequentially as money became available.

More than 1,200 people attended the library's 

solar eclipse program last month.

"So obviously, the library and the community are going to have to raise some money," said Green.

If you, by chance, think libraries are obsolete in the age of Internet wisdom, consider that the solar eclipse program last month at the library was its largest event ever, with more than 1,200 people, who made eclipse T-shirts and received 450 free eclipse glasses.

You might say it "eclipsed" all previous events .... sorry, couldn't resist.

If that's not enough evidence for you that more people than you think use the library, consider this information contained in the latest appeal letter:

Who are the people coming to the Pottstown Regional Public Library?A preschooler attending story time

Pottstown Schools students use the library regularly.

• A preschooler attending story time.
• A family checking out a museum pass for an educational and fun day
• An adult using a quiet area to prepare for a professional examination
• Two sisters researching their family in the newspaper archives
• A legally blind patron browsing audiobooks with the assistance of a staff member
• A student checking out a WiFi HotSpot for school projects

These people, and many more like them, are using the Pottstown Regional Public Library for educational, recreational, social, financial, and professional reasons. 

With your library card you have access to a wealth of materials and resources, both in the Library and through the Library website. Since 1921, the Pottstown Regional Public Library has existed to meet the needs of our community. This goal is not possible without your support.

Ryan Costello

Pottstown Regional Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Financial support from patrons, businesses, and foundations is essential. The library would welcome a donation to the 2017 year-end campaign, which will provide much-needed support for services and programs.

The Pottstown Regional Public Library is even a place where you can make contact with your Congressman. On the first and third Thursday of every month, either U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist., or someone from his office holds office hours at the library from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

If you need more information about what the library offers, check this out:

Available at Pottstown Regional Public Library:

• A collection of 70,000 books, magazines, audiobooks, music, movies and kits
• Plus access to library collections in Montgomery County and across PA

  

  The entire basement of the library is devoted to children.

• Classes and workshops for children, teens and adults
• Public computers, WiFi, fax, copy and print services
• Passes for Elmwood Zoo, Morris Arboretum, Reading Public Museum, and Boyertown Museum of
• Historic Vehicles
• Ancestry.com - genealogical research
• Foundation Directory - research grant opportunities for non-profits
• T-Mobile Hotspots and ROKUs to loan
• Passport services

Your Virtual Library 24/7:

The library often hosts Science in the Summer.

• Online library catalog for searching, reserving, and renewing library materials
• Overdrive - e-books
• Zinio - digital magazines
• Mango - language learning
• Brainfuse - homework help and test preparation
• JobNow - resume and job search services
• Freegal - downloadable and streaming music and streaming video
• Reference USA - address and phone number directory
• Tumblebooks - animated read-along children’s books
• Universal Class - instructor led online classes with course completion certificates

Hours of Operation:

• Monday through Wednesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

U.S. Reps Costello, Boyle Form Caucus to Protect Public Service Student Loan Foregiveness Program

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello's office.

U.S. Reps. Ryan Costello , R-6th Dist. and Brendan F. Boyle, D-13th Dist., have formed the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Caucus to focus congressional efforts on protecting the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. 

Created in 2007 to encourage more Americans to pursue public service careers despite the financial burdens of their student debt, this program promises to forgive the remaining balance of federal Direct Loans owed by our teachers, firefighters, police officers and other full-time public service workers after they have faithfully paid on those loans for 10 years – 120 on-time payments – during public service employment.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello

“Many teachers, first responders, and public health specialists are working hard to make a difference in their local communities while relying on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program,” said Costello. “We must fulfill the promise made to these student borrowers over the past decade. As the 10-year anniversary of the program approaches, I’m pleased to be a co-founding member of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Caucus to advocate on behalf of these public servants.”

“We must do more to help folks drowning in student loan debt, and to prevent the burdens of student loan debt from making one’s desire to serve his or her community unattainable," said Boyle. 

"The PSLF Caucus will focus on making good on our collective promise to public servants who have served their communities for years, often for low pay in positions that may have otherwise not been financially manageable, with the understanding that the 10-year-old Public Service Loan Forgiveness program would eventually help them lighten their burden of student debt," said Boyle. "Current threats to end or limit the program are shortsighted, to say the least. PSLF is an incentive to our students, and an investment in our future.”

