Daniel Meuser

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to congratulate Jenny's Sweets and More in Lehighton on being named the recipient of the Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation's Rookie Business of the Year Award. The Rookie Business of the Year recognizes a business in operation less than two years that has demonstrated enthusiasm, community spirit and commitment to growing in Carbon County. Jenny's Sweets and More, owned by Jennifer Solt-Cerato, has proven to be an outstanding addition to the Lehighton community. In addition to offering delicious candies, Jenny's Sweets and More always has an eye to the community and places a heavy emphasis on giving back. This business brings joy and light to its customers, both young and old, and represents the values of kindness and altruism that are characteristic of our Pennsylvania communities. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jenny's Sweets and More on this great honor and thank her for her commitment to our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to congratulate Jessica Adamczyk of Weatherly on receiving the Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation's Young Professional of the Year Award. The Young Professional of the Year Award highlights a Carbon County Young Professional highly involved in CCEDC events and community programs. Jessica graduated from Weatherly High School in 2013 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kutztown University in 2016. Currently a Marketing Associate at Heritage Hill Senior Community, Jessica is also incredibly engaged with the Hazelton and Carbon County Chambers, serving on the board of the Future Leaders of Carbon County Community. She also volunteers with Gap Inc. and serves as the Business Operations Manager for the Weatherly Ambulance Association. Lastly, Jessica recognizes the importance of a health community, founding the Weatherly Recreation Committee and participating in the Weatherly Summer Volleyball League. Carbon County's future is bright with young and enthusiastic leaders like Jessica leading the way. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jessica Adamczyk on this great honor and thank her for her commitment to our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to congratulate Joey B's Bar & Restaurant in Lehighton on receiving the Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation's Business of the Year Award. The Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that has demonstrated achievement and innovation in management, workplace excellence, and has committed to growing here in Carbon County. Established in 1988 by Chip and Shari Solt to honor the passing of a friend, Joey Barbosa, Joey B's has evolved into a vibrant gathering place for those in the community. The Solt family has been committed to continuing their tradition of offering a warm atmosphere for friends to gather and create memories--truly making Joey B's a place ``Where Good Friends Meet.'' On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Joey B's Bar & Restaurant on this great honor and thank them for their commitment to our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to congratulate James Wimmer on receiving the Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation's (CCEDC) William H. Bayer Lifetime Achievement Award. The William H. Bayer Lifetime Achievement Award is presented by the CCEDC each year to a CCEDC member that has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to the community, which Mr. Wimmer has certainly done. After graduating from University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1965, he began his career practicing law in Palmerton and served as an Assistant District Attorney from 1967 until 1975. In addition, he advocated on behalf of students and families in Palmerton in his position as School District Solicitor for over thirty years. Throughout his legal career, Jim was also involved in the banking industry, serving in senior leadership roles at several banks, including Citizen's Bank in Palmerton. Jim used his banking expertise to help guide new families through the process of buying their first home and entrepreneurs navigate the obstacles of starting a small business. After nearly 50 years of serving our community's students, families, and businesses with integrity and compassion, Mr. Wimmer retired from his law practice in September. His dedicated work in our community should be celebrated. In addition to his law career, Mr. Wimmer has been a devoted family man and active member of our community, married to his wife Linda for 56 years and spending decades volunteering his time to organizations whose missions benefit those in need. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating James Wimmer on a lifetime of selfless commitment to our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to congratulate and recognize the No. 9 Mine & Museum on being named the Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development's Tourism and Entertainment Business of the Year. Pennsylvania has a long and robust history of coal mining. Our anthracite coal has heated homes across the county, fueled trains, and gave power to industries that helped build our nation. The No. 9 Mine and Museum helps preserve this rich mining heritage for us and future generations to enjoy and remember. The No. 9 Mine was first opened in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company and was the epicenter of mining operations in the Panther Valley. In operation for over a century, from 1855 to 1972, the No. 9 Mine is the world's oldest continuously operated anthracite coal mine. Today, the mine is a museum and serves as an important reminder of our community's roots and of the resilience and determination of the many mineworkers who came before us. The No. 9 Mine became a museum when the Panther Creek Valley Foundation took ownership of the property in the 1990's. Through their restoration efforts, the group created a unique, historical attraction, appealing to both locals and tourists alike. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the No. 9 Mine and Museum on this great honor and thank them for their commitment to preserving the history of our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, yesterday's public impeachment hearings produced some noteworthy facts. Representative Mike Turner's question of Ambassador Volker took apart the Democrats' entire case. Volker confirmed that President Trump never said that Ukraine must investigate the Bidens in order to receive defense aid from the United States. Further, Representative Elise Stefanik's questioning of Tim Morrison showed there was no quid pro quo, no bribery, no extortion, and no mention of withholding aid in exchange for investigating the Bidens. Witnesses have repeatedly stated that no quid pro quo, no bribery took place. These facts, which indeed clear our President, do not change. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to be denied basic due process rights. Democrat leadership continues to put politics before the people obsessing over impeachment and refusing to work on policies that would actually benefit the American people: ratifying the USMCA, permanently extending the 2017 tax cuts for families, and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. The people are tired of this Congress spending their tax dollars on a politically-motivated impeachment charade.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to congratulate First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union of Eastern Pennsylvania on receiving the Milestone Award from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Milestone Award is presented to a member of the chamber that has reached a significant landmark in business, a high point of superior commitment to the community and brings a notable measure of pride to The Chamber and the entire Lehigh Valley. First chartered in 1959 to serve the employees of Western Electric in Allentown, Pennsylvania as WeAllen Federal Credit Union, the First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union celebrates 60 years of service to the people of Eastern Pennsylvania this year. In the decades since its founding, FCFCU has expanded products and services, and opened membership to employees of several companies in the Lehigh Valley. Expanding their service to the people of the Lehigh Valley, FCFCU has opened offices in Lehighton and Kutztown, now serving over 800 companies and their employees as the largest credit union in the Lehigh Valley. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union on this great honor and thank them for their 60-years serving our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to congratulate Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton, Carbon County on receiving Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Champion Award. The Chamber Champion Award is presented to a successful and esteemed business or individual that operates with integrity and that has been a long-time member and premier supporter of the Chamber, its mission, and its goals. Well known as a premier ski and snowboard destination in Eastern Pennsylvania, Blue Mountain Resort began with a vision and 300 acres of land purchased by founder Ray Tuthill. Fifteen years later Blue Mountain, first known as ``Little Gap,'' began welcoming visitors to enjoy its first five trails. Today, Blue Mountain Resort boasts 40 ski trails, 16 lifts, and 34 tubing lanes, a full-service mountain top restaurant, and welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year. For its incredible growth, success and commitment to the betterment ofLehigh Valley, Blue Mountain is truly deserving of this great honor. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Blue Mountain Resort on this great honor and thank them for their commitment to of our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to congratulate the Yurconic Agency of Allentown, Pennsylvania on receiving the Milestone Award from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Milestone Award is presented to a member of the chamber that has reached a significant landmark in business, a high point of superior commitment to the community and brings a notable measure of pride to the Chamber and the entire Lehigh Valley. For 50 years, the Yurconic Agency has been an outstanding insurance agency, serving the Lehigh Valley. From vehicle registration to driver's license services the Yurconic Agency has been providing a wide array of insurance options to the greater Lehigh Valley since 1969. The high quality customer service the Yurconic Agency has offered has made it a cornerstone of communities throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Yurconic Agency on this great honor and thank them for their 50 year commitment to the betterment of our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and appreciation that I rise today to honor Linda Miller of Tamaqua, who is retiring after serving the good people of Pennsylvania for 38 years in the House of Representatives. Mrs. Miller has left her mark on our great Commonwealth as the longest-serving district office employee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Mrs. Miller began as a staffer in Rep. Klingaman's office on January 16, 1981 and has since worked in other Representatives' offices including Rep. Dave Argall, and most recently, Rep. Jerry Knowles. She is a pillar of her community and has committed nearly two decades to supporting and serving her friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. The fabric of our Pennsylvania communities is strengthened by the selflessness, compassion, and integrity of our public servants like Mrs. Miller. She will surely be missed by the constituents she served and those who she served alongside. Although she is culminating an impressive and impactful career, I am confident that as she begins this new chapter, she will continue to be a positive influence and a dedicated member of our great community. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mrs. Miller on her retirement and thank her for her many years of dedicated service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to recognize and congratulate Barbara Green of Lehighton, Carbon County for being named the recipient of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Champion Award. The Chamber Champion Award is presented to a successful and esteemed business or individual that is well-known to operate with integrity and that has been a long-time member and premier supporter of the Chamber, its mission, and its goals. After graduating from Lehigh University, Ms. Green began her career with Ernst & Young where she supervised audits on manufacturing, construction, health care and insurance clients. After serving in key management roles at a variety of companies, Ms. Green began with Blue Mountain Resort in 1993 as she served as Controller for 5 years, implementing an innovate new ticketing system for the ski area. After the passing of her father and founder of Blue Mountain, Mr. Ray Tuthill, Ms. Green returned to Blue Mountain in 2007 to serve in her current role as President, where she oversees a full-year destination that attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. The fabric of our Pennsylvania communities is made stronger by the hard work and dedication that Ms. Green has shown to our community throughout her career. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Barbara Green on this great honor and thank her for her commitment to our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize several impressive athletic accomplishments that have recently taken place in Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District. Last Friday night, Tamaqua football made history as they secured their first-ever district championship. After coming close to winning the championship for the past several seasons, I applaud the team's resilience and grit. But football isn't the only sport to talk about in the Ninth Congressional District these days. For the third consecutive year, Penn State Schuylkill women's cross-country team took home the conference title at the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference Championships. This is the first time Penn State Schuylkill has achieved a three-peat. They are truly a sports dynasty. Congratulations to both Sam Bonner, head football coach at Tamaqua High School, and Joe Muldowney, head cross-country coach at Penn State Schuylkill, for leading their teams to victory. Perseverance and dedication are defining characteristics of Pennsylvanians. I am incredibly proud of the Tamaqua football and Penn State Schuylkill women's cross-country teams for these accomplishments. And always, I am very honored to represent the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, the impeachment hearings are continuing, in spite of the following factors existing. Number one, this is a very unfair process. If Democratic leadership was truly interested in determining guilt or innocence, why not establish bipartisan rules and procedures allowing the President due process? Number two, the leading Democratic players have maintained predetermined presumptions of guilt for well over a year now and have repeatedly been untruthful about contact with the whistleblower. The whistleblower's attorney even called for a Presidential coup more than 2 years ago. Number three, Democratic leadership does not have any facts that constitute an impeachable offense. There has been no evidence whatsoever of quid pro quo. There was no ``this for that.'' This inquiry is called a sham by many for these reasons. This has also been a great opportunity lost at a high opportunity cost to our country. Because of this politically motivated impeachment proceeding, there has been no USMCA, no illegal immigration reform, no lowering of prescription drug costs, no infrastructure bill, nothing except investigations to nowhere.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and honor that I rise today to recognize the retirement of Henry Desrosiers after many years of service to our nation and community. Mr. Desrosiers has been a leader in the Jim Thorpe community and has a long history of service to our Commonwealth and nation. Mr. Desrosiers was born in Naugatuck, Connecticut and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduating from high school. During his four years of service, Mr. Desrosiers served as a law enforcement specialist in countries around the world, including in Japan and the Philippines, earning both the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After serving our country, Mr. Desrosiers returned home to serve and protect his community as a police officer for over 25 years, being promoted to sergeant before his retirement in 2003. Furthering his dedication to serve, Mr. Desrosiers joined Carbon County as the Director of Veterans' Affairs in 2008. Following a decade of dutiful service to Carbon County's veterans, Mr. Desrosiers will retire later this year. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Desrosiers on his retirement and thank him for his many years of brave and honorable service.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, an overlooked factor of these relentless investigations and this impeachment inquiry is the way in which the words of Ukrainian President Zelensky have been largely ignored. Zelensky said, without condition, that he felt no pressure from President Trump related to corruption investigations in Ukraine. President Zelensky's words have been largely ignored because they do not fit the narrative pushed by the Democratic leadership of this House. Just think, had President Zelensky wanted to severely damage our President, he could have lied and stated he did feel pressure. Doesn't that scenario give you chills? Had a foreign leader simply altered and fabricated one publicly stated phrase, the entire Democratic Caucus of this House would be calling for our President's head, repeating it over and over. That is the reality of this sickening and dangerous presumption of guilt that some Members of this body are choosing to push. Our President deserves nothing less than the due process and presumption of innocence afforded to all Americans by our Constitution. Anything less is an affront to the Republic our Founders created and to all the electorate, Democratic and Republican.