Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cranberry High School and Middle School robotics teams from Venango County, Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. Cranberry High School sent 19 students and 2 teachers to Dallas, Texas, to compete in the 2022 VEX Robotics World Championship in May. While in Dallas, Cranberry High School teams competed against more than 800 other teams from around the country and the world. When it came time to compete, each team was paired randomly with another team to showdown against two other randomly paired teams. Each team participated in 10 2-minute rounds throughout the tournament. To win, each team's robot had to coordinate with their allied team's robot to complete certain tasks in the rink before their opponents did. This required each team to work together with a team of strangers, sometimes from another country. This opportunity allowed Cranberry High and Middle School students to broaden their horizons, as well as explore future careers in the robotics and engineering fields. Congratulations to the 19 students who participated in such a great event.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize June as National Dairy Month. As Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee, I am proud to be a descendant of a long line of dairy farmers. In fact, Pennsylvania is one of the largest milk-producing States in the Nation. We are home to more than 474,000 cows. National Dairy Month began as National Milk Month in 1937. Now, it has developed into an annual tradition that celebrates the contributions the dairy industry has made to the world. From calcium to potassium, dairy products like milk contain 13 essential nutrients, which may help to better manage your weight, reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Yet, for too long, dairy products like milk have been unfairly demonized. Not only does it hurt our dairy industry, but it has also resulted in the loss of nearly an entire generation of milk drinkers. Kids have been cheated out of the nutrition that they need. Madam Speaker, whether it is protein to help build and repair the muscle tissue of active bodies or vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin, dairy products are a natural nutrient powerhouse. Those are just a few reasons we should celebrate dairy, not just in June but every day all year long. Happy National Dairy Month.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pat Pecora, Pitt-Johnstown's wrestling coach, on his fourth NCAA Division II National Wrestling Coach of the Year Award. This award is presented to the coach who has demonstrated outstanding effort throughout the season in developing and elevating their program on campus and in the community. Pat has previously received this award in 1995, 1999, and 2019 for his efforts at Pitt-Johnstown. This season, Pat led the Mountain Cats to a 13-1 dual-meet record and the program's 24th NCAA regional title. This year's team won a share of the PSAC dual-meet title for their sixth straight conference championship. This recognition is well-deserved for Pat; and he is the all-time winningest coach in college wrestling at all divisions of the NCAA. In his 46 years at Pitt-Johnstown, he has recorded 631 victories. Madam Speaker, Pat is an incredible coach and a great role model for the Pitt-Johnstown community. Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition and award. Go Mountain Cats.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, first of all, I thank my colleague from Virginia for hosting and coordinating this time tonight on an incredibly important issue for rural America. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the 340B Federal drug pricing program. I am very familiar with this program, having worked for 28 years in rural hospitals where this 340B program was incredibly important for consumers, for patients, to be able to get access to the medications that they require but also equally important as a lifeline for our rural hospitals. Rural hospitals today, in my experience, having worked within these facilities for almost three decades, most hospitals are lucky to break even, especially rural hospitals. It is very challenging financially, but we know how important they are. We know that these tend to be the economic engines within our rural communities. These are the source of great jobs. This is access to quality healthcare. When these rural hospitals close, the economic impacts, the healthcare impacts, the health impacts are significant and negative for those communities. I can't tell you how many times, Madam Speaker, I have seen the 340B program be the difference between a red, losing year, where you bleed money, you lose money--and you can do that for only so long until a hospital has to shutter its doors and lay people off--and perhaps breaking even or even just a slight margin. In rural healthcare, a rural hospital, a 1 to 2 percent margin is a banner year. It is a great year. That is hardly enough to invest in modern, lifesaving technology or to invest in your staff to recruit and retain those qualified providers that are the key part of all healthcare. It really comes down to the providers, having those folks and retaining them. The 340B program, I can tell you in all the decades of my healthcare experience where I have seen it, has made the difference of having a margin to be able to keep the lights on; to be able to invest in lifesaving advances, technology, equipment; and, quite frankly, retain and recruit the best and the brightest. This was enacted in 1992, originally. The 340B drug pricing program requires pharmaceutical companies to provide certain healthcare organizations, like federally qualified health centers and rural hospitals, discounts on their drugs in exchange for having their drugs covered by Medicaid. The program was created with a purpose to ``stretch scarce Federal resources to reach more eligible patients and provide more comprehensive services''--a worthy cause, a worthy mission. As the Member representing Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District--it includes 14 counties, nearly 25 percent of the land mass of the Commonwealth--I am a strong advocate for the 340B program as it is a lifeline to many of my constituents. As I