Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was pleased to join 158 of my colleagues in sending a letter to Speaker Pelosi highlighting the critical importance of the USMCA trade agreement. It has been nearly 400 days since President Trump signed the agreement with our two closest trading partners, and at long last, it seems a vote may finally be in our near future. With less than 2 weeks left in the legislative calendar, a vote is long overdue. Farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and everyone in between will benefit from the passing of USMCA. USMCA will help increase market opportunities, keeping trade free and fair, and the projected impact on our Nation's agricultural industry is staggering. Under this new, revamped agreement, U.S. agriculture exports are expected to increase by more than $2 billion, annually, leading to an estimated 325,000 additional jobs here at home. That is good news, not just for our local rural communities, but for each and every American. USMCA will help bring U.S. trade policy into the 21st century. Each day that passes without a vote is leaving money and opportunity on the table.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, this past weekend, we remembered and reflected on the 78th anniversary of the devastating naval base attack in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This act of war against our Nation prompted our entry into World War II. The surprise attack by the Japanese on the morning of December 7, 1941, left 2,403 people dead. Among them were members of the U.S. Navy, Army, Marines, as well as civilians. It was one of the deadliest attacks in U.S. history. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt described it as a ``date which will live in infamy.'' Madam Speaker, let us honor the lives of those brave Americans who perished on that day 78 years ago. As President Roosevelt said: ``No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.'' And we did. May God bless all of our Pearl Harbor victims and survivors.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise to support H.R. 5314, the Veterans in Effective Apprenticeships Act, with my colleague, Congresswoman Katherine Clark. Our Nation's veterans deserve our support while they are deployed and when they return home, and 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. Sadly, when they return to civilian life, finding a good- paying, family-sustaining job may be difficult. H.R. 5314 helps streamline the process of attaining apprenticeships and reduces roadblocks for our veterans. The bill does four major things: H.R. 5314 ensures programs are equipped to complete the expedited VA process for registered apprenticeships. It clarifies that veterans are eligible for advanced placement and commensurate wage increases; The bill instructs apprenticeship programs to account for a participant's competencies and prior experiences, including those gained during military service; and H.R. 5314 aims to improve coordination between the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs. I am proud to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, recently, I had the pleasure of traveling back to Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District to celebrate the careers of three dedicated public servants in Centre County. Last month, Centre County Treasurer Richard Fornicola and Centre County Controller Chuck Witmer served their last day at the Centre County Courthouse and began their much-deserved retirements. Rich Fornicola began his term as Centre County treasurer in January 2000 and has worked diligently over the past two decades overseeing every penny that was received and disbursed by Centre County, including hunting permits and fishing licenses, as well as overseeing bids for county contracts. Chuck Witmer has spent 15 years in public service in Centre County, having worked as the deputy controller for just under 4 years before being elected to serve as county controller. Over the years, Chuck has exhibited fantastic leadership that includes overseeing the county ledger, seeing the budget is adhered to, completing the county audit, and more. This week, Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Debra Immel will be serving her last day at the courthouse as well. Debra began her career in Centre County in 1976 as a department clerk and quickly rose through the ranks of deputy prothonotary and acting prothonotary. In 1999, Debra was elected to her current position and has served in county government ever since. Mr. Speaker, together, these individuals have given more than 90 years of service to Centre County, and they have worked hard to make Centre County a better place to live. I would like to congratulate Rich and Chuck and Debra on their retirements and wish them all the best in their new life chapter.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the repeal of prohibition. On this day in 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, ending the prohibition of alcohol. Today, throughout Pennsylvania, breweries, wineries, and distilleries have become one of the Commonwealth's fastest growing industries, and quite frankly, agri-businesses. Pennsylvania is home to more than 300 wineries, which produce more than 1.6 million gallons of wine each year. This equates to roughly $1.4 billion in economic impact. Recently, Woody Lodge Winery, a disabled veteran and female-owned business from Cambria County, racked up six awards at the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association competition, including two best-in-category awards. The craft beer industry is also booming. Each year, craft brewers pump nearly $6 billion into Pennsylvania's economy and are responsible for more than 100,000 jobs and generate $2.2 billion in wages. For the past three years, Pennsylvania has been the number one producer of craft beer in the Nation. As we look back on 13 long years of prohibition in this country, let's raise a glass to how far we have come in the 86 years since.