Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Matric Group located in Venango County, Pennsylvania. What originally started out as a hobby by two electrical engineers has now turned into a $60-plus million company with three locations across western Pennsylvania and more than 300 employees. The Matric Group is celebrating a major milestone this year, 50 years of electronic manufacturing. The electronics field is developing at lightning speed, and Matric Group has continued to adapt to the ever-growing changes. It is this angle of their businesses which drives them to success. As customers discover outdated or obsolete components, Matric Group is there to help respin or redesign to keep their current products relevant. For the past 50 years, Matric Group has been a strong cornerstone in our community. The commitment and determination of President Turner and the entire workforce is admirable. Congratulations to Rick Turner and the rest of the Matric Group team. May you find success for another 50 years.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today with great disappointment as we await a vote on a secretive budget reconciliation package. I am incredibly proud to serve as the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee, and it is an honor to work on behalf of the farmers, ranchers, and foresters who feed, clothe, and power our Nation. I am equally proud of the bipartisan work the House Committee on Agriculture has done on behalf of rural America. Sadly, though, since the start of the 117th Congress, it seems the days of bipartisan, commonsense solutions are now few and far between. The most recent reconciliation process for the Agriculture Committee is especially concerning, if not utterly bizarre. On Friday, September 10, my Republican colleagues and I participated in a 9.5-hour markup only for the committee Democrats to recess until the following Monday to gain the votes they needed to ram through an incomplete and unvetted budget reconciliation package to the tune of $66 billion. Noticeably missing from the package was a whopping $28 billion--$6 billion more than the committee's instruction--in additional spending, left out due to the Democrats' ongoing problems with the Congressional Budget Office and the Byrd rule in the Senate. During the markup, both Republican and Democrat members asked repeatedly when the committee would know more about the missing funds and whether the committee would be able to engage, review, and mark up the provisions. The committee's majority indicated the $28 billion would be added at a later stage. This was a stunning admission and a departure from regular order for the House Agriculture Committee. This amount of money would traditionally demand dozens of public hearings, testimony from stakeholders, and rounds of technical assistance from USDA, all conducted by the committee of jurisdiction. Unfortunately, that was not the case for this bill, a package that rivals many titles of a 5-year farm bill in size and scope, I might add. Now, I wish I could say I was surprised, but given how Republicans have been so brazenly ignored throughout the first reconciliation and this newest sham reconciliation, this dereliction of process has, sadly, become par for the course. As for the $28 billion of missing mystery funds, members of our committee remain in the dark. Initial summaries leaked to the press by the stakeholder groups and Senate Democrats told one story. A draft leaked this week told a very different one, including what appears to be $34 billion beyond the Democrats' own instruction. This past weekend, the Budget Committee spent time moving the total package forward, and now it looks as though the Democratic chairman of the Rules Committee gets to decide the fate of the Agriculture package. This is absurd. This sham of a process is an insult to the 201 years of the House Agriculture Committee's bipartisanship. I refuse to stand idly by as this committee is driven into the ground by a partisan process that leaves rural America behind. Enough is enough, Madam Speaker. Congress is a circus, and Democrats in leadership are the ringleaders. This process is an absolute farce, and it has only further devolved into chaos as the press, lobbyists, and the Democratic leadership aides know more about the policy than committees of jurisdiction. Leaked documents and secretive briefings should not be the way Washington does business. Process aside, this is simply a bad bill, and it does next to nothing for rural America. It is shameful that in the nearly $100 billion of excess spending that claims to be for agriculture, there isn't one penny for the commodity safety net, crop insurance, broadband, or disaster assistance. Madam Speaker, I could go on and on about how this bill fails rural America. Five minutes simply is not enough time. So, I will close with this: Democrats can either force this sham of a bill through and pat themselves on the back for explosive spending and lack of transparency, or we can start over and work together to put real solutions on the table for rural America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the State College Area Meals on Wheels as they celebrate 50 years of service and 1.5 million meals delivered. State College Meals on Wheels prepares and delivers meals to the elderly and those people living with disabilities within the State College school district. What originally started as a small vision serving under 30 clients has now blossomed into eight separate delivery routes, averaging 250 clients a year. When our world came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, Meals on Wheels stepped up. The organization didn't miss a single delivery during the pandemic. They even picked up a few more clients who were adversely affected. Like many, Meals on Wheels had to adapt to the pandemic. A key aspect of the meal delivery was the frequent in-person conversations with the clients. When COVID-19 prevented the face-to-face chatting, they changed their services to provide regular phone calls to catch up with their clients. Madam Speaker, State College Meals on Wheels is a staple in our community, and I congratulate them on 50 years and 1.5 million meals delivered.