Lloyd Smucker

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a dedicated law enforcement officer from Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. Northern Lancaster County Regional Chief of Police David Steffen was recently selected to serve as the president of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, which represents over 1,200 commanding level officers across local, State, and Federal law enforcement entities in Pennsylvania. Chief Steffen has spent his 40-plus-year career in law enforcement, having served in Jackson Township, Hampden Township, and then the Northern York County Regional Police Department, before being named the first chief of Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department in 2011. As chief of the department, Steffen leads over 30 full-time sworn officers and three civil staff, covering approximately 100 square miles in north central Lancaster County. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chief Steffen for supporting his fellow law enforcement officers, for achieving this recognition, and congratulate him on his new and well-deserved role. To Chief Steffen and law enforcement officers across Pennsylvania's 11th District and across the country, thank you for your dedicated service and your efforts to keep our community safe. Honoring Elizabethtown Mayor Chuck Mummert

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to Mayor Chuck Mummert of Elizabethtown Borough in Lancaster County. Mayor Mummert was recently named Mayor of the Year by the Associations of Mayors of Boroughs of Pennsylvania. Mayor Mummert has served the residents of Elizabethtown since 2006, in his first 4 years as a member of borough council there, and then since 2010 as mayor. In addition to this honor, Mayor Mummert, in 2018, received the Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence, and he previously served as president of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs. Mayor Mummert is known as the singing mayor, as he is frequently called upon to lend his talented voice in singing the national anthem at events; something that I have certainly always enjoyed. So I want to congratulate Mayor Mummert on being named Mayor of the Year, and to thank him for all of his work in continuing to make Elizabethtown Borough an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, there are several problems with what I am hearing on the floor today. One, this is a blank check for Democrats to continue to spend at unprecedented levels. They talk about this spending for previous expenditures. Not true. This doesn't even set a limit. This would suspend completely the debt limit until December 16, 2022. They can spend as much as they want. It is a big problem. Number two. Democrats aren't talking about finding ways to reduce the debt. We must tackle that problem. Rather, they believe that they can spend their way into a prosperous economy. In fact, they are attempting to completely erode the foundation of our society that has been built on individual freedom and personal responsibility, and they want to pave the way for the radical socialist agenda. Unfortunately, we are already seeing the economic damage from their disastrous policies. Inflation is showing a 4 percent increase year to date. Consumer price inflation is higher than that. That is more than double the Federal Reserve's 2 percent goal. Those increases are being felt in my district; they are being felt across the country; and they are essentially a hidden tax on the American people. Another problem we have, while they are attempting to spend even more money, cause even more economic harm, they will further degrade confidence in the dollar. And, finally, another problem. This is an exercise in futility, and they know it. They know that this bill is very unlikely to pass in the Senate. So this is simply to score cheap political points today. Democrats are in full control of the House, Senate, and the Presidency. They can raise the debt at any time. In fact, they passed up another opportunity to amend their budget resolution to include a debt ceiling increase, and they refused to do so. Madam Speaker, I am strongly opposed to the Democrats' radical socialist agenda, and I oppose this bill which will help them advance that agenda.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Poiema Visual Arts as it celebrates its grand opening on this day, September 24, 2021. With roots in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Poiema Visual Arts is an organization which seeks to foster values such as discipleship and friendship among Christian visual artists across Pennsylvania. Lancaster County is home to a burgeoning arts community, with many artists, craftsmen, and others finding it an ideal place from which to hone their craft and exhibit their work. Poiema Visual Arts will be a welcome addition to that community. Art is often thought of as a universal language which can bring together people from all walks of life. We hope Poiema Visual Arts can do just that and unite people across Pennsylvania's Eleventh District and beyond. We wish Poiema Visual Arts all the best and eagerly wait to see what the future has in store.