Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the need for further transparency and accountability in military housing. The most critical asset in the defense of our Nation are the men and women who choose to serve. Therefore, our personnel and families deserve to have their most basic needs addressed, and this starts with housing. For several years now, military housing has been plagued with widespread complaints of neglect, unsafe conditions, and careless repairs. Recently, I introduced the Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act, which would expand the assessment tool created in the 2020 NDAA to include all military housing, as well as enhancing the reporting requirements to ensure accountability. As an Army dad, I know firsthand the challenges our servicemen and women face when finding safe and comfortable housing. They should feel confident if an issue arises it will be resolved and in a timely manner. This bipartisan bill is a step in the right direction and will improve transparency and oversight with the goal of fixing a system that has serious issues. Given the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges in our Armed Forces, ensuring adequate housing for servicemembers and their families is an important and necessary part of the solution.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the Endangered Species Act was drafted with the best of intentions, but it has simply failed to live up to its noble mission. Since the ESA was passed in 1973, only 3 percent of species protected by the law have recovered to the point where they can be delisted. This is an abysmal recovery rate. Burdensome and outdated regulations like the Endangered Species Act negatively impact our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and foresters, create frivolous lawsuits, halt critical infrastructure projects, stifle economic growth, and do not help the species in question. It fails to do that. Just consider the northern long-eared bat. It is declining due to a disease with no cure, and the ESA will only further restrict our ability to help the species recover. It is an inflexible and outdated approach to species conservation. America's working lands play a vital role in protecting threatened and endangered species, Mr. Speaker. Voluntary, locally led conservation programs should be a model for the Federal Government rather than a top-down sledgehammer of red tape, or what I prefer to call, green tape. It is high past time to modernize the Endangered Species Act to better protect species and to treat property owners, farmers, ranchers, and States as partners rather than obstacles. The ESA should be amended to empower local stakeholders, incentivize voluntary conservation programs, and should emphasize actually recovering species, not simply leaving them on life support for years to come. The simple truth is the programs that we have in the Agriculture Committee under a conservation title which are locally led, voluntary conservation programs, have led to the delisting of far more species that were either listed originally as endangered or threatened. We know that works, and we know the Endangered Species Act in its current form does not.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a beloved community member, a man of faith, a brave veteran, and valued friend, Donny Fleming. Characterized by his grace and gratitude, Donny was a lifelong resident of St. Marys, Pennsylvania. Earlier this month, Donny peacefully passed away, surrounded by family. He was a staple of his community and dedicated to uplifting those around him, whether it be family, friends, or those in need, Donny ingrained himself in his community as a civil servant and business leader. He was a powerful force among local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, United Way, the Cleveland Clinic, and Christ the King Manor. Donny exemplified what it means to devote oneself not only to his community but to his country. He was a recipient of both the Purple Heart and the Silver Star medals. I thank him for his committed service and sacrifice, not only to his community but to our great Nation. Mr. Speaker, I offer my condolences to Donny's wife, Elaine, and family, and hope that his profound impact instills the importance of kindness and generosity for us all.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Eric's Law, a piece of legislation I introduced with my Pennsylvanian colleague, Congressman Matt Cartwright. Eric's Law is named for Eric Williams, a Federal correctional officer who was brutally murdered by an inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Canaan in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. His murderer's crime largely went unpunished, even though 11 out of 12 jurors voted for the death penalty because he was already serving a life sentence. Current law requires a unanimous decision by the jury to impose the death penalty. Our legislation permits prosecutors to impanel a second jury for sentencing if the first jury in a Federal death penalty case fails to reach a unanimous decision on a sentence. This allows for a final, definitive decision in death penalty cases that our victims and families deserve. I thank Eric's father, Don, as well as the Council of Prison Locals for their support and endorsement of this bill. Mr. Speaker, we must do everything in our power to prevent this kind of tragedy from reoccurring. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John A. Freeman, a 50-year member of the Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company in Ulysses, Pennsylvania. The Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company No. 47 is an all-volunteer fire and ambulance department serving Ulysses Borough and the Potter County townships of Allegheny, Bingham, Hector, and Ulysses. Since 1972, John has volunteered with Tri-Town where he quickly established himself as an important and reliable member of the company. As a truck captain and driver, John has served as an integral part of countless emergency responses throughout north central Pennsylvania. As a longtime firefighter and EMS volunteer, I understand the courage, commitment, and determination it takes to serve your community as a first responder. First responders miss many important moments with their loved ones to answer the call whenever and wherever it occurs. Their service is even more critical in rural areas like Potter County, where volunteer numbers are falling and placing a strain on those who do answer the call. For this reason, I commend John A. Freeman for his 50 years of service to the Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company and for the example he sets for volunteers in Potter County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ken Starr of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, who was recently named as the Western Pennsylvania Veteran-Owned Small Businessperson of the Year by the Small Business Administration. Ken Starr got his start as an entrepreneur in 2005 making wine from just 12 grapevines on his Allegheny mountain property, aptly named Starr Hill. His winery, the 100th licensed winery in Pennsylvania, soon had over 3,000 grapevines making up 40 varieties of wine. All his fruit and grapes are sourced from Pennsylvania farms and are now carried by major grocery and convenience stores across the State. Beyond wine, Ken Starr is known for his support for local charities, giving regularly to the Pennsylvania Wilds and the State National Guard Foundation, among many more. However, his lifetime of service began long ago when he completed a tour of duty in the United States Air Force. Now at the age of 82, many have pointed out, like fine wine, Ken Starr seems to be improving with age. I commend Ken Starr for being named the Veteran-Owned Small Businessperson of the Year, and for his many contributions to communities and grocery stores across Pennsylvania.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement and longtime service of Patton Township Manager Douglas J. Erickson, who has served the Centre County community for over 25 years. Douglas Erickson began as township engineer and director of public works in 1998 before becoming township manager in 2006. While 18 township supervisors have come and gone since his first day as a township employee, Erickson has remained committed to public service. In his time, Doug oversaw the rapid expansion and development of the State College suburb and left a long legacy of accomplishments. Under his leadership, Patton Township has seen unprecedented growth, including adding thousands of new residents and the construction of nearly 3,000 new homes. The township government has grown to include more than 15 employees in police, public works, administration and finance and engineering, and planning and zoning departments. Doug has secured an incredible $30 million in grants for township projects, helping to improve the quality of life for all the township's residents. Mr. Speaker, I thank Douglas J. Erickson for his commitment to serving his community of Patton Township, and I wish him a very happy retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about something near and dear to my heart: dairy. As you may know and may have heard me say in the past, I have milk flowing through my veins. As a proud descendant of dairy farmers, I know how important this industry is to Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our country. As a longtime supporter of dairy, I am proud to continue to use my voice to recognize our dairy farmers. Recently, I introduced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act with 36 of my colleagues and bipartisan support. We currently have 47 cosponsors, and I encourage my colleagues to join this legislation. This bill would allow for flavored and unflavored whole milk to be offered in school cafeterias. Whole milk is rich with health benefits and has 13 essential nutrients vital to the healthy development of our children. From better bone health to lower blood pressure, milk is a powerhouse of nutrients. In fact, according to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, milk is a source of three out of four underconsumed nutrients: calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. No other beverage comes close to this level of nutritional value. Sadly, bad Federal policy has kept whole milk out of our school cafeterias for too long. In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act, which amended nutrition standards in the school lunch program. Among the changes, the law mandated that flavored milk must be fat-free within the program. This law, along with lower participation in the program--mostly, I would say, due to a bad milk experience--led to an alarming decline in milk consumption in schools since 2010. From 2014 to 2016, schools served 213 million fewer half-pints of milk, even though public school enrollment was growing. Children over 4 years old are not meeting the recommended daily servings of milk in the Dietary Guidelines of America. Given the nutritional value of milk and the fact that young minds need to be well nourished to perform at their best, this is a cause for concern. Mr. Speaker, in order for students to excel in the classroom, they must have access to proper nutrition. It is my hope the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will give children a wide variety of