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Recovery Month. It is important that we draw attention to this special month as we continue to battle the ongoing addiction epidemic in our country. For 32 years, National Recovery Month has continued to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery as well as promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. It is also a time to focus on raising awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders. Over the past month, many of my colleagues have sported purple ribbons to show our support for those in recovery. Currently, over 23 million Americans are in recovery from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. By recognizing National Recovery Month, we can highlight the strength of the recovery community and show support to our healthcare workers, first responders, friends, family, and community who support those in recovery. Addiction to alcohol or other substances like opioids is an ongoing epidemic plaguing communities across the Nation. We know addiction does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. That is why this year's National Recovery Month theme is ``Recovery for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.'' As we continue to battle the addiction epidemic, we must highlight the work of organizations like Faces and Voices of Recovery that promote National Recovery Month and continue to provide resources to those in recovery as well as friends and family. In my home State of Pennsylvania, there were more than 5,200 deaths due to drug overdoses this past year. These numbers continue to be highly alarming, and we must continue to work to combat this epidemic. No one can tackle addiction on their own, and by recognizing National Recovery Month, we are showing there is light at the end of the tunnel, and with the right support, there is a road to recovery. Throughout the month of September, Faces and Voices of Recovery encourages local communities to host events to highlight the services available for those in need. Last week, Venango County Human Services celebrated National Recovery Month at Franklin's Bandstand Park. This event had family-friendly activities, where those who participated could win prizes, enjoy refreshments, and pin a ribbon on the recovery board. The event celebrated community members, first responders, healthcare workers, and others who support recovery. Local vendors were encouraged to set up tables to share information about their programs. The evening ended in a candlelight vigil, remembering those who had passed due to their addiction. By engaging our local communities, we can continue to make recovery and those who support it possible. We can work together to change the way addiction and recovery are understood, to better support those who are struggling. As September ends, let's continue to elevate the organizations that provide resources and support to those recovering from addiction.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we remembered the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. I rise today to remember the innocent lives that we lost. At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 flew into tower one of the World Trade Center. Not long after, Flight 175 roared over lower Manhattan into tower two. While Americans around the country were grappling with the events that had just transpired, a third plane, Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon, the center of our Armed Forces and national defense. In southwest Pennsylvania, the fourth flight, United 93, originally headed to San Francisco, was hijacked and made the abrupt turn toward Washington, D.C. But because of the brave passengers and crew members who attempted to take back the plane, it crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Now, I had the humbling opportunity to join over 450 family members of United Flight 93 passengers and crew members at the memorial site on the 20th anniversary of that tragic day. During the ceremony, we heard from Captain Kurtz, USS Somerset; Governor Wolf; Gordon Felt, brother of Edward Porter Felt, who perished in the crash; Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Vice President Kamala Harris; and former President George W. Bush. The ceremony was a chance to reflect on the events of that fateful day and to honor the lives lost and the heroes that united us. In the days, weeks, months, and now two decades that followed September 11, our country joined together to face the very evil which attempted to take us down. We will forever be indebted to our servicemen and -women who joined the fight to protect our freedoms. We must remember the sacrifices made by our servicemembers and the first responders and their families every day since. While today's world has grown no less dangerous, we, as Americans, are resilient. We will continue to fight the evil and terror that exists today, and we will continue to be a beacon of freedom to the world. Let us reflect on the gift of life so tragically lost at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Let us honor the memory of every American who perished on that fateful day. Their legacies will be forever entwined with the strength and courage that define our great country. We will never forget, not 20 years later, not ever. May God continue to watch over our first responders, our men and women in uniform, and all those who keep us safe.