Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Johnstown, Pennsylvania, local, James Blachly, on his 2021 Grammy win. In April 2018, Blachly and the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra performed the U.S. world premiere of Dame Ethel Smyth's ``The Prison.'' It was this performance that won the 2021 Grammy. Serving as the music director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and as music director of the Experiential Orchestra, Mr. Blachly is known for his innovative programming which aims to increase audience engagement. James is an incredibly talented conductor and composer. In 2016, he was the only conductor from the United States invited to participate in the first annual Young Conductors Showcase as part of El Sistema's 40th anniversary celebration, and he was the only U.S. conductor to be invited as Conducting Fellow in Maestra Marin Alsop's final year at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. Congratulations to James and the Johnstown Symphony. Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support of the Eliminate Barriers to Innovation Act offered by my friend from North Carolina and the ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services, Mr. McHenry. The CFTC and the SEC have a long history of collaboration in financial market regulation. The working group created through this legislation will continue to build on this good work. Digital assets present unique new questions for regulators: How and where do these assets fit into the existing regulatory regime? What new standards are needed to continue to meet our bedrock principle of customer protection? Where do the CFTC and the SEC need to adjust their regulations to address the novel features and purposes of digital assets? While both the CFTC and the SEC are hard at work applying their statutory responsibilities and regulations to these digital assets, the disruptive, novel nature of these new type of assets demand a more holistic examination. This working group, with its mix of CFTC, SEC, and nongovernmental members, will be well placed to examine these important questions. The Eliminate Barriers to Innovation Act is a step forward in providing clear rules of the road for the creation, exchange, custody, and use of the full sweep of these new assets. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member, Mr. McHenry, and his staff for working with us at the House Committee on Agriculture on refinements to improve this legislation. I cannot close, though, without singing the praises of the CFTC. The Commission has been focused on this explosion in new technology from the very beginning. The Commission created LabCFTC almost 4 years ago, and it remains the premier Federal fintech office. They have proven themselves to be an agile regulator and adept at understanding new technologies and their implications. The Committee on Agriculture has welcomed these developments and sought to strengthen the CFTC's authorities and resources to meet the challenges in regulating these new financial products. The bill before us today complements these efforts. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with Mr. McHenry and Chairwoman Waters on this and other legislation and oversight to build upon this work. I urge my colleagues to support financial innovation and vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child. Sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Week of the Young Child focuses on celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. This year's celebration took place from April 10th to the 16th. The National Association for the Education of Young Children first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing the early childhood years lay the foundation for children's success in school and later in life. Children's earliest years are the most important when it comes to shaping their learning and development. High-quality early care and educational services directly correlate to the health and well-being of our communities. Madam Speaker, with more than 400 childcare facilities in my district, and as a senior member of the Education and Labor Committee, I understand the importance of quality early care and education experiences as well as access to high-quality care. Madam Speaker, let's take a moment to recognize the vital work performed by early childcare and education professionals and express our gratitude.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the American and global Sikh community as they celebrate the 400th birth anniversary of their ninth Sikh Master Guru Tegh Bahadur. Master Guru Tegh Bahadur lived a very meaningful life. He was one of the 10 gurus who founded Sikhism. Islam was imposed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Hindu temples were destroyed and turned into mosques, and the emperor persecuted those who would not convert to Islamic law. Guru Tegh Bahadur spoke out amid the persecution. He refused to convert to Islam and, in 1675, he was beheaded in Delhi. He is celebrated in the Sikh community because of his heroic efforts in defending religious freedoms. Because of his efforts to protect human rights, he is often referred to as Srishti Chadar, protector of humanity. Madam Speaker, Master Guru Tegh Bahadur's memory inspires us to work even harder to support religious freedoms for everyone everywhere.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of U.S. Capitol Police Officer William Evans. This week, we pay our respects to Officer Evans' life of service as he was remembered with a congressional tribute and lying in honor in the United States Capitol rotunda. Officer Evans was a beloved father, husband, brother, son, and friend. He was a dedicated officer, joining the U.S. Capitol Police on March 7, 2003, and servicing for 18 years. In addition to patrolling the north barricade, Officer Evans was a member of the Capitol Division's First Responder's Unit. Officer Evans was a member of our Capitol family, and I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the Evans family for their loss. Mr. Speaker, let's take this time to remember Officer Evans and to thank each and every member of U.S. Capitol Police and National Guard members here on the Capitol Grounds for their continued service to keep us safe.