Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Career and Technical Education Month, celebrated every February. This month allows us to highlight the value of CTE programs, which help prepare students for the workforce. These are programs that are about learning to earn. During this month, we can look at the immense impact of CTE programs on learners and the support that CTE provides to different industries. CTE does more than support students. It supports our economy and our workforce. It is an honor to be co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus and a senior member of the Committee on Education and Workforce. I have supported and will always continue to support CTE programs, and I thank my colleagues for supporting these causes. Career and technical education does not adhere to one industry. It spans across all industries--all of them. It is a reflection of the many careers available to young Americans. I truly believe that a one-size-fits-all approach to education is not valuable to our students and does not prepare them for the workforce. The traditional college experience is not always valuable for all high school graduates, and we must remember that. Many high-achieving and ambitious students choose to pursue an industry certification and gain experience in hands-on skills that they can use after graduating high school. These students enter the workforce prepared, and they contribute to our communities. So far in the 119th Congress, I introduced a bill to strengthen career counseling in middle schools and high schools, introduced the GO Ag Act, and introduced the Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance Act, all of which are important ways for students to explore different careers. While all this is a huge accomplishment, there is still much left to do. This is why I will continue to advance legislation that promotes workforce development. In my home State of Pennsylvania, there are over 80 career technical colleges and 145 high schools offering CTE courses. I am proud to be an advocate for these institutions and courses and to see the positive impact these students have within their communities. Madam Speaker, when these students graduate, they graduate with a diploma and multiple certifications in one hand and a tremendous number of job offers in the other. It is a pathway to opportunity and prosperity. Madam Speaker, CTE students are the backbone of our workforce and invaluable to our communities. It is important that we continue to provide them with the resources that they need. I urge my colleagues to join the Career and Technical Education Caucus and work to provide learning opportunities for everyone.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a friend and dairy advocate, Arden Tewksbury, who peacefully passed away on January 30 at the age of 93. Arden graduated from Meshoppen High School in 1950. He was an avid baseball and basketball player, despite losing his arm above the elbow in an accident at a young age. He served as a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association basketball official as well as a member of the PIAA Board of Directors. Additionally, Arden was the longest serving volunteer school board member of the Elk Lake School District with 64 years of service. Arden operated a dairy farm in northeastern Pennsylvania and retired in 2003. He was a well-known advocate for dairy farms across the Commonwealth and worked with many farmers for more than five decades. Arden served on committees of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Pennsylvania Farmers Union. He also served on the board of the Eastern Milk Producers Cooperative as well as being their president for 5 years. Arden was a lifetime member and former grange master of South Auburn Grange 1188. The Pennsylvania State Grange honored him in 1987 as the Pennsylvania State Granger of the Year. In 1991, Arden founded the Progressive Agriculture Organization, where he advocated for fair milk prices for small, family-owned dairy farmers. Arden was well-known around Pennsylvania's capital in Harrisburg and in our Nation's Capital. While I was yet to serve in this Chamber, Arden worked closely with former Senator Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania's longest serving Senator, to introduce S. 1722, the Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act of 2007. This bill would have required the Secretary of Agriculture to determine the price of all milk used for manufactured purposes, classified as Class II milk, by using the national average cost of production. More recently, he helped to get whole milk back in schools. The passage of the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 was a great win, and I am glad Arden was able to see this legislation signed into law. Mr. Speaker, Arden was loved by many people across the Commonwealth and will be dearly missed. He is a role model for so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an incredible group of students at Penn State University who have helped raise money for pediatric cancer patients. THON is a year-long fundraising effort that culminates in a 46-hour dance marathon. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy event in the world and will help to financially support almost 5,000 families with children who are battling cancer. This weekend, students, staff, and volunteers filled the Bryce Jordan Center to raise awareness and money for the Four Diamonds Foundation. Over 700 THON participants danced for 46 hours straight. THON was first originated in 1973 by Bill Lear as a proposed dance marathon to raise money for a good cause. Mr. Speaker, 78 students participated, and over $2,000 was raised. Over 40 years later, more than $236 million has been donated, and not a single Four Diamonds family has received a medical bill. This year, THON raised over $18 million. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the legacy that THON has established, and I am proud of the children and families who fight every day against pediatric cancer.