Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for sponsoring this Special Order hour, recognizing my dear friend, Bill Posey. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share a few words about my dear friend, former Congressman Bill Posey. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. He dedicated more than 20 years to public service in this Chamber and as a Florida State legislator. Bill's reputation as a Florida legislator was one of a changemaker. As the Florida Governor noted: Bill Posey earned a reputation in the Florida legislature as a principled conservative, a problem-solver, and a pioneer in government transparency and accountability, serving in both the Florida House from 1992 to the year 2000, and in the Florida Senate from 2000 to 2008. He was widely respected for constituent service and principled leadership. Bill and I were first elected to Congress in 2009. It was really during the November orientation after the election that I found my friend, when we were sitting in new Congress Member school, basically. That was also the same time that my wife, Penny, and Katie started a relationship as dear friends that continues to this day. They both quickly became dear friends. Bill was a mentor, helping me to find my legislative feet, as someone who had never served in the State legislature. He and his wife, Katie, helped Penny and I navigate life in Washington, D.C. He truly was an esteemed colleague who was unwavering in his commitment to American values. Bill's love for Katie was undeniable. Katie and my wife Penny continue to be the closest of friends. Bill served on the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, fitting for a man who represented Florida's Space Coast and one who spent part of his career working at the Kennedy Space Center. I remember fondly his personal tour of Cape Canaveral and his pride in sharing the behind-the-scenes tour of the industry, from the launchpad to the rubber room. During a personal visit to Florida, Penny and I spent time with Bill and Katie at their church camp for a couple's faith retreat. The messages were inspiring, and the fellowship was outstanding. I was troubled by the fact that they actually swam and canoed in water shared by alligators. I guess that is a Florida thing, definitely not a Pennsylvania thing. I had the opportunity to experience firsthand Bill's passion for racing, a.k.a., driving fast. I rode with Bill in his muscle car to a local car show, and that is a ride I will not soon forget. Bill poured his heart into all he did. He served with dignity and humility. His character and his wisdom will be sorely missed. He was a patriot. He was a conservative. He was a family man. He was a man of faith, and he was my friend. I find comfort in knowing that he was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Penny and I will be attending a memorial and celebrating Bill's life this coming Saturday in Florida. Mr. Speaker, may God bless Bill's loved ones. I thank the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember retired Centre County Judge David Grine, who passed away in May at the age of 81. From an early age, David dedicated his life to public service, enlisting in the Army following his graduation from State College Area High School, and he later served as a police officer. A proud Penn State alumnus, David earned a bachelor's degree and later graduated from the Dickinson Law School. In the late seventies, he served as Centre County District Attorney and was a judge of the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. From 2008 to 2012, he served as president judge and was appointed senior judge status in 2021. In his final retention vote in 2011, more than 85 percent of Centre County voters said he deserved another 10-year term. David is survived by Karen Grine, his wife of 55 years; his two children; and his four grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, David was a mentor to generations of aspiring attorneys and judges and leaves behind an enduring legacy of public service in Centre County. God bless David and his family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melissa Kunes, who is retiring from Penn State after 40 years of steadfast service. Melissa's journey at Penn State began in the early 1990s when she started working in the University's agricultural sciences extension office. After earning her master's degree in counselor education in 1993, Melissa worked in the Office of Student Aid. Throughout her tenure, she served the university in various capacities before becoming the assistant vice president and executive director for student aid in 2018. In this role, Melissa has advocated for financial aid funding; implemented LionPATH, the University's student information system; and collaborated with multiple State organizations, like the Pennsylvania Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Melissa and her colleagues have been responsible for administering more than $1.5 billion in financial aid. Over the years, she has helped countless Penn State students attend the university, creating future opportunities in an array of careers. Madam Speaker, I applaud Melissa for her constant support at Penn State. I congratulate Melissa on this milestone.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bellefonte High School and Middle School majorette teams, which both secured multiple State titles at the Pennsylvania State Baton Twirling Championships. At the competition, both the high school and middle school teams were named the 2026 Pennsylvania Open and State Halftime Show Twirl Team winners. Both programs have a history of winning area and State championships, and their recent success is a direct reflection of their dedication and hard work over the past year. Mr. Speaker, I commend Bellefonte High School majorette captain Breanna Dickey, who has been selected as the next featured twirler at Indiana University. This upcoming football season, Breanna will lead the university's marching band on the field. She first picked up a baton at age 4 and has won multiple State and national twirling titles and has competed internationally. I congratulate Breanna. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the high school and middle school majorettes for their great achievement. I thank them for representing Bellefonte and the local community so well.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Cindy Hahn, executive director of C-NET Centre County. C-NET, a local not-for-profit television and media organization, broadcasts more than 500 government and educational programs annually. After 20 years of service, Cindy will retire on May 31. She has been fundamental in connecting community members with public information. Cindy joined C-NET in 2006 and quickly expanded their media offerings, increasing broadcasting capabilities to Bellefonte, State College, and the surrounding townships. Over the years, she has seen C-NET's internal infrastructure develop. From VHS to live streaming, the group continues to be a resource for thousands of residents. As C-NET's longest standing employee, Cindy has kept residents informed and provided transparency to the region's current affairs. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Cindy's commitment to connecting the public with local officials. She is a mentor to so many, including various Penn State communications students who have interned at C-NET. I congratulate Cindy on this milestone and thank her for her years of service.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the power of civic engagement and the profound impact volunteering has on all of our communities. To champion the vital work of service clubs and their volunteers, I founded the Congressional Service Organization Caucus in 2019 with my friend Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California. Volunteer service is a cornerstone of a successful and strong community. The relationships we create through service often give people the courage to take the next steps in life. My journey in service began as a Scout washing local fire trucks, an experience I will always remember. Over the years, I have been proud to continue serving my community, first as an Eagle Scout, later as a volunteer firefighter and a school board member. Volunteering and dedicating my life to public service is a part of a greater calling to make a difference in people's lives, and it is a priority I will always uphold. Through my own personal experiences, I have learned that volunteering allows people to connect with others, learn new skills, build relationships, and, most importantly, brings people a sense of purpose. As a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, I know volunteering can help people build lasting careers. This is one of the many reasons why I support legislation that brings volunteer opportunities to schools, colleges, and to workforce sites. Mr. Speaker, I highlight the many notable service organizations across the United States, including Kiwanis, the Lions Club, Optimists, the Rotary Club, and AmeriCorps, among many more. These organizations share the same goal of making a positive impact on others' lives. Last week, I was honored to receive the National Service Champion Award from Voices for National Service, a coalition of organizations that prioritize service opportunities. I applaud Voices for National Service for their continued support of AmeriCorps. Programs through AmeriCorps create meaningful opportunities for people to serve, respond to local needs, and make a tangible difference in people's lives. I thank the thousands of volunteers at AmeriCorps who give back to others. Your goodwill touches the lives of real Americans and is an essential part of the fabric of our communities. I look forward to continuing to work in Congress to ensure volunteering and service programs receive the recognition that they deserve.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as National Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor and recognize all those who have served or are currently serving in our Armed Forces. In 1999, the late Senator John McCain introduced S. Res. 33. It passed unanimously and was adopted by the House, officially designating May as Military Appreciation Month. Mr. Speaker, I want to specifically recognize the thousands of Pennsylvanians currently in uniform. Your courage and selflessness do not go unnoticed. We applaud your commitment to defending our Nation's freedoms at all costs. Through every conflict since our founding, the men and women of our Armed Forces have never wavered. Our veterans and our fallen gave their all for every American. We owe them a debt of gratitude that spans generations. This month, let us unite as a nation to salute the brave men and women who protect our values and flag at all costs. Madam Speaker, it is important we continue to support our Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. May God bless them and their families.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Police Week, observed this year from May 10 to May 16. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, this week serves as a solemn tribute to the men and women in blue who lost their lives in the line of duty. Since then, support for National Police Week has grown significantly. National Police Week is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial fund. Its mission is to tell the story of American law enforcement, honor the fallen, and make it safer for those who serve. This year, thousands of police officers and law enforcement supporters are gathering here in Washington, D.C., to show their public support for the men and women who wear the badge. I encourage people visiting our Nation's Capital this week to visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Here, Mr. Speaker, you can pay tribute to more than 24,000 fallen officers whose names are engraved on the memorial. Earlier this year, we mourned Pennsylvania State Trooper Timothy O'Connor, who died during a traffic stop. Trooper O'Connor, like so many other law enforcement officers we have lost, served with dignity, honor, and courage. I pray God continues to protect and bless his family. Every day, more than 700,000 law enforcement officers uphold the responsibility of protecting Americans and serving their local communities. Mr. Speaker, our officers put on their uniforms each day knowing that they can be in harm's way at any moment. As a Member of Congress, I thank the Capitol Police officers who work so hard to protect the Capitol, Members of Congress, and their staff. These men and women serve with integrity and goodwill, making it possible for Representatives to serve their constituents. Police officers across the Nation make their communities safer, and for that we are grateful. Mr. Speaker, as we honor National Police Week, it is important to take a moment and remember the sacrifices many officers, as well as their families, have made. May God continue to protect our police officers and their families. I thank all the officers who take the oath to serve and protect the public. Happy National Police Week.