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, this body just spent several weeks considering a massive spending bill proposed by the Democrats. In my case, as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, we went through a 4- day markup considering the bill and debating the bill, and I want to just share some of my thoughts and takeaways. The number one takeaway is that I just cannot comprehend how my Democrat colleagues on this bill are thinking. In fact, I hope the American people are paying attention because I have never seen such divergent views about how to create prosperity for all Americans. I have never seen such differing opinions about how to do it. Now, I will give this to the Democrats: I believe they do want to see the American people prosper. They want to help people. I know we as Republicans want to do that, and I hope they grant us that same courtesy of believing that. But this administration has already spent trillions of dollars in the past 6 months, trillions of dollars, and now, with this bill, they want to spend another $3\1/2\ trillion. Democrats literally believe that Big Government is the answer. They believe Big Government will solve these problems and will help Americans prosper. At the same time, they are disincentivizing work and advancing policies that increase dependence on the Federal Government as if they don't even understand that those who are working and businesses creating jobs and prospering are the ones who are paying the taxes that will pay for these programs. I just don't get it. Republicans have a far different answer. We believe in the American people. We believe in their creativity, their hard work, their ingenuity. We believe in achieving the American Dream. I have lived that American Dream. I was born in an Old Order Amish family, number 10 of 12 children. My father was first a farmer and then a roofer, raising 12 children on that income. I was the first in my family to graduate from high school. I paid for my own education. My parents required me to attend a private Christian school. I bought a small business when I was 17 years old, operating out of a spare bedroom in my parents' home, and lived the American Dream. Over 25 years, I grew, with other family members, that company to be a leader in the type of construction we were doing, creating jobs for hundreds of Americans, family-sustaining jobs. There are stories like that all across this body, all across the district that I represent, all across the country. It is what we call the American Dream, the idea that every generation can do better than their parents' generation and their grandparents' generation before them. I think we have a choice in this body, and I think the choice is clear. Will we allow the government to dictate every facet of American life, or will we renew our trust in the American people and in their freedom? That is a question that will determine how our kids and our grandkids will be able to live and whether they have the same opportunities that we had. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, whose side I am on. I am on the side of the American people. We have already seen the damage done as a result of these policies that the Democrats have implemented. We are seeing inflation where the American people are paying more for goods, and their paycheck is buying less than it did before. It is only going to get worse if we continue going down this path. These programs can only be paid for with more debt, printing money, or raising taxes on hardworking Americans. It doesn't work. Tell me a time in history when it has worked, when a country has overdelivered, overspent, and overpromised. Mr. Speaker, we have a choice in this body. Every American's desire to achieve greatness is what has made our country the envy of the world. Let's reject these policies and let's put us on a path to allowing every American the chance to achieve their own American Dream.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Anthony Cazillo, III, who passed away last month at the young age of 26 years old. Anthony made an exceptional impact in his short life in the lives that he touched and in the community that he lived. He served as a township supervisor in Pequea Township, Lancaster County, and he was running for reelection this year. To serve in elected office at such a young age speaks to the life of service that Anthony lived and the passion that he had for improving his community. One of Anthony's goals as a supervisor was to ``make Pequea Township boring again.'' This is just one example of his wit, his sense of humor, and I believe indicative of the servant's spirit that he carried as a local elected official. Anthony was a graduate of Millersville University and the Penn Manor School District. He is survived by his wife, Katelyn; his parents; and his sisters. My condolences and prayers of comfort are with the Cazillo family, his friends, and all those who grieve for Anthony. I was really thankful to have gotten to know him in recent years. We certainly wished that Anthony could have been with all of us longer, but we do give thanks for the time spent with him. Utz's 100th Anniversary

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an iconic business and household brand name from Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. Utz Brands of Hanover--the ``Snack Food Capital of the World''--is celebrating its 100th year in business and now has the fifth generation of family members as part of the company. Founded as Hanover Home Brand Potato Chips by Bill and Salie Utz in 1921 with just $300, the company used hand-operated equipment to produce up to 50 pounds of potato chips per hour from their home. Quickly outgrowing the volume they were able to produce from their home, the company changed its name to Utz Potato Chip Company and purchased land to build their first factory on Carlisle Street in Hanover in 1947. Fifty pounds of potato chips per hour in 1921 has grown to 5.5 million pounds of snacks produced each week. Utz Brand operates 15 factories in the United States, generating over $1 billion in sales annually. The company's headquarters and six manufacturing facilities, as well as 1,800 employees who staff those facilities, call Pennsylvania's 11th District home. Utz is certainly one of the key families and companies that have earned Hanover the moniker of the ``Snack Food Capital of the World.'' They have made an extraordinary impact on the community that I represent through their business and charitable efforts. I want to congratulate them on this remarkable milestone of 100 years in business and wish them continued success in the next century as well. Eighteen Days for H.R. 18

