Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, the gentlewoman's understanding of the legislation is correct. The intent of FIT21 is to draw jurisdictional lines between the SEC and the CFTC as it relates to certain spot digital asset transactions.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4763, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, or FIT21, which establishes a regulatory framework for digital assets while protecting consumers and fostering innovation within the United States. This legislation has been a long time coming. Since 2018, the House Committee on Agriculture has held numerous hearings, roundtables, and meetings and introduced multiple pieces of legislation to bring certainty and clarity to the digital asset markets. For Congress to establish a comprehensive digital assets market framework, it was clear the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Financial Services needed to work in a collaborative manner. Chairman McHenry and I first met nearly 2 years ago to discuss this ambitious plan, and together, we aimed to develop the best policies possible. Over this Congress, members of both committees have engaged in robust and collaborative debates and educational sessions on current securities and commodities laws and regulations, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the digital asset ecosystem. Through this process, we learned several key points, including: that the current process to determine if a digital asset is a security or not is unclear, unworkable, and impractical; the Commodity Futures Trading Commission lacks essential regulatory authority over retail- serving intermediaries in the digital commodity spot market; and the treatment of customer assets held by intermediaries needs to be strengthened. Mr. Chairman, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have claimed that this bill will allow a substantial portion of crypto and some traditional securities to escape nearly all laws and regulations, operating without any primary regulator. That is far from the truth. The legislation before us today enhances existing securities and commodities regulations to create an appropriate framework for digital assets. For example, a registered digital commodity exchange would follow regulations similar to those of the CFTC for derivatives exchanges, including monitoring trading activity, prohibiting abusive practices, reporting trading information, managing conflicts of interest, ensuring governance standards, upholding cybersecurity, and more. Mr. Chairman, Congress has a historic opportunity to enact legislation that not only protects consumers but also ensures that the United States remains at the forefront of technical innovation. By supporting FIT21, we can foster and create a safer, more transparent, and more competitive environment for digital assets. Let us seize this moment to provide clear guidelines and robust protections, fostering a future where innovation can thrive responsibly within our borders. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Chairman, I understand that the gentlewoman from Washington State, the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, has a few questions for clarification.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Memorial Day. Our Nation's greatness was earned by the sacrifices of a few so that freedom and liberty would come to all. This weekend, we remember their sacrifices and service. We are very proud that the tradition of Memorial Day originated in a Pennsylvania community located in my district, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. Dating back to 1864 in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Memorial Day, three ladies decorated the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers. They met in the graveyard and promised to come back the following year to do the same thing. From that simple beginning act of love and remembrance came the observance of Memorial Day. Now, every year, on the last Monday of May, the people across this Nation gather in town squares, at memorials, and in the cemeteries of fallen heroes to pay tribute to those who gave their all. This includes our servicemembers who are missing in action or are prisoners of war. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 80,000 American citizens who served in the Vietnam war, Korean war, and World War II are still missing in action. That is why I am proud to have introduced H. Con. Res. 64, which urges our mutually beneficial trade agreements to include a commitment from trading partners to continue search and recovery efforts of our Nation's missing servicemembers. In August 2023, I was notified by the POW/MIA Accounting Agency that two MIAs from my district were identified and returning home. Army Corporal Francis James Jury of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, and Army Sergeant Richard M. Sharrow of Marienville, Pennsylvania, were deemed missing in action during the Korean war. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency, these two heroes were able to be returned home and receive the proper burial that they deserved. This Nation is united by our liberties and freedoms that our men and women in uniform take an oath to protect and defend. We will always honor our brothers and sisters who fought in battle to uphold our way of life. May God carry them in the palm of His hand and all of our servicemembers in the palm of His hand. This Memorial Day, as we raise the Stars and Stripes, as we lay wreaths at monuments, memorials, and cemeteries, let us remember that our freedom is thanks to those who served and died in sacrifice.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Applewold, Pennsylvania, a tiny borough located along the Allegheny River across from Kittanning in Armstrong County. Applewold is celebrating 125 years of being incorporated on Saturday, June 1. While Applewold has officially been a borough for 125 years, it has had a front row seat for American history: playing a pivotal role in the Battle of Kittanning during the French and Indian War, witnessing the Pennsylvania Canal Kittanning Extension, and welcoming the railroad years later. To celebrate this momentous anniversary, Applewold is celebrating in style with a parade and various speakers to mark the occasion. Mr. Speaker, Applewold is a small but mighty municipality. In fact, based upon the last Census, the population is 344 people residing in 219 houses. It is our small boroughs like Applewold that make our district, our Commonwealth, and our country so great. Their enthusiasm to share their history allows us to keep telling stories of our past. Congratulations to Applewold Borough on this anniversary.