Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as co-chair of the bipartisan German-American Caucus to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall. Last week, November 9, marked 31 years since the Iron Curtain fell and the Cold War began to crumble. For nearly three decades, the Berlin Wall stood as a growing reminder of the evils of communism and the ongoing threat of the Cold War. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan famously shouted, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' Two years later, the wall finally came down. East and West Berliners celebrated together at Brandenburg Gate. The following year, on October 3, 1990, East and West Germany reunited as one. This historic moment was the beginning of the end for the Cold War, and today we are still celebrating this iconic moment in world history as an international symbol of freedom. I join our German friends in celebrating this milestone and would like to remind all of us that freedom is always worth fighting for.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the German- American Caucus, I rise today to recognize October as German-American Heritage Month and to commemorate 30 years of German unity. Last year, I introduced H. Res. 446, a bipartisan resolution to recognize the importance of the alliance between the United States and Germany and to highlight our shared commitment to democracy. The resolution reaffirms our support of the Wunderbar Together initiative, which, in 2019, worked with 500 partners to host more than 2,800 events to celebrate German-American culture, art, science, and more. On October 3, 1990, East and West Germany reunited, just short of 1 year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, when thousands rushed to Brandenburg Gate to celebrate. This year, the German Ambassador to the United States, Emily Haber, is hosting a virtual event to celebrate East and West Germany becoming one, walking attendees through the milestones that led to this historic moment. Anyone can tune in by visiting the Embassy's Facebook page tomorrow at 1 p.m. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say danke, or thank you, to our German friends, and prost, or cheers, as we celebrate this milestone together.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a former State certified firefighter one from Pennsylvania. As we kick off the month of October, I mention that next week is Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge established Fire Prevention Week, and today it is the longest running public health observance in the Nation. It is celebrated each year during the week of October 9 to commemorate the devastating Great Chicago Fire. This is an opportunity to educate one another on simple measures we can all take to prevent fires at home. You can bolster your family's safety by testing your fire alarms monthly, giving home heaters appropriate space, and having an escape plan if, God forbid, your home does catch fire. We must also do more to prevent wildfires. As former chairman of the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, I have been a part of many conversations, meetings, and hearings about how we can better prevent forest devastation as a result of wildfires. We continue to see devastating wildfires on the West Coast. Homes, businesses, and forests are burning to the ground. The air quality is dangerous, and millions of Americans are at risk. For decades, the health and resiliency of our national forests have been in decline due to a lack of management and, more recently, extreme environmental policies. With nearly 90 million acres of forestland in need of urgent treatment, Congress needs to finally act and provide the tools and authorities to enable the Forest Service to proactively manage. Doing so will directly help prevent wildfire outbreaks, support our local communities, and restore the health of our Nation's forests. And a healthy forest is one of the largest carbon sinks in the world. The 2018 House-passed farm bill contained bipartisan, commonsense forest management provisions to help prevent loss of life and property from these fires. These bipartisan authorities were created with input from the U.S. Forest Service under both the Obama and Trump administrations. These were ideas that were well vetted through hearings and markups and supported by the House Agriculture Committee and on the floor. However, Senate Democrats have refused to even discuss these needed reforms. Since these provisions were rejected, 3.5 million acres of Forest Service land have burned. Wildfire response and recovery efforts should not be a partisan issue. We are blessed as a nation to have hundreds of millions of acres of beautiful forestlands, and the best way to prevent forest fires is through a well-managed forest. Mr. Speaker, well-managed forests, again, are the largest carbon sinks in the world and the greatest filters for our watersheds that originate in those forests. Our forests provide great opportunities for outdoor recreation, but they are also unparalleled environmental tools. Our national forests serve as some of the Nation's largest carbon sinks. This Fire Prevention Week, I would like to encourage everyone to brush up on their fire safety measures, and I reiterate just how crucial healthy forests are in preventing wildfires. I thank the brave men and women who are on the front lines fighting those devastating fires out West.