Lloyd Smucker

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Chair, we have heard how this budget resolution will deliver tax relief to working and middle-class families. It will put a stop to crime and drugs flooding over our southern border, and it will jump-start the American economy. This is exactly what the American people are looking for today. Unfortunately, we have also heard a lot of falsehoods from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, and so I would like to set the record straight. The House Republican budget resolution will stop a 22 percent tax hike for the average taxpayer. It will put $1,700 back into the pockets of a median family of four and will prevent the child tax credit from being cut in half for 40 million families. This bill doesn't take from the working class. It puts money in their pockets. While my colleagues on the other side try to drown out these facts with tired talking points and fear-mongering, let's ask the American people directly: How does a 22 percent tax hike help them pay their bills? How does taking $1,700 out of the pockets of families and cutting the child tax credit help them raise their kids?

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate East Donegal Township Manager Jeffrey Butler on his retirement. For over four decades, Mr. Butler has dedicated himself to our communities, both in the private sector and in the public sector. After graduating from Millersville University, Mr. Butler worked as Manheim Township's Director of Zoning and Planning, Director of Planning at Dave Miller/Associates, and Assistant Township Manager in East Donegal Township. In 2009, he was promoted to Township Manager, where he has served East Donegal since. During his tenure as Township Manager, Mr. Butler helped with the Donegal Region's Comprehensive Plan, which coveted the three municipalities within Donegal School District. Mr. Butler has also done much to assist with parks and recreation as well as housing in the township. As he transitions into a well-earned retirement, the community thanks and honors Jeffrey Butler for his dedication to public service.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of World War II veteran Ralph Doss. Ralph Doss was born on March 30, 1925, and spent his formative years in Chester County. Mr. Doss enlisted in the U.S Navy at the age of 17, requiring his mother's written permission due to his age. He then served on the USS Sigourney, a destroyer, and the USS Duluth, a flagship cruiser, in the South Pacific. During his stint on the Sigourney, he was involved in the 1943 rescue of Medal of Honor winning fighter pilot Robert M. Hanson. At the conclusion of the war, Ralph Doss was discharged and settled in Kennett Square, where he worked for Longwood Gardens for 28 years. In his spare time, he wrote poetry, was a professional harmonica musician for four decades, and served as Grand Marshall in the Kennett Square Memorial Day parade. Since 2008, Mr. Doss called Gordonville in Lancaster County home, where he lives with his wife of 60 years, Dora. As he approaches his 100th birthday, I would like to honor Mr. Ralph Doss for his selfless military service. We should be proud to have such an outstanding individual in our district.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nathan Campbell for being named the 2024 World Language Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association. Mr. Campbell teaches Spanish at Manheim Central High School. His twenty years of teaching are best defined by his dedication and passion for helping students to succeed at broadening their horizons by learning another language. As a graduate of Manheim Central himself, as well as Millersville University, Mr. Campbell is an alumna of two esteemed educational institutions in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Campbell on his recognition as the 2024 World Language Teacher of the Year in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and wish him continued success.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Robert Kemp, Sr. on his 100th birthday and thank him for his service defending this Nation during World War II. A veteran of the United States Navy, Kemp enlisted at 17 years old, against his parents' wishes and barely meeting the weight requirement. He served from 1942 until the end of the war in 1945. During his time in the Navy, Mr. Kemp fought in multiple theatres including the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific. Kemp served as a quartermaster, assisting with the ships' navigation as well as the vessel's steering. He first served in the North Atlantic, protecting supply convoys to the United Kingdom. He then saw action in the Mediterranean, where his ship assisted in the invasion of Sicily. His final mission of the war was in the Pacific, part of a flotilla that participated in the invasion of the Philippines as well as the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the announcement of the Japanese surrender, his ship sailed into Tokyo Harbor to celebrate the end of the war. Upon his return home, he settled in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife. However, he had the opportunity to travel the world as a radio technician for the Westinghouse Corporation. He spent time in Germany, Nigeria, and Iran before returning to Baltimore with his family. In his later years, Mi Kemp relocated to Delta, Pennsylvania where he lives with his son, Robert Kemp, Jr. It is critical for us to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of members of the Greatest Generation that have helped us preserve the Nation that we so dearly love. Thanks to heroes like Mr. Kemp, that remind us to live life to the fullest and to serve others. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Kemp on a happy 100th birthday, and I sincerely thank him for his service to his country.