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I introduced a bill this week to designate the Mahaffey Post Office in Mahaffey, Pennsylvania, as the Robert Allen Bishop, Sr. Post Office. Bob was a Marine Corps veteran, a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, and an outstanding member of the community. Born in 1936, Bob graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1954. At age 22, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and completed an overseas tour in Japan and obtained the rank of corporal. Following his military service, Bob returned to Pennsylvania and opened the Lightner and Bishop General Store with his wife, Jean. Today, the building that housed the general store is home to the Mahaffey Post Office. Bob was a letter carrier for 36 years and received the Million Mile Award, which recognizes workers who drive over 1 million miles. He also served with the Mahaffey Volunteer Fire Department as an EMT. Bob passed away on June 15, 2023. Mr. Speaker, Bob dedicated his life to service, to his country and his community, and I look forward to renaming the Mahaffey Post Office in his honor.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Bailey Little, a 2023 Bellefonte High School graduate. Bailey recently received an American degree from the Future Farmers of America. Bailey is the first Bellefonte FFA member in nearly two decades to receive an American degree. She has been an active FFA member since her freshman year. The American degree is the highest FFA honor and is given to members for their dedication to their chapter, leadership, and community involvement. To receive an American degree, members must receive their State FFA degree, be an active member of their chapter for at least 3 years, and take part in various agricultural education programs. Bailey's FFA projects included raising beef cattle, dairy cows, goats, poultry, and rabbits. Along with raising livestock, Bailey is a small business owner, selling Western jewelry and clothing. Additionally, Bailey and her fiance raise beef cattle in Centre County. Mr. Speaker, Bailey should be proud of her accomplishments, and it is a great example for FFA members in our community. I congratulate Bailey on receiving the American degree.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers in north central Pennsylvania. The UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers in Coudersport, Wellsboro, and Williamsport earned national recognition for their high-quality patient care. The Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, also known as the QOPI Certification, is a 3-year certificate program that recognizes hospitals for their quality care and patient safety. This prestigious certificate is awarded to less than 300 outpatient oncology practices across the Nation. To meet the high standards of the certificate, the hospital's patient care process and chemotherapy standards are evaluated. The certification program was launched in 2010 and reinforces hospitals' dedication to quality cancer care, including treatment planning and patient monitoring. UPMC Hillman is the only nationally recognized cancer center in western Pennsylvania. The three north central Pennsylvania cancer centers see almost 40,000 patients a year and serve communities in Potter, Lycoming, and Tioga Counties. Mr. Speaker, I thank the doctors, nurses, and staff who work tirelessly to ensure that every patient receives the best care possible.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an organization that is near and dear to my heart, Scouting America. February 8 is National Scouting America Day, which recognizes the legacy of the organization and the young Americans who have gone from Scouts to leaders in their communities. On May 17, 1977, I became an Eagle Scout myself, as a member of Scout Troop 52 in Walker Township, Pennsylvania. Over the years, I proudly held various leadership roles with Scout troops in Pennsylvania, including two separate stints as Scoutmaster for Troop 353 in Howard. During my time as a Scoutmaster, I was honored to see many young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Since the rank's inception, close to 3 million Scouts have earned Eagle Scout status. Scouting America--formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America, and actually that is still the name of the movement as chartered by Congress--was established in 1910 by William D. Boyce. The mission of the organization is to prepare children for lives of impact and purpose. Since it was founded, more than 130 million young men and women have participated in Scouting America's programs. Mr. Speaker, at its core, Scouting encourages its members to leave our country and the world a little better than they found it. Scouting America has helped build future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. Scouting founder, Lord Baden- Powell of England, defined Scouting as a game with a purpose. Through over a century of experience, we know that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. I am proud to co-chair the Congressional Scouting Caucus. This past summer, we welcomed dozens of Scouts from across the country to Camp Capitol Hill and Eagles on the Hill. This was an opportunity for Scouts to meet with Representatives and showcase what they have learned or built as a Scout. It was an honor to see the various projects Scouts have completed. All of them demonstrated the important values of service, community, and character. Scouting demands physicality, innovation, curiosity, and for participants to enjoy the outdoors. It gives Scouts the opportunity to try new recreational activities like mountain biking, kayaking, and camping. All of these activities are an ode to the beautiful landscapes across our Nation and experiences that a Scout will never forget. Scouts explore their interests and improve their skills while working toward Scouting's highest rank, Eagle. By first imagining, planning, then doing their own service projects, Scouts learn the value of hard work and experience the thrill of seeing it pay off. Scouts are known as leaders within their communities, and approximately 15 percent of all military academy cadets and midshipmen across the United States' service academies are Eagle Scouts. I am grateful for the longstanding partnership between Scouting America and the Department of War. I can think of no better recruitment tool for our military than the lessons learned through Scouting. Mr. Speaker, Scouting has touched the lives of so many. I am proud of the way it has shaped our youth. I wish a happy 116th birthday to Scouting America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize American Heart Month, observed every February, to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. The first CPR training occurred in the early 1960s. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed February American Heart Month to make heart disease and cardiac arrest prevention a national priority. Since its formation, the American Heart Association has been helping people recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and how to effectively respond to these critical signals. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests happen each year away from medical facilities. The American Heart Association's goal is to ensure those lives are saved. Heart disease causes one in four deaths in the United States. The American Heart Association provides resources on the many ways we can minimize our risk of a heart attack or cardiovascular disease. Mr. Speaker, as a former healthcare professional, it is important for Americans to know that they are the first responders in the case of an emergency. Americans who learn CPR can be ready to help save a life. Happy American Heart Month.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Susquehanna Regional Emergency Medical Service, which recently received the 2025 Dick Ferneau Career EMS Service of the Year Award. This is one of the top national awards in emergency medical services and highlights organizations that exemplify outstanding care, innovation, and commitment to the people who they serve. The Susquehanna Regional EMS covers a 3,000-square-mile region covering townships across four counties. Their EMS has a team of over 170 EMTs and responds to over 20,000 calls annually. Susquehanna Regional EMS is dedicated to serving the community and has worked to ensure that patients beyond the hospital are protected. The service has donated over 100 AEDs to various counties and has helped to train residents in critical lifesaving skills. Representatives from Susquehanna Regional EMS will accept the award on stage at the EMS World Exposition in Indianapolis, Indiana, later this year. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the care that the Susquehanna Regional EMS provides for the community and for all of the workers who are committed to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate two families that were awarded Century Farm status at the Pennsylvania Farm Show last week. Agriculture has a long history in the Commonwealth and has been one of the State's first industries. For the prosperity of the State, it is important to preserve these farms and pass them to the next generation. Pennsylvania leads the Nation in the number of preserved farms, and the Century and Bicentennial Farm programs recognize the commitment and hard work that these families have endured to keep their farms in production. This year, two families from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District were presented with the Century Farm status. Jeremiah Keck is a resident of DuBois, and the Keck Family Farm dates back to 1860. Their farm and barn were built in 1931 and are still used. Some historical photos of their farm are preserved in the Library of Congress. Their farm is one of the 40 Century Farms in Clearfield County. Scott and Cheryl Kinter, from Smicksburg, have farmed almost 100 acres of land since 1867. Indiana County has 56 Century Farms. Mr. Speaker, I thank these families for their hard work and their dedication to the agriculture industry.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bruce Dart, who closed his photography studio after more than 40 years. Bruce is a native of Mansfield, Pennsylvania, earned a bachelor of arts degree from Mansfield State College, and later served in the Navy. During his time in the Navy, Bruce was trained as a journalist and took courses focused on broadcast journalism and photography, sparking his interest in the industry. Following his tenure in the Navy, Bruce worked for a newspaper in Connecticut and later returned to Pennsylvania and worked for the Williamsport Sun-Gazette as a photographer. In 1973, Bruce accepted a position as assistant director of public relations at Mansfield State University and left after 6 years to fully pursue a career as a freelance photographer. Bruce studied for more than 10 years at the Triangle Institute of Professional Photography in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended New York State's photography workshop, crediting this to his extensive experience. Bruce is a member of various photography associations and has won multiple awards over his 40-year career. In 1986, Bruce earned the Certified Professional Photographer competency and has held this achievement for more than 30 years, a testament to Bruce's expertise and technical proficiency within the industry. Bruce served on the board of directors of the Northeast Pennsylvania Professional Photographers Association, and he is the only photographer to be awarded the organization's Photographer of the Year Award five times. Additionally, some of Bruce's photographs have been published by the Associated Press. Aside from photography, Bruce has been an active member of the community. He was president of the Greater Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the Mansfield Borough Council for over 20 years. Bruce is also an active member of the Austin Cox American Legion Post and VFW Post 6757. Bruce has been pivotal in capturing key moments throughout the Mansfield area but also moments in people's lives. Mr. Speaker, I thank Bruce for his service to the community, capturing important moments throughout the years. Bruce has been a great leader in the photography community, but also a great mentor to many aspiring photographers. I wish Bruce all the best.