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus and my thanks to Chairman Fred Keller. Earlier today, I participated in a meeting discussing the important issues and the goals of the caucus, which are aimed at improving and enhancing the existing relationship between Congress and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This is done through increased communications, transparency, and efficiency. Mr. Speaker, I represent two Federal prisons: Federal Correctional Institution Loretto, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and Federal Correctional Institution McKean, located in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania. It is critical Congress continues to support these hardworking men and women at these Federal institutions. As a member of the Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, I will work to oversee the implementation of the programs laid out in our legislation. From improving staffing conditions to implementing the First Step Act to expanding current technical educational opportunities for inmates as they look to find a better place in society, it is important we understand the actions taking place in our Federal prison system. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that this caucus continues to meet and improve the relationship between Congress and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Penn State University's Berkey Creamery on their 2021 award for Best Whole Chocolate Milk. It only seems fitting to announce this award today, on National Chocolate Milk Day. The creamery took home this award on August 30 at the World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest. And I can attest it is delicious. Whole milk is the number one provider of nine essential nutrients as well as a great deal of long-term benefits. Millions of Americans nationwide enjoy it. In fact, 70 percent of milk consumed is flavored, with chocolate milk being the most popular. But milk consumption is declining, and due to misguided public policy, this nutritious beverage was removed from the National Lunch Program. Earlier this year, my colleague, Mr. Antonio Delgado and I introduced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This legislation would provide our students with the nutrient-rich beverage by bringing flavored and unflavored whole milk back into the school cafeterias. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to celebrate today with a large glass of chocolate milk.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, September 17, was POW/MIA Recognition Day. This important day is a time to remember the brave men and women who have yet to return home. Currently, there are more than 80,000 American servicemembers who remain unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War, and the Gulf Wars. Our servicemembers are the bravest among us. They answer the call to protect and defend our country in times of war and in times of peace. While many return home, some do not. In May, I introduced the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Trade Agreement Resolution. This resolution urges our mutually beneficial trade agreements to include a commitment from trading partners to continue the search and recovery efforts of our Nation's missing servicemembers. Mr. Speaker, in honor of POW/MIA Recognition Day, I urge my colleagues to join this resolution. We must uphold the eternal promise to our Armed Forces to always bring our men and women home. In that spirit, I also want to say thank you to one of my alma maters, Penn State University, that in a stadium of about 110,000, they placed one seat that will never be filled until the last of all those who are missing will return home. That was dedicated in honor of Penn State graduate and Vietnam veteran, Major Louis Smith, who has yet to return home from that war.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Vern Squier as he celebrates his retirement as president and CEO of the Centre County Chamber of Business and Industry and the Centre County Industrial Development Corporation. Vern's experience with chamber and economic development spans over two decades. He brought his knowledge and passion for small business to CBICC and CCIDC in 2011, where he served for a decade. In his time with one of the largest countywide chambers of commerce in Pennsylvania, he worked diligently to move the organization forward. Vern worked closely with Penn State University's leadership and utilized the output of graduates and staff to build job and wealth creation in the community and in our region. While in his role as president and CEO, Vern guided CBICC and CCIDC to become the go-to organization for businesses in our community and the greater Centre County region. I thank Vern for his service and dedication to Centre County. We wish him a fulfilling retirement. He has earned it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight during this Special Order to speak in opposition to H.R. 3755, the Women's Health Protection Act. It is misappropriately named, given the many unborn girls, women, and boys that will be murdered should this act be enacted. Earlier this year I spoke on the floor defending the Hyde amendment as Democrats, for the first time in over four decades, decided to remove it from the fiscal year 2022 appropriations. Tonight, I am back to fight for the rights of the unborn as Democrats attempt to push through another item of their radical pro-abortion agenda. This legislation is extreme. It would impose nationwide abortion on demand until birth laws making every State a late-term abortion State. This bill would create a national standard to allow for abortions for any reason and at any stage of pregnancy. It would abolish virtually all past, present, and future pro-life State laws, ultimately overriding State laws that prevent discriminatory abortions based on the identity of the baby--of the yet-to-be-born child--and based on a baby's sex, race, or disability. We should be putting forth legislation supporting a culture that values life and respects the health of mothers and children, born and unborn. We must always be a voice for the voiceless, and that is why I will continue to fight for the lives of the unborn. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for leading this Special Order. It is a righteous cause.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, due to a constituent meeting, I was unable to cast my vote on July 29, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 253.