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize May as National Foster Care Month and to thank every parent, volunteer, and mentor who works with our foster children. I am a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. When I was an 11-year-old, a foster child, Bob, came into our family, and he continues to be my brother today. During this month, we renew our commitment to ensure that every child has a safe and loving family. I know firsthand how a supportive and loving home can make all the difference in a young person's life. Madam Speaker, there are more than 460,000 children and youth in foster care. These children and youth range from infants to 18 years old when they age out. Foster youth who transition out of the foster care system without a permanent home are at high risk for unemployment, poor educational outcomes, health issues, early parenthood, long-term dependency on public assistance, increased rates of incarceration, and homelessness. Madam Speaker, every child deserves a safe, supportive, and permanent family. We have the responsibility to continue to create policies that will improve outcomes and the overall well-being of foster youth and their families.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, since its inception 56 years ago, Head Start has improved the lives of more than 32 million children and their families. Proudly, we continue to raise awareness about Head Start and the benefits it brings to America's children. Head Start gives every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, a chance to succeed in school and in life. The Head Start model, developed over the decades, has been built on evidence-based practices and is constantly evolving, using the best available science and teaching techniques to meet the needs of local communities. Head Start focuses on the whole child and the whole family. Head Start and Early Start programs are in small towns and big cities alike. It brings together parents, teachers, volunteers, and community leaders to create a quality program that truly gives lower income children a head start in life. Madam Speaker, I applaud Head Start programs in the 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania and throughout the Nation for helping so many Americans from all walks of life have a fair start in life.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country will arrive in Washington for National Police Week. Created in 1962 through a joint resolution by Congress, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. National Police Week is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and supported by a variety of organizations to honor the law enforcement community. This week honors the men and women in blue who gave everything to protect their country and their communities. At a time when our Nation is facing a rise in crime and attacks on police officers, we need to support our law enforcement more than ever. This is why I am proud to cosponsor legislation that memorializes law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and also proudly cosponsored H.R. 354, the LEOSA Reform Act, to expand carrying privileges for off-duty and retired law enforcement officers. Our officers put on their uniforms each day knowing that they can be in harm's way at any moment. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank all of our officers who serve.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 193rd Air Operations Group in State College, Pennsylvania, who celebrated their 75th anniversary on May 2, 2024. Established in April of 1949, the unit was initially named the 112th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. The unit was Federally recognized as part of the Nation's reserve defenses. A notable alumnus of the squadron is the Honorable Dr. John L. McLucas who served in State College during the 1950s prior to becoming the Secretary of the Air Force in 1973. In January 2016, the 112th Air Operations Squadron was designated the 193rd Air Operations Group with three subordinate squadrons: the 193rd Air Communication Squadron, the 193rd Air Intelligence Squadron, and the 193rd Combat Operations Squadron. The three squadrons operate under the Air Combat Command. Since the redesignation, the unit has sent members to more places around the globe than ever before to project American air power and to support operations worldwide. Since 2010, the Air Operations Group took on its current role supporting the U.S. Air Force's central theater as they have completed nine deployments in Doha, Qatar. During these deployments, the 193rd supported the 609th Air Operations Center, conducting operations vital to the global war on terror and thwarting al-Qaida, ISIS, and Iranian-aligned aggressors in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Additionally, the unit assisted in sustaining military operations throughout the U.S. Central Command area of operations, including 21 Nations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. Mr. Speaker, as the national strategy has begun to focus on defending against near-peer adversaries, the 193rd AOG has excelled at staying agile, informed, and at the tip of the spear for providing combat mission-ready warriors to support operations worldwide. The members of the 193rd have most recently supported U.S. Indo- Pacific Command exercises in line with the national strategy to train and meet the increasing threat posed by China. Additionally, the 193rd has participated in the Pennsylvania National Guard State partnership program with Lithuania, conducting military training and readiness with a strategic military ally. Mr. Speaker, I personally thank those who previously and currently serve the 193rd AOG for their dedication and service to our great Nation, and I congratulate them on 75 years of operations.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 50 years of the Centre Area Transportation Authority, or CATA. For the last 50 years, CATA has connected the borough of State College and surrounding townships with reliable transportation. Whether you are a college student looking to run errands or a full-time resident relying on CATA to help you get to your job, you can count on the bus to get you where you need to go. Mr. Speaker, as State College continued to grow, so did CATA's services, originally starting out as Nittany Transit Company and growing to CATA in 1974. Today, CATA continues to develop and provide for residents. CATA remains a premier small transit system and is continually recognized for its growth, service, and ingenuity. I congratulate CATA on 50 years of dedicated service to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. By breaking the stigma and talking about depression, anxiety, and other conditions, we can help those affected to seek the quality care that they deserve. Mr. Speaker, by bringing attention to mental health, we can elevate the conversations surrounding mental health. We are focusing on prioritizing mental health and acknowledging it is okay to not be okay. If you are suffering or feel alone, please reach out for help. It is important to remember that you are not alone. This month, reach out to your loved ones and check in. By starting the conversation, we are one step closer to ending the stigma surrounding mental health.