Fred Keller

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, with Saudi Arabia and Russia going through absurd measures to drive the United States out of the energy market, this is a prime opportunity to ensure we have demand for American energy made right here at home. That is why I am saddened to see Pennsylvania's Governor publicly oppose legislation that will incentivize the potential creation of two new petrochemical facilities in Pennsylvania. The United States, generally, and Pennsylvania, in particular, have benefited from homegrown energy production. The natural gas industry in Pennsylvania has invested in local communities, improved educational opportunities, lowered energy costs, and boosted our national security through energy independence. But we cannot allow foreign countries, especially those who do not share our values, to drive us out of the energy market. By supporting an energy and fertilizer manufacturing tax credit, and bringing jobs, investment, and local demand for local gas, Pennsylvania could invest in our country's future and our national security by ensuring a local market for local energy resources.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, one of the most absurd and destructive plans being touted by out-of-touch socialists is a ban on fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, for natural gas and oil. At home in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, a region that on any given day produces up to 10 percent of our Nation's natural gas, it is easy to see how the energy economy has benefited everyone. From high-paying jobs to lower energy costs, natural gas has been an economic win for the American people. Even more, thanks to the natural gas boom, America is now energy independent. That means great things for our national security, as we are no longer beholden to energy-producing nations that hate us. Unbelievably, these great benefits are under attack by radical socialists who seek to ban fracking and cripple America's energy economy. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the plan to end fracking would cost more than 600,000 jobs and $261 billion in GDP by 2025, and that is just in Pennsylvania. This is why I invited the socialists in this Congress and those running for President who want to ban fracking to come to Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District to face the families they wish to leave destitute, to face the families who have finally found success, and tell them why they want to take it away. For these folks, a ban on fracking would lead to more government dependence, lower wages, fewer jobs, and skyrocketing energy prices. In other words, banning fracking would pave the road for America to become a socialist country. There should be nothing scarier or more sickening than that. Congratulating Bucknell University

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a little bit of time today to congratulate Bucknell University on achieving a great recognition this week. According to the United States Peace Corps, Bucknell University, located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, produces the fourth most Peace Corps volunteers of all small colleges and universities nationwide. In their 2020 report, the Peace Corps noted Bucknell produced 13 volunteers for the Peace Corps, an amazing feat for an institution whose student body is just over 3,600 students. According to its mission statement, ``Bucknell educates students for a lifetime of critical thinking and strong leadership characterized by continued intellectual exploration, creativity, and imagination.'' By forming students in that mission, it is no wonder why so many Bucknell students find themselves seeking greater service to humanity through the Peace Corps. In noting the type of schools that make up the list of robust Peace Corps volunteers, Peace Corps Director Jody Olsen said: ``These schools are institutions that emphasize . . . service-minded students.'' Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, I congratulate Bucknell University and President Bravman on this great recognition and on creating service- minded students. 'Ray Bucknell.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, last month, I toured Penn State University Park campus located in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. During that time, I had the opportunity to speak with students, staff, and faculty about ongoing projects and why they are proud to be part of an internationally sought-after education program. Penn State University was founded as a land grant university, meaning its mission is to serve the public, especially the people of Pennsylvania. After my tour of the campus and seeing their impressive research facilities, I can say with confidence that Penn State remains focused on that original mission. Whether it is helping the agriculture community with ag extensions or working on important defense-related research for the Federal Government, Penn State is an important State and national resource. I look forward to continuing to work with Penn State in carrying out its public mission and remaining a premier national institution.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I recently had the pleasure of touring the Susquehanna County Career & Technical Center. Located in the heart of Pennsylvania's natural gas boom, Susquehanna County's CTC is helping to provide low-cost education opportunities for in-demand jobs. During our tour, we heard stories of students graduating in a matter of weeks or months to enter the workforce with little to no student debt making significant six-figure annual salaries. Careers in trucking, the natural gas industry, and other blue-collar positions are highly in demand in Pennsylvania's Twelfth Congressional District. It was also great to see Cabot Oil & Gas, one of the largest natural gas producers in the country, investing in the school's commercial driver's license program to create a pathway from learning directly into a career. This is another tremendous example of the natural gas industry being terrific community partners while paving the way for America's energy independence. With February being Career and Technical Education Month, it is important to remember that we should not be forcing our students into a one-size-fits-all system, especially when programs like those at Susquehanna County Career & Technical Center are providing a low-cost option for in-demand opportunities.