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last month, the House Agriculture Committee hosted its first, or at least more fulsome, attempt at publicly reviewing the pandemic and Congress' response. This pandemic has infiltrated our lives in every sense possible. Unfortunately, the brunt of it was borne by our communities and, in particular, families already living paycheck to paycheck. In too many instances, arrogant career politicians issued statewide, indiscriminate edicts, forcing businesses and schools to shut their doors, plummeting our communities into a deep recession. As the end of the pandemic nears, I hope we can use what we learned in that hearing to provide these families with more holistic services, particularly as they engage in a postpandemic economy that will look wildly different. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, currently provides nutrition assistance to 43 million individuals, with an average individual benefit of $183. Total SNAP-related spending in fiscal year 2020 was $78.9 billion, which includes benefits, administration, nutrition education, employment and training, and program integrity. Of that $78.9 billion, $74.2 billion was solely for benefits. By way of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, more than $37.8 billion has been appropriated to respond to the supplemental nutrition assistance needs of our communities. This monumental response is in addition to the more than $7.7 billion per month in standard SNAP benefits. Beyond direct funding from Congress, the former and current administrations have issued more than 4,000 administrative waivers to States. These waivers impact operations related to program eligibility, distribution of benefits, employment and training, and more. These facts are startling. Combined with myriad social service policies, including those found in the shortsighted, outrageously naive American Rescue Plan, we are in the midst of our Nation's second- largest expansion of entitlements. Unsurprisingly, leading economists and Wall Street analysts have said key parts of that bill are poorly targeted to the specific needs of the crisis. As a friend in southwest Missouri recently said, unnecessary rescue diminishes a person's dignity and, if repeated enough, gives way to debilitating dependency. The witnesses who joined us for the hearing are our everyday heroes. They are the folks who responded without hesitation to the needs of their communities infested by a pandemic that took the lives of hundreds of thousands of our friends, neighbors, and family members. Whether it be the farmer who chose to donate their crop or the food bank that opened additional sites to be more accommodating, the witnesses who testified deserve our thanks. I must also applaud the Department, particularly the former administration. Like it or lump it, the bulk of the response originated in the last Congress under President Trump. Quick- thinking folks implemented Pandemic-EBT and the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, two projects that remain remarkably beneficial to families in need. The latter, apparently terminating this morning, as I found out through the press, fell victim to inconceivable criticism. There is always room for more solutions to the needs of our Nation. The Farmers to Families Food Box Program had open eligibility, making certain anyone and everyone in need, regardless of status, income, or household size, has supplementary access to meat, dairy, and produce in an unprecedented time of crisis. This program provided more than 156 million boxes to households across the United States. With this program, farmers were able to redirect their products, and American workers were able to sustain their employment or join new ventures, all to ensure fresh foods found their way into the homes of millions in need. Regardless of the cherry-picked hiccups this committee and USDA's listening sessions were made aware of, the program worked exactly as intended. Shamefully, and because this was the brainchild of President Trump, the Biden administration has decided again to ignore rural America and continue to fund programs that favor billion-dollar organizations in the cities that they serve.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week, I introduced the Whole Milk For Healthy Kids Act with Mr. Antonio Delgado. This bill addresses the importance of providing whole milk in school cafeterias. It is proven that milk is the number one provider of nine essential nutrients, as well as a great deal of long-term health benefits, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. These benefits are crucial for the healthy development of our Nation's youth. Over the years, milk has been unfairly demonized, leading to the loss of nearly an entire generation of milk drinkers. The goal of this bill is to give children a wide variety of milk options and bolster milk consumption, a win-win for growing healthy children and America's dairy farm families. Mr. Speaker, it is time to follow the signs and allow whole milk back into the school cafeterias. With bipartisan support, it is my hope that we can bring this bill to the floor and pass this critical legislation to encourage the healthy development of our Nation's youth and support our dairy farm families across the country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March as National Red Cross Month. While Red Cross Month has been celebrated since 1943, the Red Cross itself has been making an impact on community health since 1881. In 1889, Clara Barton led one of the first mobilizations to a national disaster following the Johnstown Flood. This site is in the process of being preserved today and is known as the Clara Barton House. Perhaps the organization's best-known program, the American Red Cross, established the first nationwide civilian blood donation program in the 1940s. According to the organization, someone in the United States needs blood every 2 seconds. Less than 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, and only 3 percent of those individuals donate annually. The critical need for blood and the lifesaving potential that comes with a donation cannot be overstated. The American Red Cross has always been a leader in this effort, and, today, they still provide more than 40 percent of the blood products in the United States. Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage all healthy Americans to donate blood and plasma. In the wake of the pandemic, it is needed now more than ever.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as Republican leader of the House Committee on Agriculture, I have the opportunity to speak with producers nationwide, and, overwhelmingly, they say the number one issue facing the industry is the lack of a reliable, legal workforce. When it comes to farm labor, our immigration system is broken and in desperate need of repair. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a step in the right direction. I will vote ``yes'' today, but to be clear, the bill is imperfect and must be improved before becoming law. It will not fully address the shortage of legal agricultural workers and may leave our farmers, ranchers, and especially our dairies, with critical unmet needs. I filed an amendment that would have addressed these deficiencies that was endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Though not made in order, I hope that amendment will serve as a starting point in the Senate for necessary improvements. Americans are blessed with a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply. But how long will that food supply last if we do not have an adequate agricultural workforce? This may be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform our immigration laws. Therefore, we must get it right. Madam Speaker, if we fail to address the agricultural workforce, we will have food insecurity, and that will lead to national insecurity.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleague, Mr. Matt Cartwright, once again as cosponsor on the RECLAIM Act. This bipartisan legislation focuses on reauthorizing the abandoned mine land fund, or the AML fund. My district, Pennsylvania 15, has the most abandoned coal mines in the country, and reauthorizing the AML fund will provide opportunities and funding to clean up the abandoned land, not just in my district, but across the Nation. Coal mining built America. It powered us onto the world's stage. It helped us win two world wars and brought our Nation into the modern era. The AML is set to expire this year. While we continue to make progress on environmental restoration, reauthorizing the fund is crucial to support clean-up efforts and spur economic development. Madam Speaker, Congress has a great opportunity to do right by Pennsylvania and other great coal mining States by reauthorizing the abandoned mine land fund, which is not funded by tax dollars but by a fee that has been placed on every ton of coal mined since 1977. Those moneys are sitting there in the Federal Treasury, and we need to reauthorize that abandoned mine land fund to further the redevelopment of the scars of the water and the land in those abandoned lands.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize this past Saturday, March 13, as K9 Veterans Day, an opportunity to commemorate the working dogs that support our men and women in uniform. This year marks the 79th anniversary of the establishment of the K9 Corps. In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Army began training for the K9 Corps, originally known as the War Dog Program. In the years that passed, the K9 Corps has become a vital part of our Armed Forces operations. Perhaps one of the well-known military K9s is Conan, whose efforts led to the success of the 2019 al-Baghdadi raid. Following their service, these retired dogs often serve as support animals to servicemembers who may be suffering from PTSD and other disabilities, both mental and physical. Madam Speaker, our veterans can greatly benefit from the assistance and companionship that a dog provides, and our K9 veterans benefit from their newfound forever homes. Our K9 veterans have served our country, and they, too, deserve to be honored for their service.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, just over 1 year ago, we entered a COVID crackdown. Businesses and schools shut their doors-- some of them, sadly, for good. Communities across the Nation continue to feel this pain. For more than 365 days, far too many of our Nation's school children have been confined to virtual learning--forced to sit at home behind a computer instead of a classroom. The implications of students being left out of the classroom are much bigger than parents being inconvenienced or students missing their friends. Every day that we wait to reopen our schools is another day we look the other way as youth mental health continues to plummet. Every day we wait to reopen our schools is another day our students fall behind. Mr. Speaker, allowing American school children to return to the classroom is long overdue. It is time to listen to the science. It is time to put the students first. And it is time to reopen our schools.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The University's Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences program recently received a national recognition. Universities.com ranked the program third in the Nation, giving IUP's program top marks in career preparation, students and culture, facilities, activities, and groups. More than 8,000 colleges and universities were considered in this ranking process. Believed to be one of the first programs of its kind in the Nation, IUP's Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences program trains safety professionals in industry, government, and institutional settings. According to the department's chairwoman, Tracy Cekada, the program prepares students for work in a wide range of areas, including manufacturing, oil and gas, insurance, healthcare, construction, distribution, government, transportation, and the service industry. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have such a stellar academic institution in my district like Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and this top- notch program comes as no surprise. Congratulations, IUP, for this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Jim Kennedy. I got to know him well over the years through the Juniata Valley Council where he was the Council Scout Executive. Jim embodied the Scouting oath and law. He was trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, and courteous, to name just a few. Jim dedicated himself to service and worked diligently to better his community, making significant improvements to the Seven Mountains Scout Camp and earning national recognition for the Council. Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Andrea, and their three sons: Matthew, Phillip, and Lincoln. Jim, his family, and the Juniata Valley Scouting community are all in our prayers as we grieve this loss together. Trail signs taught in Scouting, Mr. Speaker, show a circle of stones with one stone in the center as the sign for gone home. Jim Kennedy reached the end of his trail in life and returned home living Scouting values. Rest in peace, Scouter.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry in Oil City, Pennsylvania. The museum plays a big role in maintaining the culture and history of the region with educational programming and rotating exhibits. Recently, the executive director of the museum, Betsy Kellner, reached out to my office to let us know of an exciting project the museum was able to complete thanks to funding provided by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities through the CARES Act. The museum is the proud owner of a 1928 Wurlitzer pipe organ, which was previously held in the historic Latonia Theater in Oil City. The museum was able to refurbish the organ, a feat that took thousands of volunteer hours and more than 600 different pipes. After the organ was successfully refurbished, the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry hosted a virtual concert for residents to enjoy. The concert can also be viewed online at venangomuseum.org. I would like to thank Betsy and the museum team for providing this enriching cultural experience for the residents of Venango County during the pandemic.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Carter Smith of Cresson, Pennsylvania. Carter has accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Carter is the son of Gary and Holly Lynne Smith. As a student at Penn Cambria High School, Carter was heavily involved in the speech club, theater, and the National Honor Society, as well as both the football and basketball teams. In addition to having a long resume of extracurricular activities, Carter has excelled in the classroom as well, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. April Gergely, Carter's English teacher, had nothing but positive things to say about him in her letter of recommendation. She said: ``Carter stood out as an extremely hardworking, intelligent, perceptive, detail-oriented, honest, reliable, and mature student.'' I am confident Carter's experience in and out of the classroom will serve him well as he looks forward to this exciting new phase of life. I thank Carter for his commitment to our Nation, and I wish him the best of luck at West Point.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miss Justice Giordano from Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Justice, a 17-year-old junior at Portage Area High School, has been selected by the Pennsylvania Chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions to serve as an ambassador for the upcoming year. Students Against Destructive Decisions, often referred to as SADD, is the Nation's premier youth health and safety organization. The organization's mission is to empower young people to successfully confront the risks and pressures that challenge them throughout their daily lives. Justice will play an integral role in achieving that mission and raising awareness across the Commonwealth. Most recently, Justice has shifted her focus to the dangers of vaping and electronic cigarettes. Justice's school principal had nothing but great things to say about her. He said, ``Justice is a leader among her peers, and she strives to make positive decisions while making those around her better. We are very proud of Justice here at Portage Area.'' Madam Speaker, I am confident Justice's positive attitude and dedication to helping fellow students will help her excel in this exciting new role. Congratulations, Justice.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago, the majority frog-marched the Agriculture Committee through a Potemkin markup. It was a legislative charade designed to give this process a veneer of regular order. The truth is that this bill was drafted behind closed doors by the Democratic leadership, without input from the many rural stakeholders who have been begging this Congress for help. The result is a bill that spends too much on flawed priorities and fails to meet the needs of rural communities. Agriculture Committee Republicans offered amendments to provide much- needed funding for rural hospitals, schools, and businesses; telemedicine services; broadband connectivity; and critical disaster relief. Surprising no one, these were defeated on a partisan basis. For the one that did pass in our committee, it was stripped from the bill before reaching the floor. It is astonishing, Mr. Speaker. Despite the wish list of political giveaways and excessive spending in this bill, the majority somehow managed to forget rural America. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this bill. I believe that we can do better than this. In fact, we must do better than this.