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember former Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming. Senator Enzi was an exemplary statesman. Whether promoting a responsible budget as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee or fighting for Wyoming's energy sector, he was always putting Wyomingites first. He was a dedicated public servant, having served two terms as mayor of Gillette, time in the Wyoming legislature, and four terms in the Senate. Senator Enzi was a problem solver, always willing to work with others to get the job done. In his 24 years on Capitol Hill, he had more than 100 of his bills signed into law by four different U.S. Presidents. He was a man of great faith and greater compassion. His kindhearted ways made an impact on every individual he met. I had the privilege of traveling with Senator Enzi, a brother Eagle Scout, to numerous National Scout Jamborees. Senator Enzi lived his life staying true to the Scouting principles of duty to God, duty to country, and service to others. He will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathies go to Diana, the Enzi family, and his friends.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the alarming and growing crisis on our southern border. Despite the rhetoric surrounding this issue, the reality is families and unaccompanied children are arriving at our southern border in greater numbers than in the past decades. June of this year alone saw a 450 percent increase in border encounters compared to a year ago, and this fiscal year has seen more than 1.1 million illegal crossings. Additionally, Customs and Border Protection have seized more fentanyl so far this year than in all of 2020, and high positivity rates of COVID-19 among illegal migrants threaten to undue much of the hard work our country has done in combating the pandemic. The Biden border crisis is turning deadlier by the day. This crisis is a direct result of the policies coming from the Biden- Harris administration. When Vice President Harris finally visited the border last month, she claimed the administration has made progress, but the numbers don't lie, and with roughly 3,000 migrants crossing each day, little progress has been made. I believe securing our borders is the first step in a broader discussion of much-needed comprehensive immigration reform. Ensuring the safety of American citizens will allow us to address that and is the best chance for a prosperous future.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week the 2020 Summer Olympics kicked off in Tokyo. For the next 2 weeks, we will see the best of the best compete in a variety of events. This year the United States sent a 613-member team to compete in the Olympic Games. The journey to these games and to be on the 2020 Olympic team is unlike any other. For the first time in Olympic history, the games were postponed from last summer due to COVID-19. Madam Speaker, Pennsylvania sent 21 athletes to Tokyo. But there is one member of the team I would like to honor today: Michael Shuey. Michael is an Elk County, Pennsylvania, native and a 2016 graduate of Pennsylvania State University. Michael is a two-time NCAA Big Ten champion in javelin and a two-time NCAA Big Ten first team member. While in Tokyo he will be competing in the javelin throw. Congratulations to Michael and to all the athletes on this incredible achievement. We are cheering for their success.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding, and I thank the gentlewoman for her sponsorship of this. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4300, the Veterans in Parks Act. Across the country, our national parks provide endless opportunities for Americans to learn about our Nation's history and culture. Additionally, national parks generate significant recreational opportunities, which encourage visitors to spend time in the outdoors and enjoy nature. From Gettysburg to Independence Park, and the Allegheny Portage Railroad to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania is home to 19 national parks and 7 heritage areas providing these benefits to Pennsylvanians throughout the Commonwealth and visitors alike. As the representative of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, it continues to be an honor to serve our veterans, Active-Duty servicemen and -women, and proud military families. This legislation would simply give veterans and Gold Star families free access for life to public lands and also provide free annual passes to Active-Duty servicemembers. Studies show outdoor recreation is an effective way to decrease symptoms of PTSD and help veterans reintegrate with civilian life. This legislation is a step in the right direction when it comes to assisting our veterans and Active-Duty servicemembers' health. H.R. 4300 is one way that we can say thank you to our brave men and women in uniform who have selflessly served and have already given so much to protect our Nation. Mr. Speaker, as the father of a combat-wounded soldier and as the ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture, which also received referral on this legislation, I support this legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote in its favor.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. As someone who spent their career before Congress as a healthcare rehabilitation professional, I experienced firsthand how with the right tools and accessibility, disabled Americans can live a life of independence, economic self-sufficiency, and pride. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a monumental piece of legislation, opening the doors of opportunity to the millions of Americans who have a disability, whether it be physical, learning, cognitive, or any other. Whether it is protection from discrimination in the workplace, additional support in school, or added accommodations in our public venues, the ADA provides the support to better empower those individuals living with disabilities. Madam Speaker, while we saw this landmark legislation signed into law 31 years ago today, we must continue to advocate for the rights of Americans who are living with disabilities. The ADA is an incredible milestone for Americans living with disabilities, but there is still more work to be done. We can all continue to do more for those living with disabilities, from defying prejudice to empowering those with disabilities in everyday lives.