Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week marked the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Our Nation's Founders enshrined in the Declaration of Independence that all humans are ``endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'' Since that fateful Roe v. Wade decision, we have denied the first of those basic rights, the right to life, to more than 60 million unborn children. I rise today in opposition to this atrocity, and I rise in support of the brave individuals who flooded the National Mall this past Friday to take part in the annual March for Life. As long as abortion exists in our country, a dark cloud will hang over us, but the March for Life makes me hopeful that this cloud will not hang over us forever. I have great hope that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness will extend to all Americans born and those yet to be born.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the Cole-McCarthy amendment that will ensure the President can protect the understand and our ally, Israel.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the pleasure of joining the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for an event announcing NWPA, or the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, a rule that will replace the flawed 2015 WOTUS, Waters of the United States rule. For decades, there has been confusion and never-ending litigation over WOTUS. During my time as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee's Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee, which included watersheds and oversees environmental policy regarding agriculture, I heard from many farmers and ranchers, landowners, and environmental advocates about just how harmful WOTUS was to their businesses and to their way of life. WOTUS was a gross overreach and particularly dangerous for the agriculture industry, as vast new areas of farmlands would be subject to the Clean Water Act and costly new permitting mandates for the very first time, even beyond our farms and ranches. Anyone who owned any property, private property rights would be regulated. Ninety-nine percent of Pennsylvania was swept under these overreaching WOTUS regulations. In addition to taking away States' authority to manage water resources, the 2015 WOTUS rule expanded the Clean Water Act far beyond the law's historical limits of navigable waters and the long-held intent of Congress. Instead of providing much-needed clarity to the Clean Water Act, WOTUS created even more confusion. Thankfully, the negative impact of WOTUS was brought to an end when the Trump administration repealed it this past fall. I support the Clean Water Act, and I agree that it must be clarified. However, this must be done without undue burdens on farmers, landowners, private property owners, and commercial activities that are already effectively regulated by the States. Times have been very tough over the past decade for many farmers in rural areas. An average farm income was nearly halved during that period. Regulatory uncertainty--notably, the former WOTUS rule--only made things more difficult. I am confident, however, that the new Navigable Waters Protection Rule is a step in the right direction and will address many of the regulatory gray areas that WOTUS did not. This new rule clearly defines four commonsense categories of Federal waters that would be regulated, while providing clarity on what is not regulated. This includes ditches, isolated ponds, and prior converted croplands. The Navigable Waters Protection Rule will still support strong water protections without compromising the rights of States and without unnecessary burdens to the agriculture industry. With clearly defined State and Federal regulations, our Nation's farmers can continue to focus on what they provide all of us: food, fiber, building materials, and energy that we all rely upon.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The Holocaust is responsible for the systematic murder of more than 6 million Jews, and it is remembered as one of the darkest periods of modern history. In the wake of this tragedy, we often utter the words, ``never forget.'' But, as time passes and memory fades, this can become a challenge. We have a responsibility, however, to ensure that this chapter of history does not slip through the cracks. Through storytelling, the teaching of history, and great organizations like the Holocaust Museum right here in Washington, we can do our part to ensure younger generations truly never forget. Today, I ask my colleagues to pause and remember the pain caused by the Holocaust and the Nazi regime in Europe. I ask that we recommit ourselves to pursuing liberty and justice for all people across the globe. The horrors of genocide still pervade the world today. We can honor the memory of the Holocaust victims by speaking and acting out against the perpetrators of such evil today and for years to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Braden Zukowski of Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. Braden is a high school senior at Knoch High School. He is the son of Brad Zukowski and Shauna Braun-Zukowski. I am pleased to announce that Braden recently accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Braden is a shining example of what leadership looks like. His hard work and dedication to excellence in and out of the classroom are the qualities that will make him a great midshipman. I am confident that he will continue to excel during his time at the Naval Academy. Not only is Braden a leader in the classroom, he has also excelled in sports, serving as captain of the Knoch High School swim and cross country teams. He is also an active member of the chemistry, Spanish, history, and robotics clubs, as well as a National Honor Society member. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Braden's decision to join our Nation's Armed Forces, and I wish him the best of luck in his new venture.