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the success of the Warren Area High School robotics team, who have earned numerous awards this season. Earlier this month, the team competed in the Pennsylvania State qualifier and were undefeated. The team earned three top awards: Tournament Champions, Skills Champions, and the Excellence Award. This season, the team won three awards at their first three competitions, a historic achievement for the group. The students have qualified for the State tournament in March and have been invited to an additional national tournament, which will be held in Iowa. The team is working towards qualifying for the VEX Robotics World Championship, which is hosted in St. Louis this year. The team has qualified for the world championships for two consecutive years. At the world championship, participants are given the same materials to build a robot and must answer questions from a panel of judges. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the team on this historic achievement, and I wish them the best as they prepare for more tournaments this year.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the student-run cafe at Clearfield County Career & Technology Center. The cafe opened last week and gives students the opportunity to serve food to their peers. The program allows 18 students to participate in morning class and an additional 15 students to participate in the afternoon. High school students from Clearfield, Curwensville, West Branch, Philipsburg- Osceola, and Moshannon Valley are eligible to enroll in the program. The cafe operates as a training lab, giving students the opportunity to apply skills they have learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios. Students help prepare ingredients, set up workstations, and create menus. Those who work the afternoon shift are responsible for making and serving food. The students develop leadership skills and professionalism, assets that are needed for a successful career in the hospitality and culinary industries. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, programs like this one at Clearfield County Technical School are vital for helping students be prepared for the workforce.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Penn State University wrestling team which set a new NCAA record on Saturday. The Nittany Lions won 78 consecutive dual matches. This record surpasses the NCAA Division II record previously held by St. Cloud State. The Nittany Lions' current winning streak began in February 2020 when they defeated the University of Maryland. Since 2020, the team has won five consecutive Big Ten regular season titles, three Big Ten championships, and four NCAA championships. This past weekend marked the team's first Big Ten conference match of the 2025-2026 season. The Nittany Lions won 46-0, performing in front of a sellout crowd of more than 6,000 fans. The team broke the NCAA Division I record in December, which had been held by Oklahoma State University since 1951. The Nittany Lions are led by Coach Cael Sanderson, who has been with the team since 2009. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the Penn State wrestling team on this historic achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the Pennsylvania Farm Show which kicked off this past weekend. For 110 years, farmers have met each January at the Farm Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The event is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the country, featuring nearly 5,000 animals, more than 250 commercial exhibits, and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year. The Farm Show is a great event for all ages and features many educational booths, helping children learn about the ag industry. One of the most popular attractions at the Pennsylvania Farm Show is the food court. Here, visitors can enjoy various food that features commodities grown in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This year's Farm Show theme, ``Growing a Nation,'' is particularly fitting as we celebrate 250 years since our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. For generations, American farmers have not only fed this country, they have helped to feed the world, and they have done so by continuously adapting and embracing new tools, technologies, and practices. The success of U.S. agriculture has been built through the ingenuity, hard work, and the strategic application of science and technology. I was proud to help open the 110th Farm Show on Saturday. It is always an honor to meet farmers from across the Commonwealth and learn about how they continue to ensure agriculture remains Pennsylvania's number one industry. It was particularly encouraging to see many young and aspiring farmers, making it clear that the next generation is ready to take charge and lead the industry. I hosted my annual listening session, where I was able to take questions directly from producers and consumers. The crowd also included county commissioners, Farm Bureau leaders, State senators, representatives from Penn State, Delaware Valley, as well as lots of 4- H'ers, dairy princesses, and FFA members. As the House Committee on Agriculture prepares to craft the farm bill 2.0, it is crucial to hear directly from the men and women who feed their communities and this Nation. I was glad to be joined by my fellow Pennsylvania Congressmen, Ron Bresnahan and Dan Meuser. I was also proud to have Russell Redding, Pennsylvania's Secretary of Agriculture, and Dr. Troy Ott, dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Science, on the panel. This year, we celebrated passage of my bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which will be soon signed into law and brings back the option of whole milk and 2 percent milk, including flavored, to our schools' meal programs. Dairy farmers from across the Commonwealth championed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, and I thank them for their support for this commonsense bill. Mr. Speaker, the Pennsylvania Farm Show has grown exponentially since it began over 100 years ago, a direct reflection of how our country's ag industry has grown. It was an honor to attend the Farm Show this year, and I thank all of those who worked tirelessly to make this incredible event possible.