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of music education. We recognized Music In Our Schools Month last month, but today, I want to recognize the 10 school districts and 2 schools in my district that were named for outstanding support of music education. Over the past 25 years, the National Best Communities for Music Education Award has honored more than 1,000 schools and districts in 43 States for their unwavering commitment to music education as an integral part of a well-rounded education for all students. Every year, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation recognizes school districts across the country that are among the best communities in the Nation for music education. The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. This year, they recognized 975 school districts, with 10 across the 15th Congressional District. Whether it be music class, choir, concert band, marching band, or the school musical, having music access and education is important for students' development. Music is an incredibly important component of a well-rounded education--support access to music education and inspire the next generation. I congratulate Armstrong County School District, Bald Eagle Area School District, Bellefonte Area School District, Clearfield Area School District, Curwensville Area School District, DuBois Area School District, Lewisburg Area School District, Port Allegany Area School District, State College Area School District, and West Branch Area School District on this distinguished award. The NAMM Foundation also recognizes individual school districts with the Support Music Merit Award. This award is an opportunity for an individual school--public, private, parochial, or charter--to be acknowledged for its commitment to music education. I congratulate the Saint Francis School and the Tidioute Community Charter School. This recognition continues to highlight the hard work our educators do to provide a comprehensive education that includes the arts. I congratulate all the schools in our region that have been recognized for their efforts to promote a well-rounded education.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. This week honors America's hardworking, dedicated, and passionate teachers. The National Education Association and the National PTA team up each year to recognize the contributions our teachers make every day to shape the minds of their students. Our teachers push students to achieve their best. They nurture and motivate them and show students how to realize their full potential. Teachers are some of the most powerful professionals in the entire world. They lend a caring hand and extend a loving heart. They make differences in the lives of our students academically, emotionally, and physically. I thank every teacher in America for the job they do, the hours they work, the patience they show, and for the impact they have on so many lives. A special thank you and congratulations to my sister, Sherri, who will be retiring in just a few weeks after 30 years of service as a teacher.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the men and women in the nursing profession. This week is National Nurses Week, and every year from May 6 through May 12, we celebrate the work and contributions nurses make in the healthcare field. National Nurses Week ends on Florence Nightingale's birthday, the founder of modern-day nursing. Prior to serving in Congress, I spent nearly three decades in the healthcare profession, and there I worked closely with nurses and saw firsthand the care and the compassion that they showed their patients. Nursing is a science and an art, reserved for those who are the most caring, giving, and passionate about helping others. Nurses provide their patients and families with comfort, compassion, guidance, and care. Mr. Speaker, we should always thank our nurses for their hard work and dedication, and please join me in recognizing the nursing community this week. We should all be grateful for their commitment to caring for others, especially during these trying times.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for H.R. 6090, the Antisemitism Awareness Act. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 172.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate our small businesses across the Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District, the Commonwealth, and the country. This week we recognize the importance of our small businesses and the role that they play in our communities as part of National Small Business Week. Small businesses are the cornerstone of communities. They are often the first place you go to for local support. From asking for donations for fundraisers to sponsoring your youth sports teams, it is the local small businesses that answer the call. More than half of Americans either work for or own a small business, and they create nearly two out of every three jobs in the United States every year. Our small businesses play a central role in building a strong country, and we are so grateful for their contributions to our communities. Now small businesses need our support. There are many ways you can show your support: by writing a review, telling friends and family about your favorite shop, or interacting with the business on social media. Mr. Speaker, this week I encourage you all to make the effort to shop small and shop local at your favorite small businesses.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as National Welding Month. Welding careers are fundamental to safety and advancing the quality of life worldwide. This month, we raise awareness about the welding industry and its career paths. The welding industry is a foundation of manufacturing. Skilled welders not only keep products rolling off an assembly line and buildings rising into the skyline, but they also keep the economy booming. As co-chair of the Bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, recognizing National Welding Month is especially important. Welding is a trade-based education, and students who choose to enter a career in welding can graduate high school with a diploma and certifications in one hand and multiple job offers in the other. Mr. Speaker, a great example are the 12 high school students from Venago County who recently received their welding certificates through the Community College of Allegheny County at Venago Technology Center. Students in the program were all juniors and seniors from Titusville, Cranberry, Oil City, or Franklin High Schools. Upon graduating from high school, the students will also have earned 18 full credits through CCAC for their work. Mr. Speaker, this is what a career in technical education provides. It teaches learners of all ages skills to help them succeed in the workforce.