said before, I have worked within those systems. I have seen it firsthand. Sadly, the 340B program is under attack. Some drug manufacturers have stopped honoring the 340B discounts. In other words, if a health center receives 340B savings, it is usually unable to keep them because third parties have found creative ways to pick the 340B savings out of the center's pockets. This is simply unacceptable and hurts those who truly need these medications. For these reasons, I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 4390, the PROTECT 340B Act, which prohibits these types of practices and ensures 340B savings remain where Congress meant them to go: with the safety- net providers and the medically underserved patients that they care for. Madam Speaker, I am going to continue to support policies that strengthen the 340B program. I am going to work to ensure any developments that threaten the ability of safety-net providers to provide critical health services, including the many in my congressional district, are stopped in their tracks. I really very much appreciate the gentlewoman from Virginia for her leadership on this and all of my colleagues who have come together tonight to defend a program that is about access for healthcare consumers and access to healthcare in rural America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the storied career of Mr. Jeff Shipp as he celebrates his retirement from the Farm Credit Council. Jeff has worked in and around the Farm Credit System for virtually his entire adult life. Raised as a true D.C. native, Jeff earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland before obtaining his master's at Tulane University. Jeff's notable career working on Farm Credit issues started as an internship on Capitol Hill before he moved to USDA and what was then known as the Farmers Home Administration. He then went to work representing farmers at the National Wheat Growers Association, which led him to the Farm Credit team in 1987. Perhaps one of the most distinguished moments of his career was when he worked to help pass the Farm Credit Act of 1987, which stabilized Farm Credit and set it on the sustainable path the organization continues to enjoy today. Jeff's representation in Washington is second to none. Jeff has been the face of Farm Credit for many on Capitol Hill, and he will certainly be missed as he enters retirement. Farm Credit, American agriculture, and our country are better off because of Jeff's exceptional work. Congratulations, Jeff, on your very successful career, and best wishes to you and Susan for a long and happy next chapter.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Lions Clubs International is on Capitol Hill this week for their annual meetings with Members of Congress. I am a member of my hometown organization, the Howard Area Lion's Club, so I know firsthand the good that this club does around the world. Just a few years ago, during a Lion's Club reception at the Capitol Visitor Center, I spoke with a Lion named Jimmy Ross. Jimmy is a past president of Lions Club International, and he organized the Capitol Hill visit that year. He shared an idea to create a congressional caucus to highlight the work and the policies of nonprofit service organizations like Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimist, and others, and I loved the idea. Together with Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California, who is a Rotarian, we founded the Congressional Service Organization Caucus in 2019. Tomorrow, the Congressional Service Organization Caucus will host its first briefing. Speakers from Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Optimist clubs will share how their members strive to make the world a better place one community at a time. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join the Congressional Service Organization Caucus to ensure that service to others remains a vital part of American life for generations to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Today, we have the great opportunity to move one step closer to reducing poverty across the Nation. The community services block grant is the only Federal program with the explicit and overreaching goal of reducing poverty regardless of its cause. Originally, created in 1964, the program established local community action agencies to help identify why people were in poverty and how to address it using public and private resources. It was a public-private partnership. Community action agencies are governed by boards that are largely made up of business and industry community leaders in those counties. Funds for this program help families and individuals achieve self- sufficiency, find and retain meaningful employment, attain an education, make better use of available income, obtain housing, and achieve greater participation in community affairs. Virtually every county in the United States has a community action agency which helps low-income individuals and families move from poverty to independence. CSBG has not been reauthorized in more than two decades, and today's vote will renew our commitment to reducing poverty and strengthening communities across the country. H.R. 5129 reauthorizes the community services block grant program for 10 years at an annual level of $1 billion for the first 5 years. It maintains local control of community action planning and activities. It is largely business and industry leaders that constitute those boards. It authorizes a broadband navigator program to respond to the broadband and digital needs of low-income families and communities to find pathways out of poverty. Madam Speaker, it does so much more. CSBG requires some modernization to allow agencies the ability to tap their full potential and better serve families and communities. While this program has a strong history of bipartisan support, some of my colleagues have alleged faith-based organizations will no longer be able to participate in the CSBG program if this bill becomes law. This is simply untrue. Faith-based organizations are longstanding and essential partners in community action networks. They serve as incredible forces of good in their communities. Philippians 2:4 tells us, ``Let each of you look not only to his interests, but also to the interests