milk options and bolster milk consumption, a win-win for growing children and America's dairy farmers. As I mentioned earlier, dairy is a crucial part of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am proud to represent more than 1,040 dairy farms across 18 counties. Across the Keystone State, we have 500,000 cows producing more than 10.2 billion pounds of milk annually. This level of production puts Pennsylvania as the seventh highest in milk production across our country. We are also the second nationally in terms of the number of dairy farms, with 6,200 farms. The Pennsylvania dairy industry provides 52,000 jobs across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and generates $14.7 billion in annual revenue. In fact, Pennsylvania is now home to a new record Holstein cow, Chrome-View Charles 3044. This 13-year-old registered Holstein cow is in her 10th lactation and broke the record with her lifetime milk production record of 478,200 pounds of milk, 14,447 pounds of fat, and 12,576 pounds of protein and counting. She is a member of the Mason's Chrome View herd, where they have 500 registered Holstein cows. This monumental milk production record surpasses the total record of 460,720 pounds of lifetime milk set by Stone-Front Leader Hilda in 2020. Prior to Hilda, Koepke K0017229-1660 broke the record in 2003 with a lifetime milk total of 458,616 pounds. The record was established in 1978 by Breezewood Patsy Bar Pontiac, with her final lifetime total of 425,769 pounds. Her owners say that the new record holder is your typical dairy cow, spending her time eating, chewing her cud, being milked, or resting in one of her three favorite stalls. Mr. Speaker, 3044 is no ordinary cow. Her 478,200-pound lifetime milk production record total is equivalent to 55,605 gallons of milk, 889,674 cups of milk, 47,820 pounds of cheese--enough cheese for 127,520 12-inch pizzas--or 593,120 scoops of ice cream. Mr. Speaker, like I said at the beginning of my time on the floor, I am proud to have milk running through my veins. Dairy is more than an industry for those in Pennsylvania. It is a way of life, and I will continue to advocate for this industry and way of life.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize World Autism Month and the efforts of north central Pennsylvanians in supporting those with autism. In America today, 1 in 36 children will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder beginning in their first years of life. Although several factors may influence the development of autism, each person with an autism diagnosis requires unique support. In Clarion and Venango Counties, Autism Tough Foundation works to raise awareness and support for autism through numerous sensory-free events each year. This month, more than 100 students at Keystone High School joined Autism Tough Foundation to raise awareness in their first Walk for Autism. Meanwhile, neighboring Potter County is one of the first in Pennsylvania to equip county agencies with sensory kits to aid in communication and expressive language. Potter County is also home to Jasmine Floof, a service dog who specializes in assisting those with autism focus their attention and manage anxiety when accessing county services. This World Autism Month, I commend Potter County and Autism Tough Foundation for leading the State in supporting people with autism in their everyday lives.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my pastor, Pastor Greg Shipe, of the First Baptist Church in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, who offered today's opening prayer in the United States House of Representatives. Pastor Shipe was ordained into ministry in 2009 and has served the congregation of First Baptist Church since 2011. I am fortunate to be a member of the First Baptist Church congregation. When he is not behind the pulpit, Pastor Shipe serves as the chaplain to the Logan Fire Company and coaches recreational youth soccer and baseball. Pastor Shipe and his wife, Connie, are also busy raising six children. They are active foster parents as well. They use their experience to mentor other foster parents in Centre County and beyond. As a foster mentor, Pastor Shipe also serves on the board of Keystone Family Alliance, a bridge ministry helping to connect churches to foster agencies, to equip them in caring for children, and to provide resources to local agencies and foster families. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Shipe and his family continue to inspire those in our congregation, as well as the entire community, and I am thankful for my pastor and this mighty man of God.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of the Lions Clubs, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, and the Optimist organizations who are on Capitol Hill today. Volunteer service is the cornerstone of a successful, strong, and healthy community. It is also an important staple of American life. I have been 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 their volunteers, I founded the Congressional Service Organization Caucus in 2019 with Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California, a past Rotarian. Earlier today, the Congressional Service Organization Caucus hosted a Member and staff briefing. Speakers from Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Optimist clubs shared how their members strive to make the world a better place one community at a time. Mr. Speaker, I urge 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 in recognition of the world-class agriculture science program and FFA at the Otto-Eldred High School in McKean County, Pennsylvania. Last week, I had the honor of visiting the amazing students