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and give thanks to William D. Leighty for his 36 years in law enforcement, selflessly serving his community. Lancaster native William Leighty has served in law enforcement across the county. Beginning his career at the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, he then served as a police officer with New Holland Borough and East Cocalico Township. In 1999, William Leighty became the Chief of Police of Clay Township, where he oversaw the merger of three police departments into the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department. In 2017, Chief Leighty returned to New Holland law enforcement as their Chief of Police. During his tenure, he built positive community relationships through his partnerships with local nonprofits and by organizing events like National Night Out. Once again, I want to thank Chief Leighty for his invaluable career serving and protecting Lancaster County communities. I wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Warwick High School Field Hockey Team on winning the PIAA Field Hockey Championship on November 16, 2024. The Warwick School District Warriors shut out their opponents 4-0 at the PIAA Class 2A Field Hockey Championship game. Warwick led their opponents less than two minutes into the match and never looked back, only allowing their opponents 7 shots on goal. Their state title crowned a spectacular 27-2 season. The players and coaches of the Warwick Field Hockey Team should be proud of this extraordinary accomplishment. I congratulate them on their Field Hockey Championship and wish them all the best of luck in their future endeavors. I am certain that the lessons that each of these students learned on the field will continue to serve them well throughout their lives.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Sheriff William ``Bill'' Hose for his legacy of service to the York community. Mr. Hose spent 29 years as a York City Police Officer, advancing to the Chief of Police in his last 11 years of service. He then served as York County Sheriff between 1996 and 2007, finishing a 37-year-long career in law enforcement, protecting the York community. Mr. Hose's impact extends beyond his professional career. In his spare time, he has volunteered with crime prevention and youth services nonprofits in York County. He is also a U.S. Air Force Veteran, having been stationed in Berlin during the Berlin Crisis. For his impactful record of service, the community thanks and honors Sheriff Bill Hose. York County residents should be proud to have such an outstanding model of selfless service in their community.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate East Lampeter Township Manager Ralph Hutchinson on his retirement. Mr. Hutchinson's career in public service spans four decades. After graduating from Lafayette College and Penn State's Capitol Campus, known today as Penn State Harrisburg, Mr. Hutchinson worked as Executive Secretary for the Borough of Fountain Hill in Lehigh County, as well as Borough Manager for Millersville Borough in Lancaster County. He spent the last 34 years as Township Manager for East Lampeter Township in Lancaster County. Mr. Hutchinson has witnessed the township grow significantly over the past three decades, and has worked to balance the needs of commercial enterprises and farming communities along the bustling Route 30 Corridor. Mr. Hutchinson has lent his experience and expertise in municipal management to numerous boards and committees. As he transitions into a well-deserved retirement, the community both thanks and honors Ralph Hutchinson for his years in public service.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and give thanks to Dr. Hilda Shirk for her longstanding service to public health in south central Pennsylvania. Navigating the complexities of the health care industry takes a dedicated and hardworking team of leaders. I am pleased to recognize Dr. Hilda Shirk for her passion, dedication, and commitment to improving healthcare in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District and the surrounding communities as she prepares to step down as Chair of the WellSpan Health Board of Directors. Dr. Shirk has helped WellSpan to achieve tremendous growth in a rapidly changing industry. Under her leadership, WellSpan has become a nationally recognized leader in patient quality, significantly increasing access to and the overall quality of its care. Dr. Shirk's tenure embodied WellSpan's mission of creating healthy communities and continuously expanding care. Dr. Shirk previously served as the President and CEO of the Lancaster Health Center. Dr. Shirk's longstanding commitment to public health is evident by her record of success in the field. It is with great pride that I congratulate Dr. Hilda Shirk for her admirable career in healthcare, and I sincerely thank her for her service to WellSpan Health and the greater community.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and give thanks to Charles M. Hale, Jr. for his longstanding service to his community as a first responder. It takes incredible courage to be a firefighter, and Charles M. Hale, Jr. of Hanover exemplifies this trait unequivocally. Mr. Hale recently retired from Hanover Area Fire and Rescue after 34 years of service. In that time, Mr. Hale has received numerous awards and citations for his actions in the line of duty. In 1992, Firefighter Hale was involved in the rescue of multiple civilians from an apartment fire. For his actions, Mr. Hale was awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest award in the country for public safety officers. In 2012, Mr Hale was awarded the Medal of Merit for his actions on a vehicle accident and entrapment. With more than 50 years of experience with fire and EMS service, Mr. Hale was a key asset to the Hanover Area Fire and Rescue. Not only was his experience vital, but his mentorship to all the other firefighters was crucial in making the Hanover Fire Department what it is today. For more than three decades Charles M. Hale, Jr. represented his community with bravery and courage. It is heroes like Mr. Hale that remind us of what it means to truly be a servant to your community. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Hale on his retirement, and I sincerely thank him for his service to the community.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, what we are witnessing on the floor today is, I believe, one of the most bizarre arguments against a bill that I have seen since I have been here in my 8 years in Congress. In fact, look over there and see how they are contorting themselves to say they are against this bill. Mr. Speaker, remember that old game we used to play as kids, Twister? It looks like a game of Twister over on that side today. First, about the facts in this bill, today, it is 411 days since Hamas terrorists captured and continue to hold men, women, and children, including seven American citizens, hostage in the Gaza Strip. In the wake of those attacks, nefarious groups have leveraged their status as nonprofits under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code to provide material and financial support to Hamas. We have examples. One is the Alliance for Global Justice, which is linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which the State Department has designated as a terrorist organization. Another example is the Popular Media Project, which employed a Hamas spokesperson who held three Israelis hostage at his home in Gaza. Mr. Speaker, we don't negotiate with terrorists, so why should we allow tax-advantaged groups to fund them? Why should taxpayers be on the hook to subsidize organizations aiding Hamas terrorists and continuing to hold American citizens hostage? Why did our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, along with Mr. Doggett, vote for this bill unanimously in the Ways and Means Committee on September 11? Why was it okay to prevent the funding of terrorists by nonprofits then, but it is not okay to do so now? Why did our colleagues on the floor of the House vote for this, but not now? My colleagues on the other side of the aisle say it is because suddenly we have Donald Trump as our President. You are saying, folks, this would have been okay if President Harris had been elected, but not with Donald Trump? Maybe it makes sense because, under Democratic Presidents, the IRS did target conservative groups. Where was your outrage at that when the IRS was targeting conservative groups? Do you know that President Trump won the election by a wide margin? He has a mandate by the American people. He won the popular vote. He won 312 electoral votes. The American people believe that Donald Trump will save this country and will put this country on the right path. They don't believe that he is a fascist. They don't believe that he is the kind of dictator that you think he will be. Talk about election denialism. When are you going to accept that President Trump won this election and that President Trump will do what is right for the American people? Mr. Speaker, this is the most bizarre argument that I have heard on this bill. It is the most bizarre argument I have heard since I have been in Congress. They have completely reversed their vote in just a few months. It is unbelievable, Mr. Speaker. It is sad. This is a bill that has parameters around the bill. They say now, suddenly, it doesn't have parameters. It simply says, if a nonprofit is supporting a terrorist organization, their tax status should be revoked. It is a commonsense bill. Do not believe what they are saying today. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the West Lampeter Community Fair for its 100th anniversary. Starting in 1924 as an exhibition for students, the West Lampeter Community Fair is rooted in tradition. The fair promotes Lampeter's heritage and agricultural community, and while much has changed in the past 100 years, the West Lampeter Community Fair does not shy away from its history. The fair provides a great community environment and the opportunity for local children to compete in a range of competitions. Displays from local vendors and small businesses are at the heart of the bustling fair. Providing everything from homemade baked goods to vintage tractors, the West Lampeter Community fair has something for everyone. For me, that means always grabbing a vanilla milkshake and enjoying the horse show. Organizing this annual event is no easy task. It is thanks to the tireless efforts of the fair board of directors and volunteers that allows this storied community event to continue and be successful year after year. The West Lampeter Community Fair also supports local business and continues to build a stronger community one fair at a time. It is with great pride that I congratulate the West Lampeter Community Fair on its 100th anniversary. I wish them many more years of success in showcasing their community's heritage.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September 16-20, 2024, as Medical Research Week. It is by no accident that America leads the world in medical innovation. America's free enterprise system alongside strong federal support of medical research has led to new cures, treatments, and hope for tomorrow that more therapies are on the horizon. I am proud that Pennsylvania institutions and companies play leading roles in developing these new technologies. In 2023, over $2 billion in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was made available to researchers in Pennsylvania. This funding supported nearly 22,000 jobs and resulted in over $5 billion in total economic activity across the commonwealth. Pennsylvania is also home to a vibrant and growing biopharmaceutical industry, which employs over 56,000 individuals through direct employment creating billions of dollars economic impact. In Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District, Franklin and Marshall College as well as Millersville University, are recipients of grant funding from NIH. As we recognize Medical Research Week, may we all give thanks for the medical breakthroughs that have improved our lives and the individuals whose dogged determination and pursuit of progress made them possible.