Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kris Vancas, principal at Benner Elementary School in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Kris was recently named Pennsylvania 2019 National Distinguished Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals for his ``collaborative leadership style, empowering his staff to create an environment where students can excel, and for his dedication to students, staff, and community.'' Leaders like Kris are important to the success and well-being of our Nation's schools. Kris, however, gives all of the credit to his staff, the students, and their parents. Kris has served as principal at Benner Elementary for approximately 7 years and is well aware of the impact teachers and administrators have on the daily lives of our Nation's young people. He said: ``You don't know the kind of day they're having when they walk in, but you know you can positively affect them for the next 6 hours they're here.'' I would like to thank Kris for his commitment to students in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, and I congratulate him on this achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Scott Sheehan, a music teacher in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Scott was recently elected to serve as president of the National Association for Music Education, or NAfME. NAfME is a membership organization of more than 60,000 individuals who advocate for music education at the local, State, and national levels. They provide resources for teachers, parents, and administration who also champion music education. Scott understands the value music adds to a child's education and a child's life. He said: ``I foresee a future where every child can achieve their creative musical potential and share their voice and place in society through their artistic contributions.'' Scott taught all three of my sons music, and I know he will do a great job in his new role at NAfME. The timing of this announcement is particularly appropriate as March is National Music in Our Schools Month. I would like to thank Scott for his commitment to music education over the years in teaching and wish him all the best of luck.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lindsey Bordas, a senior at Philipsburg-Osceola High School. Recently, Lindsey accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Lindsey is a leader in the classroom and in her community. She is her senior class salutatorian and class president. Lindsey is also an active member of her school's fly-fishing club and her church youth group. Her determination and drive will make her an excellent addition to the military academy, and I am confident she will rise to the occasion and excel during her education and in her service to our country. I would like to thank Lindsey for her commitment and her willingness to serve, and I wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6032, the Transportation Workforce Centers of Excellence Act. I recently introduced this bill alongside my colleague, Congressman Jim Langevin. As co-chairs of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, we are constantly looking for new ways to support a skilled workforce. A skilled workforce is critically necessary to support a 21st century economy, and the individuals who pursue a skills-based career, as well as the institutions that train them, deserve to be rewarded for their commitment to closing our Nation's skills gap. The Transportation Workforce Centers of Excellence Act would establish a competitive $50 million grant program to strengthen education and training programs in critical industries. A highly skilled workforce is necessary to revitalize our national transportation system. The demand for qualified workers is greater than ever. This bill will help us meet infrastructure demands, close our Nation's skills gap, and reward schools that have gone above and beyond by establishing centers of excellence. Madam Speaker, I would like to encourage my colleagues to join our efforts in supporting career and technical education centers of excellence and increased transportation workforce training.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March as National Nutrition Month. A well-balanced, nutritious diet is important for all Americans, and access to fresh, quality ingredients and food shouldn't be a luxury. Last Congress, I had the honor of serving as the chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations. During my time as chairman, and through all of my years on the House Agriculture Committee, I have met with many advocates, stakeholders, and other individuals who understand the role that nutrition plays in the lives of all Americans at every stage of life. Nutrition plays a particularly important role in the lives of our Nation's children, however. During critical development years, children are particularly dependent on foods that are packed with nutrients. In some unfortunate cases, the meals that students receive at school may be the only time they eat during the day. It is important that we do what we can to ensure schools have the resources that they need to provide students with delicious and nutritious options. In January, the USDA announced two new proposals to expand nutritional options for our Nation's school children. The new rules allow schools to offer a greater variety of vegetables, options to customize school breakfasts, and the ability to purchase items a la carte. This added flexibility will not only bolster the consumption of nutritious food in our schools, it will also help reduce food waste. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how nutritious school lunches are, if students aren't eating them, they are not nutritious. I am hopeful that this recent change will encourage more of our Nation's young people to make increasingly healthy, well-rounded food choices. In addition to a greater variety of fruits and vegetables, we can help restore nutritious dairy options in schools. My bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, would allow both flavored and nonflavored milk back into our Nation's school cafeterias. Additionally, the School Milk Nutrition Act would further expand milk options for students and help reverse the decline of milk consumption in schools. While we can all be advocates for healthy diets and good nutrition, I would like to specifically recognize the registered dietitian nutritionists who are one of our most valuable resources in the pursuit of reliable food and nutrition information. Next week, on March 11, we celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day and thank these individuals for their role in building strong, healthy families and communities.