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as Autism Acceptance Month. This April, we chose to celebrate differences that make us stronger. Today, millions of adults and an estimated 1 out of every 68 children in the United States have been diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorder. Notwithstanding these diagnoses, Americans with autism make exceptional contributions across our Nation and around the world. Mr. Speaker, during Autism Acceptance Month, let us renew our commitment to support the entire international autism community, including children and adults with autism, their families, and caregivers. Together, we can increase access to information, encourage heightened understanding of autism, promote respect and dignity, and support the services that assist people with autism to reach their full potential.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Charles Cauvel, a lifelong resident of Cranberry Township in Venango County. Charles was born on March 24, 1924. He is the oldest of four children. He left high school in 10th grade when he was offered a job driving a truck. A year later, he started working on the railroad. A few years later, in May 1943, he was drafted into the United States Army at 19 years of age, where he served until 1946. Charles spent 3 years overseas in the Pacific theater and was even part of the division sent to clean up Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped. Following his discharge in 1946, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars. After the war, Charles returned to Cranberry Township, working as a pumper on an oil lease. Today, Charles has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he continues to share stories of his time in the Army and growing up in Venango County. Mr. Speaker, I wish Charles a happy birthday, and I thank him for his service to our country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Assistive Technology Day. Assistive Technology, or AT, is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals living with disabilities and older adults. Having spent nearly three decades as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager, and licensed nursing home administrator before coming to Congress, I have a personal understanding of the challenges faced with those who require assistive technology. Whether it is a veteran dealing with service-connected injuries, children with autism, an individual diagnosed with debilitating cancer, or adults with cerebral palsy, the bottom line is that these technologies make people's lives better. Mr. Speaker, not only do I want to celebrate and recognize the critical role AT plays in the lives of those who need it, but I also want to recognize and thank all the AT specialists, programs, professional organizations, and researchers who are dedicated to facilitating the access to and acquisition of assistive technology.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, and the Optimist organization, who are on Capitol Hill today. Volunteer service is a cornerstone of a successful, strong, and healthy community. It is also an important staple of American life. I am a member of my hometown organization, the Howard Area Lions Club, so I know firsthand the good this club does around the world. To share the impactful work of service clubs and our volunteers, Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California, who is a Rotarian, and I founded the Congressional Service Organization Caucus in 2019. Later today, the Congressional Service Organization Caucus will host a Member and staff briefing. Speakers from Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Optimist clubs will share how their members strive to make the world a better place, one community at a time. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join the Congressional Service Organization Caucus to ensure service to others remains a viable part of American life for generations to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize students from Keystone Central Career and Technology Center who recently attended the SkillsUSA State competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The SkillsUSA State competition, which took place from April 3 to April 5, is an annual competition that allows high school students to demonstrate their skills in a variety of competitions. Students have the opportunity to compete both individually and as a team. Keystone Central had 25 students participate in the event. The students represented different programs, including childcare, drafting and design, health assisting, and precision machining. Twelve students won awards, with four coming in first place for Community Service and Related Technical Math, one coming in second place for CTE Demonstration, and seven coming in third place for Architectural Drafting, Career Pathways, Industrial and Engineering Technology, and Career Pathways for Human Services. The students who came in first will advance to the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia, in June. I am proud of these Keystone Central students for their hard work and dedication to learning. I wish them the best of luck in their future career paths.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as the Month of the Military Child. This month, we focus on the children whose parents are defending our freedom at home and abroad. These children are resilient. These children have courage. These children have strength. While they wake up, go to school, complete their homework, and participate in after-school activities like other children, they are also missing their mom or dad who may be deployed or away for training, yet they keep going. Mr. Speaker, military children's strength and sacrifice does not go unnoticed. That is why, for the entire month of April, we raise awareness and give special recognition to military children. Military children, youth, and teens deal with difficult emotions as they face concerns of their parents' safety along with a strong sense of pride for their parents' service. Mr. Speaker, we must recognize the service and sacrifice our military children face. We thank them for their service, for their sacrifice, and for their bravery.