Lloyd Smucker

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize and congratulate Brian Wiczkowski on his retirement as Police Chief for West Lampeter Township after 36 years in law enforcement. After graduating from Millersville University with a degree in secondary education, Brian Wiczkowski joined the Lancaster City Police Department in 1990. In his time with Lancaster City, he served in the Patrol Division, the Criminal Investigation Division, and was an original member of the Community Policing Program, and he led those efforts when the city established its own Community Policing Department in 1999. He also worked closely with the county's Behavioral Health/ Disabilities Service to assign a Crisis Intervention employee to the department. After advancing through the ranks, Brian was promoted to Captain of the Patrol Division in 2008 before accepting the position of Chief of Police in West Lampeter in 2014. As chief, he led the West Lampeter Township Police Department to become fully accredited through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program helped implement the School Resource Officer position in Lampeter-Strasburg School District, and established a co-responder program to assist those suffering from drug addiction and mental health issues. After 36 years in law enforcement, Chief Wiczkowski ends a storied career of positive impact and service to the local community. I thank Chief Wiczkowski for his service and wish him the best in retirement.

Ms. SMUCKER

Ms. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Paul R. Hollinger of West Lampeter Township, who passed away on August 29, 2026, at the age of 91. Paul was a pioneer in the Christian radio industry. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and trained in broadcast sales, Paul began his career at a station in Chicago and then in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania until radio evangelist Percy Crawford hired him as general manager of WDAC in southern Lancaster County in 1961. Paul took on the role of general manager at the first FM station in the Lancaster area at a time when there were only a hundred Christian broadcasting stations in the country. He oversaw the transformation of WDAC into one of the largest stations in the region and one of the largest Christian radio stations in the country. From 1981 to 2014, he was co-owner of WDAC and retired as chief operating officer at the end of 2006, having spent a total of 53 years in Christian radio. Paul's legacy extends beyond his contributions to radio. He had an enormous impact on the churches he attended, particularly Calvary Church in Manheim Township, where he served as a teacher, elder, member of the choir for 40 years, and church historian. He served as a director on many organizational boards, including the National Religious Broadcasters and Willow Valley Retirement Communities. Most importantly, he was a husband to Sylvia, a father to Kerin and Timothy, a grandfather to six, and great-grandfather to nine. Paul R. Hollinger leaves behind an enormous legacy that has reached all parts of the community. As we recognize and celebrate his life, we offer our prayers of comfort to his family during this time.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the Elizabethtown Area High School Esports team on securing its second consecutive Pennsylvania Interscholastic Esports Association state championship. The outstanding team of Peter Dunbar, Madalyn Guerrisi, Jackson Langlois, Anthony Lazzari Jaymian Ortiz, and Liam Shriner earned first place competing in Marvel Rivals, a superhero shooter game inspired by the Marvel Comics franchise. I also commend their coach, Mr. Austin Henderson, whose leadership and guidance were instrumental in achieving this remarkable victory. In addition to its impressive performance, the Elizabethtown Area High School Esports Team received an $80,000 state grant. This funding will allow the team to purchase gaming computers, consoles and furniture to establish a dedicated esports arena within the high school, providing a permanent space for practices and tournaments. I commend the Elizabethtown Area High School Esports Team for this exceptional achievement and the dedication its members have demonstrated. Programs like this foster teamwork, technical skills, and innovation among students, while strengthening educational opportunities across our District. I applaud the team's championship victory and wish them continued success.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Vivian Salerno on being crowned an AAU Junior Olympic Champion and setting a new 800-meter record. Vivian ran a time of 2:06:54 at the Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa, on August 5, 2026, which earned her first place in the 800- meter race in the 17- and 18-year-old girls division. She also set a Junior Olympic record, beating the previous record by 0.7 seconds. Her personal record of 2:06.33 is three seconds faster than any competitor in Lancaster-Lebanon League history. She is the first individual national champion from the Lancaster City Track and Field Club. Vivian, who is a junior at McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has won many other titles. She was a gold medalist at the Pennsylvania State Championships in May and placed first at both the Lancaster-Lebanon League Championships and District 3 Championships. In June 2026, she competed at the Outdoor Nationals in Philadelphia and placed fifth. Vivian is a well-decorated and talented athlete whose work ethic makes Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District proud. I congratulate her on her tremendous accomplishments at both the state, and national levels, and I wish her many more years of success.