of the others.'' Madam Speaker, as a man of faith and longtime member of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, the last thing I would do is support legislation that removes faith-based organizations entirely from actively and equally participating in CSBG. There have been longstanding Federal regulations which were expanded under the George W. Bush administration that allow faith-based organizations to partake in Federal programs without compromising their religious beliefs. These regulations now apply to nine Federal departments and agencies, including HHS. The Trump administration also reaffirmed these regulations through the final rule titled Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in the Federal Agencies' Programs and Activities. This bill makes Federal policy clearer, and it maintains the same protections for faith-based providers in CSBG-funded activities. Madam Speaker, it is time for Congress to reaffirm our Nation's commitment to reducing poverty by reauthorizing the CSBG, and I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this righteous legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, this weekend, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country will arrive in Washington for National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America's law enforcement community. The National Peace Officers' Memorial Service and Candlelight Vigil will take place later this evening, allowing the Nation to pause and remember the officers who have made that ultimate sacrifice. This week honors the men and women in blue who gave everything to protect their country and their communities. Earlier this year, Pennsylvania mourned the loss of two State troopers, Martin Mack III and Branden Sisca, who were killed in the line of duty on March 21, 2022. Our officers put on their uniforms each day knowing that they can be in harm's way at any moment. On behalf of a grateful Nation, thank you to all our officers who serve.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week, a draft majority opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court that would overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked. This is troubling and unprecedented. All Americans should be concerned about this betrayal of trust in our Nation's highest court. My position on life has always been clear. You can't be a champion for the future of this great country if you are going to limit its potential. For the majority of the last 50 years, Democrats have controlled the House, the Senate, and the White House. In that time, they failed to codify Roe v. Wade. Today, we are witnessing calls from the extreme left to end the filibuster in the Senate and pack the courts. This radical stance neglects the unborn and continues to ignore the struggles of hardworking American families who are trying to cope with soaring inflation, out-of-control food and energy prices, and the failed policies of the Biden administration. Madam Speaker, I will always use my voice here in Congress to defend our most vulnerable and protect the unborn.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today is Take Your Son or Daughter to Work Day. While my three sons are grown, I have the privilege of having a friend of mine, Seth Parish, with me today. Seth is 12 years old and hails from Maryland. He is actively involved in baseball, playing center outfield, ice hockey, and has recently joined the Civil Air Patrol where he learns about aerospace and survival skills. Our schedule is busy today as the House Agriculture Committee held a 2022 farm bill review hearing. Seth joined me for that, and he is also joining me for this speech today. In 2009, Seth's dad was serving in the Army and lost his life a month before Seth was born. This is the fourth year Seth has joined me through a program called Tuesday's Children. Tuesday's Children uses its experience and expertise to help our military families work through their own losses. Mr. Speaker, I hope Seth is enjoying being my shadow again this year, and I can't wait to see all that he can accomplish.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John Martincic, president of Forest Scientific Corporation, for being named the 2022 Pennsylvania Small Business Association Small Businessperson of the Year, and the 2022 Western Pennsylvania SBA District Small Businessperson of the Year. For more than 30 years, John has been involved with the design, repair, and manufacturing of computer numerical control machines. John has always been an entrepreneur and, as the founder and president of Forest Scientific Corporation, his work in the CNC space has supported businesses of all sizes. His machines are used for a multitude of applications, ranging from sign making to aerospace. In addition, John spends time promoting the education and training surrounding CNC and entrepreneurship at schools and FabLabs worldwide. Congratulations, John, on this much-deserved award and recognition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dr. John E. Quatroche's 100th birthday on May 2 of this year. Mr. Quatroche is a longtime resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He is an accomplished veterinarian and a World War II veteran. At 22 years old, John enlisted in the Army Air Corps, which is now the United States Air Force. He was a transport pilot and flew C-47s. Throughout his service, he had many jobs, but one of the most important was towing gliders during the last airdrops of the Second World War. After service, John returned to Punxsutawney, earning his veterinary degree, and he served as a local veterinarian for nearly 60 years. I had the privilege of being with John and his wife, Irene, on Sunday. We celebrated his birthday a little early as a part of Loyalty Day in Punxsutawney. John, congratulations on this magnificent milestone. I pray that God will continue to richly bless you; your wife, Irene; and your family. Happy birthday.