Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize July as National Park and Recreation Month. Our Nation is blessed with a robust park system across the country on the Federal, State, and local levels. Summer is a popular time to take advantage of all that our parks have to offer. The coronavirus pandemic and the shelter-in-place orders that have followed have left many of us desperate for fresh air, and as many parks begin to reopen, there are plenty of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities to enjoy at parks across the country. As a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania, an avid outdoorsman, and someone who was a former recreational therapist at one point, I know firsthand the positive impact that our Nation's parks system can have on communities, and I am proud to be a strong supporter. My district, Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, is home to countless parks and outdoor recreational facilities, including the Oil Region National Heritage Area and the Allegheny National Forest, just to name a few. This month is an opportunity to underscore the role that parks play in our everyday lives and in the fabric of American culture. It is also an opportunity to recognize the hard work and contributions of our park employees. Our parks give us all an opportunity to connect with the nature around us. They create a sense of community, stimulate local economies by attracting businesses, jobs, and tourism, and increase the quality of life for all residents. Mr. Speaker, public parks and recreational facilities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier society. There is an undeniable connection between parks and public health. Studies show that Americans who live within a 10-minute walk of a park see increased physical activity and lower obesity rates. Recreational programs at public parks provide children with a safe place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically active, and enrichment activities that help prevent at-risk behavior such as drug use and gang involvement. Just last week, the House passed the Great American Outdoors Act, legislation that will ensure our national parks are around for future generations to enjoy. As summer continues, it is my hope that families across the country will find an opportunity to take advantage of our Nation's parks and recreation facilities. If considering a visit to one of our national parks, visit the National Park Service website at nps.gov to find an open park in your community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, a strong, reliable food supply chain is important 365 days a year. But COVID-19 has underscored just how much we rely on this essential industry in times of crisis. The men and women who work to provide our Nation with the food, fiber, and energy that we depend on each and every day are among the unsung heroes in this crisis. In April, I introduced the GROCER Act to establish a Federal tax holiday for our grocery store and convenience store employees from February 15, 2020, to June 15, 2020. The bill benefits individuals making less than $75,000 a year and gives the Treasury Secretary the discretion to extend this benefit for an additional 3 months. To build on the support for the GROCER Act, Congressman Dwight Evans and I introduced the AG CHAIN Act. The AG CHAIN Act extends the GROCER Act to the entire food supply chain defined by recent Department of Homeland Security guidance. That includes our farmers, ranchers, meatpackers, distributors, and more. It also builds on the GROCER Act to include a payroll tax exemption in addition to the Federal tax holiday. Supporting our essential workers in the food supply chain is something that Republicans, Democrats, and everyone in-between can get behind. A recent poll showed support from the public as well. According to the Morning Consult, 90 percent of voters consider agricultural and food production workers essential, and 93 percent consider grocery store workers and convenience store workers essential. When it comes to providing tax relief to the essential workers who keep our grocery stores and our farms operational, two-thirds of voters supported some kind of tax relief for these individuals. Those numbers speak for themselves, Mr. Speaker. We all depend on a strong food supply chain to feed our families. Even in times of crisis, the shelves and coolers in our grocery stores have remained stocked. Now, that would not be the case if we were not blessed with such a hardworking and resilient agriculture industry. Food security is national security, and employees in the food supply chain are working overtime to ensure crops are harvested, shelves and coolers are stocked, and Americans have food on the table. The AG CHAIN Act is a simple way to say thank you to the hardworking men and women across the full spectrum of the food supply chain. It is a commonsense way to support these workers, and it is a way to put more of their hard-earned money back into their own pockets. Today and every day, I am grateful for the hard work of our food supply chain workers, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the AG CHAIN Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge tomorrow, July 25, as National Hire a Veteran Day. Veterans are an important part of our community. They sacrifice a great deal to ensure that we live in a Nation that is free and safe. Sadly, when returning to civilian life, many of our Nation's veterans find themselves unemployed or underemployed. I am an Army dad. My son was wounded in combat during a tour in Iraq, and so this issue is personal. My daughter-in-law is also a veteran. Our veterans are highly trained and highly skilled. They deserve our support while deployed and when they return home. One of the best ways to do this is to prepare them for the workforce outside of the military. That is one of the reasons I was proud to cosponsor the Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act last year with Congresswoman Katherine Clark. The bill instructs apprenticeship programs to account for a participant's competencies and prior experiences, including those gained during military service, among other things. Mr. Speaker, the best way to thank a veteran is to hire a veteran. The skills obtained in service are invaluable.