Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on October 23, 2019, I was absent from votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 579; ``Nay'' on Roll Call No. 580; ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 584; ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 581; ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 582; and ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 583

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week, we celebrated Timber Innovation Day and National Forest Products Week. The forest products industry plays an important role in many communities around the Nation, including Pennsylvania, which is blessed with some of the finest hardwoods in the world. In 2018, U.S. hardwood exports were valued at $135 billion and employed roughly 700,000 people, nationwide. In addition to its significant economic footprint, the industry also provides numerous environmental benefits because managed forests support proactive stewardship. Unfortunately, times have been difficult for many timber producers in recent years. While the industry continues to diversify and trade negotiations progress, identifying new markets for American forest products remains essential. The Timber Renovation Act, which was included in the 2018 farm bill, is one initiative I have been proud to support that does just that. It encourages new markets by supporting research for wood products in construction. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our producers for the work that they do.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of telemedicine. Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in a roundtable discussion at Saint Francis University in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Representatives from the university, Better Care America, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Highmark, among others, gathered to share their expertise on telemedicine and its impact on rural health. Telemedicine is an incredibly important tool for millions of Americans, but particularly for those who live in rural communities. With telemedicine, we can increase access to care for those who live far away from a doctor's office or hospital. Of course, this benefit extends beyond rural communities. Telemedicine is crucial in ensuring older Americans and those with limited mobility are able to access quality medical care by eliminating roadblocks like finding transportation to a doctor's appointment. By increasing convenience and flexibility for patients, it encourages individuals to take a more proactive approach in managing their health. Telemedicine can also have a positive impact on the health and well- being of our veterans. Their sacrifice and willingness to dedicate their lives to serve our country is a debt that we can never truly repay. The least we can do, however, is to ensure that they have access to quality healthcare. This includes mental health. Many of our men and women in uniform are suffering privately with post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, brain injuries, and more. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that roughly 20 veterans commit suicide a day. We must do our part to prevent tragedies like this from happening. That is why I introduced H.R. 2123, the Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act--or the VETS Act, as we call it--in 2017, alongside Congresswoman Julia Brownley. This bipartisan legislation reduces barriers for veterans seeking healthcare by removing burdensome location requirements, increasing access to care regardless of where the healthcare professional or the patient is located. Prior to the VETS Act's enactment, VA doctors could only provide telehealth services across State lines if both the veteran and the doctor were located in Federal facilities. Undoing this restriction was successful under the VETS Act's adoption, and it is just one way that we can improve access to telehealth for millions of veterans nationwide. Prior to the VETS Act, we were able to do that successfully a number of years ago with the STEP Act, the Servicemembers' Telemedicine and E- Health Portability Act, and it did the same thing for 1.1 million American heroes who are members of our Active-Duty military, Reserve, and Guard. The act lifted those same bureaucratic barriers to expand better access through telemedicine. Through innovation and bipartisan support, we can continue to strengthen telemedicine care for all Americans.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, efforts to impeach the President began in January 2017 with The Washington Post reporting: ``The effort to impeach President Donald John Trump is already underway.'' This was just minutes after the President was sworn into office. Now, 4 weeks into the Speaker's unprecedented impeachment inquiry, we learn of hidden transcripts, closed-door meetings, complete disregard for transparency and process, and the House has not even been afforded the opportunity to go on record with a vote to open an inquiry. If this were serious, House Democrats would bring a vote to the floor to open a formal impeachment inquiry, but they won't do that. This is a political stunt beneath the dignity of this institution. Perhaps more egregious, this stunt has consumed valuable time that we could have used to pass meaningful legislation for all Americans: lowering prescription drugs prices, securing the border, repairing our infrastructure, and moving the USMCA trade agreement forward. Hold a vote or move on. The American people deserve better.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This month is a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity in our increasingly technology-driven world. We must emphasize the importance of cybersecurity and take proactive steps to enhance our security both at home and in the workplace. That includes making a concerted effort to train dedicated professionals who work to protect citizen privacy, consumer data, and e-commerce. Training postsecondary students in cybersecurity-related fields of study will be an instrumental part in protecting data and the flow of sensitive information. That is why I join my colleague, Congressman Jim Langevin, in introducing a bipartisan bill to strengthen cybersecurity education in career and technical education programs. H.R. 1592, the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act, directs the Department of Education to create a competitive grant program that integrates cybersecurity education into new and established postsecondary career and technical education programs. This bill also requires the Secretary of Education to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the defense of our critical infrastructure and networks, to promote a robust ecosystem of cybersecurity education and training. We must prepare our next generation of learners to have the most sophisticated and comprehensive educational programs to protect our Nation's critical asset systems and networks. Despite the real harm and damage that can result from cyberattacks, cybersecurity is rarely covered enough in our current workforce development programs. That is why, together with my friend Congressman Langevin, we have introduced this bill to help protect our sensitive data and critical infrastructure from bad actors. Madam Speaker, we must continue developing a 21st century workforce to meet the technical demands our country is facing now and in the future. This includes our cybersecurity. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill and for every citizen to learn more about protecting their privacy and data online during this Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students of the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania. Recently, I had the pleasure of joining several students back in Centre County for a very special project that they are working on. It is called Heroscaping. The students are building a memorial at the Centre County Public Safety Training Center to honor first responders, particularly those who answered the call to serve when the World Trade Center was attacked on 9/11. The project was recently finished, and it was an honor to join them when I was back in my district to help lay pavers and meet many of the students involved. One of the students was just 3 months old when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers. The others had not been born yet. That is why projects like these are so important--to honor the men and women who rose to the occasion to protect our Nation and to ensure that the younger generations never forget their sacrifices.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to our Nation's abandoned coal mines. Pennsylvania's heritage is rooted in coal. It powered an industrial revolution and won two world wars. However, as more and more coal mines continue to shut their doors, properly closing these mines is incredibly important. Of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, 43 have abandoned mine lands. My district, Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, has the most, nationwide. These sites are a danger to the environment and to Pennsylvania's residents. To take action on this, I was pleased to join my colleague, Representative Matt Cartwright from Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District, in introducing H.R. 4248, the Abandoned Mine Land Reauthorization Act. The Abandoned Mine Land trust fund is set to expire in September of 2021. This bill will not only reauthorize the fund for the next 15 years, but helps for economic growth in coal communities impacted by mine closures. Since 1977, the AML program has eliminated over 46,000 open mine portals, and reauthorizing the AML trust fund is critical to continued progress.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Warren County, Pennsylvania's recent bicentennial. In March of 1819, the Pennsylvania General Assembly approved legislation to establish Warren County. On October 1, later that year, the legislation became official, and Warren County became a part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This occasion was celebrated earlier this month at the Warren County Courthouse, with local leaders and live entertainment, including the Youngsville High School band. In addition to the remarks and performances, a time capsule was buried on the grounds. As an avid outdoorsman, I am proud to call Warren County a part of my district, particularly for its beautiful natural landscapes. Home to a portion of the Allegheny National Forest, Warren County has beautiful outdoor spaces that rival much of the Commonwealth. This bicentennial is an exciting occasion, and I would like to congratulate Warren County on this milestone. I wish them continued success in the next 200 years.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as National Farm to School Month. The National Farm to School Network is an organization that strives to strengthen the relationship our Nation's schools have with fresh, healthy foods from local farms. The farm to school movement focuses on agriculture education in our schools and even encourages learning opportunities through school gardens, cooking lessons, and farm field trips to better connect students with where their food comes from. It also spurs market opportunities for local farmers and ranchers. Healthy and nutritious food is important in all stages of life, but particularly for our Nation's young people. 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 they need to provide students with delicious and nutritious options.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an issue that is incredibly important to me as a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. My vision for the future of rural America includes rebuilding the communities that provide much of our food, fiber, and energy, and to provide support for a robust rural economy. Of course, this is virtually impossible without reliable, high-speed, 5G broadband connectivity. In the late 1800s, Thomas Edison created the first practical incandescent lightbulb. By 1925, half of all homes in the United States had electricity. Today, we take electricity for granted. We don't think twice when we flip a switch. As we continue to experience today's modern technical revolution, it is my goal to see 5G broadband just as commonplace. Twenty-four million Americans still do not have access to broadband, and the vast majority of these people live in rural areas. A 2017 study by the United States Department of Agriculture discovered that 29 percent of American farmers did not have reliable internet access, despite the fact that agriculture is all about technology today. Without reliable broadband access, we are leaving money on the table, and the American economy is failing to meet its fullest potential. Connectivity and competition go hand in hand, and we can continue to invest in rural communities with 5G. Agriculture, healthcare, energy, education, and so many other industries demand this level of service. In 2018, we ushered in a new farm bill that underscored the importance of broadband in rural America. Under broadband guaranteed lending programs, larger rural communities are permitted to build infrastructure for telecommunication networks. The farm bill also supports broadband development where it is most needed by prioritizing funds to rural communities that are at least 90 percent unserved. We can also encourage innovation on this front through opportunity zones. Established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Mr. Speaker, opportunity zones incentivize long-term investments--private-sector investments--in rural, underserved, or economically distressed areas across the Nation through public-private partnerships. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there are 300 opportunity zones--there are 18 congressional districts--and I am proud that 31 of these are in my district. To tackle broadband development head-on, the FCC has introduced the idea of gigabit opportunity zones, and the proposal has a promising future ahead of it. Gigabit opportunity zones are designed specifically to address underserved areas by incentivizing State and local governments to foster connectivity, ultimately streamlining regulations, supporting job creators, and strengthening our neighborhoods. Mr. Speaker, with continued investment in 5G broadband development, the future of rural America looks bright.