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National FFA Week. FFA is a national leader in agricultural education, inspiring our Nation's young people to pursue careers that help support a robust rural economy. Agriculture is rooted in American heritage, and our Nation's producers provide the food, the fiber, and the energy that we all depend on. Agriculture is science. It is technology. It is innovation. And the young men and women of the FFA are helping to shape the industry's future. Every time I see a distinctive blue FFA jacket, I am reminded of the strong character and impressive leadership abilities that come along with it. FFA leaders have gone on to become Ivy League graduates, Federal court judges, innovative farmers, famous performance artists, and even U.S. Presidents. This week, we celebrate the important success of FFA, and we look forward to what FFA leaders have in store for the future of rural America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two students in my district, Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, who have gone out of their way to better their communities recently. After reading about their work, I felt that they deserved this recognition. Richard Clark is a student at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania. Richard is an MBA student and decided to use a class project opportunity, assignment, as an opportunity to help the Keystone Regional Fire and Rescue Department. He helped the president of the fire department write an application, a grant application, that resulted in a $10,000 grant to benefit that organization and, certainly, the citizens, families, and communities that that emergency service organization serves. Before serving in Congress, I spent nearly 30 years as a State- certified volunteer firefighter. It was an honor to serve my community, and I know firsthand how big of a deal, how big of a difference those funds can make in a small-town company in a rural area. Dave Fulton, president of the fire company, said that the funds would be combined with support from the county to purchase a new radio system. Richard's professor, Dr. Leah Spangler offered high praise, saying: ``I'm just so happy to have a student who is so invested in an organization to really do this kind of work for them. It's so much more than a grade for a class that you can do something so positive for the community.'' I would like to thank Richard for his hard work, his dedication, and his commitment to serving his community. In Indiana, Pennsylvania, a 17-year-old named Lily Palfrey recently reached the highest service level possible in 4-H by completing her Diamond Clover project. Lily's father, Sergeant Frank Palfrey, has spent more than 30 years with the Army National Guard, serving as the inspiration for her service project. She collected more than $9,000 in donations and sent more than 150 boxes filled with personal care items to our National Guard troops, our citizen warriors who are deployed overseas. Accompanying her service project is a video called ``We Serve Too,'' a presentation that Lily developed through her church to share the stories of military families. Though she has fulfilled her service project obligation, Lily continues to collect morale-boosting donations like board games, snacks, and coffee. I am encouraged by the kindness and the generosity of both Richard and Lily. Thank you to these two for their spirit of service.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Robby Sneltzer of Venango County, Pennsylvania. Robby is a 9-year-old Oil City resident with a kind heart. This holiday season, Robby decided to help his neighbors in need by starting a donation drive. With the help of his stepmother, Angel, Robby began to collect donations of toiletries, snacks, ponchos, hats, and hand sanitizer, stuffing backpacks full of these much-needed items for those in need. Robby's relatives pitched in with donations, as well as Hasson Heights Elementary School and Hope Pediatrics. The backpacks were donated to The Pointe. The Pointe is a drop-in center promoting recovery and community awareness for individuals who struggle with mental health difficulties. Angela Proper, executive director of The Pointe, said: ``When Robby brought them in and we piled them up, it was pretty amazing.'' I would like to personally thank Robby for his support of his community. Acts of kindness like these make our world a better place.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize February as Career and Technical Education Month. Each year, this month highlights the benefits of a skills-based education and the valuable contributions that CTE students make to the American workforce. A one-size-fits-all approach to education is not an effective way to prepare students for the workforce. We are doing students a great disservice when we only promote what is considered a traditional college experience. My appreciation for CTE came at an early age. My father, after leaving the Navy, went through a CTE program, which led him to a job as a tool and die maker. Eventually, he decided to start his own business, which became quite successful. As co-chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, and a senior member of the Committee on Education and Labor, I have also supported, and will continue to support, CTE programs that provide learners of all ages with career-ready skills. From agriculture to the arts, from marketing to manufacturing, CTE programs work to develop America's most valuable resource, its people. CTE has established itself as a path that many high-achieving students choose in pursuit of industry certification and hands-on skills that they can use right out of school, in skill-based education programs, or in college. Congress recognized the importance of CTE when we passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which helps close the skills gap by modernizing the Federal investment in CTE programs and connecting educators with industry stakeholders. This bill was later signed into law by President Trump in 2018. While this is a major milestone, there is still more work to be done. That is why I am supporting additional pieces of legislation on the horizon to keep updating and promoting workforce development throughout our Nation. These include: The Skills Renewals Act, which creates