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give thanks and to congratulate Bob Houser on his well-earned retirement. 2024 marks the 60th and final year that Mr. Houser is adding something sweet to the community through his Bob's Sno Balls business. The 76-year-old York County resident has been running Bob's Sno Balls since he was just 16. In his six decades running the business, Mr. Houser has become a staple in the York County community. His classic white truck and ringing bell have attracted patrons from all over the York area during the summer months. While the summers are spent selling snow cones, Mr. Houser spends the rest of the year as an accountant. Mr. Houser remarked ``I've got two professions . . . People aren't usually smiling when they come to the tax office. Sno ball truck's a whole different operation. People are happy. Kids are happy.'' It has been the smiles and happiness that has brought Mr. Houser back for the past six decades. He stated that being able to make people, especially the children, happy has been his biggest joy in all his years of business. Mr Houser's six decades of business in York County have made a lasting impact on the communities and individuals that he has served. Generations of people have been fortunate enough to have someone like Mr. Houser in their community, not only as a business owner but as a friendly face. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Houser on his 60th year in business, and I wish him continued success and joy in his retirement.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith) for yielding and his work on this very important piece of legislation. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, as well as the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, for their work on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9076, the Supporting America's Children and Families Act. One pillar of this bill reauthorizes the title IV-B program, which underpins much of the child welfare system and provides funding to States for community-based and prevention-oriented programs and services. At the time we are reauthorizing, we take that opportunity to learn how we can improve. The improvements that are included today in that reauthorization will make a difference in the lives of many children and families throughout the country. I am very pleased that included in this package are four bills that I introduced after receiving input from providers and others in my community and district. After hearing from individuals and witnesses in hearings about this package, it will include policies to allow IV-B dollars to support kinship families, reduce the administrative burden on State and Tribal child welfare agencies, support caseworkers, and gather data on the effectiveness of post-adoptive services. The other pillar of this bill would ensure that States can utilize contractors to support their child welfare programs, which is a vital flexibility that the two counties that I represent, Lancaster and York Counties in Pennsylvania, take advantage of to ensure steady child support payments. H.R. 9076 aims to provide vital resources to families in need with the goal of preventing them from needing the foster care system in the first place and helping to maintain healthy families, which are the cornerstone of our society. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Steve Massini, who is retiring as Chief Executive Officer of Penn State Health, a position he has served in since 2019. Mr. Massini first joined Penn State Health in 2015 as chief financial officer for Milton S. Hershey Medical Center before being promoted to executive vice president, chief financial officer, and chief administrative officer for Penn State Health. Throughout his tenure at Penn State Health, the system has grown significantly, 11 developed strategic partnerships, and made investments in expanding the system's reach across South Central Pennsylvania. These investments included the development of a hospital in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District, the Lancaster Medical Center, which opened in October 2022. I appreciated the opportunity to visit this and other Penn State Health facilities in our district to learn about the great work they are doing to serve patients. I have appreciated Mr. Massini's feedback and perspective on federal policies and the impact they have on residents of Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I wish Steve the best in all his future endeavors and thank him for all he has done to make a positive impact in our community.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Mr. Randy Alan Walker of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, who passed away last month after a 10-year battle with ALS. Randy had an exceptional impact on the lives that he touched. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet with Randy and his wife Lisa earlier this year, just days before Randy's passing. Randy shared with me his story in a letter he wrote. ALS is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous toll on those living with the disease, as well as their families and caregivers. Despite this disease, Randy continued to live life to the fullest. Following his diagnosis, he created a bucket list of all the things he wished to accomplish and managed to complete every item on it. In his own words, Randy told me his most exhilarating experience was skydiving with his daughter, and his fondest memory was watching his son graduate high school and college. Mr. Speaker, Randy shared with me what his life was like with ALS. In his letter, he said: ``You can be me for just one hour. Get comfy on your couch. Put your phone and remote out of reach. Standing for any reason is against the rules. I can't stand, so neither can you. Now for the hard part . . . when you get an itch--and you will . . . THERE IS NO SCRATCHING. If you survive the hour, kudos to you. Imagine that 24/ 7. Welcome to my world.'' I was touched by Randy's letter. And I wrote him a note following our meeting, reflecting on our meeting and sharing this--I will do all I can to help provide the resources necessary to fight this terrible disease. Randy and his wife, Lisa, were tireless champions for individuals affected by ALS, traveling to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. to share their story and advocate for a cure. Their efforts extended beyond legislative halls as they supported ALS research initiatives, raised public awareness, and provided unwavering emotional and practical support to families affected by the disease. Through their dedicated activism, Randy and Lisa have profoundly impacted the ALS community. Randy graduated from Ephrata High School in 1982, where he played football, baseball, and was on the diving team. Following graduation, Randy joined the Marine Corps and served until 1985. We extend our gratitude to Randy for his service and dedication to our country. He was a loving husband to Lisa, a father to Calvin and Victoria, a grandfather to two, and a friend to all. Randy will be deeply missed. We wish those who are grieving comfort and give thanks for the opportunity to know Randy who positively impacted so many people during his 60 years.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, thank my friend for yielding a few minutes of the Special Order. I rise today, Madam Speaker, to honor the life and memory of Mr. Randy Alan Walker of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, who passed away last month after a 10-year battle with ALS. Randy had an exceptional impact on the lives that he touched. Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet with Randy and his wife, Lisa, earlier this year just days before Randy's passing. Randy shared with me his story in a letter that he wrote. ALS is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous toll on those living with the disease as well as their families and caregivers. Despite this disease, Randy continued to live life to the fullest. Following his diagnosis, he created a bucket list of all of the things he wished to accomplish, and he managed to complete every item on it. In his own words, Randy told me his most exhilarating experience was skydiving with his daughter and his fondest memory was watching his son graduate high school and college. Madam Speaker, Randy shared with me what his life was like with ALS. In his letter, he said: You can be me for just 1 hour. Get comfy on your couch. Put your phone down and remote out of reach. Standing for any reason is against the rules. I can't stand. Neither can you. Now, for the hard part, when you get an itch, and you will, there is no scratching. If you survive the hour, kudos to you. Imagine that 24/7. Welcome to my world. Randy and his wife, Lisa, were tireless champions for individuals affected by ALS, traveling to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., to share their story and advocate for a cure. Their efforts extended beyond legislative halls as they supported ALS research initiatives, raised public awareness, and provided unwavering emotional and practical support to families affected by the disease. Through their dedicated activism, Randy and Lisa have profoundly impacted the ALS community. Randy graduated from Ephrata High School in 1982 where he played football, baseball, and was on the diving team. Following graduation, Randy joined the Marine Corps and served until 1985. We extend our gratitude to Randy for his service and dedication to our country. He was a loving husband to Lisa, a father to Calvin and Victoria, a grandfather to two, and a friend to all. Randy will be deeply missed. We wish those who are grieving comfort and give thanks for the opportunity to know Randy who positively impacted so many people during his 60 years.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Willow Street Fire Company in Willow Street, Pennsylvania on 100 years of service to the community. The Willow Street Fire Company was founded in June 1924 by volunteers that recognized the need to provide fire and emergency services to their community. Today, the company's 40-person membership remains 100 percent volunteer-based, a reflection of their dedication to the well- being of the community. You never know when you might need emergency services, but you are always thankful they are there when you need them. These heroes risk their lives in dangerous situations for people they likely do not know. This kind of selflessness is beyond admirable. Willow Street Fire Company responds to almost 500 calls every year and services West Lampeter Township and Providence Township. They also provide mutual aid to surrounding townships. For 100 years, Willow Street Fire Company emergency and rescue service volunteers have demonstrated what it means to be a good neighbor. I thank them for the heroism and bravery they demonstrate daily. Congratulations to Willow Street Fire Company. I wish them a happy 100th anniversary.