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of life and our Nation's unborn children. For over 40 years, the Hyde amendment has kept taxpayer money from funding abortions, and it is estimated to have saved at least 2.4 million lives. Polling consistently shows that a majority of Americans oppose being forced to pay for abortions with their tax money. This is something that we all should be able to agree on. However, House Democrats recently passed a spending bill for the Department of Health and Human Services that, for the first time since 1976, does not include the Hyde amendment. H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, would make the prohibition against Federal funding for abortions permanent and government-wide. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18. Life is a precious gift, and we must do all that we can to ensure that we defend the unborn who have no voice to speak for themselves.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lampeter- Strasburg High School softball team for winning the PIAA 5A Softball Championship earlier this month, with a 10-7 victory over Armstrong. This is the Pioneers' second State championship in just 3 years. This victory capped off a dominant 30-win season. Through the halfway mark, the Pioneers were down 1 run entering the 5th inning, but after putting 5 runs on the scoreboard, including a 2- run home run from senior Cam Byler, the game was over as the Pioneers closed out to claim the championship. Mr. Speaker, I extend congratulations to the team members for their success this season. It is a great credit to the players, their hard work, Head Coach Gene Charles, the entire coaching staff, that, for the past 3 years, the Pioneers have played in the championship game, bringing home the trophy this year and previously in 2018. Mr. Speaker, our community is really proud of this truly outstanding accomplishment. We wish the graduating seniors best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Harold Keller of Mount Joy, who recently passed away. Harold will be remembered for his life of service and building a stronger community in Mount Joy. He was a proud Rotarian, serving as President of the Mount Joy Rotary Club. He additionally served as a member of the Mount Joy Borough Council and Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce. Harold and his wife Helen were known as Mr. & Mrs. Santa in Mount Joy, bringing happiness to children and residents for over 35 years. Harold generously supported charitable organizations across the community and supported those in need, for instance, donating food to those impacted by Hurricane Agnes while his own home was flooded. Harold pursued his professional dream of becoming an auctioneer, opening Keller Auctions in 1960, which is now in its third generation. Harold served during many benefit auctions to support community organizations across the region and in 2012, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Auctioneers Hall of Fame. Harold enjoyed every moment with his family, and we offer prayers of comfort for those who grieve his passing. Harold is survived by his loving family, including Helen, his wife of 68 years, their eight children, nineteen grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Mary Duffy Sheaffer Burton, who passed away earlier this year. I certainly appreciated Mary's friendship and support over the last several decades. She was an incredible lady. Mary made an indelible mark through her works and service to the Lancaster County community. She was a lifelong entrepreneur, a pioneer of the manufacturing industry in Lancaster, starting her first business in her garage, HDJ Company, in 1960, which became a leader in the design and manufacture of precision machining parts and would later become specialized medical devices and implants. Her businesses would employ many individuals over the years, building lasting relationships with many, positively impacting their lives. Mary received the Golden Micrometer Award from the Precision Machined Products Association of America, which is the highest honor of the industry in 2008 and was a recognition of her outstanding efforts and achievement. She was just as devoted to improving her community, generously supporting, with her time and talents, many organizations which built Lancaster's thriving arts community, historical organizations, and organizations supporting women and children. Mary is survived by her three children, who we express our sincerest condolences to, Duffy, Mary, and Edward, and by her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. We are sad at Mary's passing, but she brought happiness to the lives of so many, and for that we give thanks. Taxing the Middle Class