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the American Red Cross' annual Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Each year in early December, the Red Cross hosts this important event that strives to provide our men and women in uniform with the support and encouragement that is particularly important around the holiday season. We all look forward to gathering with family, friends, and loved ones during this time of year. For our servicemembers, this is a luxury. These men and women spend many months at a time away from their families. That is difficult no matter what time of year it is, but around the holidays, their sacrifice is magnified. Today, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rayburn foyer, we can all play a small role in brightening the spirits of those in our military by signing a holiday card. Mr. Speaker, it is an initiative that I look forward to participating in every year, and I encourage my colleagues and their staff to participate as well. For more than a decade, the Holiday Mail for Heroes program has worked hard to remind our heroes just how much we appreciate their service and their sacrifice. Last year around this time, I had the privilege of sponsoring a congressional delegation abroad where we met with our troops and had the pleasure of spending time with them during the week of Thanksgiving. My colleagues and I traveled to Kuwait to serve and to share a meal with soldiers stationed there. It was an honor to meet with so many individuals who have committed their lives to protecting our great Nation. We can all do our part to support our dedicated servicemen and -women now and throughout the year. A gesture as small as sending a card can brighten the holiday season for those who are deployed. This holiday season, I encourage each and every one of us to take a moment out of our days to let a soldier know how much we appreciate them.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss H.R. 5249, the Supporting Healthy Outcomes for Mothers and Infants Act. I am proud to cosponsor this bill alongside my colleague, Congressman David Trone. The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis. It does not discriminate. Opioid abuse impacts all of our communities, and sadly, expectant mothers and children are particularly vulnerable. This bill will help address the crisis by properly investing in opportunities for both education and prevention. Equally important, the bill works to destigmatize addiction and rightfully treat it as an illness. Specifically, the Supporting Healthy Outcomes for Mothers and Infants Act instructs the Health and Human Services Secretary and the Agriculture Secretary to develop evidence-based nutrition education material for WIC-eligible pregnant women and caregivers to infants impacted by neonatal abstinence syndrome. It ensures WIC conducts outreach to those who may be eligible for the program or impacted by substance abuse disorder. Lastly, the bill makes any nutrition education and training materials developed available to State agencies through an online clearinghouse. Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge my colleagues to cosponsor and support H.R. 5249.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5262, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act, a bill I am happy to cosponsor with my colleague, Representative Mike Thompson of California. After being seriously injured, the last thing any individual should be worried about is further hardships like financial stress or fraud. I have seen these challenges firsthand, having served many years as a therapist and a licensed nursing home administrator. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill to help mitigate these burdens in the O&P sector and ensure these individuals have access to quality, affordable orthotics and prosthetics. The Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act aims to: Ensure truly off-the-shelf orthotics are eligible for competitive bidding; Prohibit the practice of drop shipping prostheses and custom orthoses to Medicare beneficiaries; Create requirements that better distinguish orthotists and prosthetists from suppliers; and Standardize the definition of orthotics and prosthetics. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5262 to ensure quality orthotic and prosthetic care for Medicare patients and better protect these individuals from fraud.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, service plays an important role in communities across the Nation. From small acts of kindness to grand gestures, we can all do our part to make a difference. It is something I am personally passionate about, having served as a volunteer firefighter for many years and being involved in scouting my entire life. Nobody embodies this mission better than the countless volunteers and service organizations that can be found nationwide. That is why I am honored to co-chair the Congressional Service Organization Caucus with my colleague, Congressman Panetta from California. The Congressional Service Organization Caucus is a group of Members who not only support their local volunteer service organizations but share a mutual admiration for community service and humanitarian assistance. The spirit of service is something that both Republicans and Democrats can come together to champion. That is why Congressman Panetta and I are asking for the support of our colleagues in joining this caucus and upholding our support for these organizations and the communities that they serve.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank my brother in the Lord from Colorado for hosting this Special Order tonight, during a special week where we commemorate the Holy Word, the Bible. Mr. Speaker, since 1941, every President since Franklin Delano Roosevelt has declared the week of Thanksgiving as National Bible Week. It is fitting that we celebrate this week along with the national day of Thanksgiving. Both the Bible and this annual holiday provide us with the time to reflect on what is most important in our lives: our faith, our creator, our family, and our love for one another. Mr. Speaker, part of my family lineage can be traced back to those Pilgrims who set out for the New World in search of religious freedom. They endured both hardship and sacrifice at a heavy cost to be able to freely worship without persecution. Forty-five of the 102 Mayflower passengers died in the winter of 1620 to 1621, and the Mayflower colonists suffered greatly during their first winter in the New World from