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and recognize James Hensel, store manager of Oregon Dairy in Lititz, Pennsylvania, as a 2026 FMI Store Manager Awards Grand Prize Winner. The FMI Store Manager Awards, given by FMI, The Food Industry Association, recognize outstanding grocery store managers who generate sales growth, communicate effectively, lead strong teams, provide exceptional customer service, and contribute to their communities. James Hensel was one of three American small retail managers chosen for this prestigious award. James has worked for the family-owned Oregon Dairy store for 35 years, beginning as produce manager and perishable manager before being promoted to store manager three years ago. During his time with Oregon Dairy, James created a full-scale lawn and garden department, expanded Oregon Dairy's private brand program, helped launch their highly profitable sushi station, and implemented its loyalty program. With the knowledge and contributions that he provides, James is an integral member of the Oregon Dairy staff and is seen as a mentor by the rest of the team. Having dedicated 35 years to making Oregon Dairy one of the premier retailers in the region, James is a fitting recipient of the 2026 FMI Store Manager Award. I am pleased that both the store and James are receiving nationwide recognition, and I look forward to his continued impact on our community.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding and all of his work on this, what I call, commonsense resolution, a simple resolution, really, addressing three priorities that the American people support, three priorities that are core functions of government and that are very, very important. Number one is election security, ensuring that our elections are conducted fairly, securely, and that only American citizens are voting. Voter ID, the American people support that. Mr. Chair, 80 to 90 percent of the American people support the idea of showing voter ID when you show up to vote. Number two, this is instruction to the committees. It begins the process of providing our servicemembers with the resources they need to meet growing threats around the world and keeping the American people safe. These individuals who are serving us are putting their lives in harm's way every day. The least we can do is ensure they have the tools and equipment they need to do their jobs and to keep us safe. Finally, the third point in this resolution is ensuring our food supply is secure. Our American farmers work very, very hard every single day to feed America--really, feed the world. They have had some tough times, and this provides the help they need at this time to ensure that they can continue to feed America. Unfortunately, every Democrat on the House Budget Committee voted against these commonsense provisions in this resolution. The American people sent us here to deliver. They sent us here to deliver on these priorities. It is a great resolution. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the SAVE America Act as it moves through the House.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Sight & Sound Theaters for a milestone 50 years in business. Known across the world for its Biblical epics on stage and screen, Sight & Sound began with Glenn Eshelman, a Lancaster County dairy farmer, and his passion for art, photography, and sharing his faith. In 1976, the popularity of Mr. Eshelman's multimedia shows led him and his wife, Shirley, to establish their first theater in Ronks. Over time, they added live theatrical elements and debuted their first full- length Biblical production in 1987. After their theater burned down in 1997, they built a state-of-the- art facility that would allow for the large-scale productions they are known for today. Since then, they have added a second location in Branson, Missouri, and developed a streaming platform to produce their own movies for the silver screen. The name, Sight & Sound, is inspired by Matthew 13:13 where Jesus explains his use of parables saying, ``Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear. . . . '' What began as a humble production company has since exploded into one of the top theater destinations in the U.S. with almost a million attendees each year. Today, Sight & Sound continues to be run by the Eshelman family and has a committed team of over 800 employees. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Sight & Sound for their strong message and the positive impact they have had across the entire world.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 264, I mistakenly voted YES when I intended to vote NO.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize Nate Huber, who was recently installed as the 2026 to 2027 Vice President for the Pennsylvania FFA. Having emerged from a rigorous nomination and election process, Nate Huber was one of seven officers chosen to lead the Pennsylvania FFA in 2026 to 2027. Nate is a recent graduate of Manheim Central High School and held leadership positions in the Manheim FFA. Nate Huber's commitment to agriculture is evident from his experience at a local poultry company to his introduction of agricultural education programs at his school. Beyond his leadership roles with the FFA, he also holds positions with the Pennsylvania Farm Show and Manheim Community Farm Show. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Lancaster County's economy, and Nate Huber has proven to be an ardent support of this legacy. I congratulate Nate Huber on his well-earned title as Vice President of the Pennsylvania FFA. As he settles into his new role and prepares for a bright future ahead, I wish him continued success in all his endeavors.