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle

The PSLF Caucus is broadly supported by a coalition of more than fifty organizations led by the National Education Association (NEA). Marc Egan, NEA Director of Government Relations, commended the caucus. 

“NEA members — from future teachers to retirees — have been sounding the alarm on student debt. Many of our members are struggling with more than $50,000, and sometimes much more, in student loan debt. Their debt is bigger than their annual salaries, and their monthly loan payments often are bigger than their home and car loans," Egan said. "We commend Congressmen Boyle and Costello for stepping up and forming a caucus to tackle the college debt issue and to fight to protect the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.”

The PSLF Caucus will also foster member discussion and legislative ideas focused on encouraging young people in college today to pursue careers in public service, such as teachers, firefighters, prosecutors and public defenders, and public health nurses. 

Under PSLF, an individual’s outstanding federal student debt is forgiven after 120 on-time, qualifying monthly payments — 10 years’ worth of payments. More than half a million people have enrolled over the last decade. President Trump’s budget proposed ending the program.

Costello at Pottsgrove Urges Students to Get Involved

Congressman Ryan Costello speaking to a social studies
class at Pottsgrove High School.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the office of U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello prior to the election.

Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist., visited Pottsgrove High School recently to meet with students, teachers, and administrators as part of the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Principal for a Day program and in recognition of National Principals Month.

Costello visited the Social Studies and Civics classes at Pottsgrove High School to share with students his experience as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a township supervisor, and a county commissioner.

He urged students to get involved in their local government and also suggested they seek information that challenges their worldview.

Rep. Costello ended his school day on “bus duty” with Pottsgrove High School Principal William Ziegler, who was named Pennsylvania Principal of the Year and visited Rep. Costello in his Washington, D.C. office earlier this year.

“The teachers and principals in our community are hardworking and committed to our children’s success,” said Costello. “I really enjoyed meeting with so many knowledgeable students and learning about the impressive projects they are working on.”

Since coming to Congress, Rep. Costello has worked hard on enacting meaningful education reform –an area where he believes bipartisan solutions should be the focus:

• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which is now law, was the first major reauthorization of federal elementary and secondary education programs since 2001. This law got rid of the harmful federal involvement in our schools.
• Costello voted to allow states to withdraw from one-size-fits-all Common Core standards because it failed to raise achievements and took decision-making out of the hands of parents and local educators.
• Rep. Costello sponsored an amendment that would allow states and school districts to use federal resources to audit existing assessment systems and get rid of duplicative tests. This was signed into law as part of the ESSA.
• Rep. Costello also helped to introduce a bipartisan resolution expressing support for a “whole child” and personalized approach to education – encouraging the opportunity to learn in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe, and with access to opportunities to learn and practice an active, healthy lifestyle.

13th Amendment Anniversary Celebrated in Washington by Vice President of Pottstown NAACP

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist., with Johnathan Corson, vice president of the Pottstown Chapter of the NAACP, right, U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., and Paula Corson in Washington.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the office of U..S. Rep. Ryan Costello.

Congressman Ryan Costello recently welcomed Pottstown NAACP Vice President Jonathan Corson and his wife, Paula Corson, to Capitol Hill to attend the Congressional Commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment.

On Dec. 6, 1865, the states ratified the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, affirming that “neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction." 

The amendment was adopted on Dec. 18, 1865.

The ceremony, held in Emancipation Hall in the United States Capitol Visitors Center, was hosted by Speaker Paul D. Ryan, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Democrat Senate Leader Harry Reid, and Democrat House Leader Nancy Pelosi. 

It was also attended by President Barack Obama, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Members of Congress, and African American community leaders from across the country.

(Click here for a link to video of the full ceremony)

Following the ceremony, Congressman Costello reflected on the importance of the Thirteenth Amendment: “Today, we celebrated the amendment that ushered in a ‘new birth of freedom’ and the opportunity for many to achieve a better life. As we were reminded during the ceremony, the Thirteenth Amendment is only 43 words long but is one of the most significant and powerful statements of our nation’s values. While I do often disagree with President Obama on policy matters, it was a historic occasion to be with Pottstown NAACP leaders as we watched the first African American President deliver remarks in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitors Center commemorating passage of the Thirteenth Amendment. I was very proud to have Pottstown be a part of the ceremony given the many civil rights leaders who’ve called Pottstown home throughout its history.”