lack of shelter, scurvy, and general conditions of hardship. They brought with them, though, their faith and several Bibles. The event that Americans commonly call the First Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in October of 1621. This feast lasted 3 days, and, as accounted by attendee Edward Winslow, it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims. Thanks to William Bradford's journal, we have knowledge of how these Pilgrims gave thanks. The question remains as to whom and why did they do this. As people of faith, I would like to believe they were acting out the lessons of the Bible, such as that found in Psalm 107. This Scripture states the theme of God's loyal love and redemption. It is written for at the time of Israel in exile. Wandering and overwhelmed by circumstances, I could see why these early Pilgrims could find solace in this Scripture. They also found themselves wandering and enduring hardship. The Bible illustrated the power of giving thanks to the Lord, the importance of assuming thankfulness as a human attitude. These words indicate not just a knowledge of, but also a recognition and a relationship through, the Word of God that the Bible offers. I don't know if the Pilgrims referenced this Scripture in preparing or dealing with the hardships that they endured. I do know that the Bible and the Word within it was important to these travelers and early settlers. The Bible has had a tremendous influence in my life and the lives of millions of Americans. The Scriptures inside serve as a guide for us in both times of trouble and in times of triumph. And, for that reason, it remains the best-selling book of all time. During this week, I am thankful for the strong community of faith that I have come to know through weekly Bible studies and prayer service here in the United States Capitol and, certainly, back in my district and my home community. It is a time where we put aside differences and come together to share the love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The words of the Bible unite people, nations, and even politicians as we come together to celebrate faith, fellowship, and prayer. As I prepare to close, let me share these thoughts. God chose Israel; America chose God; and God's first love is Israel. Let's make America God's lasting love. Mr. Speaker, let us also celebrate the First Amendment, which affirms our right to choose and exercise faith without government coercion or retaliation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as National Adoption Month. This month we celebrate the life-changing act of adoption that has touched the lives of so many in our country. American families nationwide open their homes and their hearts to children in search of a stable environment and a forever home. Despite the many parents that adopt, there are still so many children in the foster care system in search of a place to call home. In 2018, almost half a million children and teenage youth were in U.S. foster care. As a country we must always strive to help the most vulnerable citizens among us. All children in America deserve a permanent family that can provide them with the love, support, and encouragement needed to reach their full potential in life. During this important awareness month, we recognize the unconditional love adoptive parents provide to their children, and we hope that all children will soon be welcomed into a loving family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize American Education Week. Every year, this week underscores the importance of access to quality education. It honors the teachers, instructors, and educational mentors who make a difference in the lives of our Nation's learners. Working to ensure access to high-quality and affordable education for all students is of utmost importance. The American education system should be as diverse as our Nation's students, including learners of all ages, of all socioeconomic backgrounds, and from rural America, urban America, and everywhere in between. That includes students who choose to pursue a traditional 4-year college degree as well as those who choose to attend a trade school or an apprenticeship program. As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have been pleased to introduce a number of career and technical education bills, alongside my fellow co-chair, Congressman Jim Langevin, which aim to restore rungs on the ladder of opportunity for every American. Most recently, that includes H.R. 5092, the Counseling for Career Choice Act. H.R. 5092 ensures students have access to quality counseling resources that can help them make more informed decisions about their educational futures and professional career choices. By better equipping these students with the skills to succeed, we are one step closer to closing our Nation's skills gap. The skills gap is the result of a lack of qualified students in STEM disciplines like nursing, energy, information technology, cybersecurity, and more. Career and technical education is working to empower students by equipping them with employable skills. To directly address the workforce shortage in cybersecurity, I was proud to cosponsor H.R. 1592, the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act. This bill would create a pilot program through the Department of Education to award grants to create or expand existing postsecondary CTE programs in cybersecurity competencies. Career and technical education has support outside of the Education and Labor Committee as well. I also cosponsored H.R. 898, the Skills Investment Act of 2019. H.R. 898 enhances Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for educational expenses. American workers can use the accounts to pay for skills-based learning, career training, and workforce development. In addition, both workers and employers receive tax credits for contributions to these accounts. Mr. Speaker, in addition to addressing the shortage of our skilled workforce, we need to continue increasing educational access for students who are living with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures nearly 7 million infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities have access to quality education. Unfortunately, Congress has fallen short on our commitment to these individuals, and