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Michael McShane, associate professor of medicine at Penn State University, for receiving the 2026 McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award. The annual McGraw Hill Pathfinder Award recognizes three innovative educators for their dedication to improving student learning. Michael graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Penn State in 2009 and later attended Penn State's College of Medicine. Michael has been pivotal in bridging healthcare gaps, specifically in rural communities. He is a founder and lead of the LION Mobile Clinic, a student-supported medical clinic with the goal of providing healthcare to rural communities across the Commonwealth. The clinic's fleet of five pickup trucks and two Airstream trailers was first launched in 2022. Since its establishment, the clinic has served more than 3,000 community members and administered over 800 vaccines in Pennsylvania. Through the LION Mobile Clinic's collaborative programs, Michael has mentored many students across multiple academic disciplines. Mr. Speaker, I thank Michael for his dedication to teaching and for helping to provide care for our communities.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Todd Warner, who will be retiring as the Clinton County Director of Veterans Affairs in June. Todd, of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, graduated from Penn State in 1986. Following graduation, he was commissioned as an Army Reserve Second Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. Todd was assigned to the 442nd Field Service Company in Bellefonte from 1986 to 1992. Todd led as a platoon leader with a joint task force in Honduras and, a few years later, went on to lead Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Through the 1990s and the early 2000s, Todd drew up the ranks as captain, major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel. Following assignments across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and most recently at the Pentagon, Todd retired in 2016 after 30 years of service. Todd assumed his current role with the Clinton County VA in 2023 and has supported hundreds of veterans across the country. Mr. Speaker, I commend Todd for his commitment to service and State. I thank him for his selflessness in helping other veterans across Clinton County. I congratulate Todd on this milestone. I salute him. May God bless him and his family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for the eighth consecutive year, the DuBois Area School District has received a national music education honor. The district was once again recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants. The NAMM Foundation, the world's largest not-for-profit music trade organization, honored more than 1,000 school districts this year for their outstanding efforts to provide music access to all students. The DuBois Area School District provides music classes for all elementary school students, and by fourth grade, students are offered the opportunity to start a band instrument. In middle school, students begin performing in music ensembles. Over the years, many of these students have qualified for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association all-State ensembles, while others have furthered their education at universities while performing with performing arts programs. Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I commend the DuBois Area School District for this fantastic achievement and for providing students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in music.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for leading this great Special Order this evening, very timely. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate this year's National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving. Since the founding of our Nation, the people in the spirit of this great country have been rooted in a firm belief in God--evidence that as Americans we are ``One nation under God.'' In 1607, when English settlers landed at Cape Henry before traveling inward to establish what would later become Jamestown, their first act was not to build a fort, but to kneel in prayer. This early act of worship on American soil confirmed that our country's original intent was not bound by political and economic construction, but in our dedication to faith. Acts of worship continued to shape our Nation's early history and were central in the observance of Thanksgiving. This time unites all Americans to give thanks to God for his protection and wellness, cementing faith as a central pillar of our history. Our Nation was forged upon the belief in absolute, God-given rights-- a truth that reminds us that there is a higher authority than any government or any political figure. In 1775, our Founding Fathers issued proclamations to recognize national days of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. From 1777 to 1784, more than 10 of these proclamations were observed, encouraging all Americans to express gratitude and reflect through worship. Our Founders knew that liberty requires a spiritual anchor, and as Benjamin Franklin famously told the Constitutional Convention: ``God governs in the affairs of men.'' While our country has changed over the last 250 years, our steadfast reliance on faith remains constant. Faith and prayer have played a central role in my life and as a foundation of my work in Congress. For many Americans, our faith is what compels us to care for the vulnerable, to serve our communities with humility, and to see one another not as adversaries but brothers and sisters. I hope that on this National Day of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving, Americans across our country can unite in our steadfast belief in God. As a Nation, let's look ahead to the next 250 years with the same conviction in uniting under prayer, worship, and thanksgiving. Mr. Speaker, I once again thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for hosting this.