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share my support for H.R. 7175, the Paycheck Protection for Producers Act. I was pleased to cosponsor this legislation with Representatives Joyce, Kind, and Brindisi. The bill is simple. It would expand access to the Paycheck Protection Program for farmers and ranchers, folks who are no strangers to economic hardship. Many farmers and ranchers, particularly our dairy farmers, have been deemed ineligible to receive PPP loans due to negative net incomes. With this legislation, producers filing a schedule F will be allowed to use their gross income rather than their net income when calculating their PPP loans. We owe these folks a great deal of gratitude for working around the clock through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the continuity of the food supply chain. The Paycheck Protection for Producers Act will allow these producers to be on an even footing with every other American small business, and I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting our farmers and our ranchers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Valley Grove School District of Venango County, Pennsylvania, for truly going above and beyond to connect with their students during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Due to coronavirus, we saw school doors close across the country. Many parents found themselves in unexpected homeschooling situations, and the teachers of Valley Grove School District rose to the occasion. In an effort to connect with students during the quarantine, teachers and administrators created VGTV, a YouTube channel to share video lessons and updates with children and families. Videos can range from a music class piano lesson to a banana bread tutorial from home economics or the early childhood education teachers reading storybooks. Teachers from all grades have gotten involved to contribute something to VGTV. J.G. Resig, a high school teacher, said the project ``started out just as a morale boost to stay in contact with our students and let them know that we still care about them, even though we are stuck at home.'' Third grade teacher Julie Plumer has used her everyday surroundings to create informative videos for her students. For example, Ms. Plumer has created a variety of videos about baby chickens she had been raising to teach students about what it takes to raise and to care for animals. Content varies, but the thing that each of these videos has in common are the dedicated educators behind the camera. None of this work would be possible, however, without reliable broadband connectivity. As coronavirus has transitioned most classrooms to distance learning, the importance of broadband infrastructure has never been more apparent. Connectivity is something that many of us take for granted. While there is broadband available in many areas of the United States, more than 21 million Americans, including more than 800,000 Pennsylvanians, lack access. It is imperative that we do what we can to address this critical digital divide. The CARES Act provided $100 million for the ReConnect Pilot Program, which provides grants for the costs of broadband infrastructure development and improvement in rural areas. The CARES Act also provided $25 million for the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband program. These funds will certainly have an impact on distance learning in the age of coronavirus, but broadband connectivity is crucial regardless. We need to continue to make rural broadband and reliable broadband infrastructure a priority long after coronavirus is a thing of the past. Mr. Speaker, I thank the dedicated educators of Valley Grove School District for going the extra mile to support their students during these extraordinary times. They are hometown heroes.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today on National Fragile X Awareness Day to raise awareness of this genetic disorder. Fragile X is caused by mutations in the gene known as FMR1. These mutations can result in behavioral, developmental, cognitive, and reproductive conditions, often leading to delayed development of speech and language. In the most severe cases, fragile X can cause potentially fatal neurodegenerative conditions. Fragile X syndrome affects an estimated 100,000 Americans. But more than 1 million Americans have a variation of the fragile X mutation, meaning they either have or are at risk of developing one of the associated conditions. This means each Member of this House, on average, represents 230 constituents living with fragile X syndrome, and countless more parents, grandparents, siblings, and caregivers love someone with fragile X. Each person living with fragile X syndrome, and any other intellectual and developmental disability, makes our world a better place.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize some great Americans. I am here to congratulate and thank a dozen brave men and women who have committed their lives to serving our country. Earlier this summer, 12 of my constituents and former constituents whom I am proud to have nominated for an appointment to our Nation's military academies have graduated. It has been an incredible honor to meet these dedicated young people over the years and to support them in their pursuit of an education. Those who choose to spend their lives protecting and defending the United States are the bravest this great Nation has to offer. Today, I would like to recognize each of the graduates whom I have previously nominated who completed their education at our Nation's military academies: Robert Bendik of State College, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; Isaac Bengel of Erie, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; Darren Keglovits of Coudersport, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; Hannah Milliron of Duke Center, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; Alexandra Treglia of State College, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; Grayson Hill of North East, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy West Point; Sarah Henderson of Indiana, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy West Point; Sterling Pickett of Loganton, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy; Bailey Ishler of State College, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy; Emily Walbridge of Mill Hall, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy; Karlee Xander of Corry, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy; and Thomas King of Port Matilda, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. These brave men and women have bright futures ahead of them, Mr. Speaker; and as they begin their careers in our Nation's Armed Forces, I know their hard work, their dedication, and their commitment will serve them well. I am incredibly grateful for their service, and I commend them for their bravery. This next chapter in life will present many challenges, but also many opportunities, and I am confident that these young people will rise to the occasion. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank these individuals for their service, and I wish them the very best of luck.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the HEALTH Act. I am pleased to have introduced this bipartisan bill with the support of my cosponsor, Representative Butterfield from North Carolina. The HEALTH Act is a bipartisan effort to help increase access to local telehealth. The bill will codify Medicare reimbursement for community health centers and rural health clinics for telehealth services, cutting red tape and ensuring that these vital services are available to patients on a more permanent basis. As a lifetime resident of rural Pennsylvania, and having spent nearly three decades as a therapist and licensed nursing home administrator, I have been amazed at how telehealth services make life easier for rural and underserved communities, particularly for older Americans. Now more than ever, access to telehealth services has become a necessity in America. Medicare recipients are in need of these services without barriers and restrictions, and the HEALTH Act will improve access for the underserved.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring awareness to our Nation's abandoned mine lands. Our abandoned mine lands desperately need to be reclaimed to prevent harm to our communities and to our environment. When these sites are cleaned up and mines reclaimed, it improves the quality of our air, soil, and water. Pennsylvania has more abandoned mine sites than any other State in the country. In fact, my district, Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, has more abandoned mine sites than each of the remaining 434 congressional districts combined. This past September, my Democratic colleague from Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District, Matt Cartwright, joined me to introduce H.R. 4248, the Abandoned Mine Land Reauthorization Act. The abandoned mine land trust fund is set to expire in September 2021, and this bill will not only reauthorize the fund for the next 15 years but help spur economic growth in coal communities impacted by mine closures. For more than 40 years, this program has properly closed more than 46,000 open mine portals. To continue this momentum, the AML trust fund must be reauthorized. There is still work to be done. This past month, I had the pleasure of visiting the Anderson Creek watershed in Clearfield County. Reed Johnson, a constituent of mine who has owned property in that area for 30 years, has been working tirelessly ever since to clean up the abandoned mine site on that property. Mr. Speaker, what was mined on that site was clay, and it was clay that was made to manufacture kiln bricks, the kiln bricks that were used to produce the steel that allowed the industrial revolution to occur and allowed us to provide the arsenal of democracy to win World War I and World War II. But we have a legacy that we need to clean up there. During that visit, Reed welcomed me, as well as State and local officials, for a tour of the property. One of the other attendees was Clearfield County Conservation District's Watershed Specialist Kelly Williams. The impact of abandoned mine lands on our environment is obvious, but there are community and economic considerations as well. Ms. Williams underscored the impact that abandoned mine lands have, not only on the environment, but on our communities as a whole. Outdoor recreation is very popular in the area, specifically, boating and fishing. When abandoned mine lands are left untouched for too long, they have an incredibly damaging impact on local waterways. When outdoor recreation is a big part of the local economy, our communities feel that financial loss. Ms. Williams estimated that Clearfield County could lose as much as $3 million a year due to this impact. Reed continues to work to raise awareness about abandoned mine lands. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says the project would take years to finish, but I know Reed won't stop fighting. In the meantime, Congress needs to reauthorize the AML trust fund to ensure abandoned mine land sites are reclaimed, our environment is protected, and our communities are safe.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize July 20 as Pennsylvania Day. Since the inception of our Nation, Pennsylvania has played a transformative role in United States history. In our foundational years, Pennsylvania was the site of many important battles and military milestones, like the Battle of Valley Forge in the Revolutionary War and the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. Pennsylvania is home to a lot of firsts, including: our Nation's first capitol, Philadelphia; the American flag sewn by Betsy Ross; and the first commercial oil well, in my district, giving birth to the modern petroleum industry. Pennsylvania has a proud history of American craftsmanship and work ethic, from our steel mills and coal mines to farmlands and forests. I am encouraged each and every day by Pennsylvania's rich history, and I am grateful for our industrious residents who continue to build a bright future for the Commonwealth. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call Pennsylvania my home, today and always.