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize Chris Leppler on his retirement as Lancaster County Sheriff after three decades of service with the department. Chris Leppler, a lifelong resident of Lancaster County and graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School, joined the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office in November 1994. Starting with the department as a Deputy Sheriff, Chris Leppler ascended through the ranks and became Sergeant in 2005. He was elected Sheriff by the voters of Lancaster County in 2017 and has served in that position since. Notable during Sheriff Leppler's tenure was his collaboration with law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. His office worked with the Lancaster County District Attorney to form the Human Trafficking Task Force in 2022 and collaborated with local partners on the County Special Emergency Task Force and Joining Forces, an initiative to combat the opioid epidemic. The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office also coordinated with federal ]aw enforcement agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and United States Secret Service. Sheriff Chris Leppler retires with nearly 32 years of service to the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office, including almost 9 years as Sheriff. I thank Sheriff Leppler for his three decades of service to the residents of Lancaster County and for helping to keep Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District safe. I wish him well in his hard-earned retirement.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and recognize Coach Dan Graybill on his retirement after 40 years of dedication to the Manheim Township High School Blue Streaks swimming team. Coach Dan Graybill led the Blue Streaks boys' program for 40 years and guided the girls' program for 39 years. Under his leadership as head coach, the girls team secured 15 Lancaster-Lebanon League team titles, while the boys team earned 11 titles. Together, the Blue Streaks amassed a total of 31 section crowns during his tenure. Beyond his work at Manheim Township High School, Coach Graybill also contributed to the sport through coaching positions at the Lancaster YMCA and Overlook, a team in the Lancaster County Summer Swim League. Coach Graybill has left a profound impact on the Manheim Township swimming community. I congratulate Dan Graybill on his well-deserved retirement, and I wish him the best wherever the future may lead him.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and recognize Audrey Whisman for being named Miss Pennsylvania Volunteer 2026. Audrey Whisman, a graduate of Manheim Township in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and a student at Gettysburg College, was named Miss Pennsylvania Volunteer 2026. In June, she represented our Commonwealth in the Miss Volunteer America Pageant, a nationwide pageant program oriented toward community service and volunteerism. In line with the selfless spirit that the pageant promotes, Audrey is an advocate for those affected by selective mutism, an anxiety disorder that she herself has, helping children and educating teachers and parents on the disorder, Audrey has also raised over $100,000 for a local nonprofit daycare that serves low-income and homeless families and has assisted in the facilitation of hurricane relief. Since her crowning as Miss Pennsylvania Volunteer last October, Audrey has made 174 appearances across Pennsylvania to promote her selective mutism initiative and has partnered with organizations such as the Salvation Army. All of this took place during her time at Gettysburg College, where she maintained a 4.0 GPA. I congratulate Audrey Whisman on being named Miss Pennsylvania Volunteer. Having met with her last year, I am continually impressed by her passion and dedication to the community, and I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, due to sickness, I missed an important vote on H.R. 6644 and S. 629. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 223, and YEA on Roll Call No. 224.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and recognize the J.P. McCaskey High School girls track and field team on securing first place in the 2026 PIAA Class 3A Track and Field Championship. The Red Tornados made history on May 22 and May 23 at the PIAA Class 3A Track and Field Championship, earning their third girls team state title in school history and their first since 1993. McCaskey's gold medals in the 400-meter relay and 800-meter relay propelled them to first place. The relay team of Damani Crossen, Ella Petrosky, Alonda Grover, and Corrine Miller nabbed gold with a time of 47.20 seconds, while Vivian Salerno capped off her historic season with an 800-meter time of 2:08.61. A silver medal in the 100-meter and fourth-place finish in the 200-meter cemented an accolade-heavy weekend for Ella Petrosky. Team success in the javelin and 3,200-relay also contributed to McCaskey's first-place finish at the PIAA Championship. With a total of 42 points, the Red Tornados eclipsed the second-place finishers by 15 points. The McCaskey girls track and field team has made the school district and Lancaster County proud with its incredible performance at the 2026 PIAA Track and Field Championship. I congratulate coach Derek Jennings, his staff, and the athletes on their well-earned success. I look forward to seeing what these student-athletes accomplish next, and I wish them all the best of luck.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Maybe they want the thousands of people, the caravans that came across the border during the Biden years. President Trump was right. It just takes a President to make that change and to secure the border. The American people deserve a secure border. They want a secure border. They deserve a functioning immigration system, and they deserve a government that is focused on them, not these partisan games. Today, by passing this bill, we stand ready to finish the job of funding border security, restoring immigration enforcement, and putting the safety and interests of American citizens first. I urge support for this legislation.