support for students with disabilities has remained underfunded. That is why I was proud to support H.R. 1878, the IDEA Full Funding Act, which would mandate gradual increases in IDEA funding to reach the full funding as promised by Congress when IDEA was passed and to do that by fiscal year 2029. Lastly, there are many bipartisan bills that support quality education for American learners. I have always believed that we produce the best results for students when we work across the aisle. However, the partisan College Affordability Act, which would reauthorize the Higher Education Act, actually contributes to crippling college costs and widens our Nation's skills gap. It is my hope that we can offer real solutions like the High-Quality Opportunities in Postsecondary Education Act, or the HOPE Act, which provides institutions with the tools they need to help students prepare for successful careers and successful lives. This is American Education Week. Let's remember that students deserve better than a one-size-fits-all educational plan.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this weekend I had the pleasure of joining volunteers of my district at the Port Matilda Baptist Church for the monthly CommonFood distribution event. CommonFood is an organization that works to provide underserved and underemployed elderly, single-parent families, and low-income families in western Centre County with nutritious food. CommonFood feeds approximately 140 to 150 families in the area. Each month these families receive a box of food valued at approximately $150 filled with meat, produce, and nonperishables. Organizations like CommonFood and our Nation's food banks play an important role in supporting families who may need a helping hand. Through the USDA's Emergency Food Assistance Program, States are provided with food that is then distributed to local food banks and soup kitchens. These organizations then distribute quality ingredients to low-income households who are, in turn, able to provide their families with nutritious meals. Organizations that provide emergency food assistance play an important role in the lives of low-income families, and they deserve our support. I am proud to support the farm bill that provides that type of support.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November 21 as National Rural Health Day. Nearly 60 million Americans call rural America home. It is a great place to live, to work, and to raise a family. To ensure the vitality and vibrancy of rural America, investments in infrastructure, technology, and healthcare are critical. Americans in every corner of the Nation deserve access to reliable, quality healthcare, but rural America faces its own unique health challenges that need to be addressed. Sadly, rural Americans are more likely than those in urban areas to die prematurely from heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke, the Nation's five leading causes of death. Rural America is no stranger to healthcare struggles, including long distances to the closest hospital, many uninsured or underinsured residents, and a larger number of aging residents with chronic conditions. Another issue is simply the lack of doctors and providers. There are only 40 physicians for every 100,000 people in rural America. This leads to unserved patients and overworked medical professionals. One way to address these issues is through telemedicine. Telemedicine can reduce healthcare barriers, increase access, and bolster convenience for millions of Americans. Telemedicine is critical in ensuring increased access to care for Americans who live many miles away from a hospital or a doctor's office. It can also make a difference in the lives of limited-mobility Americans, like those who may be elderly or living with different types of disabilities. Another way to improve the health of rural Americans who may be considered low-income is to address out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid expenses. Something that needs to be addressed for seniors in not only rural America but also across the country is the misuse of direct and indirect remuneration, or DIR, and how it has impacted the part D drug plans. Over the years, DIR has become a catchall for pharmacy fees, which has unfairly shifted additional costs onto Medicaid patients. While progress has been made with the 2018 Medicare part D pricing rule, there is still much more to be done. That is why I cosponsored H.R. 1034, the Phair Pricing Act. This bill directly addresses necessary reforms to DIR fees by doing four key things. First, the Phair Pricing Act will require all price concessions between a pharmacy and a pharmacy benefits manager be included at the point of sale to decrease patient costs. Second, the bill will realign market incentives to ensure patients have access to and receive the best possible care. Third, the Phair Pricing Act will direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a working group of stakeholders to create quality measures based on a pharmacy's practice. Lastly, the bill would ensure pharmacy benefits managers disclose all fees, price concessions, and programs to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Mr. Speaker, rural Americans deserve the best medical care available, and we can improve options for them and for all Americans through commonsense, bipartisan solutions like investments in telemedicine and legislation like the Phair Pricing Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, recently, I had the pleasure of joining the Pennsylvania Game Commission for a briefing to highlight the importance of bats and voluntary conservation. I was also joined there by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The U.S. bat population plays an important role in Pennsylvania's ecosystem and agricultural industry. They also help producers with insect control, pollination, and seed dispersal. This is a good thing for our environment, too, and for the health of our agricultural yields, because when the bat populations can eat thousands of insects a night, that means fewer pesticides. These creatures are truly amazing. Several years ago, it was that vampire bat saliva could be used to create anti-stroke medication. With more than 1,300 different species, the potential