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, President Biden is raising taxes on the middle class. Make no mistake about it. Middle-class Americans are feeling the squeeze of inflation as well--at the gas pump, at the grocery store, at the hardware store, and everywhere in between--as a result of the President's reckless Big Government spending plans. This irresponsible $6 trillion budget doubles down on taxing the middle class, breaking his pledge to only tax the wealthy. And we know he wants to tax the middle class because the President's budget would let the working- and middle-class tax hikes from the Tax Cut and Jobs Act expire. By the way, from 2017 to 2019, the TCJA raised the median household income by over $5,000. This was a real positive impact for families across the district that I represent, for families across the country. And it also led to the lowest poverty rate in history, lifting more people out of poverty than ever before and historically slow unemployment. But, apparently, Biden wants to throw away those policies that built the strongest economy that we have seen in generations and, instead, will force greater dependence on the Federal Government. Even with all of the radical socialist policies included in the President's budget, their own projections indicate the worst economic growth of any decade since the Great Depression, at the cost of more than $17 trillion added to the national debt. Madam Speaker, the President says he wants to build back better, but I fear that he will end up building back bankrupt. America can simply not afford his middle-class tax hikes and socialist spending wish list.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank and congratulate Ella Sensenig of Millersville, who, at 85, has recently retired as a school bus driver for Penn Manor School District after 41 years of dedicated and safe service. Those 41 years must have added up to countless miles, but each trip presented the children on her school bus the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. She started in a part-time position, driving students to sports activities or to the Lancaster Career & Technology Center Campuses before she started serving two generations of students at Central Manor Elementary as passengers on her bus for over 20 years. Ella also drove the bus for her church's Bible School program for many years. She also served as a crossing guard, as a part-time police officer with Millersville, and as a nurse's aide throughout her career. In a recent interview, Ella said: ``Not a lot of people can say this, but there are no jobs I had that I didn't like.'' As she looks forward to retirement, she's looking forward to spending time with her family: two children, five grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. I thank Ella for her many years of service to students and I congratulate her on her retirement.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and to pay tribute to a community leader, a veteran, and a vocal advocate, Mr. Frank Fryburg, who passed away last week at the age of 94. Those of us who had the pleasure to know Frank know that he lived a life of service to others. Frank joined the Navy in 1944 as an electronic technician, and went on to serve 20 years in the Navy Reserves. Frank was a graduate of Penn State University, earning his bachelor's degree in physics on the GI Bill. He later earned his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Frank served his community for a decade as a commissioner in Manheim Township in Lancaster County. He was an active member of his church, a national leader of his chosen fraternity, and worked to support countless community organizations over the years. With Frank, you always knew where you stood. He always shared his opinions with you, and they were very well-thought out. He was recently recognized as one of the most prolific letter writers to the editor in the local newspaper. Frank Fryburg was a man of exceptional character, of boundless energy and determination, a true servant leader, and a community advocate. Frank is survived by his 6 children, 13 grandchildren, and 20 great- grandchildren. We will miss him. We wish those who are grieving, comfort. We give thanks for the opportunity to know Frank, who positively impacted so many people during his 94 years. Thanking Alex Munro

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to give thanks to someone who has positively impacted the lives of a generation of students and untold generations to come in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. Alex Munro has retired after 30 years as executive director of the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Foundation and Alumni Association. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is known across the State and across the Nation as a preeminent 2-year degree-granting institution, which prepares students for today's in-demand technical jobs. Prior to serving the college, Alex graduated from the school then known as the Thaddeus Stevens Trade School, and he talked many times about how it changed his life. He studied masonry at the school. After 25 years in the private sector, successfully applying those skills and the lessons that he learned at Thaddeus Stevens, Alex joined the alumni foundation board before becoming the foundation's executive director in 1990. Alex has been integral to the advancement of the school, building relationships with elected officials and industry leaders to support expansion of the school's mission and programs. Alex is known for saying: ``Changing lives is not by chance; it is a tradition at Stevens.'' That is a tradition that he has dedicated himself to for the past 30 years. I personally have worked with Alex for a number of years, and I have always appreciated his efforts and candor. I want to thank Alex for all he has done to improve the lives of so many students, and I congratulate him on his retirement.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 88.