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) for hosting this Special Order on wildfire. Mr. Speaker, over the past decade, there has been an average of 64,100 wildfires and 6.8 million acres burned every year. With over 10 million acres burned, we saw the highest number of Federal acres burned in 2015--and nearly that amount in 2017. But this year, it has been even worse. 2020 has been an extremely difficult wildfire year for our firefighters, our responders, and many rural communities in and near the forests. As of today, October 1, over 44,000 wildfires have burned nearly 7.7 million acres this year alone. In addition to the destruction of these forests, homes, and property, we sadly continue to see lost lives. Over the past 25 years, active management has plummeted across the national forest system; consequently, it is no coincidence that the larger, more intense fires are happening on Federal lands, where there is less management, versus State and private lands. More individual fires occur in the East, but the wildfires in the West are larger and burn more acres. Wildfires also have significant impacts on eastern forests because of the budgetary effects on the Forest Service's ability to manage and personnel. We must be encouraging more active forest management across the National Forest system. This includes thinning, prescribed fires, and hazardous fuels reduction, especially in the roughly 19 million acres of Federal lands that are already known to be at high risk. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Westerman, for his great work during the last farm bill and his leadership with the Resilient Federal Forests Act and the Trillion Trees Act. Through the next farm bill, I am hopeful that we can continue to build on those commonsense reforms, and we will provide more authorities to help the Forest Service better manage and encourage more partnerships.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week, I introduced H.R. 8332, the Plugging Orphan Wells and Environmental Restoration Act, or the POWER Act. This bill would authorize the Federal orphan well remediation program under the Energy Policy of 2005 for 5 years at $50 million per year. The POWER Act would also establish a grant program for environmental restoration and reclamation of orphaned wells on State as well as private and Tribal lands, authorized at $400 million per year for 5 years. It is estimated that Pennsylvania has more orphaned wells than any other State. Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the modern petroleum industry, and the Commonwealth's oil and gas industry has helped lead America to energy independence. We have both an economic and environmental responsibility to ensure abandoned wells are plugged, and the POWER Act would ensure these legacy sites are appropriately handled to protect the environment, while also stimulating jobs in the oil and gas sector. This will be a win-win for America and a win-win, certainly, for Pennsylvania. I thank Guy Reschenthaler, my colleague from Pennsylvania, for joining me on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support oil and gas well remediation through the POWER Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, September 27, was National Chocolate Milk Day. Chocolate milk is adored by millions of Americans nationwide and is a favorite among children. Seventy percent of the milk children consume is flavored, with chocolate being the most popular flavor. Chocolate milk is low in fat, high in nutrients, and packed with flavor. Milk consumption, Mr. Speaker, has been declining, however, and when the National School Lunch Program removed the most popular and nutritious option from schools to only serve fat-free milk, the numbers continued to drop. As a result of these detrimental policies, we have lost nearly a generation of milk drinkers, and those milk drinkers have lost access to the best nutrition. This detrimental policy was partially reversed when the USDA made a decision to once again allow 1 percent flavored milk back into school lunches, and I am grateful to Secretary Sonny Perdue for his leadership on the issue. To build on this momentum, I introduced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act last year to once again allow whole milk, both flavored and unflavored, to be offered within the program because children can greatly benefit from the essential nutrients whole milk provides. Taking that one step further, I joined my colleague Fred Keller to introduce the GIVE MILK Act last month. The GIVE MILK Act, Mr. Speaker, gives families who use the WIC program, or Women, Infants, and Children program, more control over the nutrition of their children by making 2 percent and whole milk available through the WIC program to any child over the age of 2. Currently, WIC participants are limited to low-fat or nonfat milk, meaning they are missing all the nutrition that comes from that milk fat. This legislation will give families who depend on WIC more options when considering nutritional options for their children. It will also help increase milk consumption, which is a win for our dairy farmers. I talked about this legislation, among other things, when I had the pleasure of joining the folks at the National Milk Producers Federation last week on their new podcast, ``Dairy Defined''. We covered a lot of ground, including the importance that milk plays in our diets and how coronavirus has impacted the dairy industry. Safety net programs like the Dairy Margin Coverage program, coupled with the coronavirus relief efforts, have helped ease the burden somewhat on our producers, but times remain tough. We must continue to spread the word about these critical safety net programs so our Nation's dairy producers, those farm families, can take full advantage of all the tools at their disposal. If there has been one positive thing that has come out of this pandemic, it is that we have seen more families returning to the dining room table, Mr. Speaker. Milk consumption has seen an uptick in the past few months and more and more Americans are benefiting from the essential nutrients that whole milk provides. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by thanking the hardworking men and women who have the 24/7, 365-day-a-year job of running our dairy farms. Thank you for working tirelessly to ensure that we have access to delicious, nutritious, and top-quality milk.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank and celebrate someone who has been a dedicated member of my team for many years now. Barb Ives, a field representative and office manager, recently surpassed a 20-year milestone representing our district. Barb has selflessly served the district since September of 2000, initially with my predecessor Congressman John Peterson. We were truly blessed to welcome her to the Thompson Team. Barb is an active member in her community and never stops working hard for our constituents, helping individuals get much-needed assistance on issues related to the VA, Social Security, Medicare, and so much more. She is the kind of person who is willing to step up, take charge, and get the job done. In the little spare time she has when she is not helping others, Barb is an avid golfer and a wonderful singer. I can't thank Barb enough for her hard work and dedication and sense of humor over the years.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge all American citizens to complete the 2020 Census. The Census is an incredibly important tool that impacts our daily lives more than many people realize. Many important decisions impacting Federal support for education, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure, and more will depend upon data the Census provides. The more people who participate, the more accurate the Census will reflect the needs of our communities. Census takers have been working hard, going door-to-door to ensure everyone is counted. If you haven't been visited by a Census taker, it is easy to complete online. Go to my2020census.gov to make sure you and your family are counted. Completing the Census is easy, quick, secure, and very important. You can also respond by phone by calling 844-330- 2020. The last day to complete the 2020 Census is tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30. I can't stress the importance of the Census enough, and I encourage every American household to ensure they are counted.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, our country has undoubtably been rocked by coronavirus. The pandemic has put a strain on our physical, mental, and financial health. As time has passed, it has been easy to focus on the negative; however, I am encouraged by the work I have seen from my House Republican colleagues. Instead of playing partisan politics, I have seen a commitment to America. I have seen a concerted effort to renew the American Dream, restore our way of life, and rebuild the greatest economy ever. America is worth fighting for, and while the pandemic is currently at the forefront of our minds, there is a bright future ahead of us all. We will rise from this crisis thanks to the resiliency, the grit, and the determination of the American people. Renewing the American Dream can mean a lot of different things. To me, it starts with two things: broadband connectivity and a capable, trained workforce. In 21st century America, reliable connectivity is something many of us take for granted. Just like flipping the switch to turn on your lights, we have come to expect reliable, fast, uninterrupted access to the internet. Still, many communities across the country don't have reliable broadband connectivity, particularly in rural America. In time, the coronavirus will be a thing of the past, but our national need for reliable broadband connectivity is not going anywhere. Connectivity impacts every aspect of our lives: commerce, education, healthcare, precision agriculture, and more. We can and must invest in this critical infrastructure. We must also invest in career and technical education opportunities. Just prior to the pandemic, there were nearly 7 million job openings across the country. Contrasting that figure with the potential of our Nation's learners, whether they are entering the workforce for the first time, learning a new skill, or reentering the workforce after some time away, there is an obvious disconnect. This is often referred to as the ``skills gap,'' and CTE is a proven way to bridge this divide. A one-size-fits-all approach to education is not an effective way to prepare students for the workforce, and CTE should not be viewed as plan B. It is a valuable educational option that empowers learners of all ages to take control of their personal and their professional futures. Restoring our way of life includes defeating this virus and keeping America healthy. Thanks to President Trump's leadership, Operation Warp Speed has placed us light-years ahead in researching, developing, and, soon, administering a coronavirus vaccine. The President has unleashed the power of the private sector to partner with the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Department of Defense, to help eradicate the virus. Prior to the pandemic, we had built the greatest economy this country has ever seen, and we will rebuild it. We have done it once, and we can do it again with America-first trade policies and by strengthening our supply chain--that means a strong manufacturing sector that helps America stay competitive--and supporting legislation that strengthens the supply chain and bolsters our Nation's potential for a prosperous future by keeping good-paying, family-sustaining jobs right here at home. Now I am confident that we can and will defeat this virus and renew the American Dream, restore our way of life, and rebuild our economy.