Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Emma Zacherl, a student at Clarion-Limestone, for her award-winning artwork. Emma is a talented artist who continues to wow teachers and professionals alike. At the Laurel Festival in Brookville this past summer, she earned the best of show for her watercolor of Till Lindemann, a German singer and songwriter. During Clarion's Autumn Leaf Festival this year, the teenager earned third place in the professional category. Zacherl competed in that division because she was commissioned to do illustrations in ``The Iron Furnaces of the Cove!'' That is a book by her relative, Byron Smail. Earlier this year in Clarion, during Summerfest, Zacherl won in her age group with her chalk drawing of Batman. She has also received recognition for her work of the Juniata furnace. Mr. Speaker, Emma continues to pursue her passion while also maintaining straight A's, being a member of her local Girl Scout troop, playing on her high school volleyball team, and being a member of a band. I congratulate Emma on her art awards. I wish her the best of luck as she continues to pursue her dreams.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the critical point that we, as Americans, stand at with our domestic energy supply. We are living in a self-created energy crisis because of bad energy policy. It is unacceptable that many hardworking Americans are struggling to make ends meet because this administration refuses to utilize the abundant resources that we, as a Nation, are blessed with. Pennsylvania is key to restoring American energy independence. Before President Biden took office, America was the largest energy producer in the world. In just over 3 years, the Biden administration has effectively waged war on our domestic energy production and kneecapped innovation in our oil and gas industries. As a result, American consumers are seeing increased demand and higher prices for conventional fuels. By utilizing the Commonwealth's resources, we can provide jobs and invest directly into our communities that have suffered at the hand of the Biden administration's antienergy policies. Thankfully, my colleagues and I in the House have passed several bills that will put America back on top as the global leader in energy production. For example H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, will allow our energy producers to remain market-responsive by removing bureaucratic red tape and streamline the production of our critical energy resources. We also updated the flexible air permitting rule, a Federal air emissions permit, by ensuring that operators can have changes made to their production approved up front, without having to wait for subsequent reviews of the changes. This flexibility allows owners and operators to act quickly and without government regulation slowing down the production of critical energy resources. In my fight to restore energy independence, I was proud to cosponsor the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act which will eliminate President Biden's plan to increase burdensome fees and taxes on energy companies. This bill will prevent further cost increases for consumers, a burden that falls most heavily on lower-income Americans. House Republicans also led on a number of permitting reforms that were included in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Most notably, we passed the first significant reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act, NEPA, that removed burdensome environmental consideration requirements and reduced redundancies within Federal agencies to end the delays to critical energy infrastructure projects. Mr. Speaker, another key aspect of unleashing American domestic energy is that we need to invest in renewable energy to counteract high gas prices and global volatility. No amount of talk of electric vehicles or speaking in platitudes about a green economy will change the fact that everyday Americans are paying an unnecessary price at the pump. We cannot go electric overnight. However, we can unleash American energy production in the short term and allow our producers to fill both domestic and global demand. The United States has an abundance of clean-burning natural gas, especially in Pennsylvania, which is the second largest producer of natural gas in the United States. Unleashing domestic production of energy can only add certainty to the United States energy supply. It is my hope that with our continued work here in the House, we can ultimately return to our status as a leading producer of energy.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership with this bipartisan Rural Healthcare Caucus. It is incredibly important and really defines my life. Prior to coming to Congress 15 years ago, I spent 28 years working in rural healthcare as a nonprofit community healthcare therapist, rehab service manager, a manager within rural hospitals, and a licensed nursing home administrator. I witnessed firsthand the challenges that individuals that live in rural America, rural communities face when it comes to healthcare. I am acutely aware of the challenges many face when it comes to obtaining reasonably priced healthcare. It is especially critical for rural America, much like the 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania that I have the privilege of serving today. As a Member of Congress representing nearly one-third of the land mass of Pennsylvania, one of the most rural districts east of the Mississippi, I am keenly aware of the problems my constituents face when accessing medical services. I always say that when I see rural hospitals in dire challenges, and we are struggling with some of that right now in our district, that the end results in a commute that can mean the difference between life and death to be able to get the services they need within the time frame that is required. I saw that firsthand, quite frankly, as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for several decades. The importance of being able to get from that accident scene or from their home to a healthcare setting, a hospital