a flexible skills training credit in the amount of $4,000 per person that may be applied to cover the cost of a wide range of training programs that build skills expected to be in high demand by employers in the coming months. There is also the Skills Investment Act, which enhances the Coverdell education savings accounts--tax-advantaged savings accounts for educational expenses--so American workers can use the accounts to pay for their skills-based learning, career training, and workforce development. And lastly, the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act, which creates a $10 million pilot program within the Department of Education to award competitive grants to education-employer partnerships for the development and implementation, and/or expansion of postsecondary CTE programs that integrate cybersecurity education into curricula preparing students for careers in critical infrastructure sectors. COVID-19 has demonstrated the need for CTE. Many of those who have been deemed as life-essential employees are those who have made their way to those jobs through the Career and Technical Education pathway. It gives people from all walks of life an opportunity to succeed and restores rungs on the ladder of opportunity. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to encourage my colleagues to join my co-chair and I, Mr. Langevin, on the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, to help us equip individuals of all ages with the skills necessary to fill jobs now and in the future.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to give a big thank-you to Penn State students for their commitment to an incredible cause. Each year, students spend countless hours raising awareness and money in the fight against pediatric cancer. Every February, these efforts culminate in a 46-hour dance marathon known as THON. THON provides financial and emotional support to thousands of families across the Commonwealth who have a child battling pediatric cancer. THON is normally a celebration of thousands in the Bryce Jordan Center on campus--an opportunity for children with cancer to focus on simply being a kid even just for the weekend. Sadly, the pandemic forced this proud tradition online this year. However, despite a global pandemic, students still managed to raise $10.6 million this year. Since 1973, Penn State students have raised more than $180 million. Those figures, combined with nearly 17,000 student volunteers, makes Penn State THON the largest student-run philanthropic effort in the world. I am proud of the Penn State students who are so committed to this cause, and I am even more proud of the children and families who keep fighting.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. As co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, it takes a lot for me to oppose legislation like this, which should be and always has been bipartisan. But my friends across the aisle have included measures that just are not good for America, and not bipartisan. The National Apprenticeship Act, which was originally passed in 1937, established the registered apprenticeship system we see today. This system has provided many Americans with the opportunities to learn tangible skills they need for high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand jobs that will lead to fulfilling careers. More recently, we have seen interest for apprenticeships rise as more employers and small businesses are recognizing the vital role they play in the development of a skilled workforce. This law is in desperate need of reforms that will both strengthen and expand this traditional system, while empowering employers and others to pursue work-based learning innovation. As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have always supported and will continue to support legislation that promotes skills-based education for a 21st century economy. With that being said, we must acknowledge that the registered apprenticeship system created during the Great Depression will never be suitable by itself for a modern workforce. While this bill codifies several Federal regulations for the registered apprenticeship model, the underlying bill ignores the needs of our workers and our economy. Previous administrations have taken tremendous steps to grow the number of high-quality apprenticeships and modernize work-based learning programs, especially through the Department of Labor's Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, or IRAPS. This program is aimed to help foster continued innovation that recognizes the dignity of all work and provides another tool for apprentices to move into meaningful work in our rapidly evolving economy. However, the current legislation does not provide the needed flexibility for innovation of these programs, the necessary funding to carry out these programs, or change the current status quo. By prohibiting these innovative programs, this bill assumes that a registered program that works for one employer will meet the various needs of every business across the country, regardless of size or industry. We need to listen to what businesses are telling us. For this reason, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ethan Knarr of DuBois, Pennsylvania. Ethan recently accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Ethan is the son of Christopher and Danielle Knarr and the grandson of Daniel and Linda Schaffer of DuBois, Leona Knarr of Troutville, and Doug Grube and the late Elizabeth Ann Grube of DuBois. As a student at DuBois Area High School, Ethan has been an active member of the National Honor Society and the cross-country team, and he served as captain of the tennis team. Outside of school, Ethan has been heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America, having served as historian, assistant senior patrol leader, and eventually senior patrol leader of his troop. Ethan became an Eagle Scout in March 2020. I would like to thank Ethan for his commitment to service and wish him the very best as he embarks on this exciting new phase of life in Annapolis. Recognizing Pete Rickard