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize eight students from the Central Middle School and High School who performed in December at the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa Bay, Florida. The Central Mountain Middle School and High School twirlers were among the 481 performers present during the pregame show and joined other high school bands during the halftime performance. The students performed in front of an estimated 35,000 fans in Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The twirlers were invited to participate in the game day programming through the National Youth Dance and Twirling Program. Stephanie Ford, the Central Mountain High School twirling coach, provided choreography for the twirlers. Stephanie has been the high school and middle school coach for 11 years and was pivotal in making and helping the students learn the choreography ahead of the performance. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Central Mountain Middle School and High School twirlers on this fantastic achievement. I thank them for representing Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District on a national stage.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 26, NO on Roll Call No. 27, and YEA on Roll Call No. 28.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kendra Aucker, president and CEO of the WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Kendra retired earlier this month after 30 years of dedicated service. Kendra began her career at Evangelical Community Hospital in the early 1990s. Kendra left the hospital for a position at Capital Blue Cross, but returned in 1999, and stayed there ever since. She was appointed president and CEO of the hospital in 2015. Throughout her career, Kendra has worked to grow Evangelical Community Hospital. Some of her achievements include the opening of the ambulatory surgical center and urgent care, the expansion of specialty care units, and a cardiovascular expansion project. Kendra is the fourth president and CEO in the hospital's 100 years. Throughout her career, she has seen many changes and was pivotal in helping the hospital successfully navigate the COVID-19 virus. Mr. Speaker, Kendra has dedicated her career to growing the WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital and helping others. I wish Kendra the best and thank her for her years of service.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Milk Day, which we celebrated yesterday. National Milk Day dates back to January 11, 1878, to commemorate when milk was first delivered in glass bottles. Millions of Americans drink milk. It is a delicious and refreshing beverage that provides key nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and D in every glass. Milk provides 13 essential nutrients, which is especially important for growing children. This is one of the reasons why my Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is so important. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will soon be signed into law this week. It allows schools to offer flavored and unflavored whole and 2 percent milk options. National Milk Day allows us to recognize the many dairy farms across the country. In my home State of Pennsylvania, the dairy industry contributes $14.7 billion to the State's economy. Mr. Speaker, I thank our American dairy farmers who work around the clock to provide nutritious and delicious milk to all Americans. Happy National Milk Day.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which is observed annually on January 9. Established in 2015, this day allows us to recognize the brave men and women who serve and protect in the line of duty. I extend my deepest gratitude to the more than 900,000 sworn officers serving across the United States, who dedicate their lives to keep our communities safe. I thank the Capitol Police, the Secret Service, and the Metropolitan Police Department for their continuous efforts to keep us safe here in our Nation's Capital. I am grateful for the law enforcement officers in my home State of Pennsylvania and the local officers who safeguard the communities across Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. Our officers know that they can be in harm's way at any moment. They answer the calls in times of distress. They follow rules, and they wear the badge proudly. Mr. Speaker, I thank all our law enforcement officers for answering the call to serve our communities.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, before I get into my primary remarks, for which I was going to rise, I reflect on 18 years ago when I came into the House of Representatives. Some of my staff had been on the Hill for, actually, a couple of decades at that point. My chief of staff said: If there was ever a Democratic Member of Congress who literally represents the term ``statesman,'' it is Steny Hoyer. He truly is. He has not failed at that task, and so I offer my congratulations on his announced retirement and my thanks for his service as a statesman, especially at a time of what we have been living through, of growing divisiveness. Year in Review