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Library Week and National Library Outreach Day. This week is dedicated to promoting the importance of our local libraries. Our libraries serve as a place to connect. Some use the library as a place to connect to the internet. Others may use it as a place to connect with new ideas or classes. Most importantly, our libraries connect our communities. Today's focus, National Library Outreach Day, otherwise known as National Bookmobile Day, highlights the important outreach activities conducted by our local libraries. Bookmobiles and other outreach events hosted by our libraries connect individuals who otherwise might not be able to access a local library. From events at elementary schools to senior living centers, these services are essential to our community. Madam Speaker, I encourage you all to make a visit to your local library this week and thank the librarians for the work that they do.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the full Agriculture Committee hearing that we held on March 16, the focus of which was the 2018 farm bill and the role of climate change. Recently, The New York Times wrote a series of stories and produced several videos denigrating rural Americans for providing the country with the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the history of the world. Let's set the record straight. U.S. agriculture accounts for less than 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, and that is according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Over the last 70 years, U.S. agriculture has tripled food and fiber production while usage of land, energy, fertilizer and other inputs has remained steady. Early in the first session of this Congress, several of my Republican colleagues and I introduced a slate of climate-friendly and farmer- focused bills. These bills are driven by commonsense solutions to benefit our environment and our farm industry. Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers are the original climate champions. While there is more to be done, we must prevent efforts to fundamentally upend our commodity, conservation, and crop insurance programs to appease Washington think tanks. We must also reject complicating our programs and making climate the focus of every title of the upcoming farm bill reauthorization. Madam Speaker, under the umbrella of natural land solutions, which includes farmers that grow crops, livestock, and our foresters, the research has shown that at this moment, based on the technology they use, they are responsible for sequestering 6.1 gigatons of carbon annually, greenhouse gas emissions. To put that into perspective, that takes care of all the greenhouse gas emissions that are emitted on those lands, plus sequestering an additional 10.1 percent. So truly, the American farmer, rancher, and forester are the climate change champions anywhere in the world because of our science, technology, and innovation. We must ensure agriculture production remains viable in rural America to keep production from increasing in areas of the world with lower environmental standards, worse labor conditions, and fewer food safety considerations. And that is why a robust safety net is critical to keeping farms and production here in the United States while lowering overall global greenhouse gas emissions. Madam Speaker, our country and our farmers face enormous and immediate challenges including higher food prices, record inflation, and input costs, attacks on our energy independence, crop-protection tools, and dependable labor. Now, these are the issues I hear about as I travel my district and the country. These are the issues we should be addressing. I hope at the end of the day we recognize that our voluntary, locally led, incentive-based conservation system is working as intended, and that we must not undermine its continued success in supporting the environment and producers. American agriculture is science. American agriculture is technology. And American agriculture is innovation. The demands of a 21st century farm economy, and economically viable climate solutions, depend on tools and policies that continue to unleash and increase the United States agriculture productivity.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gold Star Spouse Day. Today, we honor the surviving loved ones of military servicemembers who died while serving our country. This day offers remembrance for the spouses and their families as well as a time of recognition of their sacrifices. As an Army dad, I am blessed my son returned home. I am aware that this is not the case for all families, and we must take the time to remember, the time to respect, and the time to honor the spouses and their families of our fallen servicemembers. Gold Star Spouse Day brings awareness of the sacrifices and grief these spouses and families have faced in the name of our country. Mr. Speaker, let us all take a moment to remember that our freedom is not free. Gold Star families have lost a loved one and paid a heavy price, all in the name of protecting our freedom. They deserve our gratitude today and every day.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce we are one step closer to reducing poverty across the Nation. In March, the House Committee on Education and Labor passed H.R. 5129, the Community Services Block Grant Modernization Act, on a bipartisan vote. I was proud to introduce this bill with the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici). The bill would fund the community action agencies that help address the root causes of poverty in our communities. These agencies are largely comprised of business and industry leaders. They provide a safety net for low-income families and individuals, but even more importantly, they help create opportunities for people to move from poverty to independence. Despite the good these agencies do for our communities, the Community Services Block Grant program has not been reauthorized for 25 years. My bill will modernize CSBG to provide agencies the ability to tap their full potential. Madam Speaker, this program has a long history of bipartisan support due to the great work it enables. It is my hope that this righteous bill is brought to the floor in a timely manner. It is time for Congress to renew our Nation's commitment and further reduce poverty by reauthorizing CSBG.