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I was not present for the vote on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 2668 during the second vote series on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. If I were present, I would have voted YES on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 2668, the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, throughout this Congress, the House Agriculture Committee has had countless discussions on ways that we can empower our farm families and build a robust rural economy. Earlier this month, we made good on our word. I am proud to be able to work with all members of our committee and support the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, which provides significant investments into the deployment and development of broadband to rural America. This legislation reflects many of our shared priorities and shared work. And in many ways, it is similar to the bipartisan legislation I introduced earlier this year. I thank all of the members of the Agriculture Committee for their work and enthusiasm to meet the needs of rural Americans. I know this issue is so personal for each of us and the constituents we represent. The House Agriculture Committee is often considered the most bipartisan committee in the House. This markup bill is proof that we can still reach an agreement under extraordinary times, and I hope we can keep this bipartisan spirit as infrastructure talks continue.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize July 20 as National Pennsylvania Day. Pennsylvania's nickname, the Keystone State, represents the central role we played in shaping our Nation. Our great Commonwealth was the second State to join the Union and continued to lead the way in making history. As the first capitol of our Nation, many great decisions were made in Philadelphia. It was there our Founding Fathers authored the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution forming this great Nation. Pennsylvania served in an important role in key military operations. Valley Forge tells a story of sacrifice, leadership, grit, and determination when our rag-tag military was attempting to defy history and defeat a global superpower. The Battle of Gettysburg marked a turning point of the Civil War, providing the Union with the momentum to bring our great Nation back together. Our State continues to carry the legacy of many firsts, from the first American flag sewn by Betsy Ross to the first commercial oil well. Our inventor spirit continues to weave through history, from Benjamin Franklin, Robert Fulton, and Jonas Salk. We continue to bring new and exciting ideas forward. Our legacy of American craftsmanship and work ethic runs deep, from our steel mills and coal mines to our farmlands and forests. Madam Speaker, as a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, I am encouraged each and every day by the industrious spirit of our residents as we continue to build a bright path forward for our commonwealth and our country. Happy Pennsylvania Day! I am proud to be from our great Keystone State.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Dr. Brian Toth. Brian has spent a total of 38 years in education. He is a passionate and dedicated education professional. Dr. Toth started his career in 1983 as a math and computer teacher in the Altoona Johnstown Diocese system. Over the years, Brian taught in five different school districts, eventually reaching the ranks of superintendent. He is a proud graduate of Penn State University, St. Francis University, California University of Pennsylvania, and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. His dedication to his students and the communities in which he worked is admirable. Aside from serving for 18 years as a superintendent, Dr. Toth is the former president of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators and a former PASA governing board member where he represented IU8 and IU9. He also served as a former vice president of PA Local Government Investment Trust, a former PA representative on the American Association of School Administrators governing board, the former president of the Pennsylvania School Study Council, and the vice chair of the Community Education Council. I thank Brian for his continued service in education and for his dedication to his students. May he enjoy his retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the storied career of Mr. Don Parrish as he celebrates his retirement as Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Don is a champion and friend of the U.S. agriculture industry through and through. Don's legacy spans a variety of topics, but namely, he is renowned for his incredible work on the Clean Water Act and the waters of the U.S. Don's role as an integral leader on this topic lead to his placement as chair of the Waters Advisory Coalition and to be named as a ``Top 5 Player'' on WOTUS in Politico. Anyone who knows Don knows his deep love for both his work and his family, whom he frequently brags about. The U.S. agriculture industry is better today because of Don's fierce dedication and advocacy. Madam Speaker, I thank Don for his partnership and for the outstanding work he has done to improve the livelihood of America's farmers and ranchers. I wish Don a fulfilling retirement. He has earned every bit of it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District 2021 Congressional Art Contest winner, Isabella Kern. The annual art competition, organized by the Congressional Institute, showcases the artwork of high school students from across every congressional district in the country. Isabella just graduated from Richland High School earlier this month. Her artwork titled ``America's Working Woman'' is an oil painting on canvas. Isabella's work was selected by an independent panel of judges from 70 entries, which is the largest group of students to participate in the 15th District's congressional artwork competition. All the winning pieces will be displayed for the year in the Cannon tunnel, where they will be viewed by Members of Congress, staff, and many visitors to the Capitol every day. Congratulations, Isabella, and congratulations to all those in Pennsylvania's 15th District and throughout the Nation who participated in this competition and expressed their creative skills.