for lifesaving medication, innovative agricultural practices, and any number of new discoveries is limitless. That is why I introduced H. Res. 663, to establish October 24 to October 31 as Bat Week. Whether we realize it or not, bats play a role in our everyday lives, and they deserve our commitment to conservation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Counseling for Career Choice Act, a bill I cosponsored with my fellow Career and Technical Caucus co-chair, Congressman Jim Langevin. The Counseling for Career Choice Act aims to empower students by providing effective counseling resources to learners of all ages. Unfortunately, many students go to college without being fully aware of their education and career opportunities and options. According to the Coalition of Career Development, about one-third of high school graduates do not go to college right away and often struggle to find meaningful work. Additionally, a business roundtable survey found that more than 90 percent of CEOs agree the skills gap is a significant threat to their organizations. There are approximately 7 million unfilled jobs in the United States, but equipping students with the necessary tools to succeed will help us close this gap. With increased counseling opportunities, students can take control of their professional futures with confidence. Whether students choose the traditional college route or apprenticeships and trade schools, proper counseling can make a positive impact in the lives of students of all ages.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this coming Sunday marks the 26th anniversary of the House of Representatives passing the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. This agreement with our two closest trading partners, Canada and Mexico, has become outdated as time has passed, markets have diversified, and economies have flourished. We are in desperate need of updating NAFTA to meet modern-day economic demands. I know many of us have staff who are younger than NAFTA, and we can all agree that the world has changed an awful lot in the last three decades. Congress needs to bring the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, or USMCA, to a vote immediately to keep trade free and fair. A vote on USMCA is long overdue. It has been more than 400 days since President Trump announced this historic agreement, and Mexico and Canada have already given USMCA the green light. For farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and everyone in between, we must follow suit. So many different industries can benefit from a modern trade agreement. In Pennsylvania, nearly 43,000 jobs depend on manufacturing exports to Canada and Mexico. Last year alone, Pennsylvania exported $15 billion worth of products to Canada and Mexico. There is no telling what economic potential lies ahead with a new revamped trade agreement. In Pennsylvania, agriculture--and dairy, in particular--is the backbone of the Commonwealth's economy. USMCA's elimination of Canada's Class 6 and Class 7 dairy pricing programs would be a big win for dairy farm families. These programs have unfairly limited our export potential over the years. The signing of USMCA into law will also signal to other major trade partners, like China and Japan, that we are serious about these kinds of deals and we are committed to a bright future for American exports. There is no reason why we cannot pass USMCA before the end of the year. USMCA will create more jobs, boost wages, and spur the Nation's economy. What are we waiting for? Each day that passes without a vote is a missed opportunity. Let's get to work and hold a vote immediately.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the unfortunate position this institution has been placed in over the past several weeks. Long before Speaker Pelosi launched this impeachment inquiry, many of my colleagues had already made it clear that their number one priority was impeaching the President. Congress should rightfully use its oversight powers to ensure laws are executed faithfully, but this exercise has shown itself to be the ultimate manipulation of the legislative branch's oversight to achieve political gains. I caution my colleagues from placing political expediency ahead of moderation. A vote for impeachment will forever change this institution. Imagine a future where this body utilizes the most severe of its constitutional tools to continually put the minority party on trial. Mr. 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 the political impulses of a few. For the sake of this institution, and for the good of the Nation, this cannot become the new normal.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Apprenticeship Week. This year is the fifth anniversary for the celebration that aims to connect job seekers with businesses and educators in our communities to highlight the wealth of apprenticeship opportunities that are available. For too long, it has been implied that the only respectable or worthwhile option available to achieve a successful career is spending 4 or more years on a campus to earn a college degree. Yet, the more than 7 million unfilled jobs in America today suggest workers don't have the necessary skills to fill these jobs. We need to defy this misconception, invest in skills-based education, and fix our Nation's growing skills gap by providing students and job seekers with the skills and hands-on experience they need to improve their own lives. As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am proud to push for accessible career and technical education alongside my good friend and colleague, Congressman Jim Langevin. Career and technical education, or CTE, goes hand in hand with apprenticeships. Equipping learners of all ages with real-world experience in fields like STEM, nursing, information technology, cyber technology, agriculture, and more can bring us one step closer to closing our Nation's skills gap. In the past several years, we have seen a rapid expansion in skills-based education like on-the-job learning, earn-while-you-learn programs, and apprenticeships. Workforce development programs are successful only if they are adaptable to the changing needs of employers. The notice of proposed rulemaking by the Department of Labor issued this past June recognizes this through the proposed establishment of industry-recognized apprenticeships programs, or IRAPS. IRAPS cut through the bureaucratic red tape to put businesses and employees at the center of the conversation. The proposed flexibility in the notice of proposed rulemaking will allow businesses the ability to quickly meet labor market needs. These changes will help foster continued innovation that recognizes the dignity of all work and provides another tool for apprentices to move into meaningful work in the rapidly evolving 21st century economy. We can ensure IRAPS create as many career opportunities as possible by encouraging employer innovation and allowing students and families the freedom to choose the path that is best for them. That is the power of work. That is the power of CTE. And that is the power of apprenticeships, putting employers and students in the driver's seat of their own professional futures.