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the great work of the Special Olympics. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting with Special Olympics athletes from Souderton Area High School, a Unified Sports school. Schools that participate in Unified Sports pair students with and without disabilities to promote inclusion through a shared love of sports. Athlete Kevin Lezynski and his unified partner Jon Booz stopped by my office recently to share their experiences with the Pennsylvania Special Olympics. The Special Olympics is a fantastic organization representing more than 5 million athletes that teaches the value of good sportsmanship. Because of the Special Olympics, individuals with intellectual disabilities are given opportunities to not only strengthen their physical fitness, but to strengthen the lifelong friendships made with fellow athletes along the way. I would like to wish Kevin and Jon the best of luck in their future competitions, and to all of the other brave Pennsylvania Special Olympics athletes and their Unified Sports partners.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th birthday of Smokey Bear, one of American culture's most recognizable icons. For 75 years, Smokey Bear has implored us time and time again to be mindful while spending time in the great outdoors and to promote forest health with his famous slogan, ``Only you can prevent forest fires.'' Smokey has taught countless individuals both young and old about the importance of personal responsibility for protecting the environment and our natural resources. On Smokey's 75th birthday, we should also remember that the best way to prevent a forest fire is through a well-managed forest. Proper forest management is not only critical to the health and strength of the forest industry but essential for a healthy environment and economy of the rural area, as well. I think we can all agree that Smokey looks pretty good for 75 and is working as hard as ever to promote responsible forest stewardship. Here is to 75 more years of preventing forest fires.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus, I rise to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work. Advance CTE was founded in 1920 and is the longest standing national nonprofit that represents State career and technical education directors and leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary, and adult career and technical education across the Nation. Each year, CTE provides 12 million learners with the tools to succeed in a skills-based career of their choice. With more than 7 million jobs available in the United States, CTE learners are helping close our Nation's skills gap. Advance CTE is committed to supporting States for another 100 years to ensure high-quality CTE programs are available to all individuals, no matter their age, background, or ZIP Code. Earlier this week, I introduced a resolution with my friend and colleague, Jim Langevin, to recognize February as CTE month. In the same spirit, I ask my colleagues to please join me in celebrating 100 years of Advance CTE and all that they do to promote skills-based education and opportunity in life.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of our Nation's National Heritage Areas. These sites are rich with history, culture, and the marvels of our Nation's natural resources. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed the first National Heritage Area into law, calling it ``a new kind of national park.'' Today, nearly 40 years later, our Nation touts 55 National Heritage Areas across the country. I am proud of the 12 National Heritage Areas in Pennsylvania, more than any other State in the Nation. National Heritage Areas in Pennsylvania span 57 of our 67 counties, and these areas are truly an economic development powerhouse. In 2014, tourists spent an estimated $2 billion worth of goods and services during their travels to Pennsylvania's National Heritage Areas. That is $2 billion back into our rural communities. One of those areas, the Oil Region National Heritage Area, is in my district. The oil region was established as a Pennsylvania Heritage Area in 1994. Ten years later it became a National Heritage Area. Pennsylvania's oil region is rich with history. In 1859, Edwin Drake changed our Nation's energy future forever when he drilled the world's first commercial oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania, which is in my congressional district, establishing Pennsylvania's oil region as the birthplace of the world's petroleum industry. Recently, I had the pleasure of joining the Alliance of National Heritage Areas for their annual Heart & Soul Breakfast, where I was reminded of the positive impact that these areas have on our communities. Mr. Speaker, National Heritage Areas represent one of the finest public public-private partnership models in the country. It is for that reason and their unwavering commitment to preserving our Nation's history that I am so proud to stand beside them as they tirelessly promote our Nation's rich history. National Heritage Areas are preserving our Nation's history, not only to celebrate it, but to learn from it and, quite frankly, to create economic development and opportunity utilizing it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Protein Day. Protein is one of the most important elements of a healthy diet. In turn, I would also like to recognize one of the most important sources of protein in the American diet. I am talking about milk. We know that the protein in milk helps build and repair muscle tissue in active bodies. Additionally, dairy products like milk contain nine essential nutrients that help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Milk also supports strong bones and a healthy immune system. Despite all these positive qualities, milk consumption in the United States has been on the decline. In an effort to reverse this trend, I introduced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act last year, a bipartisan bill, to once again allow whole milk in our Nation's schools. Milk is part of a nutritious and healthy diet, packed with protein and flavor. This National Protein Day, I would like to remind us all of the nutrients and health benefits that whole milk provides.