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, it is like the Democrats have developed amnesia. They talk about high prices, but inflation went to 9 percent, triple what it is today, during the Biden years. It averaged more than double what it is today. Speaking about working-class Americans, by voting against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, they voted for what would have been the largest tax increase on working families in history, had Republicans not voted to pass that bill. The Democrats then held hostage $14 million in wages from working Americans by shutting down the government, and it cost the American economy $11 billion. Despite their efforts, though, to undermine the success of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, we are still seeing strong job numbers and a resilient economy as a result of Republican policies. But let's talk about the border for just a second. Maybe it is not amnesia. Maybe they want the thousands of people pouring across the border.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate 175 years of Mount Joy Borough, Pennsylvania, a community whose remarkable history and enduring character have helped shaped Lancaster County for generations. Located in the northwestern corner of Lancaster County, Mount Joy was incorporated as a borough in 1851 through the consolidation of the villages of Mount Joy and Richland, as well as smaller hamlets. Its present boundaries were completed when Florin joined the borough in 1963. The history of Mount Joy stretches beyond the formal date of 1851. In 1689, the supply ship Mountjoy broke the blockade on the Scotch-Irish stronghold of Londonderry, ending a 105-day siege that resulted in thousands of deaths from starvation. As Scotch-Irish settlers moved into northwestern Lancaster County in the 18th century, they named their new home after the ship that saved their people decades prior. Today, Mount Joy Borough is a vibrant, walkable town with centuries- old family businesses ranging from popcorn processors and underground breweries to insurance agencies and specialty shops. The borough is also home to the oldest Memorial Day parade in Lancaster County and its own weather-prognosticating groundhog, Mount Joy Minnie. It is an honor to recognize Mount Joy Borough as it celebrates its 175th anniversary, and I am proud to count its residents among my constituents. I thank the public officials and community members, past and present, whose dedication has made this borough strong, and I look forward to the next chapter in its rich history.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 300th anniversary of Columbia Borough in Pennsylvania. Columbia, located in western Lancaster County along the Susquehanna River, was founded in 1726 by Quaker settler and entrepreneur John Wright near a Shawnee village. Originally known as Wright's Ferry, the community was formally laid out by John Wright's son, Samuel Wright, who renamed it Columbia in 1788. As a nod to Christopher Columbus, Samuel hoped to persuade Congress to make it the capital of the United States. That ambition fell short by a formal 10-9 vote, only broken by the vice president, in 1790. Renowned at the time for its railroads and bridges, Columbia became an important transportation hub in the decades that followed and served as a beacon of light along the Underground Railroad. In the summer of 1863, as Confederate forces invaded Pennsylvania in an attempt to force Union capitulation, the residents of Columbia burned their mile-long bridge across the Susquehanna River and halted the advancing Confederate troops. This courageous act helped protect communities east of the river and remains one of the borough's most significant contributions during the Civil War. By the late nineteenth century, Columbia had emerged as major industrial center, manufacturing products ranging from silk to machinery. While its economy has shifted away from manufacturing, the borough is now known for its museums, antique shops, and recreational opportunities along the Susquehanna River. Columbia, a small borough of 10,000 people, has a rich history intertwined with that of Lancaster County and our Nation as a whole. It is an honor to represent Columbia Borough and its residents, and I wish them heartfelt congratulations for 300 years of incredible contributions to our community and our country. I look forward to witnessing the next chapter in the proud history of this mighty river town.