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, I wish to include in the Record the following letters of exchange with respect to H.R. 7567, the ``Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.'' By these letters, the Chairmen of their respective committees agreed to forgo further consideration of the measure so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House Floor. I agree that these discharges in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of these committees or prejudices their jurisdictional prerogatives on this measure or similar legislation in the future. In addition to these letters, I wish to include the Cost Estimate for H.R. 7567 provided by the Congressional Budget Office dated April 24, 2026. House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC, February 23, 2026. Hon. Glenn Thompson, Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Thompson: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. There are certain provisions in the legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Financial Services. In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important bill, I am willing to waive this committee's right to sequential referral. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the bill, the Committee on Financial Services does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this committee to any conference committee that is named to consider such provisions. Please place this letter into the committee report on H.R. 7567 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, French Hill, Chairman.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the Juniata Valley Council American Heritage Camporee, which I had the privilege of attending this weekend. This year's Camporee, hosted by the Howard Pack and Troop 353, welcomed more than 400 Scouts to my hometown of Howard, Pennsylvania to enjoy a weekend of camping, and learning about the core scout values. This year's Camporee brought Scouts together to participate in interactive sessions at the Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village--one of the longest-running ironworks in Pennsylvania. Scouts spent the weekend learning the histoy of ironworking, and what life would have looked like here more than 100 years ago. I spent Saturday instructing participants on the American Heritage Merit Badge. As an Eagle Scout and a former Scoutmaster of Troop 353, it is always an honor to meet Scouts and learn more about the way they are positively impacting our communities. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Juniata Valley Council, which was established more than 100 years ago, for planning the annual Camporee. Special thanks to Tom and Patti Long for leading the planning of this event.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the Juniata Valley Council American Heritage Camporee, which I had the privilege of attending this weekend. This year's camporee, hosted by the Howard Pack and Troop 353, welcomed more than 400 Scouts to my hometown of Howard, Pennsylvania, to enjoy a weekend of camping and learning about core Scout values and American heritage. This year's camporee brought Scouts together to participate in interactive sessions at the Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village, one of the longest-running ironworks in Pennsylvania. Scouts spent the weekend learning the history of ironworking and what life would have looked like more than 100 years ago. I spent Saturday instructing participants on the American Heritage Merit Badge. As an Eagle Scout and former Scoutmaster of Troop 353, it is always an honor to meet and spend time with the Scouts and learn more about the way they are positively impacting our communities. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Juniata Valley Council, which was established more than 100 years ago, for planning the annual camporee. I extend special thanks to Tom and Patti Long for leading the planning and implementation of this event.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, I will just finish up by saying for the ranking member, if she is done with her political talking points of running for Senate, and hopefully she is here--I invite her--on May 13, she is welcome to be here to vote on an E15 bill on May 13. I thank the gentlewoman. I support this bill. This drives up the cost of these pieces of equipment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Chair, Benjamin Franklin once said: ``An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,'' and this is not the first time that we have been threatened with foreign entities purchasing up agricultural assets, be it production or processing. In the 1970s, it was Japan. The result of that: There are 29 States that have laws that restrict, to some degree, foreign ownership or investments in private agricultural land within their State. Yet, up to this point, the Federal Government has failed to do its job because we have not had an agriculture presence in the CFIUS interagency group. By the way, we correct that in this bill, in this piece of legislation, Farm, Food, and National Security Act. The gentleman's amendment really complements that. Agricultural land is a strategic asset tied directly to food supply, and restricting foreign ownership helps to ensure that