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support of the Restoring Essential Service to Small Airports Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Trone, which I am proud to cosponsor. This bipartisan bill would reinstate several regional airports back into the Essential Air Service program, which provides rural and underserved communities access to the national air transportation system. The States that will benefit include my home State of Pennsylvania, as well as Kansas, New York, South Dakota, Maryland, and Wyoming. Many rural communities in these States were struggling prior to COVID-19, and it is important that access to affordable commercial flights to in-demand locations continue. Without this lifeline, commercial service will cease to exist, presenting a new set of challenges when it comes to economic development and the long-term growth and sustainability of these communities. As a result of the reinstatement of these airports into the EAS program, a long-overdue boost to local economies will occur.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, due to pre-scheduled travel with the President, I was absent from voting on September 22, 2020. As such, I was unable to vote on the Continuing Resolution, which will keep the government funded into December and provide critical funding for the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation. To ensure USDA meets its farm bill obligations and temporary assistance to rural America continues during these difficult times, replenishing the CCC was a major priority and I strongly support its inclusion in this CR. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 198.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, during the August recess I had the pleasure of hosting one of my favorite annual events, an agriculture summit in Cresson, Pennsylvania, Cambria County. The event took place for the second year in a row at Mount Aloysius College, and I was pleased to have several special guests join me, both in person and virtually. Participating in the summit to lend their expertise were: USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey; Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding; and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President, Rick Ebert. Joining our discussion were nearly 100 virtual attendees from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our discussion centered around a number of important policy issues impacting our Nation's farmers, including a discussion on what they hope to see in the next round of coronavirus relief. I always look for opportunities to engage directly with farmers and ranchers and producers and processors. This year's agriculture summit provided valuable feedback about how the pandemic has affected rural America; feedback that will be critical as Congress continues to address the impacts of the pandemic on the agricultural sector. Prior to the coronavirus, the farm economy had been in a multiyear slump. Just as things were starting to look up, with USMCA signed into law and new trade deals in the works, this pandemic hit all of us hard, particularly our farm families. I have heard a great deal of positive feedback across the board about the USDA Farmers to Families Food Boxes. Not only is this program providing fresh, nutritious foods to families in need, it also is helping farmers sell crops that may otherwise go to waste. I have been impressed with the quality of the program, particularly with the oversight and efficiency. Thanks to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, more than 90 million boxes have been delivered to families in need. Another program that has been helping our farmers is the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP. Now, I couldn't believe it, but one of the farmers I met while back in my district for August recess had not heard of the program and how it could help his family farm. I want to urge my colleagues, especially now that the second round of CFAP has been made available, to continue to spread the word about this valuable resource. While we have supported the agriculture industry in the previous COVID relief efforts, many of our farmers are wondering what is next. It is my hope that we put politics aside and finally come together on a bipartisan agreement that will support our hardworking essential employees in the agriculture industry, as well as our critical industries.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, due to pre-scheduled travel with the President, I was absent from voting on September 22, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 196 and YEA on Roll Call No. 197.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I had the pleasure of touring the newest branch of the Centre County Discovery Space called The Rivet. The Rivet is a 5,000-square-foot community workshop that aims to connect people and ideas to create and innovate. Members of the Centre County community can take advantage of open shop hours and classes that teach technical skills, critical thinking, and interactive learning. At The Rivet, individuals can learn how to use 3D printers, woodworking machines, a pottery studio, CAD software, and the list goes on. America needs a qualified and skilled workforce. In Pennsylvania jobs in the trades have been growing at roughly 3 percent each year, but job seekers with the qualifications for these positions aren't matching that growth. That is what we call ``the skills gap.'' I was encouraged by the work that The Rivet is doing by providing an outlet for those who are seeking a career powered by career and technical education. I want to thank Rivet manager Camille Sogin for her work to provide CTE opportunities in Centre County.