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Saint Marys Area Middle School in Saint Marys, Pennsylvania. On March 17, students and staff participated in the Mini-THON. This is a smaller service of Penn State University's THON. Throughout the day, students participated in various activities to raise money for the Four Diamonds fund to assist children and families in their battle with cancer. One of the many ways students raised funds was through the ``duct tape your principal'' challenge. This brought in over $900. Dom Surra, the assistant principal, was duct-taped to the gymnasium wall. Due to the tremendous support from students, staff, and the community, Saint Marys Area Middle School raised more than $12,237. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the students and staff for this tremendous achievement for such a righteous cause.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Mann for yielding and for hosting this Special Order tonight on an industry that I believe is the most important industry in America. It is the industry that impacts and touches the lives of American families more times in a given day than any other. It is not just the food. It is the fiber; it is the building materials; it is the energy resources; it is the economy. I am honored to be here. I am proud to be the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee, where we celebrate the contributions of American farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters all year long. Farm country is no stranger to struggle, and the past couple of years have been a punch to the gut. Between a global pandemic, historic fires and floods, wind events, and a President who is waging a never-ending war on agriculture, times have been particularly tough. The supply chain crisis paired with skyrocketing inflation is kicking our farm families while they are down--folks who buy retail, sell wholesale, and pay shipping each way; the men and women who work around the clock to provide us with a safe and reliable food supply. But rural America is tough; rural America is resilient; and rural America is the backbone of this Nation. I am grateful to Congressman Mann for being on our farm team, as well as all the other agriculture advocates who will be speaking this evening. Before I go, I specifically recognize Pennsylvania's contribution to agriculture, which is the Commonwealth's number one industry. One out of every seven jobs is directly or indirectly related to agriculture: 59,000 farms; 280,500 direct jobs; and more than $135 billion in revenue, or about 18 percent of Pennsylvania's economy. Agriculture's impact in the Keystone State is undeniable. Mr. Speaker, I thank the families, the men and women who work 24/7, 365 days a year to feed, to clothe, and to fuel this great Nation. Once again, thanks to Congressman Mann for leading this important Special Order.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this past Tuesday was Vietnam Veterans Day. The day was a reminder that our freedom is not free. We stand together to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and their sacrifice. Across the country, we paused and remembered the service and sacrifices made. Tuesday, in Indiana County, in the Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District, the Historical and Genealogical Society hosted their second annual program featuring guest speakers, music from the era, and an historical display relating to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., called ``The Wall that Heals.'' Vietnam Veterans Day and the programs are dedicated to honor the veterans who served Active Duty in the United States Armed Forces from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, the time period in which the U.S. had soldiers deployed. In addition to a pinning ceremony for Vietnam veterans in attendance, wreaths will be placed remembering Indiana County residents who were killed in the line of duty or named as missing in action during the war. Mr. Speaker, events like the program in Indiana County are a great way for our younger generation to learn and our older generations to be remembered. It is important we always find time to thank and honor our veterans for their service to our great Nation. To my friends who are Vietnam veterans, welcome home.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and legacy of the gentleman from Alaska, Representative Don Young, the dean of the House. Don was a dear colleague, friend, and brother in the Lord. He loved Alaska and respected the institution of the House, where he represented his constituents for five decades. As dean of the House, he was the longest-serving Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives' history. He was a tireless fighter for Alaska and an unparalleled public servant. It has been a privilege to serve with such a strong longstanding Member, who was truly a force of nature. My closest moments with Don were shared on the House floor at our weekly Bible study where we discussed the promises of God's Word. While we mourn his passing and lift his family in prayer, I will be celebrating a life well-lived. Madam Speaker, Scriptures in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 instructs us with these words: ``Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.'' Don Young had hope. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March as National Red Cross Month. Since 1943, March has been recognized as Red Cross Month. The Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 1881 with the noble mission of preventing and easing human suffering. Since its creation, the Red Cross has grown to one of the largest organizations in the country. Their efforts span from disaster relief, lifesaving blood collections, international services, and assistance with military families and veterans. In our current state of the world, the Red Cross is actively assisting with humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. The Red Cross is able to carry out their mission because of their vast and strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners. Whether help is needed in big cities or the smallest towns, the Red Cross is always ready to provide assistance. Mr. Speaker, during American Red Cross Month, let's renew our commitment to the timeless ideals of caring for one another.