setting in a timely manner, especially for those eventually requiring some type of surgery. We talk about the golden hour. It is not an hour in many parts of rural America. We are facing a healthcare crisis in our Nation's rural areas. These often disadvantaged populations are still struggling to access affordable, quality care. Many remain uninsured. Most are underinsured. However, access to quality care remains the largest challenge. Even if it is not the bricks and mortar, and we have seen so many of those closed over the past 15 years, it is the talent, the skill, the expertise within that bricks and mortar, the physicians, the nurses, the technicians. It is difficult. As someone who used to participate in recruiting this talent into our rural hospitals, it is very challenging to get that, to be able to be successful with that. That is why I am a big fan of telemedicine. I am really excited about the advances that we have made in telemedicine over the past decade or so. There is more that needs to be done. Even when people gain access to health insurance, it does not equal access to healthcare. Rural hospitals across the country are closing, leaving patients without access to the emergency rooms and long-term care facilities. Quite frankly, where they are not closing, they are always struggling for staff. If you don't have access to qualified healthcare professionals, I don't care how we pay for healthcare, what kind of shiny package, what ribbon we put on it, there is no access to healthcare without those qualified, highly skilled providers. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to work with the gentlewoman as a part of this caucus, and proud to be a founding member of the Rural Health Caucus. I am proud to work with the gentlewoman as a great member of the House Agriculture Committee, where under the Rural Development title, we support facilities like nursing homes and rehabilitation centers and hospitals and provide communities reasonable funding to be able to address that need. This is a problem. It is a multidimensional problem that requires multidimensional solutions. I think that the formation of this caucus is one of the first best starts to address this. This bipartisan group will bring awareness to these unique challenges, to other members, and actively work to find solutions to these problems.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of our strong partnership with Germany. Our partnership runs deep, with Germany being the third largest foreign employer in the United States and Germans investing more than $1.8 trillion in the U.S. from 2020 to 2022. Today, there are more than 40 million Americans of German descent living in the United States, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania boasts one of the largest German populations in the country. As co-chairman of the Congressional German American Caucus, I was proud to be joined today by my colleague, Congressman Keating, in introducing the resolution on reaffirming German-American friendship and cooperation initiative. This resolution reaffirms the importance of the alliance between the United States and Germany, underscoring our shared commitment to democracy and freedom. In addition, this resolution highlights the great connections between the United States and Germany. Our bond is based on friendship, historical ties, and shared values. These historical ties include the Wunderbar Together program as well as the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Earlier this month, we celebrated the 34th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Let's continue our strong bilateral ties and close cooperation on the global stage.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished World War II veteran, Judd Burchfield of Rockland Township in Venango County. Mr. Burchfield celebrated his 102nd birthday on Sunday, November 19. Mr. Burchfield is believed to be the oldest veteran in Venango County. He grew up in Mt. Joy, and later returned to the area following his service in World War II. Over the course of the war, Mr. Burchfield was an auto equipment mechanic as part of the Army Air Corps. He spent time in both North Africa and Italy, and eventually rose to the rank of staff sergeant. Because of his courage, he was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with a Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. After returning home to Venango County, Mr. Burchfield started his own farm, raising just about every farm animal. He started his own business, B&M Farm Supply, and worked for Richland Township running a road grader and a backhoe. We thank Mr. Burchfield for his gallant service to our country and wish him the happiest birthday.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as National Career Development Month. Along with my colleague and co-chair of the Bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, today we introduced a resolution recognizing November as National Career Development Month. National Career Development Month marks an important time for our students and workers of all ages to consider and explore future career opportunities. It is also a time to recognize the professionals who guide learners to become the leaders of tomorrow. Throughout the month, schools and businesses will have the chance to showcase different career paths that align with various interests and skills. These opportunities will better prepare students as they begin to enter the workforce. National Career Development Month raises awareness of future career opportunities and development programs for all individuals. A highly skilled workforce is a business' number one asset and provides a competitive edge. This month, I encourage individuals of all ages to take advantage of career development and put themselves in the driver's seat of their futures. Career practitioners and educators are a vital resource for the livelihood of our Nation's workforce and economic health and well-being of U.S. workers. We look forward to advancing career development for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martene Firestine and her outstanding work with the Pennsylvania Livestock Association. For more than 18 years, Martene has worked tirelessly to raise money to support youth education scholarships. Her efforts have led to the awarding of 106 scholarships totaling more than $111,000. These scholarships are given to young individuals who have outstanding leadership skills and a keen interest in the livestock industry and who are involved in the Keystone International Livestock Expo, known as the KILE farm show, among other traits. Students who receive the scholarships use the funds to further their education in any degree or field. Mr. Speaker, Martene's efforts to support the next generation of leaders are impressive. She remains dedicated to helping others, and it is an honor to recognize her important work. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Martene on this much-deserved recognition. The Pennsylvania Livestock Association is blessed to have such a dedicated member.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of the McKean County 4-H Club who participated and excelled at the Pennsylvania 4-H State Horse Show in Harrisburg, from October 26 to 29. Congratulations to Reese Kinney for winning grand champion in pole bending ponies and also finishing third place in cutback ponies in the 14- to 18-year-old age group. Congratulations to Adrianna Keesler and Jesse Gould, who collected reserve champion trophies. Congratulations to Charlie Aiello, who finished 10th in western horsemanship, and Claire Storer, who finished ninth in western grooming and showmanship and eighth in beginner western pleasure for the 12- to 14-year-old age group. Congratulations to Georgia Barth, who finished sixth in low equitation over fences, and Madelyn McKean, who finished seventh in cutback horses and ninth in barrel horses for the 8- to 13-year-old age group. Congratulations to Melissa Burton, who finished eighth in hunt seat equitation for the 15- to 18-year-old age group and eighth in the breed type hunter under saddle for the 14- to 18-year-old age group. Congratulations to Addyson Storts, who finished third in the EWD independent WT showmanship, fourth in EWD minimum assistance equitation, and seventh in EWD minimum assistance obstacle trail. Also representing McKean County at the event were Mason Reed, Sarah Long, and Braelyn Taylor. I am so proud of all their hard work.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize the men and women who have served our country valiantly. This Saturday, November 11, we will celebrate Veterans Day. I would take this time to honor the men and women who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, as well as the Reserves. I would also recognize the more than 800,000 veterans from my home State of Pennsylvania. We owe a sincere debt of gratitude to all those who have served. Your sacrifice, dedication, and courage are the reasons we are able to live our lives in safety and freedom today. Words cannot describe the level of respect and admiration we have for all of our Nation's heroes. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank them for their service. God bless the military. God bless the United States of America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week, I introduced the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act with Congresswoman and co- chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, Suzanne Bonamici. In high-risk critical infrastructure sectors, like telecommunications, agriculture, or healthcare, a workforce with basic cyber skills is essential to our public safety. Unfortunately, many skilled workers lack any cybersecurity training specific to the systems they work on daily. Our society is increasingly reliant on cyber technologies for our most critical infrastructure. As bad actors increase cyberattacks, we must ensure we are protecting our most sensitive data. This legislation empowers the next generation of learners to have the most sophisticated and comprehensive education to better protect our essential systems and assets for years to come. The bipartisan Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act would fund the development of critical infrastructure CTE programs that integrate cybersecurity. This is a bipartisan issue that both the Trump and Biden administrations have placed increased focus on. This legislation would align CTE programs with industry needs by giving businesses a seat at the table with postsecondary institutions crafting programs that ensure students are learning relevant skills, including cybersecurity competencies. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Keystone Central Career and Technology Center in Clinton County, Pennsylvania. Keystone Central Career and Technology Center was named a semifinalist and received $10,000 as part of the Career Z Challenge. The Career Z Challenge, run through the Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, aims to expand work- based learning opportunities for Gen Z students. Schools, nonprofit organizations, and local educational agencies in urban and rural communities across 35 States submitted entries describing their plans to create collaborative and sustainable work- based learning ecosystems to provide students with interconnected and expansive career development opportunities from grades 9 through 12. Semifinalists will be eligible to move on to phase three, and during the 2023-2024 school year, semifinalists will receive technical assistance to support the refinement and implementation of their proposed WBL ecosystem plans. They are also participating in a community of practice and have access to learning workshops, peer collaboration opportunities, and other resources. Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the Bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am pleased to see the next generation of learning of the many job opportunities CTE provides. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Keystone Central Career and Technology Center and wish them good luck in phase three.