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for yielding. I rise today in opposition to the PRO Act. I have heard some things from the other side of the aisle about how workers earn more in States that are not right-to-work. Of the right-to-work States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7 of the top 10 States in wage increases are right-to-work States. The highest right-to-work State, number one, saw an increase in wages over the period of time from 2001 to 2019 of 20 percentage points, which is 20 percentage points more than the closest right-to-work State. This is not a bill about helping workers. This is a bill about getting in the way of the relationship between the employee and employer. This is just another Democrat messaging bill that is nothing short of a special interest giveaway. The PRO Act needlessly inserts more government control into the employee-employer relationships. At a roundtable I held with businessowners in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, I heard firsthand how legislation like this would negatively impact their ability to grow and raise wages. One of the many onerous provisions in this legislation is the allowance for intermittent strikes and banning permanent replacements. I am offering an amendment today to remove the intermittent striking provisions of this bill. Intermittent striking would cripple the ability of job creators to do business and raise prices on consumers. Even if this amendment were adopted, I still have significant reservations about the bill. That is because the PRO Act is also terrible for employees. Cloaked in the language of employee protection, the real result of the PRO Act is providing workers with fewer choices, fewer rights, and the inability to speak for themselves.

Mr. KELLER. Strikingly, the PRO Act would destroy employee privacy rights by requiring employers to give away employee identifying information to union bosses. If Congress really cares about jobs, the economy, and workers' rights, it should say ``no'' to the PRO Act.

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 2474. This amendment would maintain current law, which protects the ability of employers to continue to do business and provide for their customers during a labor relations dispute. One of the purposes of the National Labor Relations Act was to ``eliminate . . . substantial obstructions to the free flow of commerce.'' After the economic chaos of the 1930s, Congress passed the NLRA. The NLRA struck a careful balance by protecting workers' ability to strike while outlawing intermittent strikes that create upheaval and uncertainty in the absence of a genuine commitment by the employees to abandon their work. Similarly, the Supreme Court has upheld the right of employers to replace striking workers permanently in order to keep their business running. H.R. 2474 discards more than 80 years of precedent by weaponizing the pain of economic conflict in order to empower union bosses. The bill aims to make it impossible for employers to continue to do business in the event of a labor dispute, a death sentence for thousands of small businesses. In 1937, there were nearly 5,000 strikes in the United States, a nightmare for employers, customers, and the economy as a whole. H.R. 2474 seeks to resurrect this chaotic time in America's history. Imagine what a system that allows for intermittent strikes and bans on the replacement of striking workers would do to our economy, our global competitiveness, and the incentive to invest in American workers. Allowing intermittent strikes and banning permanent replacements is great for union bosses, but a raw deal for workers, consumers, and small businesses. Having worked in the manufacturing sector for over 25 years, I know it is critically important for the overall health of a business to be reliable and keep the doors open so employees can keep their jobs. You cannot be pro-jobs and antibusiness. If a business cannot do its work, then its purpose no longer exists. Competition will inherently force businesses to close. Allowing intermittent strikes and banning permanent replacements could force businesses to close their doors permanently. I urge my colleagues to adopt this amendment to protect small businesses and to prevent unnecessary disruptions of our economy. Madam Chairwoman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLER. Madam Chairwoman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4279, to name the post office in Laceyville, Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, after Melinda Gene Piccotti. A native of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, Mindy was an Air Force veteran who knew the struggles of combat veterans and wounded soldiers. She knew the struggles they faced when returning home from duty. Starting in 2009, at the age of 60, Mindy highlighted her commitment to our Nation's Armed Forces by founding Hunts for Healing, based out of Laceyville. Mindy founded Hunts for Healing to help wounded soldiers returning from military missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat missions transition back into civilian life, allowing them to experience the joys of hunting, including social interaction and camaraderie. With the assistance of volunteer guides and funded entirely by private donations, Hunts for Healing helps veterans in need of physical, spiritual, and emotional support. In Laceyville, to the veterans she has helped and their families and loved ones, Mindy is nothing short of a hero. For the impact of her life and for her continued legacy to the veterans' community, I urge members to support H.R. 4279 to name the post office in Laceyville, Pennsylvania, for Melinda Gene Piccotti.