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ella Bahn on her outstanding high school track and field career. Ella, a senior at Spring Grove Area High School in York County, Pennsylvania, capped off an extraordinary high school career with her set of victories in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles at the 2026 PIAA State Track and Field Championships on May 23, 2026. Over the past 4 years, Ella has achieved remarkable success in numerous events, most notably, hurdles. She finished her high school career with seven individual PIAA State Championship gold medals and ten District 3 gold medals. Ella's specialty and favorite event is hurdles. She swept the 300- meter hurdles, winning the state championship each of her four years and won back-to-back golds in the 100-meter hurdles in 2025 and 2026. In addition to her success in hurdles, Ella won the gold medal in high jump in 2024 and helped the Spring Grove Rockets to a state title that same year. Ella will continue her academic and athletic career at Princeton University. At Princeton, she plans to continue running hurdles and potentially use her talents for the high jump. I commend Ella for the dedication and hard work that made these remarkable achievements possible. She serves as an example for young athletes across our community who strive to compete with excellence and advance their education. I congratulate Ella on these amazing achievements. I wish her the best in her future academic and athletic endeavors.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and recognize superintendent Dr. Ella Musser on her retirement from Cocalico School District. Dr. Ella Musser began her career with Cocalico School District, which is based in the northern corner of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1991. Dr. Musser worked across three of the district's elementary schools as a teacher, reading specialist, and literacy coach. After being promoted to Director of Reading and then Curriculum Director, she became Assistant to the Superintendent in 2012. Four years later, in 2016, Dr. Musser was named as the Superintendent of Cocalico School District. As superintendent, Dr. Musser's tenure overlapped with significant facility renovations, exceptional academic progress, greater integration with STEM and computer technology, as well as statewide and national recognition. Beyond her role as superintendent, Dr. Musser currently serves as a trustee for the Cocalico Education Foundation, as a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators Professional Development Committee, and as an advisory board member for Lancaster County STEM Alliance. Dr. Musser also holds a Master of Education from Kutztown University, a Doctorate in Education from Immaculata University, and certifications from Millersville University and Immaculata University. Dr. Ella Musser leaves Cocalico School District after three decades of positive impact. As we celebrate her well-earned retirement, I thank Dr. Musser for all the work she has done in making both Cocalico and Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District a great place to live and raise a family. I wish her the best wherever her future takes her.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, we should never use a government shutdown to achieve any policy benefits. We have seen Democrats do that time and time again. We certainly shouldn't be using it to not fund those who are keeping Americans safe and who are removing criminals from our country. That is what this bill is about today. We shouldn't be funding this in this way. It should be done through a regular appropriations bill, but we were not able to do that because we did not have Democrat support. I don't like necessarily the way we are doing this, but there have to be grownups in the room, and those are Republicans right now who are going to ensure that those people who are working hard to keep Americans safe every day are going to be able to count on a paycheck at the end of the week. This is an important bill. It is very unfortunate that Democrats continue to shut down the government over this issue, but Republicans are going to stand for the safety and security of the American people. It is the number one thing that every one of us as elected officials should be doing. We should be ensuring that American individuals, American citizens, are safe and secure.