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, we continue to see appalling nursing home negligence nationwide, including my home State of Pennsylvania. Last week, my fellow Pennsylvania Republican Members and I joined the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis to send a letter to State Attorney General Josh Shapiro demanding an explanation for Governor Wolf's deadly decision to readmit COVID-19-positive residents back into nursing homes. According to the most recent data, Pennsylvania has suffered 4,539 nursing home deaths related to COVID-19. That is more than 68 percent of the State's total COVID-19 deaths and more than 3 percent of the State's entire nursing home population. The families who have lost loved ones as a result of this reckless policy deserve answers, they deserve an explanation, and they deserve closure. Prior to my being elected to Congress, I spent many years as a licensed nursing home administrator specializing in long-term care, and I have been horrified to see this avoidable crisis unfold. In closing, I would like to thank our frontline employees in nursing homes. They work so hard to protect the residents. And my sincerest condolences to the families who are grieving.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to commemorate the life and legacy of Rik Paulsen. Rik Paulsen was a committed community leader, a dedicated sailor, and a dear friend of mine for many years. He passed away on Sunday, May 24, at the age of 78. Mr. Speaker, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Rik truly lived up to the academy's motto, Acta Non Verba, or Deeds Not Words. I have had the pleasure of working with Rik as he served on the Service Academy Selection Board in my district for more than 30 years. It was an honor to have his input and his help while choosing the best and brightest men and women to nominate for service to our Nation's Armed Forces. Rik was truly passionate about service and was committed to helping these students fulfill their dreams of serving this country. Mr. Speaker, Rik's wife, Pamela, and the rest of the Paulsen family are in my thoughts and prayers. He will truly be missed.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, America found itself in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a crisis, the likes of which many have not experienced in their lifetimes. There are those who run from the crisis, those who run toward it, and those who find themselves right in the middle without any say in the matter. Today, many of those in the middle are the men and women stocking, sanitizing, and serving our communities in grocery and convenience stores throughout our country. These employees are among the unsung heroes in the fight against COVID-19 who have been overlooked not only in appreciation, but also in our support. Grocery stores and convenience stores play a critical role in our Nation's food supply chain, and reliable access to healthy foods is essential for all Americans, as we have seen throughout this crisis. To thank them for working around the clock and putting themselves at risk throughout the pandemic, I would say that the employees working our grocery stores and our convenience stores have probably had more exposure to the public than any other position out there. To thank them for what they do, I have introduced the Giving Retailers and Our Convenience Employees Relief Act, or the GROCER Act. The GROCER Act would alleviate the Federal tax burden for grocery store and convenience store workers from February 15, 2020, to June 15, 2020, for individuals making less than $75,000 a year. The bill also gives the Treasury Secretary discretion to extend this benefit for an additional 3 months. The hardworking men and women stocking our shelves are among the unsung heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic. These frontline workers are putting in overtime to ensure that we have the resources we need to weather this storm. In times of crisis like these, we learn to fully appreciate these workers who play a valuable role in our food supply chain. Food is something that connects all of us, and access to food is something we all depend upon. I am proud that this is a bipartisan bill, and I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Dwight Evans from Philadelphia, for joining me to lead this effort. The GROCER Act is a simple way to say thank you to these workers who leave their families each day, risking exposure to the virus, in order to ensure that our families and constituents have access to the food and resources we need. Without these workers, millions of Americans would struggle to access necessities. The GROCER Act is a commonsense way to compensate and support our grocery and convenience store workers. The Federal tax holiday for these workers would put more of their hard-earned money back into their pockets to support themselves and their families. I would like to urge my colleagues to join me in thanking these frontline workers by supporting and cosponsoring the GROCER Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elizabeth Bruner of Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth was recently honored by the National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador program. 4-H has a storied past across the country--in rural America in particular--and has created youth programs that have fostered agricultural innovation. Some of Elizabeth's favorite 4-H activities include breeding and market livestock, wildlife, forestry, and her favorite: shooting sports. Elizabeth was selected as one of two individuals by a committee of 4- H educators from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be a teen ambassador for Pennsylvania to promote 4-H and 4-H shooting sports. Ambassadors receive training that they can take back to their communities to advocate for 4-H at the county, regional, and State level. During her experience as an ambassador, Elizabeth will further her skills in public presentation, citizenship, community service, as well as many other areas. I am certain Elizabeth will represent this organization and promote its purpose well.