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of and as a cosponsor of House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy's H. Res. 791, supporting the protesters in Iran. H. Res. 791 serves notice to the Iranian regime that the United States is watching and the world is watching. Sadly, yesterday, my Democratic colleagues blocked a vote on this resolution that expressed support of antigovernment protestors in Iran and condemned Iran's role in the downing of a Ukrainian civilian aircraft last week. So what was in this resolution that motivated my Democratic colleagues to prevent consideration? The resolution would have condemned the Government of Iran for killing 1,500 Iranian citizens who were protesting their government as well as condemned the Government of Iran for shooting down Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, killing 176 people. In addition, the resolution, in section 3, ``condemns the Government of Iran for repeatedly lying to its people and to the world about its responsibility for the downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752''; section 4, ``calls on the Government of Iran to, A, refrain from the use of violence, and, B, protect the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly; and,'' section 5, ``supports the protestors in Iran, their demands for accountability, and their desire for the Government of Iran to respect freedom and human rights.'' Mr. Speaker, I am deeply disappointed that my Democratic colleagues would block a measure expressing support of freedom and human rights, principles that should be afforded to all persons.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Sergeant Harry Amigh, a resident of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, and a Korean war veteran. Sergeant Amigh enlisted in the United States Army in 1948 and would go on to serve in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, one of the Korean war's greatest battles. Sergeant Amigh was killed in action during that battle at just 20 years old. Though his military career ended far too soon, Sergeant Harry Amigh left an incredible legacy behind. I am humbled to be joining the Amigh family this Friday, January 17, to honor his legacy and present the family with seven military awards and medals in his memory. Sergeant Amigh is the recipient of a: Purple Heart; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star; Combat Infantryman Badge; United Nations Service Medal; Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal; and. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. The men and women who have chosen to dedicate their lives to defending the United States are among the most courageous citizens. Sergeant Amigh loved his country, and he fought valiantly for his country. For that, we are forever indebted to Sergeant Amigh and the many men and women like him who made the ultimate sacrifice. In Support of Iranian Protesters

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize January as National Mentoring Month, when we volunteer our time to provide support and guidance for our Nation's young people so they are better equipped to tackle personal and professional challenges. A good mentor could be a friend, a family member, a boss, or a school counselor. Effective counseling prior to graduation can assist students in making better informed decisions about their educational options and career prospects. That is why Congressman Jim Langevin and I introduced the Counseling for Career Choice Act. Despite a great deal of money being invested to improve education, very little has been spent to address career development specifically. This bill authorizes a grant program to give States and local education agencies access to current counseling programs or the means to implement new counseling frameworks. Additionally, the bill provides resources to ensure counselors can support their students to the best of their abilities. When we equip students with the tools that they need to succeed, they embark on educational journeys that lead to rewarding careers. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join Congressman Langevin and I in support of H.R. 5092, the Counseling for Career Choice Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5583, the Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation with my colleague, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania's Fifth District. All children deserve a loving and safe home. Sadly, due to the Nation's growing opioid crisis, more and more children are being left without structure, without safety, and, in some cases, without parents. As a result, grandparents have become the primary caregivers for many children. The Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act will provide resources to assist grandparents in raising their grandchildren and, most importantly, help prevent these children from entering the foster care system. This bill ensures grandfamilies and kinship caregivers are eligible for services under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, or CAPTA. It also provides support to meet the needs of children who have experienced trauma; for example, those exposed to substance misuse. Lastly, the bill calls for training and resources to assist caregivers in navigating the complicated childcare system. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5583 is a good bill. It is a bipartisan bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, recently, I had the pleasure of kicking off the new year by attending the 104th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the world. The Pennsylvania Farm Show dates back to 1917, when the first event showcased 44 commercial exhibitors featuring the latest in farm machinery and 440 competitive exhibitors. Since then, the Pennsylvania Farm Show has become the largest indoor agriculture exhibition in the would. Dr. Milton Eisenhower, Penn State University president at the time and brother of President Dwight Eisenhower, dubbed the Pennsylvania Farm Show ``always the greatest show on Earth'' during his 1955 visit. Thanks to the sustained dedication by Pennsylvania farmers and farm families, tens of thousands of volunteers, and generations of agribusiness owners, the Pennsylvania Farm Show continues to be the greatest show on Earth. Today, the Pennsylvania Farm Show has grown to approximately 6,000 animals, 12,000 exhibits, and 600,000 visitors throughout the week. Each year, I host a congressional listening session at the farm show to hear directly from farmers, industry experts, and the agriculture advocates about their priorities as well as their concerns. I want to say thank you to Representatives John Joyce, Fred Keller, and Dan Meuser, as well as Senator Bob Casey and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, for joining me for the 2020 congressional listening session at the farm show. Even after more than a decade of serving on the House Agriculture Committee, there is no experience that replaces the value of meeting with our farmers, ranchers, and producers face-to-face. With the right policies and good investments, rural America can be just as strong as the hardworking men and women who call it home. A robust rural America is not possible without a strong rural economy, and thanks to the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement and a soon-to-be-signed agreement with China, new market opportunities for agricultural exports are on the horizon. New markets are the key to economic growth and stability for our farm families. Stability also means having reliable safety net programs in place when times are particularly tough and when the weather is threatening our ability to feed ourselves. Over the years, technology has advanced and the economy has diversified, and keeping up with the demands of a new era is necessary to compete in the modern marketplace. With connectivity, broadband, and, specifically, 5G, rural businesses will be better equipped to compete. Connectivity also expands opportunities for the next generation in rural America, helping signal to younger people that rural America is a great place to call home, to start a business, and to raise a family. After spending several days at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, I am increasingly confident that the future of rural America is bright.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peter Van Cise of Julian, Pennsylvania. Peter is a senior at the Bald Eagle Area High School. When considering his post-graduation options, Peter honorably chose to commit himself to serving his country. I am proud of Peter and pleased to announce that he has accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. Peter is the son of Ann Van Cise and Dana Van Cise, an Air Force veteran. He is the youngest of seven children. Peter excelled in the classroom, on the soccer field, and in his community as a true leader. I know that his hard work as a student will serve him well as he starts his military career in the Air Force Academy. Peter has continually demonstrated a sincere commitment to service, and I wish him all the best in this exciting new venture.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor my friend and former colleague, Michael Fitzpatrick. Former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick passed away on January 6 after a 12-year battle with cancer. He served as chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services' Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing. Over a 2-year period, the task force investigated the financial mechanisms used to fund terrorist activities. Mike was a leading voice in Congress on medical device safety, pressing the FDA after dangerous medical devices remained in use after causing serious injury and death. He was an Eagle Scout from the Bucks County Council and former president of that council and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award for his service to scouting. Mike retired in 2017 and was consistently ranked among the most bipartisan Members of Congress. I lift my prayers for Mike's wife, Kathleen; their six children; his brother, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick; and the Fitzpatrick family during this difficult time. Mr. Speaker, it is also appropriate to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments and difference Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick made in a relatively short life. Well done, my friend. Rest in God's loving arms. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Centre County veteran James ``Big Jim'' Hibbert, a retired Marine Corps staff sergeant. Big Jim Hibbert honorably served in the United States Marine Corps and the Army for more than 19 years during six overseas deployments, including three combat deployments. In 2019, during a meeting of the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Jim met a young Army veteran in mental distress after his medications had been changed. The veteran had lost his job and was experiencing a mental health crisis. Jim had been trained by mental health professionals in listening skills as a part of Trout Unlimited's Streamside Mentor program. He immediately took action, establishing a rapport and assisting the suicidal veteran. Ultimately, Jim helped save his life that day. Because of this selfless act and for his commitment to his fellow veterans, Jim is being recognized by Trout Unlimited's Veteran Service Partnership program. Big Jim Hibbert continues to serve and support his fellow veterans every day, and I thank Big Jim.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of rural health and what it means to the nearly 60 million Americans who call rural America home. No matter where you live, access to quality healthcare should not be considered a luxury. Recently, a local hospital in my district was recognized as a healthcare leader in rural America. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Northwest campus in Venango County was one of 18 rural hospitals in the Nation to receive an award for excellence and patient safety and quality in 2019. The accolade is given annually by The Leapfrog Group serving more than 2,100 hospitals to find the Nation's best in healthcare safety and quality. Hospitals like UPMC Northwest are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building a network of reliable care in rural America. In many cases, rural residents can still live very far away from the closest hospital, which makes getting quality care even more difficult. Telehealth can help reduce barriers to health services for all residents, particularly the elderly, and those with limited mobility. The Northwest campus of UPMC has been a leader in telehealth and telemedicine. Telehealth options are becoming increasingly available in not only rural communities, but across the country. Ninety percent of healthcare executives say their organizations are developing or already offer telehealth services, and in 2018, approximately 7 million individuals took advantage of a telehealth consultation. Telehealth services are a great tool for those who may live far away from a hospital, but it also takes much of the hassle out of scheduling an appointment and makes routine care much more efficient. Mr. Speaker, I have been proud to assist in leading the advancement of telehealth and telemedicine legislatively in this body, including the STEP Act, which greatly expanded access to telemedicine to our Active Duty military, Reserve, and Guard. That was signed by President Obama in the VETS Act, which did the same thing for our American veterans under the VA MISSION Act signed by President Trump. As we continue to explore ways to increase access, affordability, quality, and basic choice, telehealth or telemedicine must be a part of that conversation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Scott Winters, the readjustment counselor at the DuBois Veterans Center in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. Mr. Winters provides a wide range of psychosocial services offered to eligible veterans, servicemembers, and their families. His efforts assist our veterans in making a successful transition from the military to civilian life. Recently, Mr. Winters was recognized by the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited for presenting a listening skills course to their Veterans Service Partnership streamside mentors and other interested members to support veterans in crisis situations. The VSP program is a Trout Unlimited initiative to serve veterans, Active-Duty military, and their families by engaging them through the recreational benefits of angling, with the support of the Trout Unlimited community. Mr. Winters' service that he provided in training has been utilized by at least one volunteer to save a veteran's life who was in crisis. Mr. Speaker, Scott Winters has gone above and beyond to be available at a moment's notice to support veterans in his community, and his service is greatly appreciated.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, after nearly 400 days since President Trump signed the agreement, we are finally voting on USMCA to deliver real results for the people who make up the backbone of the American economy. This includes our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and each and every American family who depends on these industries. USMCA will bring more than $68 billion in new economic activity, 176,000 new jobs here at home, and an increase of $2 billion a year annually in agricultural exports. These numbers don't lie, and that is only the beginning. Passing USMCA is a big win for the American economy. Lastly, I can't talk about USMCA without mentioning how big of a win it is for American agriculture, particularly our dairy farmers. Under this agreement, our dairy producers will no longer be subject to Canada's class 6 and class 7 milk pricing programs, policies that have unfairly limited our export potential for years. Madam Speaker, USMCA is a good agreement. It is a fair agreement, and it is a bipartisan agreement. I am pleased that we are finally voting on this crucial piece of policy and that we can deliver on this promise. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and the incredible military legacy of Morton ``Shea'' Landy. Morton passed away on November 25 at the age of 90 in Curwensville, Pennsylvania. Morton was a longtime resident of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, although his military service took him across the world throughout his career. After enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1946, Morton would go on to serve in Japan shortly after World War II, in the Caribbean during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and in Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam war, to name a few. After 32 years of faithfully serving our Nation both domestically and abroad, Morton retired from the Marine Corps. He would finish his military career with not only the highest enlisted rank possible, but as the second highest sergeant major in the Marines. Even still, Morton's service did not stop there. In retirement, he spent much of his time volunteering on behalf of the Clearfield County Historical Society, his local VFW, and the Marine Corps League. The passing of Morton Landy is a profound loss, and I offer my sincerest condolences to Morton's family and to those who were forever touched by his commitment to service.