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to respond to some of the comments of my friend, the ranking member of the Budget Committee, who is also from Pennsylvania, just to say that in regards to the tax bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, individuals, families, and wage earners in my district are feeling the impact of that bill when they are filing their taxes. They like the no tax on tips that so many in my district have taken advantage of and the no tax on overtime that so many have taken advantage of. I have had many seniors come to me and say that they had a lot more in their pockets after they filed their taxes this year. I will put up our economic record in the last year, the impact on people in our districts, against that of the Biden administration anytime. We have an economy that is growing quickly. We have inflation at a manageable spot, and people are feeling it in their pocketbooks. I was happy to hear the ranking member say that he supports a secure border, because, Mr. Speaker, you certainly wouldn't have known that during the past administration when Democrats were in control and we had thousands of people pouring across this border every single day, including individuals who were criminals, who were members of gangs, including drugs flowing across the border, and Democrats did nothing to stop that. I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, in my district, when I talk to people of all political stripes, Democrats and Republicans alike, they support removing people from this country who are criminals and who are here illegally. They support the work of ICE in doing that. Democrats obviously do not. A shutdown should never be used.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Darrell Fisher, Chief of the New Holland EMS, for being named the recipient of the 2026 Dr. George Moerkirk Memorial Outstanding Contributions to EMS Award. Chief Fisher has been an EMT since 2001 and has served as Chief of New Holland EMS, based in eastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, since 2006. Beginning in 2016, Chief Fisher has also served as president of the Lancaster County EMS Council. In these roles, Chief Fisher has been instrumental in the development and support of pilot projects and education initiatives, as well as the implementation of innovative technology, both in Lancaster County and the region. During his tenure, New Holland EMS has seen tremendous growth. In 2024, he oversaw the creation of a mental health symposium and support program for EMS providers and their family members. In 2019, New Holland EMS merged with Leola Ambulance, was upgraded to an Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) Agency in 2025, and became the fourth paramedic level agency in the state to be able to carry and administer whole blood. The Dr. George Moerkirk Memorial Outstanding Contributions to EMS Award is named after Dr. George Moerkirk, the past president of the Pennsylvania EMS Council, who was a pioneer of emergency medical services in the state. For the innovation and dedication that he provides to the field, whether in New Holland, Lancaster County, or the state, Chief Fisher is more than a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. I congratulate Darrell Fisher and the New Holland EMS on their statewide recognition, and thank them for all they do to keep our communities safe.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for the time and also for bringing this bill up to the Ways and Means Committee. I thank Ms. Moore for working with me cosponsoring and introducing this bill, and I thank the members of the Ways and Means Committee who supported this on a unanimous basis because they realize the injustice that is occurring today in the way the IRS is applying the current tax code. I think the chairman and Ms. Moore both have described it really well. The core problem here, first of all, we believe our current law already says that any victim of physical abuse and any victim of sexual abuse who receives a settlement does not owe tax on that settlement, which makes complete sense. If you think of the trauma that these individuals have gone through, Mr. Speaker, if you think of the work they are doing to rebuild their lives, the last thing we should be doing is taking a portion of that settlement that they so desperately need to rebuild their lives for tax purposes. The law already says that settlement is not taxed. However, the way the IRS has applied this, they require a proof of observable physical harm like bruises, cuts, or some other apparent evidence of damages to qualify that settlement as tax-free. As you can imagine, Mr. Speaker, sexual violence doesn't always leave visible scars. As a result, survivors who have already endured unimaginable trauma can face a second injustice under the current law or the way that the IRS is applying the law, and that is by being taxed on their compensation simply because their suffering doesn't meet some arbitrary standard. Our bill fixes that problem. It fixes that injustice, and it helps these victims. It does it in a targeted way. It clarifies that payments related to sexual assault automatically are treated as tax exempt. This ensures that survivors are treated fairly and they are treated consistently under the law. H.R. 2347 is about dignity. It is about clarity, and it is about making sure that survivors receive justice, not a tax bill, from the IRS. I thank, again, the chairman, the leader, for bringing this bill up for a vote on the floor. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Once again, I thank Representative Gwen Moore for her partnership on this important issue.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor and congratulate the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County for reaching 60 years in operation. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County was founded in 1966 to preserve Lancaster County's historic sites and architecture. The Trust carries out its mission through an array of educational programs, including tours, events, presentations, and outreach on the benefits of preservation. It also collaborates with property owners, businesses, and community members, and undertakes direct action through historic preservation easements and plaques. Over the past 60 years, the Historic Preservation Trust has directly helped in the protection of more than three dozen sites across Lancaster County. Notable preservation efforts include the Sehner- Ellicott-Von Hess House, headquarters, the Lancaster Central Market, and the Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Houses. Supported by volunteers, community partners, and a hardworking staff, the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County has helped to retain the county's rich and vibrant past. I thank the organization for its positive impact, and I wish them many more years of success.