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to congratulate Dr. Jason Dinko of Luzerne County on receiving the inaugural Founders Award from Geisinger Commonwealth Foundation. Dr. Dinko, graduated from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in 2014. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his remarkable care and compassion for his patients and our community. Dr. Dinko earned his undergraduate degree from Marywood University and completed a residency in family medicine near Pittsburgh. He now serves the people of Montour County as a family medicine clinician for Geisinger in Danville, where the courtesy and compassion he shows his patients has earned him a reputation in the community for quality care. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Dinko on this great honor and thank him for his care of the people of our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to congratulate Ninth District Resident, Noble ``Bud'' Quandel of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania on receiving the inaugural Founders Award from Geisinger Commonwealth Foundation. Mr. Quandel began his career as a laborer and apprentice while attending Bloomsburg University, since succeeding his father in 1976, he has served as Chairman and CEO of Quandel Enterprises. Although under his guidance, his business has experienced great success across the country, Mr. Quandel has remained a cornerstone of our community. Mr. Quandel has overseen significant Quandel projects throughout our community including Geisinger's Medical Sciences Building and the new Geisinger St. Luke's facility in Orwigsburg. Mr. Quandel has consistently demonstrated his commitment to being a good friend, businessman and neighbor. From producing ``quicklime'' for local building projects, Quandel later added consulting services and instituted an Employee Stock Ownership Program that gave all its employees a vested interest in the company's success. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Noble ``Bud'' Quandel on this great honor and thank him for his commitment to the betterment of our community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, let's review some facts surrounding this unfair, partisan impeachment process. To begin with, a whistleblower claims to have secondhand information on the President's call with the Ukrainian President. The White House released the transcript of the call, making the whistleblower irrelevant. The Ukrainian President, the most important witness, emphasized publicly that there was no quid pro quo and no pressure. Prior to having any of this information, or maybe they did, the Speaker announces an impeachment inquiry, and over 200 Democratic Members of the House agree, evidence be damned. Since then, we have discovered that the chairman's staff met with the whistleblower earlier than originally stated, yet stated that they didn't. All hearings were held in secrecy, and there has been no due process. Madam Speaker, a petty thief is provided more legal rights than the President of the United States. There is no transparency of testimony to Members of Congress or to the general public, and there has been no vote for an impeachment inquiry. It appears these impeachment proceedings are not about whether the President did right or wrong or broke any laws. It is only about scoring political points while undermining the will of the electorate.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and appreciation that I rise today to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Township of Amity, Pennsylvania. The oldest incorporated township in Berks County, Amity predates the county itself. Settled by Swedish settlers on land granted by William Penn in 1701, Amity is home to the county's oldest structure, the Mouns Jones House, which was built in 1716, as well as St. Gabriel's Church, Berks County's first organized religious congregation. Among Amity's other contributions to history is the White Horse Inn, which served as a gathering place for officers of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and was visited by President George Washington in 1793. The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County has been instrumental in preserving Amity's rich history as part of Morlatton Village. Amity's 300th anniversary has been heralded with great celebration. Events commemorating the township's tricentennial have brought the people of Amity together to recall and celebrate their longstanding sense of community that was the foundation of its establishment 300 years ago. Amity has remained a strong community because it holds the same values as at its founding. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me and the great people who call Amity home in celebrating 300 years and wishing them many more years of community and prosperity.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Patricia Geib of Palmyra, Pennsylvania who sadly passed away this week after her third battle with cancer. Patricia was an incredible spirit whose life touched countless others. She was a devoted employee of the H.B. Reese Candy Co. for many years and would keep working at the Hotel Hershey even after her retirement. She was a dedicated community member whose spirit could never be broken. Patricia faced three bouts with cancer with her characteristic courage and optimism. She never stopped inspiring and caring for the people she loved. Her life was filled with joy from family, friends, and faith and she will surely be missed by all who knew her. Patricia is survived by a loving family including her husband, Daniel W. Geib of Palmyra; daughter, Danielle Geib, brother, David Burke, stepsons, Andrew (Amy) and Geoff Geib; her grandchildren, Alyssa, Alexis, Aiden and Ashton Geib and her nephew Michael Barley. I ask that the House of Representatives, on behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth District, join me and her family in remembering the life of Patricia Geib