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two robotics teams from North Clarion High School which is located in Clarion County. The Western Pennsylvania Robotics championships took place in March at the PennWest Clarion University. During this competition, two teams, the Ineffable Inventors and the Ambiguous Case, finished in first and second place, respectively. The Ineffable Inventors, who were the champions of the event, also earned the Amaze Award, which is given to the most consistent high- performing and competitive robot. The Ambiguous Case, finishing in second place, received the Excellence Award, which is given to overall excellence in robotic performance. Both of these teams will be advancing to the world championships, which will be held at the end of April in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Speaker, I enjoy seeing our youth engaging in these competitions to develop important computer science skills that will help them in their future endeavors. I wish both teams the best of luck as they advance to the world championships.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of the National Community Action Foundation as they celebrate 60 years of community action. Virtually every county throughout the country has a community action agency, which is an organization charged with fighting poverty at the local level. Today, I want to recognize some of the incredible work these agencies do at the local level to create opportunities for people to move from poverty to financial independence. Community action agencies administer Federal funds from the community services block grant, which continues to be the only Federal program with the explicit and overarching goal of reducing poverty regardless of its cause. The vast majority of CSBG funds, no less than 90 percent of each State's allotment, go directly to local agencies that can use these flexible funds to tailor a unique response to poverty in their communities. Community action agencies are highly successful at leveraging their CSBG allotments to obtain a wide array of other public and private dollars, showing the immense benefits of supporting successful public- private partnerships. These agencies often help administer a wide array of programs, including Head Start, USDA food programs, LIHEAP, Federal homelessness programs, workforce funding, and much more. For more than 60 years, the Community Action Network has inspired a spirit of hope. It has helped millions of people each year change their lives and has improved communities all across America. I want to highlight one of the successful agencies in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District: the Northern Tier Community Action Corporation. Northern Tier Community Action has served a four-county region in my district since 1966, covering more than 3,000 square miles and serving thousands of individuals annually. They operate a highly successful Head Start program, providing education, health, nutrition, and social services to families with young children who otherwise may not be able to access these services in these rural communities. Northern Tier also provides housing assistance to families facing imminent loss of their existing housing or who are currently homeless, and they help connect low-income individuals to everything from food to energy assistance. While agencies like Northern Tier are successful at leveraging CSBG dollars, we can and must do more to make these dollars go even further. Unfortunately, the CSBG program has not been reauthorized in nearly three decades. The program, while successful, needs some modernization to allow agencies the ability to tap their full potential and better serve families and communities. This program has a strong history of bipartisan support because of the great work it enables, which is why I continue to be a proud partner with my friend, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, on championing recent reauthorization efforts. Several provisions would make the program significantly stronger, including expanded eligibility and an increased authorization to make sure these funds can serve those most in need. It is also critical that community action agencies maintain local control over planning and activities and avoid a top-down, one- size-fits-all approach. I am also excited about the possibility of a new broadband navigator program within CSBG to respond to the broadband and digital needs of low-income families and communities. It is time for Congress to renew our Nation's commitment to reducing poverty by reauthorizing the community services block grant program. I am grateful for the National Community Action Foundation and the community action agencies across the country that serve those most in need every day.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for her leadership. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in strong support of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which will strengthen the Federal workforce system and increase access to high-quality and in-demand jobs nationwide. WIOA was successful in many respects, including supporting educational services to help adults develop basic skills and providing funding for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities. However, additional reforms are needed to respond to the challenges employers face in filling millions of open jobs nationwide. I am particularly pleased to see additional funding directed toward upskilling incumbent workers, including giving States new tools through the critical industry skills fund to help employers upskill, hire, and retain workers in critical industries. I am also pleased to see additional emphasis on digital literacy within this legislation, as we all know that these skills are necessary to succeed today. Together, these reforms will ensure workers remain relevant for the rapidly changing 21st century economy. As the co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am grateful to see better alignment for State activities authorized through Perkins. This coordination will allow for expanded integrated education and training programs, assistance to providers in reporting participant outcomes, and additional materials to meet the needs of adult and English learners. Additionally, local workforce development agencies will now be able to relocate one-stop centers to CTE schools, creating a true hub for skills development. Finally, I am pleased to see my bipartisan legislation, the Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance Act, included in this legislation. This will bolster career counseling programs and allow for public outreach to educate Americans on the many opportunities the workforce system can provide them. Together, these provisions fuel innovation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.