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. In a 1987 speech in West Berlin, President Ronald Reagan famously declared: ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' For nearly 30 years, East and West Berlin were separated, both physically and ideologically. On November 9, 1989, freedom prevailed. East Germany's communist government and the Berlin Wall, one of the starkest symbols of the Cold War, would fall. That evening, on a West German television channel, reporter Hanns Friedrichs proclaimed: This 9th of November is a historic day. East Germany has announced that, starting immediately, its borders are open to everyone. While East and West Germany would not officially unify until the following year, East and West Berliners rushed to the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate this historic moment that would lead to the end of the Cold War. Let today serve as a reminder that freedom is always worth fighting for.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor our Nation's veterans, the men and women who have made the decision to commit their lives to service and to defend our great Nation, among America's most courageous. This past July, I had the honor and privilege of traveling to Fort Drum, New York, to attend the final reenlistment and promotion of my son, Logan, to sergeant first class of the United States Army. My wife, Penny, and I could not be more proud. There are more than 20 million veterans living in the United States today, and, as elected officials, we have the opportunity and responsibility to equip them to succeed while they are defending our Nation and to ease their burdens when they return to civilian life. Our men and women in uniform have committed their lives to protecting this great Nation, and we are forever indebted to them for their service and their sacrifice.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to an invasive pest that is wreaking havoc on farms and forests nationwide and is giving Pennsylvania agricultural producers a major headache. I am talking about the spotted lanternfly. This native Asian insect has been found in at least 14 different counties in Pennsylvania and has spread to our neighbors in Maryland and New Jersey as well. The spotted lanternfly feeds on sap, leaving all the plants that it touches weakened. The residue that the spotted lanternflies leave behind promotes mold growth which destroys many plants and crops. The spotted lanternfly has a diverse appetite, feeding on more than 70 different kinds of plants. From fruit trees to hardwoods and nursery industries, so many of the sectors of Pennsylvania's agricultural industry are subject to these pests. In Pennsylvania alone, it is estimated $18 billion in agriculture is at risk. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued a checklist that all residents should consult to check for spotted lanternfly egg masses. These things include camping equipment, firewood, outdoor children's toys, like playscapes and sandboxes, and more. By the end of the year, most adult spotted lanternflies will be dead. However, residents are encouraged to rid their property of any egg masses that they find by dowsing them in alcohol. Thankfully, research is being done to look into the best ways to combat this pest and eradicate it from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently awarded the Pennsylvania State University a $7.3 million grant to support a team of researchers from a variety of disciplines. It is a good investment if we can save $18 billion worth of agriculture damage. These funds will be combined with an additional $5 million in investments from growers and landowners--private citizens who agreed to work with researchers on this project. Researchers and extension educators from Penn State will be joined by additional experts from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Virginia Tech, University of Delaware, the Universities of Rhode Island, Temple, Rutgers, Cornell, and the Northeastern IPM Center. With continued education and research into this invasive pest, we can get closer to finding a solution to dealing with the spotted lanternfly and alleviating Pennsylvania's agricultural producers of this threat.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as German-American Heritage Month. I am proud to co-chair the Congressional German-American Caucus with my good friend and colleague Congressman Bill Keating. The mission of the caucus focuses on highlighting German contributions to our country. This past summer, Congressman Keating and I introduced H. Res. 446, a bipartisan resolution recognizing the importance of the alliance between the United States and Germany and to underscore our shared commitment to democracy. The resolution reaffirms our support of the Wunderbar Together initiative, which brings together more than 250 partners nationwide for more than 1,000 different events to celebrate German American contributions to culture, science, arts, business, and more. Today, there are more than 50 million Americans of German descent living in the United States. Our relationship is one of common values, shared interest, and rich history. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join Congressman Keating and I in supporting H. Res. 446 and celebrating our longstanding relationship with Germany as friends and allies.