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, today, it is my great pleasure to recognize the heroic action of Odren Polk, a resident of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in our 12th Congressional District. Affectionately referred to as ``Mr. O,'' Odren serves his community at Stevens Primary School through STEP AmeriCorps, a national service organization. On what Odren described as an otherwise usual day in the cafeteria, Mr. O noticed one of the students choking on a grape tomato. Utilizing the first aid training he received at AmeriCorps, Mr. O jumped into action, dislodging the tomato from the student's airway and saving his life. What Mr. O described as an automatic reaction was possible only because of the training he received at AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that seeks to improve lives and foster civic engagement. Approximately 75,000 Americans across the country serve their community through AmeriCorps each year. AmeriCorps members also receive training that prepares them to serve their communities after their AmeriCorps is completed. As in the case with Mr. O, sometimes that training comes in handy sooner rather than later.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, as part of a productive district work period, our team met with job creators and employers who are members of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. The topic of discussion was the so-called Protecting the Right to Organize Act, otherwise known as the PRO Act. One thing was clear from these individuals: The PRO Act is a bad bill that has too much government interference in the employee-employer relationship. More than being bad for employers, the PRO Act is terrible for workers. Cloaked in the language of employee protection, the real result of the PRO Act is providing workers with fewer choices, fewer rights, and an inability to speak directly for themselves. Our Nation is experiencing the greatest economy in generations with the lowest unemployment rate for all categories of Americans since I was 4 years old. Congress should not pass legislation that would slow economic growth, stifle job creation, and limit workers' free choice and privacy. Yet, that is exactly what the PRO Act would do. If Congress really cares about jobs, the economy, and workers' rights, it should say no to the PRO Act.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to provide for a motion to recommit on the Senate amendment to H.R. 550 so that minority voices can be heard on the critical issue of war.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 76. We all want to make sure that America's students get the education they deserve in the college they pay for that education or the higher education institution. By advancing this legislation today, the majority of this Chamber seeks to turn back the clock on borrower defense, leading to dangerous consequences for students, those repaying their loans, and the American taxpayer. The Obama-era rule, which the majority seeks to return us to, was marked by regulatory chaos, excessive punishments, and ridiculous costs. The Obama rule had no clarity and sought to forgive student loans on a massive scale, regardless of the cost to the taxpayers. Estimates put the total cost of the loan forgiveness giveaway at $40 billion. It also excessively punished schools with harsh penalties, sometimes leading to their closure, ending access to another avenue for higher education for some current and prospective students. That is why the 2019 Trump administration issued the new Borrower Defense Institutional Accountability rule. The new rule currently in effect provides: Regulatory clarity for all institutions; Affords due process to both students and institutions; Narrowly tailors relief to actual harm; Holds all institutions accountable for misrepresentation; Provides students with more options to continue their education should their school close; and Allows for faster relief by allowing institution-level arbitration. Importantly, the 2019 rule is estimated to save taxpayers $11 billion from the 2016 Obama rule. Mr. Speaker, we simply cannot afford to return to the outdated, costly, and confusing Obama-era rule the majority seeks to return to effect today. I urge a ``no'' vote on the joint resolution.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, 47 years ago, the Supreme Court of the United States incorrectly decided Roe v. Wade. Since then, the rights of States to determine whether or not they will provide unborn children the same right to life and liberty as those outside the womb has been eliminated. Since then, 61 million American children have been killed without a say and without due process. Since then, the Supreme Court has effectively tied the hands of those with compassion by depriving States the ability to protect life. Justice Antonin Scalia, in his dissent in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, saw the harm in this, saying: ``By foreclosing all democratic outlet for the deep passions this issue arouses, by banishing the issue from the political forum that gives all participants, even the losers, the satisfaction of a fair hearing and an honest fight, by continuing the imposition of a rigid national rule instead of allowing for regional differences, the Court merely prolongs and intensifies the anguish.'' Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree with the late Justice Scalia more.