and faculty at Otto-Eldred High School where agriculture is a staple of their home economics program. Founded just 3 years ago, the new agriculture program features a greenhouse, engine lab, life science lab, welding booth, woodshop, and even an agribusiness lab. At Otto-Eldred, agricultural education goes beyond the classroom. In addition to the astonishing 75 percent of the students enrolled in agriculture science, the school's Future Farmers of America chapter membership compromises almost 70 percent of the entire student body. This fantastic success is a testament to the excellence and the commitment of the school administrators and faculty at Otto-Eldred. As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and a senior member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I know just how important agricultural education is to the success of our Nation. I commend the students, faculty, and administrators that make this outstanding agricultural education possible, and thank them for the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Penn State Wrestling, the 2023 NCAA Division I National Champions and recognize their two individual champions, Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks. Continuing their dominance of NCAA wrestling, the Nittany Lions brought their 11th national title to Happy Valley and concluded their seventh perfect dual meet season. Led by Coach Cael Sanderson, Penn State Wrestling reflects a culture of excellence in their athletic preparation and competition. Penn State's two individual champions are a testament to not only the strength of their program, but to their personal strength, talent, and determination. Aaron Brooks took on the number one wrestler from northern Iowa to secure his third straight national title at 184 pounds, while Carter Starocci defended his number one ranking to win his third national title at 174 pounds. Their teammates, Roman Bravo-Young, Levi Haines, and Greg Kerkvliet joined them in the competition at the finals. As a graduate of Penn State, I am proud to congratulate Penn State Wrestling on winning the 2023 National Championship and their continued success.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the veterans of Potter, McKean, and Warren Counties who flew to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 15 as part of the Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight. The Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight is part of the National Honor Flight Network, which ``recognizes United States veterans for their sacrifices and their achievements by flying them to Washington to see the memorials at no cost to the veteran.'' Honor Flights prioritize World War II veterans, Korean war, and Vietnam veterans, and veterans with medical issues requiring special attention. Honor Flight guardians fly with each veteran on every flight helping them have a safe, memorable, and rewarding experience. In patriotic spirit, Bradford Area High School welcomed participating veterans for lunch, a celebration, and community escort on Friday before the flight. This month, the following veterans from Potter, McKean, and Warren Counties made the flight: Ronald Bosworth, Richard Dugan, Robert Langfitt, and Donald Shinn, all of whom served bravely in the Vietnam war. We honor and thank these brave men and women for their service to our country and the communities they call home.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Del Spafford of DuBois, Pennsylvania, for receiving the 2023 James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism award. The Roche award is the highest volunteer award given by the Department of Defense's office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award calls attention to significant achievements made by volunteers in contributing to and accomplishing the ESGR mission of promoting cooperation between civilian employers and servicemembers of the National Guard and Reserve. Since retiring as Battalion Commander from the famous 28th Division of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Spafford has demonstrated the spirit of patriotism and service. For more than 34 years, Spafford has served the ESGR in many capacities and has the distinguished honor of being the longest continuing serving committee member in Pennsylvania. Most notably, he has accumulated an astonishing 1,285 volunteer hours with the ESGR in the past 8 years alone while serving in a variety of overlapping roles. I commend Del Spafford for earning the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award for his commitment to our citizen soldiers and for his dedication to supporting military-civilian relations in north- central Pennsylvania.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to fully celebrate the life of a true Pennsylvania icon. Ira Brahm Born, known as Bob by all who knew and cared about him, recently passed away at the age of 98. While most of you probably didn't know Bob personally, I know you are familiar with his sweet work as the head of Just Born, Inc. The Bethlehem candymaker is the force behind many beloved favorites, but they are best known for Peeps, the colorful marshmallow chicks that, for three-quarters of a century, have brightened our Easter celebrations and our every day. Bob was a veteran of World War II, an engineer, a talented musician, an innovator in his industry, and a family man whose son, Ross Born, along with a cousin, David Shaffer, carry on Bob's legacy at Just Born. Madam Speaker, while we mourn the passing of Bob, his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. Let me be clear, a vote for H.R. 1 is a vote for food security. Let me repeat that. A vote for H.R. 1 is a