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 the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy. It is rooted in American heritage, and our Nation's producers provide us the food, the fiber, the building materials, and the energy that we all depend upon. By committing to FFA, young men and women are helping shape the science, technology, and business of agriculture. 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 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 and thank Penn State students who have spent the last year dedicating countless hours to support a fantastic cause benefiting pediatric cancer patients. I am talking about THON. This yearlong fundraising effort culminates in an annual 46-hour dance marathon to financially and emotionally support more than 4,500 families with children who are battling cancer. THON was founded in 1973 by Penn State fraternities and sororities. What began as a small fundraiser bringing in $2,000 in its inaugural year has flourished into a campus-wide effort with more than 16,000 student volunteers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This year, Penn State students raised $11.7 million, and, to date, students have shattered records and raised nearly $180 million, making THON the largest student-run philanthropic effort in the world. Of course, their dedication is to be applauded, but ask any Penn State student and they agree: THON isn't about them; it is about the children and the families fighting cancer. Over the years, THON has supported more than 4,000 families with a child battling pediatric cancer. Patients are treated at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and because of THON, many of these families never receive a medical bill. THON is for the kids, and it is for the families to focus on celebrating more birthdays, piano recitals, science fairs, graduations, and every other milestone that a child should celebrate without fear. THON exists so that one day parents never have to hear the words, ``Your child has cancer.'' Mr. Speaker, I am proud of these students; but, more importantly, I am proud of the children and the families who have the courage to fight back against pediatric cancer.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the ABC Life Center, a pregnancy center in Franklin, Pennsylvania in Venango County. The Life Center offers pregnant women a wide variety of resources, including no-cost pregnancy tests, consultations for women with unexpected pregnancies, adoption referrals, counseling for women who have had a pregnancy end in miscarriage or abortion, and more. The Life Center recognizes that being pro-life means supporting all life. The center itself encourages women by letting them know that their story, their life and their babies' lives matter. The center also dispels the notion that to be pro-life is to be antichoice. In fact, pregnancy centers such as Life Center offer a great deal of choices and resources to women who find themselves unexpectedly pregnant. Pregnancy centers like ABC Life Center encourage and empower women all around the country. I am proud of the work that they do every day to enrich the lives of women and children, and together they help spread the message that life really is a better choice.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last month, the EPA announced the new navigable waters rules that would replace the disastrous waters of the U.S. proposal. I strongly support this rule, which will finally restore the limits of the Clean Water Act, providing farmers, ranchers, and landowners true clarity on the law's reach. To help bring more certainty to farm producers, I recently introduced with my friend, Representative Collin Peterson, H.R. 5799, the Bridging Responsible Agricultural Conservation Efforts Act of 2020, which addresses wetland determinations under the Clean Water Act. Under current law, EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and USDA are tasked with such determinations on farmlands. However, farmers have experienced confusion and undue burdens for decades due to the discoordination between the agencies when making such determinations. This bill will foster cohesion between the agencies and clarify what defines normal farming practices. Modernizing modern farming practices and clearly defining converted croplands will bring long-overdue certainty to this process. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this legislation, which is a win for our Nation's farmers and ranchers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Butler County Community College on their recent achievement. The college was recognized as the number one community college in Pennsylvania. This is quite an achievement, but Butler County Community College is no stranger to success. For the fifth time since 2015, BCCC has been recognized as the best of the best in the Commonwealth. This annual accolade, presented by BestColleges.com, assesses academic quality, affordability, and online competency to determine who provides the best overall experience for students. Butler County Community College is setting learners of all ages and backgrounds up for success by providing an affordable education that readies students for a 21st century workforce. Thanks to this model, BCCC students are graduating with more opportunities and less debt. I am proud of the educational excellence that Butler County Community College has to offer for students in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and the surrounding area, and they are certainly well deserving of this recognition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week marked National School Counselors Week. School counselors play a valuable role in the lives of our Nation's students. They help students navigate challenges, both academic and personal, through all phases of education. But some counselors truly go above and beyond. Recently, I had the pleasure of joining the American School Counselor Association for a meeting, where I met Laura Ross, the 2020 School Counselor of the Year. Laura's co-workers have called her a true hero and a champion for the work that she has done at Five