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank our education Republican leader for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the veto override of H.J. Res. 76. The Department of Education first released borrower defense rules in 1994, which were rarely used over the next 20 years. After a large for- profit school closed in 2015, the Obama administration used this opportunity to issue new regulations on borrower defense. These regulations could cost the American taxpayer more than $40 billion and encourage tens of thousands of borrowers--whether they were harmed or not--to apply to have their loans forgiven. The 2016 Obama regulations created more chaos than clarity and set massive loan forgiveness of a loan, regardless of the cost to taxpayers. However, in 2019, the Trump administration issued that new borrower defense rule, which takes effect July 1. The new rule creates clear, consistent standards and procedures for borrowers who have suffered financial harm due to a misrepresentation by a school. Specifically, the rule: Ensures due process for all parties; Holds all institutions--not just for-profits--accountable for misrepresentations; It delivers relief to students, including veterans, who have been lied to and suffered financial harm; It preserves student choice, including student veterans in institutions that best suit their educational needs; And it saves taxpayers $11 billion by incentivizing students to finish their education rather than indiscriminately closing schools. H.J. Res. 76 would undermine the repeal of the Trump administration's borrower defense rule and go back to Obama regulations that harm students and taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to oppose this measure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize June as National PTSD Awareness Month, and this Saturday, June 27, as PTSD Awareness Day. We need to do more to defy the stigmas surrounding mental health. PTSD treatment is a crucial tool that helps many individuals, particularly our Nation's veterans, process, cope, and treat emotional and mental trauma. Sadly, many of the men and women who have served in the United States military return home with injuries and scars, but sometimes, it is the invisible scars that hurt the most. Many struggle privately with PTSD and feel there is no outlet. PTSD Awareness Month is not only an opportunity to raise awareness about this, but it is also an opportunity to raise awareness about treatment options. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of resources to help those suffering from PTSD. Those seeking treatment should know that telemedicine may be an option as well, ensuring our veterans receive timely healthcare no matter where they live. Mr. Speaker, I thank our Nation's veterans for their service, and I encourage those who are struggling with PTSD to pursue treatment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kaleb Farmery of Marion Center, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, for accepting a fully qualified appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Kaleb is the son of Wyatt and Jessica Farmery and a senior at Marion Center High School. During his time in school, Kaleb was involved with the Air Force Junior ROTC and Future Business Leaders of America. Kaleb is a salutatorian of his senior class. Throughout his time in school, Kaleb has served as class president, a senior patrol leader in the Boy Scouts, and as both a chapter and region president of FBLA. Kaleb has committed his time as a student to service and academic excellence. His drive and determination will serve him well as he embarks on this exciting new chapter with the United States Air Force Academy.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jack ``JD'' Barnes Shaw of Russell, Pennsylvania, for accepting a fully qualified appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Jack is the son of James and Ruth Shaw and a senior at Agora Cyber Charter School. During his time in school, Jack was very involved with the Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, and fencing. Over the years, Jack has held many leadership positions, including senior patrol leader in his Boy Scout troop and a Sea Scout National Quarterdeck, a representative on the Sea Scout National Committee. He is an Eagle Scout and has been recognized as the 2018 Northeast Region Sea Scout of the Year. Jack's dedication and discipline are two traits that will lead to his success at the U.S. Naval Academy. Jack is a proven leader. I wish him the best in this exciting new chapter of his life.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, we also could be doing more for working individuals by including my legislation, the AG CHAIN Act, which would suspend Federal income tax and payroll taxes for essential workers during this pandemic. However, today's legislation was drafted and introduced with unnecessary haste and lacks bipartisan support to become law. I am voting ``no'' on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation. Through the CARES Act and the previous relief packages Congress has already approved, the Federal Government has acted swiftly to address our most pressing needs as a result of the coronavirus. Our efforts thus far have been about three things: saving lives, saving jobs, and saving our economy. These bills were negotiated in good faith and passed with overwhelming bipartisan support to provide immediate resources and a lifeline to families, workers, businesses, and States. Mr. Speaker, legislation on the House floor today is not in the same bipartisan spirit of addressing the urgent needs of Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. It is written without input from the minority and prioritizes divisive partisan policies over real relief for Americans. One division I am concerned about is agriculture. Instead of simply supporting farmers, ranchers, and the effectiveness of our feeding programs, which is where our focus should be, the bill ties the hands of the USDA. These partisan policies have no place in a relief package, and this legislation is dead on arrival in the Senate. As we begin to open up our economy, Congress must continue combating the virus and getting Americans back to work.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the NASA ``be an astronaut'' program. For the first time in 4 years, NASA is accepting applications for a new class of astronauts. Space exploration is a rich piece of modern American history, and thanks to the new Artemis program, it will remain a part of our future. Artemis will send the first woman and another man to the South Pole of the Moon by 2024 and allow us to establish a permanent presence on the Moon by 2028. Our Nation's astronauts help execute a bold vision for science and for exploration. Aspiring astronauts have the opportunity to join NASA for this new chapter in space exploration. Applications are being accepted through March 31 at www.USAJOBS.com. U.S. citizens with a master's degree in a STEM field, 2 years of related experience, and a passing physical exam are eligible to apply. Madam Speaker, I encourage all eligible space lovers and travelers to apply for this incredible opportunity.