vote for food security. Let me explain. As chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, and proud Representative from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, I am no stranger to the challenges facing America's energy industry and its direct impact on farming communities. In fact, the Commonwealth showcases the nexus between energy and agriculture production each and every day. Pennsylvania is home to abundant natural resources from Marcellus shale natural gas play to America's first commercial oil well. These are responsibly developed resources that have provided energy affordability to our Nation for generations and transformed the U.S. into a global economic powerhouse. These resources have also helped spur our State's largest industry-- agriculture. And just like any other region of the country, the viability of our ag sector is relying upon access to abundant and affordable energy. By gambling away American energy independence and domestic oil and gas production in the name of climate change, the Biden administration has harmed the very industry--U.S. agriculture--that contributes to 13 percent of our annual greenhouse gas sequestration. The hardworking men and women who feed and fuel our Nation in the world are, in reality, climate heroes. Even still, this administration has continued to take irrational regulatory and policy actions that foster uncertainty and limit our ability to meet the food, fiber, and energy demands of our Nation and the world. This legislation provides a reprieve for America's families, including our farmers, ranchers, and foresters, who have struggled with fractured supply chains, skyrocketing input costs, and historic levels of inflation, all of which are exacerbated by excessive spending and regulatory overreach from Washington. American agriculture, if given the right tools and regulatory certainty, can serve a vital role in alleviating global food instability and mitigating costs for consumers. H.R. 1 provides this certainty and will deliver long-lasting relief for nearly every sector of the U.S. economy. As I have always said, food security is national security. We need dependable local power generation, adequate infrastructure, a strong workforce, and lower energy costs for farm operations to remain viable. It is time we return to embracing American energy, not abandon it, and in doing so, enable America's agriculture sector to thrive. House Republicans made a commitment to an economy that is strong. Through H.R. 1, we are upholding that promise.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. George Duke, the chairman and sole owner of Zippo Manufacturing Company. Started by George's grandfather in 1932, Zippo has become an American icon. From earning the nickname ``the GI's friend'' to becoming an international pop culture symbol, this famous windproof lighter transcends generations. Since its invention, every Zippo windproof lighter has been proudly manufactured in Bradford, Pennsylvania. George knows Zippo's success would not be possible without the local community, and he continually gives back to the place he calls home. Zippo's most recent investment in Bradford's future is through a generous gift to the University of Pittsburgh's Bradford Campus. Last fall, the campus opened a new engineering and information technologies building, and thanks to Zippo's investment, students are learning in state-of-the-art engineering labs. This investment provides a hands-on, cutting-edge experience for students, ultimately helping them pursue successful engineering careers in the region and beyond. Mr. Speaker, this investment goes beyond the walls of Pitt-Bradford. It is an investment in our community and in our future. On behalf of a grateful community, I thank George Duke for his tremendous dedication to building a thriving workforce in Pennsylvania's northern tier.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the St. Marys Area Middle School Team Renaissance Club whose Mini-THON event raised a record $18,281 for the fight against childhood cancer in March. Inspired by Penn State's THON, the daylong event took place during the school day and included hourly themes such as beach, carnival, and glow hours. The event included numerous events for students and staff, including cornhole, bingo, karaoke, a photo booth, and the student favorite, ``Silly String Your Principal Challenge.'' Although students at St. Marys Area Middle School have demonstrated their dedication and generosity through the Mini-THON for many years now, this year's event was even more special since local toddler Reggie Housley is currently battling leukemia. Proceeds from the Mini-THON will benefit Four Diamonds, a Hershey- based organization that pays 100 percent of noncovered medical expenses for childhood cancer patients at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. I commend the St. Marys Area Middle School Team Renaissance Club for the extraordinary success of their Mini-THON and the entire St. Marys community for their kindness and generosity in the fight against childhood cancer.