Forks Middle School. School counselors like Laura have big responsibilities and even greater opportunities to make a difference in the lives of young people. When people choose to dedicate their careers to providing support and guidance for these students, they are better equipped to tackle personal and professional challenges and better prepared to enter the workforce. A successful career begins with a well-rounded view of what the workforce entails. Effective counseling can assist learners in better understanding their educational opportunities and career prospects, while preventing students from taking on sizable debt. H.R. 5092, the Counseling for Career Choice Act, seeks to ensure high school students are made aware of their educational options and career prospects prior to graduation. To do that, the bill would establish a grant program for $40 million to invest in career counseling programs for high school students. It also invests in professional development opportunities for counselors working with these students so counselors can do their jobs to the best of their ability and stay up to date on workforce trends and postsecondary opportunities. This includes 2- and 4-year degree programs, but that also includes certificate programs, internships, and apprenticeships. Mr. Speaker, we all owe a debt of gratitude to our Nation's school counselors. All year long, their service and support of our Nation's young people is greatly appreciated.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown wrestling coach, Pat Pecora, on his recent record-breaking meet. On Friday, February 7, Coach Pecora led the Panthers to victory with a 22-12 win over Mercyhurst. This win was Pecora's 617th, and it snapped nearly a five-decade-long record for most wins in college wrestling at any level or division. Pat Pecora has led his team to two Division II national championships over the years, as well as 22 NCAA regional titles. Coach Pecora's commitment to the sport has not gone unnoticed. He has been named Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association three times, most recently in 2019. Pennsylvania is a national leader in wrestling. It is a passion that is woven throughout the Commonwealth's history. Coach Pecora's leadership and coaching record at Pitt-Johnstown is one to be proud of. Congratulations, Coach, on this fantastic achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, I had the honor of meeting Gilbert Howland and Bob Passanisi at a reception honoring Merrill's Marauders of World War II. During the war, Gilbert and Bob volunteered for a mission that was described as only dangerous and hazardous. These brave men, and approximately 3,000 others, answered the call of duty and were deployed to Northern Burma to fight behind enemy lines. Only nine of these selfless volunteers are still alive today, and they deserve to be honored for their bravery, their sacrifice, and their love of country. Pennsylvania had more Marauder volunteers than any other State, and one volunteer, Russell Hamler, from Pittsburgh, is still with us today. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 906, the Merrill's Marauders Congressional Gold Medal Act, introduced by Representative Pete King of New York. I would like to encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation and honor the legacy of Merrill's Marauders.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the legacy of President Ronald Reagan on his birthday. Some have called him Ronnie, the Gipper, or the Great Communicator. No matter what you call him, he was the right President for this country at the right time. President Reagan came into office with the world still in crisis over the Cold War and a country under the crushing weight of stagflation. By the time President Reagan left office, the economy roared and Reagan's words had inflicted a mortal blow to the Berlin Wall. Shortly after leaving office, the Berlin Wall fell and the threat of communism along with it. President Reagan led this country with conviction. His conservative principles empowered millions of people from coast-to-coast and across the world. His words struck fear into the hearts of our enemies and warmed the hearts of our friends. We have a lot to learn from President Reagan's life, his legacy, and his leadership.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam 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 and the American economy. More specifically, February 2 through February 8 is SkillsUSA Week. SkillsUSA is a leader in the CTE movement. This annual celebration represents nearly 370,000 SkillsUSA members across the country who are developing the personal, workplace, and technical skills necessary to earn and keep good-paying and rewarding jobs. 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. When we look at the potential of our Nation's learners and contrast that with the 7 million unfilled jobs nationwide, clearly, there is a disconnect. This is often referred to as the skills gap, and CTE can help us bridge this divide. Now, I have the privilege of serving as the co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus alongside my colleague and good friend, Congressman Jim Langevin. Over the years, we have met with many educators, counselors, administrators, and students to better understand the resources necessary to support learners of all ages. I am proud of the legislation that we have put forward to ensure students have the tools they need to pursue a rewarding education, and, eventually, a rewarding career. With this kind of support, we can help empower students and better prepare them for a 21st century workforce. Most recently, that includes H.R. 5092, the Counseling for Career Choice Act, a bill that would invest in career counseling for high school students as well as professional development opportunities for the counselors who support them. Career and technical education is not a plan B. It is a valuable educational option that is empowering learners of all ages to take control of their personal and professional futures. To me, the ideal educational system is one that allows students to get in with as few barriers to entry as possible, get the education that they need, and get out. By providing students with a clear picture of what the workforce entails--or, more specifically, by investing in career and technical education--we can help make that a reality. Madam Speaker, I am asking my colleagues to join me in celebrating Career and Technical Education Month by supporting the Counseling for Career Choice Act and other commonsense, bipartisan bills that help provide quality CTE opportunities to our Nation's students.