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the achievements of Zena Cardman, a resident of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District who just became one of America's newest astronauts. In a ceremony on Friday, Zena, who lives in State College, graduated from being an astronaut candidate in NASA Astronaut Group 22 and is now a full-fledged astronaut. Zena's academic achievements are numerous. She is trained as a marine biologist, and Zena has focused her research on microorganisms in subsurface environments. It is clear that her success shows that she possesses both the work ethic and intrepid spirit exemplified by many across Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. As an astronaut, Zena faces an exciting time in the history and future of NASA. The Artemis missions aim to return humans to the Moon by 2024. That also includes putting the first woman on the Moon. Since the beginning of the space program, the work of our Nation's astronauts in advancing the cause of discovery in space and on Earth shows the best of mankind and that our achievements are limited only by our ambitions. Madam Speaker, again, it is my honor to recognize the achievements of Zena Cardman on becoming an astronaut and joining the rich history of pride and wonder that comes with that distinction.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. While I am glad we are here today, this moment is long overdue. While Democrats have been focusing on impeaching President Trump, manufacturers and family farmers in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District have been waiting for the trade deal to be ratified. That is because this trade deal means a lot to the hardworking people and farmers of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. Just take the positive effect the USMCA will have on Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District farmers. Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District is home to more than 10,500 farms, 98 percent of which are family farms. Moreover, our district is responsible for 18 percent of Pennsylvania's agriculture products. The provisions in this deal eliminating Canada's class 7 milk pricing program, increasing corn and soybean exports, and many other improvements will make a huge difference for those family farms. More important is the leverage that gives the United States when negotiating additional trade deals. It is no surprise that when Speaker Pelosi agreed to the USMCA, China agreed to the Phase One trade deal that President Trump had been negotiating for the benefit of our country. Again, USMCA is long overdue, but I am glad we are finally here to be able to support America in this trade deal.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, today will forever be remembered as a stain on our Republic. These impeachment proceedings are not based upon facts, evidence, reason, or any inappropriate or impeachable actions by our President. Instead, the actions being taken by those favoring impeachment are a product of their disdain for President Trump, his America First agenda, and, particularly, a disdain by the other party for the 63 million Americans who elected him as President. Again, these Articles of Impeachment are not based on any facts but, rather, on hearsay, presumptions, innuendo, and feelings, feelings by Democrats and career bureaucrats who have wanted President Trump removed from office since the day he was elected. In defense of the Constitution, I urge all Members to oppose both Articles of Impeachment. It is unclear who will judge those voting for impeachment today more harshly: history or voters. I want Democrats voting for impeachment today to know that I will be praying for them from the Gospel of Luke, the 23rd chapter, verse 34: ``And Jesus said, `Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'''

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, I rise to offer our condolences on the passing of former State representative J. Doyle Corman. Senator Corman represented the 34th senatorial district, including areas within Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District from 1977 to 1998. While in the State Senate, Senator Corman championed lower taxes, transportation issues, local government, and reforming the State's welfare system. More importantly, Senator Corman was a family man who prided himself on titles other than ``senator.'' Titles like: Public servant, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather. These titles are Senator Corman's lasting achievements. Even more so fitting, as an example for his son, Jake, who ran for and won his Senate seat following his father's retirement and has served as the Pennsylvania State Senate majority leader for the last three legislative sessions. A family man, community servant, and friend--that is the legacy of Senator J. Doyle Corman. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, I again send our heartfelt condolences to the Corman family for the loss of such a great figure and public servant.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Chair, I thank Ms. Foxx for yielding me time. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 3. While we can all agree that Americans pay too much for healthcare and that the rising cost of prescription medicine needs to be addressed, H.R. 3 is not the bill to accomplish those goals. Traveling across Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, I have met with patients and medical professionals who have told me that the best way to address rising prescription drug costs include patient reforms that will include patent reform to get generics to market faster, price transparency so consumers know the actual cost of the medication they are purchasing, and incentivizing innovation to help find new cures. Contrary to these goals, H.R. 3 would turn a blind eye to good bipartisan work done on this issue throughout 2019 that can provide real savings for our seniors and our families. H.R. 3 would lead to more government control over a private industry, putting this country on the road to socialized medicine. And H.R. 3 would lead to fewer cures, with some estimates saying up to 100 fewer cures would be found as a result of this legislation. Mr. Chair, we have a bipartisan plan that has the support of doctors and patients alike. H.R. 19 would provide for more cures, create price transparency, and get generics to market faster. These are bipartisan solutions backed by doctors and pharmacists in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and across our country. While Americans struggle to pay for the high cost of prescription drugs, we have real legislation that can help solve this real problem. We should not be wasting our time debating something that harms Americans by providing fewer cures and will never become law. Mr. Chair, again, I urge my colleagues to oppose this socialist fantasy in H.R. 3 and encourage us to work on the real bipartisan solutions in H.R. 19.