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Agriculture Week, which kicked off March 21, also known as National Ag Day. For 50 years, this week has marked a time to honor American farm families and the essential and often unsung role that agriculture plays in all our lives. The safe and abundant food and fiber supply that Americans rely on on a daily basis comes from hardworking farming communities across this country. With rising input costs, market uncertainty, increasing regulations, and global supply chain disruptions, producers are facing increased hardship. Only 2 percent of Americans are employed in the agriculture sector, yet they successfully feed our entire Nation and the world, despite the odds being stacked against them. During this week of education and appreciation, I want to emphasize rural America, or what I like to call essential America, as the backbone of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, this year, we are reauthorizing the farm bill. This farm bill will put producers first and aims to revitalize rural America by restoring the farm safety net, expanding market access, and much more. National Agriculture Week is the perfect opportunity to highlight the hardworking Americans who have dedicated their lives to providing a safe and abundant food supply. I honor their contributions to society and commend farmers and ranchers who add so much to our national culture. Mr. Speaker, this is a week where I call on everyone to celebrate National Agriculture Week.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of the Parents Bill of Rights Act. This legislation is just one of many promises we intend to keep in our ``Commitment to America.'' As a recovering school board member, I know firsthand the importance of hearing from parents and encouraging them to be engaged in their child's education. The Parents Bill of Rights Act provides parents an expanded opportunity to engage with their children and the teachers who educate them. This bill implements clear, commonsense protections allowing parents to easily review curriculum information, academic standards, and see how schools are spending our tax dollars. Parents deserve the right to be heard and should be able to raise concerns and address their school board without fear of harassment or retribution. This bill includes simple protections to keep our children safe, from protecting their privacy to requiring parents to be notified of violent activity in the school. As a graduate of the public school system and having raised three sons in the very same school district, I know parental involvement is critical to fostering a successful educational environment. Mr. Chair, quite simply, this bill is common sense. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that ensures parents are at the center of their child's educational experience.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the thousands of Pennsylvania youth who participate in 4-H and celebrate Pennsylvania 4-H Week, March 12 through March 18. Last week, counties across the Commonwealth, including McKean and Jefferson in Pennsylvania 15, celebrated the youth development program and the important role that it plays in our communities. 4-H is the well-known educational youth development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension. It is the largest youth organization in the State, with over 77,000 members from each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. In celebration of local 4-H clubs, Jefferson County youth were invited to Brookville's Penn State Extension office for 4-H-related goodies and program information. McKean County youth promoted their 4-H clubs by decorating window displays in local storefronts, and they also held their annual 4-H benefit dinner and auction. 4-H provides a continuing service to Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, the Commonwealth, and the Nation, and I commend the thousands of youth and adult volunteers who comprise this outstanding program for their club, community, country, and world.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Carl and Betsy Long of Coudersport, Pennsylvania, in Potter County for receiving the 2023 National Outstanding Young Farmers award. The National Outstanding Young Farmers award recognizes that: ``Today's farmer has become an active citizen, participating in everything from local and State government to civic groups and charitable organizations.'' Beginning in 2007, the Longs began farming sweet corn on rented land in central Pennsylvania. With hard work, dedication, and help from their three children, the Longs have built a successful farm for green beans, wheat, oats, and potatoes across several thousand acres. Though the Long Farm is just 15 years old, it now cultivates 10 million pounds of chipping potatoes each year, helping to supply 11 of Pennsylvania's renowned snack companies. The Longs' love for agriculture extends beyond their family farm. Carl and Betsy are active on several agricultural advisory boards in Pennsylvania and participate in Ag Literacy Week and Farm Fridays in local schools. The Long family is a model for hardworking Americans with a love for agriculture and community. I commend them on this outstanding achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding management of Straub Brewery in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, whose vice president, Cathy Lenze, recently earned the Patriot Award for her exceptional support of military employees. The Patriot Award is awarded by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize supervisors with outstanding commitment to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence, if needed. Cathy Lenze was nominated for the award by Straub employee Sergeant First Class Wendy Traynor. Since 1872, Straub Brewery has had a long tradition of excellence in brewing and operations. Now in its seventh generation of family ownership, Straub has endured over a century and a half of changes, including Prohibition, and remains a proud part of life and history for western Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as the proud father of a U.S. Army soldier, I commend Straub Brewery and its vice president, Cathy Lenze, for their example to businesses throughout our community for their commitment to our Nation's heroes.