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Air Force Sergeant Norman ''Norm'' Crone for his devotion and service to our Nation. Norm enlisted in the Air Force as a young man, inspired by his father's passion for model airplanes. After undergoing basic training and aircraft and engine school to become a mechanic, Norm's role changed when he was instead asked to be a flight engineer due to a shortage. He serviced the C54 Globe Master aircraft mostly out of Wiesbaden, Germany, often flying over the Iron Curtain. Norm had the unique honor of flying with ``the Candy Bomber'' himself, Colonel Gail Halverson, during the Berlin Airlift. Norm helped package and attach the parachutes to the Hershey's chocolate bars being dropped to the children. He reflected, ``It was a heartwarming experience to see the children eagerly waiting below . . . knew we were making their day a little brighter.'' Norm was discharged at the beginning of the Korean War, prompting him to reenlist and serve his country again. He was stationed in Kadena Okinawa, Japan, with a team carrying out bombing missions near the Manchurian border. During his service, Norm suffered an injury in a plane crash. In Korea, he also had to bail out during a bombing mission, in which many servicemen did not survive. In honor of his remarkable service, he has received numerous awards, including the WWII Victory Medal. the United Nations Service with the Air Force, and the Purple Heart. Mr. Speaker, it takes someone of extraordinary character to risk their life, time after time, for the sake of this country. As we mark the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, I want to thank Norm for his exemplary service to our Nation. We are forever indebted to his heroism and bravery in the line of duty.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Command Sgt. Maj. Marc Weiss of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, for his 35 years of service in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Marc enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1988. He began his career of military leadership at Foxtrot Battery, 109th Field Artillery Regiment, where he eventually became First Sergeant. For the last two and a half years, Marc led the 213th Regional Support Group. Marc's colleagues speak highly of his dedication to understanding units within his command, which he did to better prepare and lead the formations. Throughout his career, Marc was involved in overseas missions to Bosnia, Kosovo, England, and Iraq, as well as multiple state and drug interdiction missions. Upon his retirement, Marc was presented with the Legion of Merit award for his devoted service and career. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Sgt. Maj. Weiss for his commitment to our Nation and his selfless service. We are indebted to the 35 years of sacrifice he has given. I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate WGAL News 8 for 75 years on the air. For more than seven decades, the WGAL News 8 team has dedicated themselves to covering the news and providing entertainment to millions of people across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. WGAL has proven itself a staple in the homes of Pennsylvanians. They have provided coverage on a variety of topics from the most endearing segments like the old Percy the Platypus, to Pennsylvanian traditions like the Farm Show, and keeping residents informed on breaking news, WGAL has paved the way for news coverage in the modern age. They were the first station in the Susquehanna Valley to provide live news coverage via a mobile news truck, allowing them to begin broadcasting from anywhere in the region. Over the last 75 years, the news industry and the world have drastically changed, but the devotion of WGAL to provide essential news coverage and local entertainment has not. The news delivered by the WGAL team marks the beginning and end of the day for many people, and their impact on the community cannot be understated. The team at WGAL News 8 has been there through moments of jubilation and national tragedy. Through it all, the community could count on receiving the news from this trusted source. Congratulations to WGAL News 8 as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. I wish them all the best in their next 75 years.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Elizabethtown High School Bowling Team on winning the Pennsylvania State High School Bowling Championship. The nail biting, back and forth matchup was a hard-fought battle of skill, technique, and determination. The final few frames ended in a series of splits that drove up the anticipation in the alley. Finally, the Elizabethtown Bears were able to seal the deal by five pins. Bowling requires a unique set of athletic capabilities and teamwork to strike your way to a victory. The Elizabethtown Bowling Team should be extraordinarily proud of this success and all their accomplishments throughout the season. I congratulate them on their State Championship victory and wish them all the best of luck in the future.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Karl Kreiser on his retirement after serving as a coach to Columbia High School Basketball for 28 years. Karl served a total of seventeen years as the Girls Varsity Head Coach, while also coaching the varsity boys' team for four years and acting as the skipper for the boys' junior high team for an additional seven years. Karl followed in the footsteps of his father, Elmer Kreiser, the Columbia Boys Basketball Coaching legend who established the program's legacy across the Commonwealth. Respected on and off the court, Karl's coaching was defined by his mentorship. The focal point of his leadership was ensuring his players knew the importance of giving back to the people in the community. The legacy of Coach Karl Kreiser is displayed all around the Crimson Tide gymnasium in the form of banners and trophies adorning the walls. Over his nearly three decades of coaching, Karl won 431 games. In his last four seasons with the Girls Varsity Team, Columbia won three section crowns, a league title, while making it to four district championships, and three state playoffs. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Coach Karl Kreiser on a remarkable career and wish him well as he begins his well-deserved retirement.