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Recovery Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about substance abuse and mental health, and to shed light on the resources available to help those on the road to recovery. Before my time in Congress, I spent 28 years as a therapist and rehabilitation services manager. I have seen firsthand how substance abuse and mental health disorders can impact an individual and their loved ones. Substance abuse and mental health disorders do not discriminate. They do not see race, gender, or socioeconomic status. This is a particularly difficult time to be struggling with a substance abuse problem or mental health disorder. COVID-19 has put an enormous strain on the American people over the last several months, and mental health has been undoubtedly impacted. We can all play a part in helping those who are struggling. I would like to encourage anyone in need to take advantage of the resources available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration by visiting their website or calling 1-800-662-HELP. Sometimes just a phone call can be a big step on the road to recovery.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month we celebrated National Food Bank Day. Each year on the first Friday in September, we have an opportunity to recognize the valuable role that food banks play in our communities and offer thanks to the tireless volunteers who help feed hunger-challenged families nationwide. No matter the time of the year, food banks and food pantries support our neighbors in need with access to food, and throughout the pandemic, we have seen just how critical this access can be. In 2018, more than 37 million Americans were considered food insecure, including 11 million children. The Department of Agriculture, defines food insecurity as ``a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.'' Healthy families need access to quality, nutritious food. As a former chairman of the Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, this is an issue that I feel very passionately about. I am pleased to see the success of USDA's Farmers to Families Food Box program and have heard a lot of positive feedback from volunteers and food bank staff in my district. Through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP, the USDA has delivered more than 90 million boxes of fresh, delicious, nutritious food to families in need. Fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, meat and more have been distributed by food banks, community centers, and churches nationwide. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how helpful this has been for our farmers and ranchers as well. Earlier in the pandemic, we heard too many stories of dairy farmers dumping their milk and crops going to waste. The Farmers to Families Food Box program allows farmers to sell their products and crops to be used in the boxes which has reduced waste. John, from the Christian Food Bank of Elk County in my district, called the boxes a ``Godsend,'' noting that recipients were deeply appreciative and amazed by the quality and variety of the food. Mel Curtis, director of the Centre County YMCA, said the boxes have been extremely helpful for families because the boxes provide goods that individuals and families with limited income may have to forego at the grocery store. I would like to give a special shout-out to Mel Curtis and all of the other hardworking people at the Centre County YMCA. I have been particularly impressed with their high energy, can- do spirit, and constant commitment to serving families in the Centre region. Mel and his team are always innovating and thinking of new ways to reach out to the community. I was pleased to join the Centre County YMCA this summer for a Travelin' Table event to collect donations of food and to pack grab- and-go lunches for local students. Travelin' Table is a mobile feeding bus. Typically, the bus makes six to eight stops a day delivering food, but operations have been kicked into high gear during the pandemic thanks to the YMCA team. Mr. Speaker, that Travelin' Table, that mobile feeding bus, was made possible largely through a grant from USDA with rural economic development, and just a tremendous impact that that has had at a critical time that all of our families across this Nation are facing. This kind of attitude and commitment to service is a beacon of hope during these times, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Centre County YMCA, the Christian Food Bank of Elk County, and all of our other food bank staff and volunteers who are helping families in their communities. A special shout-out also to Patti Long, for her volunteer efforts in my own home community of Howard.