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, the previous speaker said Republicans want to do nothing to help, which is false, untrue. Members in this body came together during an unprecedented crisis and passed five bills to provide much-needed relief and pave the way to defeat the virus. I believe that all of us continue to support targeted help for those who need it. But that is not what this bill is. This bill may have made sense a year ago, but why would we print and borrow $2 trillion when we are so close to crushing this virus and returning to a way of life that all Americans sacrificed? Why give $130 billion to schools and not require them to open when the CDC says it is safe and at a time when so many kids are desperate for personal social interaction? Why provide $350 billion to States that shut down their economies even though their revenues are at record highs? Why send $1,400 checks to individuals when the majority of those receiving the checks never lost any income? People want to get back to work. So why make it harder, as we are doing in this bill by giving them a bonus to stay home? The answer is this bill is not just about COVID relief. It is about enacting the largest progressive policy wish list of all time. Mr. Speaker, we can do better than this, and the American people deserve better.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, this bill today is a missed opportunity, a missed opportunity for people all across this country to live their own American Dream, to access the jobs that are available in this country. This is at a time when millions have lost their jobs due to this pandemic. Why? Because Democrats are more interested in protecting the labor unions than they are in helping the 94 percent of the private-sector workforce that is not part of a labor union and in helping the millions of individuals who are not able to access the workforce at all. It is a shame. You should be ashamed of yourselves. I know because I owned a nonunion construction company that was unable to start an apprenticeship program due to union pushback. Now, I will agree with you, construction labor unions have a great training program. I have seen them firsthand. But why not expand that to other construction companies and other industries? All of us know that in the United States, we are far behind many European countries in the apprenticeship programs that we offer in many different industries, and it affects the American worker and the opportunities that they have. This bill doubles down on that system. What we need is more innovation to allow more individuals and more families to achieve their own American Dream, and the Democrats are wholly failing to do so in this bill.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the objection.

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I would like to start by making two basic points: Number one, individual States who administer elections must ensure that they are conducted fairly, uniformly, and in accordance with the law; and Number two, every American wants to be, and deserves to be, confident that our elections are secure and that all eligible legal votes are counted accurately and in a transparent manner. And I will say this. In my district in Lancaster and York Counties, I think that occurred. I am very proud of my county election officials, who upheld the Pennsylvania Constitution and followed the letter of the law; but, unfortunately, that sentiment is not shared across the Commonwealth. Today, my objection is not about voter fraud; it is grounded on unconstitutional measures taken by bureaucrats and partisan justices in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that have unlawfully changed how this election was carried out. This potentially changed the outcome and certainly caused millions of our States' voters to question the election results. Other speakers have outlined this issue. In brief, the Pennsylvania State Legislature, in 2019, passed a bipartisan election law reform bill, and then the partisan Pennsylvania Supreme Court took it upon themselves to rewrite that law just 7 weeks before the election. They unlawfully legislated from the bench and made substantive changes to the law, including allowing for unsecured drop boxes and ordering that ballots received after the election be counted, among other things. The Pennsylvania Secretary of State took it even further. Her unilateral, unconstitutional changes resulted in counties treating ballots differently so that some voters had the opportunity to change mail-in ballots to correct deficiencies, while in other counties, their ballots simply were not counted. As Members of Congress, we serve as a voice for our constituents. This is the one time I have a voice in this process, and I cannot simply look away when tens of thousands of my constituents have real and legitimate concerns about how this election was conducted in Pennsylvania. In fact, I think an inadequate response to those concerns by Pennsylvania officials is one of the major problems. Simple measures like audits should be routine and random and supported by both parties, and I believe they are critical for restoring faith in Pennsylvania's elections moving forward. The bottom line for my constituents is that Pennsylvania's officials, at all levels, failed to conduct a uniform and legal election, and for that reason, they inappropriately and unlawfully certified the State's electors. Madam Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller), my colleague.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a local business in my congressional district and congratulate them as they celebrate their 125th anniversary this year. To my constituents in the 11th District, when they hear the words ``New Holland,'' they often think of a great borough with about 6,000 residents located in Eastern Lancaster County. But when others across the globe hear the words ``New Holland,'' it often means to them high quality, agricultural machinery. New Holland Agriculture, which is a brand of CNH Industrial, was founded 125 years ago in New Holland, Pennsylvania, by a gentleman named Abe Zimmerman. What Mr. Zimmerman began as a small machine shop in 1895 would eventually grow to become a global leader in agricultural equipment, from tractors to harvesting. The company became known for technological innovations, particularly the development of the