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank one of the most productive, job-producing constituents in my district, Punxsutawney Phil. Over the weekend, Punxsutawney Phil delivered us some good news: He predicted an early spring for the second year in a row. But that is not the only good news. Groundhog Day draws tens of thousands of tourists to Jefferson County each year, which boosts revenue at local restaurants, hotels, and other small businesses. Last week, activists claimed that Punxsutawney Phil should be replaced by an animatronic groundhog powered by artificial intelligence. Well, I believe in creating jobs, not eliminating them. And Punxsutawney Phil is no exception. I will always stand up for the hardworking men, women, and rodents in the 15th District of Pennsylvania. In all seriousness, Groundhog Day brings together people of all different backgrounds, and this fun family celebration reminds us of the importance of tradition. It is not only an economic stimulus in the district, but it is also a great source of pride.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Ghost Town Trail that runs between Ebensburg and Blairsville, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently named the Ghost Town Trail the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year. As a lifelong Pennsylvanian and avid outdoorsman, I am proud the 15th District is leading the way in developing and growing Pennsylvania's extensive trail network. It is important we cultivate an appreciation of the outdoors. We know trails are environmentally friendly, but they also are economically friendly. Trails boost real estate values. They present new business opportunities and bolster tourist-related revenue. The 44- mile long Ghost Town Trail provides all of these benefits. According to some experts, if it continues on its current trajectory, it will be the first trail in the East to connect in a full loop. The Trail of the Year award is well deserved for the Ghost Town Trail, and I am proud to recognize it here today.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, President Richard Nixon designated January as National Blood Donor Month. The decision to choose January for this occasion was no coincidence. There is often a shortage of blood in January. In the winter months, eligible donors don't give blood as frequently because both the holidays as well as the cold and flu season are quickly approaching. No matter the time of year, donating blood can help save a life, and there is always a demand. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every 2 seconds, and approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed each and every day. However, less than 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, and only 3 percent of those individuals donate annually. There are often opportunities to donate blood right here on Capitol Hill, and the Red Cross is hosting its next blood drive on Wednesday, February 5, in the Ford Building. I would like to encourage those eligible to take some time out of their day to make a difference in the lives of others by donating blood.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the anniversary of the Challenger space shuttle explosion. Mr. Speaker, 34 years ago, President Ronald Reagan addressed the Nation from the Oval Office, mourning with the entire country but paying special attention to the Nation's young people, telling them: ``The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.'' Today, those young people have become the men and women who have taken up the mantle of space exploration, who probe the outer limits of our solar system and even join NASA to explore space for themselves. President Reagan's words are as true for these men and women as they were for the Challenger crew. As we look back on the tragedy of the Challenger, we must also look ahead. Let us recommit ourselves to space exploration by empowering the men and women who study it. We can honor our past by making space exploration a part of our future.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, at long last, the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, USMCA, will officially become law. USMCA is a major win not only for American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and business owners, but for each and every American who depends on these industries. Thanks to the leadership of the Trump administration, we are delivering real results for the men and women who are the backbone of the American economy. Freer markets, fairer trade, and increased opportunity are on the horizon as USMCA is signed today and implemented. The numbers are staggering: more than $68 billion in new economic activity, approximately 176,000 new jobs, and an increase of more than $2 billion a year in agriculture exports. It is no wonder that USMCA passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. USMCA brings particularly good news for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2018 alone, Pennsylvania exported approximately $15 billion in goods to Canada and Mexico, and USMCA continues to open doors for our producers. As Pennsylvania's number one industry, agriculture is vital to the health of both the economy and our residents, as our farmers provide the food, the fiber, the energy, the building materials, and all that we depend upon. With increased market opportunities, the future of the Keystone State is brighter than ever. That being said, it is impossible to talk about the impact USMCA will have on Pennsylvania without talking about dairy. For far too long, our Nation's dairy producers have been subject to Canada's unfair class 6 and class 7 ultrafiltered pricing programs, limiting our export potential both into Canada and, quite frankly, into Third World countries as Canada floods them with dairy components of whey and lactose, proteins and powdered milk. Thanks to USMCA, this is a thing of the past. A 21st century economy requires 21st century trade policy, and with USMCA, we are sending a crystal-clear message to our trade partners around the globe: America is open for business.