Gilbertsville Pastor is First Guest Chaplain Under New U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan

Prior to delivering his opening prayer, Pastor Chris Weidner
and Congressman Ryan Costello met with Speaker Paul D. Ryan
and the Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives,
Patrick J. Conroy.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Ryan Costello's office:

Congressman Ryan Costello (PA-06) welcomed Pastor Christopher Weidner of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Gilbertsville as the guest chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives.

This was the first guest chaplain that Speaker Paul D. Ryan has welcomed to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Since 1789, the House has been served by chaplains of various religious denominations. Currently, the position is held by Reverend Patrick J. Conroy who serves as the 60th Chaplain of the House of Representatives.

Each Congress, Representatives have the opportunity to recommend a guest chaplain from their district to visit the U.S. Capitol and offer an opening prayer. Pastor Christopher Weidner was Congressman Costello’s guest chaplain for this term in Congress.

During the 113th Congress, the Sixth District of Pennsylvania sponsored Reverend Steve Walker, formerly of Fairview Village Church in Eagleville, as a guest chaplain.

“I was humbled and excited to be a part of this ongoing succession of faithful chaplains who have offered the opening prayer for years,” said Pastor Weidner. During his trip to Washington, DC, Pastor Weidner took the opportunity to visit with his family and see his college roommate David Pomerantz, an employee of the House Appropriations Committee.

“It is a great honor to welcome Pastor Christopher Weidner to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to offer our opening prayer and blessing,” said Congressman Ryan Costello. “For 20 years, Pastor Chris has served the Gilbertsville community and the St. Luke Lutheran Church parish with unwavering faith and commitment. I offer my most heartfelt thanks for leading the House of Representatives in prayer this morning as our guest chaplain.”

Here is video of his opening prayer for the House of Representatives:



In the 30 years since his ordination, Pastor Weidner has played an active and collaborative role in our local community and regional church organizations, engaging in programs such as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Council Finance Committee, the Bear Creek Lutheran Camp Board of Directors, companionship ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, and has helped provide affordable housing for seniors through St. Luke Knolls, a federal Rural Development project. In addition to those beneficial programs, Pastor Weidner has been a volunteer hospital chaplain, an advocate of young adults in ministry, a supporter of local Boy Scouting, and shares a love of writing, singing and photography.

Pastor Weidner was raised in Bridgewater, New Jersey. He graduated from Dickinson College, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 1973 and received his Master of Divinity in 1985 from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He has served with Messiah Lutheran in Bethlehem and St. James Lutheran in Reading.

Pastor Weidner was married to the late Jane Dunbar Weidner and is the father of two married daughters and the proud grandfather of two granddaughters.

86-Year-Old Stowe Woman Chosen to Hear Historic Pope Francis Address to Congress

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello's office

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, accompanies Stowe resident Jeannine Ferrante through the U.S. Capitol on her way to hear Pope Francis address Congress Thursday.

Jeannine Ferrante has had an exciting couple of days.

The 86-year-old West Pottsgrove resident returned home Friday night after a trip to Washington, D.C. to witness Pope Francis address Congress.

"It was awe inspiring. In his humble, soft spoken way, he conveyed the most important messages, the way I imagine Jesus would," Ferrante said in written responses to questions e-mailed by The Mercury.

A parishioner of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Stowe since 1950, when she was married there, Ferrante was selected by U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello to use one of his tickets to see the address.

" It was almost unbelievable. I was pleasantly surprised and was most grateful to Congressman Costello for this opportunity of a lifetime," Ferrante wrote.

"The friends I shared the good news with were very happy for me."

The lucky lady was a little too tired after all the excitement to speak to The Mercury directly, but she did agree to answer some written questions.

She wrote that she found the Capitol to be "very impressive. It would be nice if every American could visit it."

Ferrante had only been there previously on school trips.

It's the first time she has ever seen a Pope in person.

Prior to heading to Washington, Ferrante did speak with Candy Woodall, a reporter from The Harrisburg Patriot-News.

In a Sept. 9 article, Ferrante said she is a fan of Francis.

"I think he's marvelous. I'm very fortunate to be chosen to be close to this person," she said.

"I'm not sure what would be best for him to say, but I'm sure whatever he says will be enlightening. Congress will hear something they've never heard before," Ferrante told the Patriot-News.