first automatic hay baler nearly 80 years ago. The company's hay tools plant still operates in New Holland, Pennsylvania, where they produce approximately 30 models of balers, which are exported to 45 countries around the world. New Holland Agriculture has 800 dealerships in North America and nearly 5,000 more across the globe. Madam Speaker, I am particularly thankful for and proud of the hard work by the company's nearly 1,000 full-time employees in New Holland, Pennsylvania. Many of them I know personally and are some of my closest friends. I particularly want to mention my father-in-law, Jim Greiner, who spent his entire career at New Holland. He retired after 45 years as a project engineer and had a great career there. I am thankful for how New Holland has given back to the community, particularly working to support STEM education in my congressional district. The organization recently hosted an externship program for local educators to provide a hands-on learning experience for teachers to see how New Holland's employees use STEM every day at the workplace. Madam Speaker, I offer my congratulations to New Holland North America on their 125th anniversary. I am certain that Mr. Abe Zimmerman, who founded the company so long ago, could not have envisioned how the business would grow to support agriculture across the globe but would be very, very proud of what his company has accomplished. I wish them continued success as they navigate the next 125 years in business and thank them for having a positive impact on the community that I represent. In Honor of Frontline Workers and Servicemembers

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I also rise today to honor the brave men and women in my district and across America who have been working hard to combat COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, doctors, nurses, and medical professionals in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers have committed long hours away from their families to put the needs of others before their own. They have worked without pause to keep our community healthy and to care for those in need. Throughout this pandemic, farmers, producers, truck drivers, and manufacturers have also worked without pause to provide for us all. The farmers and agriculture producers in my district adjusted to changes in supply chain operations to keep our Nation fed. Truck drivers and logistics professionals ensured deliveries of essential goods and personal protective equipment were delivered, and delivered on time. Educators have also faced significant challenges this year, but they have continued to provide students with the best education possible in these circumstances. Adapting to the challenges of remote instruction, educators in school districts had to adjust quickly to make sure students are still receiving that quality education. America's teachers always rise to the occasion, and they have done so once again. Madam Speaker, we also honor the brave servicemembers in the United States Armed Forces who are away from their families for this upcoming holiday season, and we pray for their continued safety. We must also hold their families in our hearts as they, too, serve our Nation with bravery while their loved ones are abroad. Madam Speaker, lastly, I thank everyone here in the Capitol working hard to put safety measures in place so we can be here in Washington to serve and work for the American people. I know that brighter days lie ahead for our neighbors and nations. Therapeutics and vaccines are going to help us turn the corner on this virus. Please keep your loved ones and neighbors in mind. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing this holiday season. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of S. 461, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities--HBCU--PARTNERS Act, which stands for Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students. This legislation is a result of bipartisan, bicameral collaboration and executive leadership across administrations. Executive orders on HBCUs began under Jimmy Carter and have evolved with each succeeding President. In 1989, George H.W. Bush established the first President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs and the White House Initiative on HBCUs. In February 2017, President Trump built upon these historic efforts and issued an executive order to promote excellence and innovation at HBCUs. S. 461 would codify President Trump's executive order to pave a brighter and stronger path forward for HBCUs. Notably, this bill established the President's Board of Advisors, a 23-member board responsible for advising the President and reporting on strengthening the educational capacity and economic offerings of HBCUs. The board will also work closely with the White House Initiative on HBCUs to make recommendations to improve overall competitiveness of HBCUs, their ability to remain financially secure, how to elevate public awareness and appreciation of HBCUs, and more. Federal agencies will collaborate with the White House Initiative on HBCUs, and each agency will work to increase the capacity of HBCUs to compete effectively for Federal grants and contracts and to participate in Federal programs. As a member of the Education & Labor Committee, I have spent time learning about the ways in which HBCUs serve our country's students and higher education community. I know I speak for many on the committee and in this Chamber when I say that HBCUs play a critical role in preparing our country's next generation of leaders and innovators. This legislation before us today will empower HBCUs' education and economic offerings so they can continue serving students, families, and communities across the United States. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).