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Travis Crate for being named the 2023 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize For Teaching Excellence. Mr. Crate is one of 25 public high school skilled trade teachers across the country to receive this award. He has been a welding instructor at Venango Technology Center for more than 25 years. This prize was created to recognize high school skilled trade teachers for their work to inspire the next generation. Mr. Crate's welding program is dynamic and collaborative, incorporating industry-based skills to prepare students for life beyond high school. As students progress through Crate's program, they have the opportunity to mentor first-year students, providing one-on-one instruction that reinforces their learning and helps beginner students grasp welding more easily. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I applaud the work of Mr. Crate and other CTE teachers who continue to help students find their passions. Congratulations, Mr. Crate, on this remarkable recognition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, I stand to applaud the Clinton County Solid Waste Authority and their Wayne Township Landfill, which has been an essential contributor to our community for half a century. Originally permitted in 1973 and developed in 1990, this landfill now boasts a state-of-the-art subtitle D facility and recently received approval for a 75-acre expansion, providing an additional 23 years of disposal capacity. The Wayne Township Landfill is not just a waste management site. It is a beacon of responsible waste disposal, recycling, and community preservation. They are dedicated to ensuring the quality and longevity of Clinton County. This remarkable institution has been a substantial force for good in our community, providing financial support to local fire companies, offering scholarships, and reducing tipping fees to ease the burden on our citizens. They actively participate in environmental conservation; contribute to local sports, educational programs, and community events; and have played a crucial role in industrial park expansion and flood cleanup efforts. The Wayne Township Landfill is a lifeline for our community, employing 81 individuals, stimulating local economic growth, and investing in our community infrastructure. As they celebrate their 50th anniversary of waste acceptance, it is evident that they are more than a landfill. They are dedicated stewards of our community's well-being, economic prosperity, and environmental health.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the remarkable history of the Nittany Valley Volunteer Fire Company located in Clinton County. Their story is one of courage, dedication, and community spirit. Their story begins in 1948 as a group led by Jim Wolfe made history by bidding $300.01 to purchase a retired 1916 Ahrens Fox Pumper from the Citizens Hose Company in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Over the years, they acquired essential equipment, including a tank truck with a mounted pump and a 1952 International truck. Their commitment to the community has never wavered, and they are always ready to respond to emergencies. The volunteer firefighter department has evolved over time. Today, residents only have one number to call, but in the beginning, calls were directed to the Mabus home, which was directly next to the fire station. The Nittany Valley Volunteer Fire Company stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of its members, past and present, to safeguarding their community. Their history is one of resilience and community support. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Nittany Valley Volunteer Fire Company, upon their 75th anniversary, for their enduring commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alpha Fire Company of Centre County. Recently, the Alpha Fire Company made history when an all-women crew took on the initial attack line in a three-alarm fire. Lieutenant Claudia Rudisill, firefighter Talia Cholach, and firefighter Kara Stover answered the call to protect and serve. Claudia is a recent Penn State graduate, and Talia and Kara are current students at the university. All three come from a long line of firefighters. Madam Speaker, they made history and they made a difference. They have put in the time and dedication to train, so when the call for help comes, they are able to respond and perform professionally. I know firsthand the dedication and passion volunteer firefighters have when it comes to protecting their communities. Madam Speaker, I thank Claudia, Talia, and Kara for their bravery and dedication to the State College community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Mifflinburg Hose Company No. 1 for their 125 years of service. Over the weekend, the community gathered to celebrate this monumental anniversary. The fire company was established in 1898 with 40 members. David L. Grover was the first president and H.O. Bower was the first fire chief. For generations, these firefighters have protected the community and provided essential services. Since its founding in 1898 with 40 members, the company has grown to 125 members and 75 active firefighters. The Mifflinburg Hose Company's coverage area includes parts of the Bald Eagle State Forest, Raymond B. Winter State Park and numerous other smaller State parks and natural areas, and parts of the Appalachian Mountains. This is some of the roughest terrain in the Mid- Atlantic area. The department responds to structure fires, silo fires, vehicle accidents, farm accidents, search and rescue, wildfires, and more. As a former volunteer firefighter, I know firsthand the value that they play in our community. I thank all the members of the Mifflinburg Hose Company No. 1 for their service and congratulations on this significant achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Corporal Francis James Jury of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Corporal Francis Jury was reported missing on December 2, 1950, at 23 years old. Corporal Jury was deemed missing during the battle with enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea returned the remains of 55 American servicemembers killed during the Korean war. Following DNA testing, Corporal Jury was identified as one of those 55 members. Madam Speaker, we still feel the pain of those missing from conflicts fought generations ago, and we are forever indebted to their service. My prayers are with Corporal Jury's family during this solemn time. It is my hope with his return his family is able to find peace and solace in knowing their loved one died a hero in service to the Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Sergeant Richard Sharrow of Marienville, Pennsylvania. Army Sergeant Richard M. Sharrow was reported missing on July 25, 1950, at the age of 22. Sergeant Sharrow was deemed missing after his unit sustained heavy casualties while defending against the North Korean army's advance near Yongdong, South Korea. Last week, Sergeant Sharrow's remains were returned home. On Monday, with full military honors, he was laid to rest in Marienville. Madam Speaker, we still feel the pain of those missing from conflicts fought generations ago, and we are forever indebted to their service. My prayers are with Sergeant Sharrow's family during this solemn time. It is my hope with his return his family is able to find peace and solace in knowing their loved one died a hero in service to the Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Chair, once again, traceability resources really are incredibly important when dealing with an animal disease outbreak. We need to do our best to be prepared to deal with these. Otherwise, it compromises our ability to export overseas. Our trade partners could shut off markets in the United States, and it would have a decimating impact on the livestock industry in the United States. There are moneys in the underlying bill in order to do this. Quite frankly, a more appropriate amendment might have been to make sure the money lines up with the need. I would agree that what is in the bill is not adequate for the full implementation of this, but that is another issue. Madam Chair, I remain in opposition to the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Chair, I claim time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, it is a good thing I represent Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, because it feels like Groundhog Day all over again. I don't see the point of defunding the police further than what the underlying bill has done to police. It really provides safeguards for those who are involved in the derivative market, those small businesses, those farmers, those Americans. As I have mentioned before, the CFTC is one of our two financial market regulators. They are the police within this area, acting as a cop on the beat for the commodity derivatives market. The Commission's work is essential to ensure that commodity markets are fair for all participants, from the largest financial institutions to the smallest businesses. Robust, fair, well-policed derivative markets allow for accurate risk control and price discovery for essential economic inputs like agricultural and energy products. Domestic derivative markets enable the United States producers and consumers of commodities to effectively manage their risk, making American businesses more competitive around the world. Now, this Commission's work is also essential to protecting the public from financial frauds and scams, including those targeting the elderly, immigrants, and Americans seeking to participate in the digital asset markets, which, quite frankly, is an increasing number given the state of digital assets in the derivatives market. The CFTC is already one of the most cost-effective financial regulators we have. It polices markets as complex and important as securities markets, with a budget that--once again I have to state--is less than a fifth of the SEC's $2 billion budget. The bill already reduces CFTC's funding to $296 million, which is less than FY 2021. Enacting this amendment on top of the current reductions in the bill would reduce, quite frankly, this police force from protecting those investing through the derivatives market, their funding to $200 million, which is a cut $49 million greater than the sponsor's intent. Instead of bringing the CFTC back to 2018 funding levels, this amendment would bring the CFTC back to 2011 funding levels. If enacted into law, this amendment would result in a 45-percent reduction in funding for the Commission and jeopardize the critical work that the agency does to support the economy and protect Americans from financial fraud. I strongly oppose this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Chair, American agriculture really can be defined very simply by three words: science, technology, and innovation. We should utilize that to our advantage, obviously, going forward. It really has been a defining nature of American agriculture. Quite frankly, traceability resources are paramount when dealing with an animal disease outbreak. We have seen that this year with poultry. We had threats on swine. We obviously invested, as of the last farm bill, a significant amount of money to have a vaccine for foot and mouth. Should that ever impact our livestock industry here, it would be devastating. APHIS' proposed rule on electronic identification would reduce the overall quarantine times, limit the number of animals that get sick, and allow farmers and ranchers to resume normal operations in a timely manner. Producers recognize that animal disease traceability is an essential component of protecting livestock during an animal disease outbreak, and that is whether they are the size of herds in Wyoming or, quite frankly, in Kentucky or Pennsylvania, where they are much smaller. Animal health is incredibly important, and the ability to recognize animal disease traceability is, as well. We should not allow ourselves to be in a position where efforts to improve animal disease traceability are hampered, and for this reason, I will oppose Ms. Hageman's amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.