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ruth Cox Mizell, a staple figure in the religious life of this Capitol for decades. Ruth served as campaign chair for George H.W. Bush, adviser to the U.S. Peace Corps under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, liaison for the Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, and was the spouse of Congressman Wilmer Mizell. She used her positions in and around the Capitol to passionately advocate for the power of Scripture and prayer on a personal and national level. Many bible studies and prayer groups take place on Capitol Hill and are attended by a great number of my colleagues in Congress. And these groups honor Ruth's legacy and serve as a reminder that faith is still alive in our Nation and certainly our Nation's Capitol. I will end with Ruth's favorite scripture quote from Lamentations, chapter 3, verses 22 and 23: ``The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.'' Ruth Mizell was a strong woman of faith and rests in the loving arms and comfort of her Savior.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, a quick web search on the meaning of Independence Day will give you the dictionary definition: A day celebrating the anniversary of national independence. For a nation built upon the foundations of freedom, such as the United States of America, there is much more to the meaning of Independence Day than can be described in a dictionary. For Americans, Independence Day is about the people who have lived and died in the defense of freedom. Crispus Attucks, who was killed by British troops in the Boston Massacre, has long been honored as an American hero and the first casualty of the Revolutionary War. Mr. Attucks has proved to be the first in a long legacy of American heroes. Each and every generation of Americans has had their share of men and women willing to pursue a more perfect realization of that most basic of human rights, freedom. Freedom against tyranny was the primary motive during the Revolutionary War for our first President, George Washington, alongside the Founding Fathers, who designed the government for our new Nation and the troops who fought for its right to exist. The great efforts of President Abraham Lincoln during the most trying time in our Nation's history, the Civil War, led armies of brave soldiers who fought not only for the reunification of the country but also the freedom of people held in slavery. This noble fight was taken up not only by soldiers but by civilians who worked in support of those in combat, such as Clara Barton, Army nurse and founder of the American National Red Cross. Hundreds of thousands of young men lost their lives during the Second World War fighting fascism in Europe and around the world. Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman, alongside generals including Eisenhower, Patton, and MacArthur, provided the leadership and strategy necessary to allow our soldiers to gain victory and preserve freedom. As a nation, we have believed in and fought for freedom for so long that it can easily be taken for granted. This is a trap that we must be extra vigilant not to fall into. As President Reagan aptly stated, freedom ``is not passed to our children in the bloodstream.'' Pursuing freedom for over 200 years has been the result of a conscious choice, in each era, by every generation. We must continue to make that choice in this era and in this generation. Mr. Speaker, you may have noticed that in my examples from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Second World War, I named politicians who served our soldiers and citizens. Make no mistake, it is the soldiers and the citizens of our Nation who do the work to preserve freedom. Therefore, it is the solemn duty of those of us who work in government to lead and represent the people so that they can continue to live in freedom. I urge each and every government official, and especially my fellow Members of Congress, to make the choice to pursue freedom, as so many generations have before us. In this way, we honor the lives of past heroes such as Crispus Attucks and ensure freedom will be defended by future generations. Mr. Speaker, that is the meaning of Independence Day that could never fit in a dictionary.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this past Sunday, June 27, as National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day; and June as National PTSD Awareness Month. We must do more to defy the stigmas surrounding mental health. National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month is intended to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated, and to help ensure those suffering receive proper treatment. Currently, about eight million people in the United States are struggling with PTSD. PTSD treatment is a crucial tool that helps many individuals, particularly our Nation's veterans, process, cope, and treat emotional and mental trauma. While PTSD can develop among any individual who faces a traumatic experience, it is often common in our servicemen and -women. Many of our servicemembers return home with injuries and scars, but in some cases it is the invisible scars that hurt the most. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of resources to help those suffering with PTSD. There are a wide variety of options, group meetings, individual meetings, meetings via telemedicine. This ensures our veterans can receive timely assistance wherever they may live. Mr. Speaker, I thank our Nation's veterans for their service, and I encourage those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder to pursue treatment.