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, while this institution should rightfully ensure the law is faithfully executed by the administrative branch, this exercise has shown itself to be the ultimate manipulation of the legislative branch's oversight powers in order to achieve political gains. I caution my colleagues, who have placed political expediency ahead of moderation, their votes later today will forever change this institution. Imagine a future where this body utilizes the most severe of its constitutional tools to continually put the opposition party on trial. Madam Speaker, the American people have elected their Representatives to be their voice and vote on matters most important to this country. We must collectively focus on these issues, not on the political impulses of a few. This cannot become the new normal. I will be voting a resounding ``no'' on these Articles of Impeachment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the Department of Agriculture's Dairy Margin Coverage program. The Dairy Margin Coverage program, or DMC program, is a relatively new voluntary risk management tool for dairy producers that was authorized in the 2018 farm bill. It replaces the Margin Protection Program for dairy. As everyone in agriculture knows, the industry is subject to many unpredictable or uncontrollable factors. This year, weather has left a sizeable impact on production. The DMC program exists for incidents like this: for when factors outside of our control impact agriculture yields. The enrollment period for the DMC program has been extended through December 20. The USDA website has plenty of information on the program, including a tool to help select the ideal level of coverage. Agriculture is Pennsylvania's number one industry, with dairy being the largest sector. With just a few days left to enroll, I would like to encourage our hardworking dairy farmers to take advantage of the tools at their disposal, like Dairy Margin Coverage.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on December 10, 2019, I was absent from votes. Had I been present, I would have voted nay on Roll Call No. 660; nay on Roll Call No. 661; nay on Roll Call No. 662; yea on Roll Call No. 663; nay on Roll Call No. 664; yea on Roll Call No. 665; yea on Roll Call No. 666; and nay on Roll Call No. 667.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Pennsylvania State Senator J. Doyle Corman, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8, at the age of 87. Doyle leaves behind his wife, Becky, with whom he raised five children. He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. A Bellefonte native, Doyle faithfully served the people of Centre County for more than 20 years as State Senator, and 10 years prior to that as county commissioner. He was a man of principle, deeply committed to service and the betterment of his community. He left his mark on Harrisburg by championing critical transportation legislation, helping to make Pennsylvania a safer, more connected Commonwealth. I can attribute Doyle's mentorship to where I am today, as he convinced me, in 2002, to follow in his footsteps to run for Centre County Republican Party chairman. Through the outpouring support from fellow Pennsylvanians, it is clear Doyle will be sorely missed but his legacy not soon forgotten. I offer my prayers and deepest condolences to Becky and the entire Corman family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Computer Science Education Week. Ten years ago, this awareness week was established to highlight the important skill set and the role it plays in all industries. Every year, Computer Science Education Week serves as an opportunity for students in kindergarten through their senior year of high school to learn about the importance of computer science and the opportunities that abound with a skills-based education. As the co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus, or CTE Caucus, I am proud to support Computer Science Education Week. Our Nation is facing a skilled worker shortage. With more than 7 million open jobs in the United States, CTE opportunities can offer rewarding professional futures for learners of all ages while simultaneously closing the Nation's skills gap. One field in particular that needs workers trained in computer science is cybersecurity. I was pleased to cosponsor H.R. 1592, the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act, alongside my fellow CTE Caucus co-chair, Congressman Jim Langevin from Rhode Island. H.R. 1592 will aid in the development of a critical infrastructure workforce that is well trained to handle cyber threats from bad actors. The bill authorizes $10 million to create a competitive grant program within the Department of Education to incorporate cybersecurity education into new and existing CTE programs. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Education to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security to better support cybersecurity education programs. A successful career in any field starts with effective counseling. Far too many students begin their educational careers without fully understanding their options, but empowering students with counseling resources can better prepare learners of all ages for the workforce. That is why Congressman Langevin and I introduced H.R. 5092, the Counseling for Career Choice Act. H.R. 5092 would authorize $40 million for grants to be used by States and local education agencies to assess counseling services and create new counseling frameworks. The bill also provides professional development opportunities to counselors so that they can better improve their skills to assist their students. We need a workforce that can meet modern technical demands, and students who choose a career in technical education are best suited for that challenge. Through career and technical education programs like computer science, we can begin to close our Nation's skills gap with helping learners of all ages take control of their professional futures.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, food banks and food pantries play a valuable role in our communities all year long, but around the holiday season their impact on families in need is magnified. 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.'' Access to quality food and nutrition is necessary for healthy families, and as the former chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, this is an issue that I feel very passionately about. We can all help our neighbors in need by contributing to our local food banks and food pantries by making a donation or volunteering our time. Just a small contribution or a few hours out of our day can make a big difference in our communities. During this holiday season, it is especially important that we support families who have fallen on hard times.