adversarial nations or entities, whoever those adversaries may be in the future, cannot gain control over land near a sensitive site or, quite frankly, cannot control our food supply. A foreign entity controlling your food supply will control your nation. Keeping agricultural land in the hands of U.S. producers, away from adversarial nations, supports long-term stability and food production, reduces reliance on foreign-controlled resources, and ensures that land use decisions align with national interests, rather than with external, economic, or political priorities. The CFIUS interagency group, which under this bill, the Secretary of Agriculture would be a part of, would be able to do their due diligence on that. Food security is national security, and that is why I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank the gentleman for bringing up this important amendment. Mr. Chair, I can't believe that anyone is opposed to just making sure that honey is healthy and is produced in the United States. It just shows you the politics of my friends on the left side of the aisle, the Democrats. Let me address this amendment first. As with all food quality provisions, it is important that we are relying on high-quality science and methods to make sure that when producers are making claims regarding their product's quality, purity, and authenticity, it be confirmed. This amendment brings that certainty to the honey industry in the United States, protecting producers and consumers. The owners have a great secondary benefit of making sure that the honey industry is successful because we need those pollinators. We need those pollinators for everything: Our food, for beautiful flowers, for anything that grows. Basically, pollination is such an important part of that. To be opposed to this amendment is to be opposed to American agriculture. I am not surprised by that. The accusations that this is a partisan bill, I wish most people were paying closer attention. I think folks who know this bill know that we are. The core of this bill has 140 bipartisan, Republican and Democratic, markup bills in this. There were 40 bills just led by Democrats that went into this. We did 100 amendments in the committee markup process, and what got adopted was basically 50-50, half and half. Today, if you are really paying attention to what is happening on the floor, it is probably 50-50 today. I didn't do the actual math, but there are a lot of amendments that have been made not only in order but that were accepted by voice vote that were offered by my friends who are both Democrats and Republicans. This bill passed with bipartisan votes out of committee, so the political talking points for November that this is a partisan bill are just outrageous. You can't hide from the truth. Getting back to the sweet topic of honey, I think this is great amendment. I support this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 7567 to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering and cross-referencing, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the Genesee Township Volunteer Fire Department and the numerous officials who have served for many years. The Fire Department serves the Genesee township and the surrounding areas of Potter County, providing critical assistance to thousands of Pennsylvanians. As a former volunteer firefighter with more than three decades of service, I know the dedication and commitment volunteers make to serve their respective fire departments and the surrounding areas. They truly are the backbone of many small rural communities. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize the following individuals: Bill Baker for his half-centuryof service; Patty Ransom and Susie Calcote for each serving 30 years; and Monica Porcuri, for her five years of service in the department. Our communities are safer because of these brave men and women. Mr. Speaker, I thank them for their service and selflessness.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 7567.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. It is more evident than ever that rural America needs a new farm bill now, not next year or next Congress. Producers are operating under the third consecutive farm bill extension, and the simple truth is the policies of 2018 are no match for the challenges of 2026. It is time to get this critical legislation done. I have said it before and I will say it again, because it is important: This bill was not written in Congress. It was written out in the fields and pastures of our great Nation while the Agriculture Committee held over 150 listening sessions. We went to farmers and ranchers in rural communities, and we asked them what they needed from Congress. Every provision in this bill is directly informed by what we learned in these listening sessions. Today, you will hear some opposing comments made that this is a partisan bill, and even more, on what is not in the bill. I would like to remind everyone of the facts. This bill is filled with good policy that is also overwhelmingly bipartisan. Upon introduction, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act included or drew upon 150 bipartisan marker bills. During the committee's 22-hour markup, over 100 amendments were offered and debated with 46 adopted, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats. It passed the committee with strong bipartisan support. It also enjoys the endorsement of over 500 agriculture stakeholder groups. I am asking Congress to join the hardworking men and women who feed, fuel, and clothe our country in supporting this farm bill. Now is not the time to turn our backs on rural America. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, I just want to note that most of what the gentlewoman, a good friend of mine, says is not in this bill is not in our jurisdiction. It is not a part of the farm bill because it doesn't fit. Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas), the chairman of the Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee and chair emeritus of the Committee on Agriculture.

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