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March as National Red Cross Month. This tradition began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the proclamation to designate the month of March to celebrate Red Cross volunteers, donors, and instructors. The history of the Red Cross, however, goes back even further into American history. In 1881, Clara Barton established the organization right here in Washington, D.C., to better serve people in need. On June 5, 1889, Clara Barton and five volunteers came to Johnstown to respond to the Johnstown Flood. For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross has worked to support those in need, whether they are men and women in uniform or victims of natural disaster. 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. There are regular blood donation drives right here on Capitol Hill, where we can all volunteer to donate blood that has the potential to save a life. 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 from 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. The success of the Red Cross relies on the generosity of the American spirit. This month and all year long, I am thankful for their service to our Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March 13 as K-9 Veterans Day, an opportunity to commemorate the working dogs that support our men and women in uniform. This year marks the 78th anniversary of the establishment of the K-9 Corps. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Army began training for the K-9 Corps in 1942, originally known as the War Dog Program. In the years that passed, the K-9 Corps has become a vital part of our Armed Forces operations. Though military working dogs initially served as morale boosters for our soldiers, they were eventually trained and incorporated into combat. A dog's sense of smell is 5 to 10 times stronger than a human's, which has made them expert counterparts in detecting explosive devices. More than 1,500 dogs served in the Korean war, 4,000 in Vietnam, and many more in Afghanistan and Iraq. Like their human counterparts, our military K-9s eventually retire. Many dogs and their handlers develop a strong bond during their service together. Sadly, prior to the year 2000, military working dogs were considered ``equipment'' and were either left behind or euthanized at the end of their service. Today, retired military working dogs are put up for adoption, and their personal handlers get first priority to give them a home. To further this effort, the American Humane Society works to unite our four-legged heroes with their handlers by raising funds to ensure their safe transport home. Oftentimes, these retired dogs will serve as support animals to servicemembers who may be suffering from PTSD and other disabilities, both mental and physical. Our veterans can greatly benefit from the assistance and the companionship that a dog provides, and our K-9 veterans benefit from their newfound forever homes. Our K-9 veterans have served our country, and they, too, deserve to be honored for their service. Recognizing National Red Cross Month

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Bonnie McWhorter Duvall. Bonnie recently lost her battle with cancer at just 61 years of age. Bonnie was the matriarch of a strong farm family from Greensboro, Georgia. She was a member of the Green County Farm Bureau Women's Committee, a mother of four, and a wife to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. Bonnie and Zippy spent more than 40 years together, and she enjoyed traveling the country by his side to meet with many of our Nation's farmers over the years. Though it is a comfort to know that Bonnie is no longer suffering, it is a great sadness that she was taken from her family and friends far too soon. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Zippy and the rest of the Duvall family at this difficult time. They are, and will continue to be, in my prayers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Nevada and the gentleman from Kansas for their support of this very important piece of legislation. I rise in support of S. 760, the Support for Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019. I was proud to introduce the House companion bill, H.R. 5314, with my colleague, Representative Katherine Clark. Our Nation's veterans deserve our support while deployed and when they return home. One of the best ways to do that is to prepare them for the workforce outside of the military. Our servicemembers have attained incredible skills during their service, many times, quite frankly, under fire. Sadly, when they return to civilian life, finding a good-paying, family-sustaining job may be difficult. Many States have significant inconsistencies between the number of registered apprenticeships offered and the number of programs listed as approved for veterans' benefits. These discrepancies exist despite the simple, expedited VA approval process for apprenticeship sponsors who have gone through all the steps to register their programs through the Department of Labor at either the Federal or the State level. The VA approval process still requires additional steps that not all sponsors follow through to completion. This makes it difficult in many States for veterans to have the full list of apprenticeship programs where they can use their earned benefits and apply their learned skills and knowledge. H.R. 5314 helps streamline the process of attaining an apprenticeship and reduces roadblocks for our veterans. The bill ensures programs are equipped to complete the expedited VA process for registered apprenticeships and expands coordination between the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Now, additionally, the bill clarifies that veterans are eligible for advanced placement and appropriate wage increases and instructs apprenticeship programs to account for a participant's competencies and prior experiences, including those gained during military service. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.