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight some of the great work that my office delivered in 2025 that was reflected in my year-end report. Last year was full of legislative victories. From ensuring more milk options in public schools to making certain that rural schools receive the funding that they need, we continue to deliver for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. I was proud to lead the charge to bring whole milk back into our schools, push for the largest investment in American agriculture in a generation, advocate for career and technical education, and establish a Federal regulatory framework for digital assets like cryptocurrency. On the policy front, I helped to ensure the passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act. I secured numerous provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which benefited American agriculture, as well as a provision authorizing Workforce Pell Grants. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will soon be signed into law, and the House approved both my Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 and the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025. At home, I was honored to nominate seven exceptional students to our Nation's service academies, celebrated a talented young artist, and delivered more than $6.1 million in Federal funding for nine excellent community projects. My office responded to more than 81,000 constituent letters, answered nearly 8,000 phone calls, and closed nearly 1,600 constituent cases, helping folks navigate the Federal agencies and Federal bureaucracy. The most rewarding part of being a Representative is helping individuals and families get the assistance that they need. Throughout the year, my staff hosts office hours across the 18 counties in the 15th Congressional District to assist constituents with issues related to the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, and other Federal agencies. Appointments are not necessary, and I am pleased that we are available to help those in need. Personally, I hosted over 1,200 meetings in 2025 and sponsored and cosponsored 183 bills. Mr. Speaker, as many around the Capitol complex know, I often come to this floor to share good news from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. I spoke 91 days on the House floor in 2025, delivering 120 speeches. I am glad to have had the ability to communicate with my constituents in this way and to recognize their achievements. Mr. Speaker, I thank the people of the 15th Congressional District for allowing me the privilege to be their voice in Congress, and I firmly believe that our best days lie ahead. I look forward to working hard in 2026 to continue to earn their support.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, we rise today in memory of Congressman Richard T. ``Dick'' Schulze, who died on December 23 at the age of 96. Congressman Schulze represented the Philadelphia suburbs from 1975 to 1993 in the people's House. He was the driving force behind designating historic Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, a national park. Dick was the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee and twice chaired the Republican Study Committee. He also served as chairman of the National Prayer Breakfast. President Ronald Reagan appointed Congressman Schulze to the Presidential Advisory Committee on Federalism, an honor that Dick deeply valued. Dick's lifelong interest in conservation and wildlife issues led him to found the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and Foundation in 1989. President George H.W. Bush would later appoint him to serve on the National Fish and Wildlife Board. Mr. Speaker, for 18 distinguished years, Congressman Schulze served in the House of Representatives. He was known for being a fair-minded, commonsense legislator who worked with Members on both sides of the aisle. Funeral services will take place on Saturday in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Our thoughts are with his wife of 33 years, Nancy, his four children, and all of his family. May God bless Congressman Dick Schulze.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize January as National Blood Donor Month. Since its inception in 1970, National Blood Donor Month recognizes the millions of Americans who help save lives by donating blood. Statistics show that every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood. On average, one in seven hospital patients need blood, and approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the United States. Over the last 50 years, public awareness for blood donation has increased. Now approximately 13.6 million volunteers donate blood annually. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, more than 5,000 blood drives were held in 2025, according to the Red Cross. I am encouraged to see constituents ready to roll up their sleeves and help those in need. In fact, one of the most challenging times of the year to collect blood donations is in the winter months. Mr. Speaker, I hope all Americans will take the time to consider donating blood this month. It is important to know that one blood donation can save lives.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share a few words about my dear friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a husband, a father, and a fourth-generation rice farmer. He dedicated more than 20 years to public service, both in this House and in the California State Legislature. Doug was a giant in both stature and character. After meeting Doug, you couldn't help being struck by his kindness and gentle manner. He had a reputation as an affable colleague, a principled legislator, a fierce advocate for rural America, and one heck of a muscle car driver, which I experienced firsthand. All of them rang true. Doug was an expert on farming, forestry, and water issues. He chaired the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture, and he was chairman of the Western Caucus. We traveled the country together, coast to coast, north to south, meeting with men and women who feed this great country. They are memories I will always treasure. He was supposed to be with me in Pennsylvania this weekend. His presence will be sorely missed. In a town full of self-important figures, Doug was authentically normal. I will certainly miss his wisdom, his sense of humor, and incredible friendship. I turned the tables on Doug when it came to nicknames. I affectionately named him the ``Governor of Jefferson,'' and he eagerly accepted that. Doug was a man of great faith, and I find comfort in knowing he was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rest easy, Brother. We will take it from here.