Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the end of an era. The oldest newspaper in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, ceased operations on December 31. After 154 years of delivering the news, the weekly Clinton County Record, formerly known as the Renovo Record, has stopped publishing due to escalating costs, a declining subscription base, and a lack of advertisers. Despite these challenges, it has a long and storied history that began in 1871 when Renovo businessman John Upton Shaffer founded the Renovo Daily Record and published its first edition. The first issue of The Record noted that the letters for the printing press had not been delivered in their entirety until the previous day. The first half of the alphabet, from A through M, had arrived in the previous week. The first issue nearly had to go to press without the second half of the alphabet. Fortunately, the rest of the letters were delivered in time for publication. Back then, it was a daily paper, except Sunday, bringing the news to those who lived in the railroad town. In 1887, Shaffer was elected to the Pennsylvania State legislature. His son, John Shaffer, Jr., took over the management of the newspaper. The elder Shaffer died in 1902, and his sons continued publishing. Since 1871, The Record has been 100 percent independently owned and operated with notable local names publishing the paper after the Shaffers, including Ron Dremel, John Lipez, and, most recently, Michael Frank. The newspaper covered local news, education, government, sports, and more. This is a devastating loss to the community that has relied on this paper since 1871. In 2021, on its 150th anniversary, The Record had a special print edition. This year, on its final publication, I was pleased and honored to have it reported that Bucktail Medical Center in Renovo would receive more than $260,000 in Federal funding to bring important upgrades to the facility. I was honored to secure that funding. Mr. Speaker, it is never easy when we see our local institutions close, especially those that have played such an important role in our communities like The Record has over the past 154 years. My heartfelt thanks go out to the staff who have worked diligently over the years to deliver the news to the people of Clinton County. For 154 years, through generations of change, The Record has been there. We are all grateful for that. Honoring Doug LaMalfa

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for those who are in the Chamber or perhaps viewing online, this morning they will see we are missing an individual who has always been here at morning session, at noon for 1 minutes, and maybe after votes for 1 minutes. I am speaking of Doug LaMalfa, a dear friend from California. Doug passed away yesterday. In honor of him, as is tradition, we have reserved a memorial seat in the first speaking position on the Republican side. Doug was a great friend and a great agricultural leader. He was a champion for forestry and rural communities. We traveled the country, preparing for the farm bill that we had been working on. Half of it has been accomplished with the other half still to go. Mr. Speaker, he was a rice farmer. I have been on his farm in northern California. I can tell you he was kind of a crazy muscle car driver. I hung on tight riding with Doug. Doug has left his mark. Our prayers go out to Jill and his family. Later this week, we will have other opportunities for Members on both sides of the aisle to offer their tributes and memories to Doug. Mr. Speaker, we want to let Doug know that he can rest easy in the arms of God. We have got this.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lycoming County Sheriff Mark Lusk, who retired Monday after 50 years of outstanding community service. Mark was elected as Lycoming County sheriff in 2009 and served in this role for four consecutive terms. Over his 50-year career, Mark has held a variety of positions, including patrolman, criminal investigator, corporal, chief of police, and deputy coroner. Mark's leadership has been pivotal, and he was responsible for many rescue operations when the county experienced major floods. Beyond his role as sheriff, Mark has volunteered for the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company for 45 years. He has also worked alongside the local VFW and American Legion. Mark has received various awards for his leadership over his career. In 2007, he was recognized by the Lycoming County Department of Public Safety and the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, Mark has dedicated his career to serving the community and answering the call of those in need. I thank him for his service, and I wish him the very best.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the order of the House of January 3, 2025, providing for morning- hour debate be extended for the remainder of the 119th Congress, except that House Resolution 976 shall supplant House Resolution 6.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Denise Sticha for 30 years of dedicated service to communities across Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and beyond. Denise recently retired as the executive director of Centre County Library and Historical Museum, a position she has held for more than 7 years. In this position, Denise oversaw library services for 29 municipalities. This included the main library in Bellefonte, branch libraries in Centre Hall and Phillipsburg, a world-class research library, and a local historical museum in Bellefonte. In 1981, Denise began her career at the Murrysville Library. Following her position at the Murrysville Library, Denise worked at various institutions, including Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County Federated Library System, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and Berks County Public Libraries. Mr. Speaker, Denise has provided exceptional literary services to communities across the State, being an outstanding leader and mentor to many. I wish Denise the best and thank her for her many years of service.