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Agriculture Week, which begins on March 20, a week dedicated to honoring and acknowledging the efforts and hard work of American farmers and farm families. While farmers, ranchers, producers, foresters, and farmworkers should be celebrated year-round, National Agriculture Week shines a bright light on where our Nation's food, fiber, and fuel come from. I have always said every American interacts with agriculture at least three times a day, whether they realize it or not: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a fundamental part of our lives, and it is the backbone of the American economy. Celebrated during National Agriculture Week, National Agriculture Day began in 1973 as a way to recognize the unique value that farmers, ranchers, and foresters contribute to our society, contributions that have only grown in importance over the past 2 years as the world faced a pandemic, global supply chain disruptions, economic instability, and, now, war in Europe. Being a farmer has never been an easy job by any means. Feeding and clothing our Nation and the entire world is a monumental task. Every day, America's farm families dedicate their minds and bodies to achieving that feat. Unfortunately, many farmers today are facing rising input costs, shrinking profit margins, and unrelenting supply chain issues, much of which has been self-inflicted by leadership in Washington, yet they continue to persevere. As Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee, I am honored to represent farm families in rural America and serve as their reliable voice in the Halls of Congress. National Agriculture Week encourages every American to: understand how food and fiber products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply; value the essential role of agriculture in our economy; and acknowledge and consider successful career opportunities in the agriculture industry. As the Representative of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, I have the great privilege of working firsthand with many farmers and foresters. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to have more than 59,000 farms. These men and women work hard to feed and clothe not just Pennsylvanians but our Nation and overseas. Their hard work results in agriculture being Pennsylvania's number one industry. Agriculture and its associated industries contribute more than $135 billion, or about 18 percent of Pennsylvania's economy. The industry employs half a million workers, including 280,500 direct jobs. I will end with one of my favorite quotes about agriculture from President Jefferson: ``Agriculture . . . is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.'' This sentiment rings just as true today as it did in President Jefferson's letter to George Washington in 1787. Our farm families truly embody the best of the American spirit through their moral integrity, hard work, and an unwavering dedication to their craft. Everyone in this Chamber and around the world benefits from the ``wise pursuit'' of agriculture, and we owe these patriots a resounding debt of gratitude. I want to applaud the farmers, ranchers, and foresters who continue to devote their lives to American agriculture.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Small Business Development Center Day. SBDC Day unites nearly 1,000 Small Business Development Centers across the country and the hundreds of thousands of clients they serve. Pennsylvania is lucky to have 16 SBDCs across our Commonwealth, and they are ready to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to make smart decisions and prosper. The Pennsylvania SBDCs are a public-private partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and 16 universities and colleges. Small Business Development Centers are there to provide resources for entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds, from underserved communities to veterans. Madam Speaker, I grew up working for my family's small sporting goods business. I know firsthand the drive, dedication, and determination it takes to succeed. If you are a small business owner, entrepreneur, or are looking to get started, be sure to check out a Small Business Development Center near you.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, over the weekend, we celebrated National K9 Veterans Day. This day is set to honor the service and sacrifice of American military and working dogs throughout history. Military working dogs are vital to our military missions. Dogs can help sense incoming artillery, locate wounded soldiers, deliver messages between troops, and provide a much-needed morale boost on the front line. The original war dog is Sergeant Stubby, the most decorated war dog of World War I. He saw four offensives and 17 battles. Despite numerous injuries, he always returned to his regiment. Stubby's ability to warn of poison gas attacks, locate wounded soldiers, and alert his unit to incoming artillery shells ultimately earned him the rank of sergeant. Madam Speaker, we recognize our military working dogs on March 13 because on that day in 1942, the U.S. K9 Corps was officially created. Today, there are more than 3,000 military working dogs deployed around the globe. They are trained to perform a wide variety of critical and often dangerous tasks. Their work to support our servicemembers and service to our country should not go unrecognized.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Joshua Hershbine of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania. Joshua recently accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Joshua is a senior at State College Area High School, where he has excelled in and out of the classroom. He is a member of the student council as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is an active member in his church community, spending time as an altar server, videographer, and supporting the Toys for Tots Christmas campaign. Joshua is the son of Todd and Julie Hershbine and the grandson of the late Clarence and Dolores Farabaugh of Carrolltown and John and Kathleen Hershbine of Sanibel, Florida. He has two sisters, Brynn and Tara Hershbine. Joshua has a clear passion for service and is a great example of what leadership looks like. Best wishes in West Point, Joshua, and I look forward to seeing all that you achieve. Recognizing William Rishel Upon His Appointment to the United States Air Force Academy