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, this week Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats are continuing their 3-year-old quest to overturn the 2016 election and tear down President Donald Trump. Recently, Speaker Pelosi said the current impeachment farce is not rushed because it has been going on for 2\1/2\ years. That seems to me to be admission of what we have known for a long time: that the Democrats do not care how or why they impeach the President, so long as they do so. This impeachment sham is a result of a quest that began the moment President Trump descended the escalator at Trump Tower in 2015 to announce that he was running for President. It is also the result of career bureaucrats, some in the intelligence community, and House Democrats trying to prevent or stop President Trump from taking power out of their hands and returning it to the people. Just this week we have seen evidence that the FBI has been weaponized against the Presidential candidate; Chairman Schiff abusing his power by releasing phone records of Members of Congress and reporters, and his refusal to defend a one-sided report crafted by him and his staff. Again, enough is enough. Let's stop this sham and get back to the work of the American people.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, this month, Penn State celebrates its 25th anniversary. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, I congratulate them on their rich history of success. The crew team at Penn State started with humble beginnings in the winter of 1994. While they had no equipment, the team possessed a passion for the sport and a will to do whatever was necessary to make the team successful. In an example we can all be proud of, Penn State crew's first Schoenbrod was borrowed from Bucknell University, another great institution of higher education in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. Later, through hard work at fundraising by selling concessions at football games, cleaning Beaver Stadium, and selling crew apparel, the team was finally able to purchase its own equipment in the fall of 1995. From there, the program has never looked back. Penn State crew men's and women's teams have had a proud record of achievement that should make them very proud: sweeping podiums and inspiring a new generation of crew participants from experienced rowers to novices. Again, Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, I congratulate Penn State crew on celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, the energy economy of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District is booming, creating good-paying jobs and providing low-cost energy to thousands of families across the Commonwealth and our Nation. As evidence of this, our district is happy to welcome Thailand-based natural gas company BKV to Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District. Next week, BKV will be opening an office in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. They will join other natural gas companies in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District that are creating jobs, giving back to the community, and helping our rural district thrive with the resources right under our feet. Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District plays an important role in our national energy portfolio, producing between one-tenth and one- twentieth of the country's entire natural gas supply on any given day. Energy produced in PA-12 lowers energy costs, creates an energy- independent United States, and allows our allies to no longer be reliant on energy resources from countries that do not share our values. Natural gas companies have helped with community revitalization and in creating a robust economy of downstream jobs. The present and future of PA-12 is bright because of the natural gas industry, and, for the benefit of my community, our State, and our Nation, I will continue to support its growth and expansion in Congress.

Mr. KELLER

Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, after weeks of secret depositions, selective leaks, and public hearings, the Democrats trying to tear down this country with their impeachment sham have not proven any of their assertions against President Trump. Unfortunately for those Americans who expect Members of Congress to work for their benefit, the majority in this Chamber is instead obsessed with overturning the will of the people expressed in the 2016 election. That obsession caused substantive legislation to come to a standstill. While some Democrat Members of this House have pointed to the number of bills passed as evidence of success, I would like to point out that just because people are busy, it does not mean they are working. While bipartisan bills to address issues like lowering prescription drug prices, better trade deals, and funding our national defense are ready to be voted on, Speaker Pelosi has instead chosen to focus on partisan messaging that she knows has zero chance of ever becoming law. Speaker Pelosi's partisan legislating must come to an end, and we must get back to working together in the interest of the American people.