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Union County West End Fire Company for 75 years of dedicated service to the community. Founded in 1950, the Union County West End Fire Company has been answering the call to serve the community and protect their neighbors in times of need. Our volunteer firefighters provide fire, rescue, and EMS services, often balancing it with day jobs and family commitments. These professionally trained volunteers are the backbone of fire protection and emergency response, especially in our rural communities. They are there in emergency situations like fires, car accidents, medical calls, and disaster response. Their commitment to service and teamwork is second to none. The Union County West End Fire Company gives back throughout the year, whether it is delivering turkeys to families during the holidays, escorting local sports teams to the final round of playoff games, or celebrating championship wins. They truly are the heart of the community. Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Union County West End Fire Company on 75 years of outstanding service.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Kiwanis Club of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, on its 100th anniversary. Since the club's founding on January 26, 1926, the members of the Kiwanis Club have been a crucial part of the community in Lock Haven. The club has 43 members, and it works to help children by improving literacy rates, health, and educational outcomes. Lock Haven Kiwanis sponsors two Key Clubs, one at Central Mountain High School and the other at Jersey Shore High School. It awards annual scholarships to Key Club members at both schools. The club recently started a Bringing Up Grades, or BUG, program at the Robb Elementary School in Lock Haven. It also partners with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build and deliver beds to children and youth who do not have beds. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Lock Haven Kiwanis Club for 100 years of dedicated service to the Lock Haven community and wish them the best as they work toward many more.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a special tradition that took place this past Saturday, December 13: National Wreaths Across America Day. Every year in December, thousands of volunteers set out in a coordinated wreath-laying ceremony across America and the world. This year's theme was inspired by the last words of Captain Joshua Byers: ``Keep moving forward.'' Captain Joshua Byers was company commander of Fox Troop in Iraq in 2003 when an IED struck his Humvee. As smoke filled the air, Josh gave his driver one final command: Keep moving forward. Though Josh didn't make it home, this command saved lives and became the battle cry for his unit and family. It is only fitting that the theme for 2025 should reflect the same spirit: a call to action for volunteers and supporters in the communities that they serve. Madam Speaker, I thank the many organizers, volunteers, and participants who make Wreaths Across America possible. Their dedication ensures that hundreds of thousands of veterans are remembered with dignity and respect.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Nittany Leathernecks' contribution to Christmas throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Nittany Leathernecks Detachment of the Marine Corps League is a community service organization composed of active, retired, and former Marines. Since 1947, the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program has been to collect new, unwrapped toys through October, November, and December each year and distribute them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community. The Nittany Leathernecks Detachment coordinates Toys for Tots for Centre County. The detachment works with the Centre County Adult Services Office, which coordinates with the Centre County food pantries to identify needy children and to distribute toys. The Nittany Leathernecks campaign annually provides a Christmas gift experience to more than 9,000 children. Mr. Speaker, I thank these selfless Marines for their service to our country and their dedication to uplifting our communities.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 222) to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools that participate in the school lunch program to serve whole milk, and for other purposes.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 222.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill near and dear to my heart, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. My legislation will allow for unflavored and flavored whole, reduced- fat, or 2 percent milk to be offered in school cafeterias, giving our students the option to choose the milk that they want to drink. Milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, offering 13 essential nutrients and numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, out-of-touch and outdated Federal regulations have imposed restrictions on the types of milk students have access to in school meals. While the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act's intention to reduce child obesity was good, its impacts to attack whole milk have been misguided and devastating over the 15 years since its passage, resulting in the loss of an entire generation of milk drinkers. It has always been a myth that whole milk causes weight gain. The beverage is 97 percent fat-free, and it is the least processed type of milk. Common sense tells us that whole milk is not the culprit of childhood obesity. Instead, milk is the number one source of protein for kids ages 2 to 11. Milk is also the top source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for children ages 2 to 18. Medical research has proven that whole milk has several benefits, such as strong bone density, a healthier immune system, reduced cardiovascular risk, lowered blood pressure, reduced hunger cravings, reduced type 2 diabetes risk, and increased sleep quality. Additionally, children are not consuming the amount of dairy recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and are not getting these important benefits and nutrients. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reported that over two-thirds of school-age children fail to meet the recommended levels of dairy. Rather than drinking milk they didn't like, students are throwing it away and losing out on the 21 essential minerals and 13 vitamins necessary for healthy development. School nutrition programs provide critical access to the nutrients growing children need, including those provided by milk. In fact, school meals provide 77 percent of the total daily milk consumption for low-income children ages 5 to 18. In addition, it is also important to remember that this legislation does not require any student to drink or any school to serve whole milk. Rather, this legislation simply gives schools the flexibility to serve a broader variety of milk in the school lunchroom. Dairy farmers in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and across our country work hard every day to produce nutritious milk for our families and communities. I am proud to lead this legislation that would allow schools to serve flavored and unflavored whole and reduced-fat milk in school cafeterias. Today, we will restore students' access to a wide variety of milk options, ensuring students have the necessary nutrients to learn and grow. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg), the chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Kiley), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Finstad), the Chair of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the State of Washington (Mr. Newhouse).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Moolenaar).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), who is a physician.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I have proudly led this charge to restore whole milk in school milk programs for the last decade. I am grateful to those who played a role in this effort, including the House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg and former Chairwoman Virginia Foxx; my co-lead, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, who is a pediatrician; my Senate companion co-leads, Senators Roger Marshall, Peter Welch, Dave McCormick, and John Fetterman; my staff in my personal office and on the House Agriculture Committee, who have worked tirelessly to advance this bill every step of the way, especially my legislative director, Faith Tuttle. I also thank the National Milk Producers Federation, and in particular Paul Bleiberg; the International Dairy Foods Association; the Farm Bureau; the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau; and the most dedicated grassroots movement in America, 97 Milk, including the leadership of Bernie Morrissey and Sherry Bunting, Nelson Troutman, Krista Byler, Christine Ebersole, Dr. Edward Silverman, and a host of parents and dairy farmers. I thank each and every one of these individuals who put their mark on this bill in a meaningful way. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation and drink whole milk. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Saturday is the National Guard's 389th birthday. Nearly four centuries ago, the National Guard was founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Since then, the National Guard has exemplified the spirit of citizen soldiers. These are ordinary men and women who answer the call to serve their community and country at a moment's notice. From the footprints that mark the snows of Valley Forge to the sandy beaches at Normandy, from the skies above Vietnam to the deserts of the Persian Gulf, the National Guard has been there for America every step of the way. For 389 years, these men and women have represented America's best. Mr. Speaker, today we honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the National Guard, past and present. We salute their sacrifice, their courage, and unwavering dedication to serving the American people through war and peace, disaster and recovery, and every moment in between. Happy birthday to the National Guard.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, we marked a solemn day: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. On December 7, 1941, our great Nation was suddenly attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy, killing more than 2,400 American servicemembers and civilians and propelling us into World War II. On the 84th anniversary of the attack, we remember those brave souls who lost their lives that day, and we honor those who survived. There are only 12 remaining survivors, and they are all over 100 years old. Unfortunately, none were able to make the trip to Hawaii this year for the remembrance ceremony, but we are forever indebted to their sacrifices. We will forever honor all of the Americans who were at the naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that day. Mr. Speaker, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said: ``No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.'' And we did. God bless those who lost their lives that day, and God bless America.