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize tomorrow, September 18, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This important day of respect, reflection, and recognition was established through a 1979 proclamation by President Jimmy Carter. To date, more than 83,000 Americans are still missing from World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, and more. The brave Americans who rose to the occasion to protect and defend our country are the bravest among us. Many return home. Far too many do not. We owe it to those individuals and to the families of those individuals to continue the search. The pain that these families endure due to uncertainty is unfathomable. To ensure that these men and women are never forgotten, a flag, that I am sure all of us recognize, was designed in consultation with Evelyn Grubb, wife of an Air Force POW, and Mary Helen Hoff, wife of a Navy man deemed missing in action. Today, that flag is displayed in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, serving as a reminder that we must continue our work on behalf of military families and continue the search for our POW/MIA servicemembers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of an amazing Johnstown, Cambria County native, Carlton Haselrig. An incredibly accomplished athlete, Carlton excelled in both wrestling and football. In high school, he was an undefeated wrestler and State champion. At the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown, Haselrig became the most decorated wrestler in NCAA history, with a total of six NCAA national championships. In 1989, Haselrig was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite never having played in a college football game. Haselrig returned home to coach football and wrestling at Greater Johnstown, his high school. He dedicated his time to the youth in his community, openly talking about his past struggles with addiction and mentoring hundreds. His wife said: ``He never wanted to be the star that he became. He just wanted to be Carlton Haselrig from Johnstown--a family man, a husband, and a dad.'' Sadly, Haselrig passed away this summer. Even in death, Haselrig continues to give back, having donated his brain for chronic traumatic encephalopathy research. May God bless Carlton and his family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to cosponsor the GIVE MILK Act with my Pennsylvania colleague Fred Keller. The GIVE MILK Act is an important piece of legislation that gives families who use the WIC program more control over the nutrition of their children. The bill would make 2 percent and whole milk available through the WIC program to any child over the age of 2, reversing an Obama-era rule limiting WIC participants to low-fat or non-fat milk. This legislation will give families who depend on WIC more options when considering nutritional options for their children. It will also help increase milk consumption, which is a win for our dairy farmers. Whole milk has been wrongfully targeted as unhealthy in recent years, but in reality, it provides a wealth of vital nutrients that are particularly important for growing children. Including whole milk in the WIC program will provide a healthy option for those families who find themselves depending upon these benefits for essential nutrition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Merle T. Schall. Lieutenant Schall was a member of the United States Navy from Elderton, Pennsylvania. On the evening of November 6, 1943, at approximately 2200 hours, Lieutenant Schall took off for what would be his final journey. His plane was shot down while serving as cover and guidance for a ship below in the Pacific Ocean as he and his fellow Navy men approached Bougainville Island in an effort to regain control from the Japanese who had invaded the island the year before. Sadly, Lieutenant Schall did not survive. On Wednesday, August 26, I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Michael, Lieutenant Schall's nephew, at the Indiana County Courthouse in my district. I was pleased to present Michael with his uncle's much-deserved medals. Lieutenant Schall is a recipient of a Purple Heart, Air Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Pin, and the Gold Star Lapel Button. It was an honor to celebrate his service and his life that he sacrificed to this country at the Indiana Courthouse that day.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Georgia Abbey on her recent retirement as executive director of Leadership Centre County. Leadership Centre County was founded in 1991 and is dedicated to the development of qualified leaders within the Centre County community. Over the years, more than 1,000 members have graduated from the program who then went on to be committee chairs, board members, and volunteers in Centre County organizations. I am proud to be one of those Leadership Centre County graduates. LCC has eight different values that all members strive to illustrate. These values include gratitude, mutual respect, and inclusion. The organization believes that effective leaders improve the quality of life for their communities. For the past 21 years, Georgia Abbey has played a major role in achieving the goals of Leadership Centre County. Her result-oriented and high-energy management of LCC has contributed greatly to the tremendous success of this organization. Madam Speaker, I wish Georgia and her husband, Kevin, all the best in the next phase of life following retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago, I had the pleasure of standing in the Oval Office with President Trump as he signed my bill, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act into law. I was proud to see this bill become law, but I was even more proud to see it pass with such overwhelming bipartisan support. Not a single Member of Congress in either Chamber voted against it. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act is the first major overhaul to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act since 2006. COVID-19 has underscored just how much the Nation depends on a skilled and trained workforce. That is why I am pleased to cosponsor the Skills Renewal Act. This legislation will support individuals who have become unemployed as a result of the pandemic with a $4,000 skills training credit and will support career and technical education opportunities such as apprenticeships and certificate programs. Career and technical education invests in America's most valuable resource, our people, and provides the tools necessary to pursue high- skill, high-wage, family-sustaining careers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark piece of legislation for people with disabilities. More than 55 million Americans have a disability, whether it is physical, learning, cognitive, or other. There are many ways we can support this community and providing job opportunities is a great place to start. Many Americans with disabilities struggle to find employment, despite the wealth of skills they have to offer, and a job can provide independence, economic self- sufficiency, and pride. We must also support students with disabilities. I am proud to be a cosponsor of the IDEA Full Funding Act, a bill that creates a 10-year plan to hold the Federal Government accountable for the full 40 percent of funding for special education promised by Congress in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975. Mr. Speaker, the Americans with Disabilities Act is an incredible milestone for legal protections for Americans with disabilities, but we can still do more to fight stigmas, defy prejudice, and empower those with disabilities in our everyday lives.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight several of my constituents who have gone out of their way to make a positive impact during the coronavirus pandemic. Over the past few months, it has been easy to feel surrounded by nothing but negative news. In an effort to highlight the good news that we weren't seeing enough of, I started a social media campaign called PA-15 Cares. PA-15 Cares highlights all of the volunteers who have gone above and beyond during this pandemic to lend a helping hand, to help their neighbors in need, and to brighten the spirits of all those impacted by COVID-19. Today, Mr. Speaker, I would like to share a few examples of those who rose to the occasion during this pandemic. Many chose to make masks for frontline workers, including high school student Morgan McConnell of Cambria County. While her school was closed, Morgan made good use of her time and made more than 500 masks in just the first week. It is her way of helping others, and she has given many of the masks to local hospital employees free of charge. Selfless small business owners, even those who may be struggling financially as a result of the pandemic, have stopped to ask: How can I help? Rick Ardini, owner of Rik-N-Nik's restaurant in Ebensburg, has provided countless meals for those out of work, children, the elderly, and anyone else who needed them. He also gave great advice: ``Talk to each other, learn about each other, spend some time, and play some games. Be a family. Slow life down.'' Another small business which also happens to be in Ebensburg has been providing a critical service for the first responders. SERVPRO partnered with the Dauntless Volunteer Fire Department to provide free cleaning and sanitation services for emergency response vehicles. The Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania have also stepped up to give back to their community. They have started a Hometown Heroes program to give free cookies to frontline workers, including medical professionals, first responders, nursing home staff, the Army National Guard, and more. Lastly, I would like to highlight Samantha Schrecengost of Punxsutawney. Samantha, a Senior Corps volunteer, and the folks at Community Action started a Phone-A-Friend program for seniors. Due to COVID-19, many elderly Americans have been cut off from loved ones, and isolation can take a mental and emotional toll. Volunteers of the Phone-A-Friend program call seniors two to three times a week to check in, see how they can be helpful, and just share a few minutes of friendly conversation with our seniors. Mr. Speaker, I am encouraged to see how the communities in my district have come together in such an unprecedented time of crisis to find a way to support one another.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stress the importance of researching, combating, and eradicating the spotted lanternfly. This invasive pest is native to China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, but has been wreaking havoc in Pennsylvania since 2014. The spotted lanternfly is a relentless menace that continues to harm Pennsylvania's agricultural sector, damaging trees, and destroying crop yields. These insects lay egg masses on trees, causing oozing sap, mold growth, and more. While the spotted lanternfly is harmless to humans, it can seriously impact our surroundings. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture estimates the potential damage in lost revenue from the spotted lanternfly could amount to $18 billion per year, statewide. I have been pleased to work with my colleague, Congresswoman Houlahan, to stress the importance of ridding the Commonwealth of this pest. It will take continued support to eradicate the spotted lanternfly and prevent further harm to our environment and economy. I would like to encourage any Pennsylvanian who encounters a spotted lanternfly to get rid of it and to report an infestation to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.