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise to reflect on what could have been accomplished in the past 9 months on this House floor. The list is staggering: border security and illegal immigration reform; lower drug costs and lower premiums and deductibles for families; correcting surprise billing; making the middle class tax cut permanent; passing a robust infrastructure transportation bill; promoting free, fair, and reciprocal trade globally; and passing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and other America-first, but not- America-alone, trade agreements, which will grow our domestic industry and agricultural exports. Democrat leadership has, however, wasted the last 9 months focused on fruitless investigations aimed at relitigating the 2016 Presidential election. Every one of these investigations has produced the same result: nothing. The majority party has wasted its own time and, much more seriously, the time of the people who sent us here. House Democrats are now grasping at one last desperate effort: an impeachment inquiry over a baseless, secondhand account. This farce, which chooses to push a presumption of guilt where evidence is nonexistent, is nothing short of a constitutional embarrassment for our country. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Captain Jason Jones from Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. Captain Jones graduated at the top of his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point. After graduating, he served as team leader for the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 3rd Group Special Forces. While deployed overseas, he was tragically killed in action on June 2, 2014, in Afghanistan. Jason is survived by his wife, Dr. Amy Jones; parents, Jay and Suzy Jones; and sister and brother-in-law, Drs. Elizabeth and Alex Gambogi. I recently attended an event that raised funds to honor Jason's service and ultimate sacrifice. The fundraiser was attended by hundreds of family and friends. The event raises money for scholarships, benefiting those in the community who are interested in following Jason's patriotic pursuit of military service. Mr. Speaker, let us never forget and always support those, like Captain Jason Jones, who made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard our freedoms. Jason is so lovingly remembered by his family and his community. He has left behind a great legacy and a proud and grateful community and country.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, we all remember where we were on September 11, 2001. I, myself, drove my daughter, Caroline, to school on my way to work. She was in the third grade. Driving over the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania on my way to work, I recall thinking what a beautiful day it was. I watched with coworkers soon after that the horror of the planes hitting the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A few days later, I was asked to come to Ground Zero to help. I will never forget the hospitals were all prepared for injured in Manhattan, but there were no injured, or very few. I will never forget the families and the communities that showed resilience and hope. I will never forget the crowds of people cheering the first responders as they traveled toward Ground Zero. I now have a flag hanging in my office with 2,977 names of those who perished that day. Two of those names were my friends. September 11, now known as Patriot Day, brought us together and unified our Nation in defiance of terrorism and evil. Let us continue to come together and never forget that we are all Americans and that we, here, represent the greatest country on Earth.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I rise today to recognize and honor the Harveys Lake Protective Association on its 100 years of service. Northeast Pennsylvania is home to an abundance of natural beauty, and chief among the many natural treasures found in the Ninth District is Harveys Lake in Luzerne County. For a century now, the Harveys Lake Protective Association (HLPA) has been a faithful steward of this lake, ensuring it remains a place where friends and families can enjoy and continue to make memories that will last a lifetime. We owe a great deal of gratitude to HLPA for conserving the lake, establishing local emergency services, and preserving this peaceful spot in our great Commonwealth. A 1920 record from the Association's meeting reads, ``Nature has given us, in the lake, a most beautiful spot for a summer home. By working together through our Association, we can prevent many things which would tend to mar its attractiveness and can accomplish much in the making it a better place at which to live.'' A testament to HLPA's dedicated efforts, Harveys Lake has retained its beauty every summer and in every season. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I extend my sincerest gratitude to HLPA as we celebrate its centennial anniversary. This great milestone serves as a reminder of all the great work HLPA has done over the last 100 years and the good work it will continue to do to preserve this gem for the next 100 years and beyond.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and excitement that I rise today to honor Katherine Rapp of Paxinos, Pennsylvania. Katherine is this year's National Junior Miss Agriculture USA. Katherine is an exceptional young woman who is incredibly engaged in her community. This Fall, she will attend Danville Area High School and participate in Future Farmers of America and the National Honor Society. At her young age, she has already won Grand and Reserve market hogs at the Bloomsburg Fair and was Grand Champion Market Steer at the Montour-Delong Fair. Given her passion for agriculture, she chose to participate in this year's Miss Agriculture USA competition. I can think of nobody better to promote American agriculture, and our strong Pennsylvania farms and dairies than Katherine. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Katherine on her commitment to agriculture. On behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, and the U.S. House of Representatives, I congratulate Katherine on her crown and wish her the best in this and all her future endeavors.