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the organization SkillsUSA. Last month, I had the pleasure of joining more than 550 students and advisers from 29 different States at SkillsUSA's annual Washington Leadership Training Institute program, which culminated in a rally at the Capitol. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry leaders working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce that is capable of closing our Nation's skills gap through career and technical education, otherwise known as CTE. There are more than 7 million job openings in the United States today. Many of these jobs don't require a 4-year college degree, but they do require skills-based training in any number of fields, including STEM, nursing, information technology, cybersecurity, and so much more. CTE is an investment in learners at every stage of life that empowers students to take control of their futures with valuable training that can lead to well-paying and rewarding jobs. SkillsUSA is a leader in this movement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize September 27 as National Chocolate Milk Day. Chocolate milk is adored by millions of Americans nationwide, and it is a favorite among children. Seventy percent of the milk children consume is flavored, with chocolate being the most popular. Why? Because chocolate milk is low in fat, high in nutrients, and packed with flavor. Milk consumption has been declining, however, and when the National School Lunch Program removed the most popular and the most nutritious options from the schools to serve only fat-free milk, the numbers continued to drop. This was partially reversed by the USDA when the decision was made to, once again, allow 1 percent flavored milk back in school lunches. To build on this momentum, I introduced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act earlier this year to once again allow whole milk--both flavored and unflavored--to be offered within the program because children can greatly benefit from the essential nutrients whole milk provides. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to celebrate National Chocolate Milk Day accordingly.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Literacy Month. Reading is a fundamental part of learning and expanding our knowledge of the world around us. It is especially important to form strong reading habits in childhood that we can carry with us throughout our adult lives. Parents, educators, and the local community can all play a role in encouraging young people to pick up a book and to exercise their imaginations. A great resource that schools, museums, and public libraries can take advantage of is the Library of Congress' Surplus Book Program. This initiative offers surplus books of all kinds and for all ages to organizations and institutions nationwide to help build their book collections, and I encourage those interested to visit the library's website for more information. Mr. Speaker, reading at a young age is important, but a passion for books can form at any stage of life. During National Literacy Month, let's all pick up a new book and share the reading experience with the children in our lives.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to an ongoing epidemic that is plaguing most communities across the Nation. I am talking about the opioid crisis. Far too many people have fallen victim to opioid abuse, and the statistics in Pennsylvania are frightening. In the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is reported that 5,388 people died from drug overdose in 2017, many of them from opioid abuse. Addiction does not discriminate. It does not see race, gender, or socioeconomic status. There is not a community in our Nation that hasn't been impacted by opioid addiction in some way. Before my time in Congress, I spent 28 years as a therapist and rehabilitation services manager. I have seen firsthand how addiction impacts families and our communities. September is Recovery Month, and it is an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of substance abuse disorders. To celebrate those who are helping combat the opioid crisis and those who are on the road to recovery, Clarion County recently celebrated Recovery Month by honoring first responders who have made an impact on the community. Together, John Greenway, Farrah Murray, and Bridget Murray have saved 38 lives by delivering naloxone, the medication that counters the effects of opioid overdose. At the award ceremony, Clarion resident Dustin Parsons told his story about his struggle with addiction, noting the help he received from the AICDAC, the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission. Dustin said: ``During the last few years of my addiction, I was in a position where I could meet the AICDAC. They helped me get a lot of resources. I want to give back to the community. I try to convince other people that there is a way out of this.'' The AICDAC works to prevent addiction and treat those who have fallen victim to opioid abuse, and they are the recent recipient of a $1 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services. These funds will ensure the region will have substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment services, especially when it comes to combating the opioid crisis affecting our communities. The grant is being used to expand the commission's Addiction Recovery Mobile Outreach Team that services the three area hospitals to provide treatment and recovery 24/7. Kami Anderson, Executive Director of AICDAC, said: ``The commission will continue its work with county overdose task forces which are committed to reducing and eliminating the number of fatal opioid overdoses in the three-county area.'' Recovery is incredibly important. The care the therapists, first responders, doctors, and addiction specialists provide can, in many cases, be the difference between life and death, but we must not overlook the critical importance of prevention efforts. Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced $1.8 billion to help States combat the opioid crisis. It is my hope that this will be a step in the right direction in healing and to rid this Nation of this health crisis.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Erin Willman of Warren, Pennsylvania. Just 22 years old, Erin is running her own business, White Cane Coffee. Erin founded her company with an important goal in mind: to provide people with disabilities with self-sustaining jobs. Erin is blind and on the autism spectrum. She believes that providing a welcoming environment centered around a good cup of coffee is a natural way to promote inclusivity. White Cane Coffee offers eight different roast varieties, and each bag includes braille-friendly labels. Despite being capable and wanting to work, almost 90 percent of adults with autism are either unemployed or underemployed. For many, jobs are extremely difficult to find; and for others, work environments are not supportive or are even hostile to those who are disabled. Erin is helping to bridge this gap by empowering autistic adults in her community. I am proud of the work that Erin is doing every day to create opportunities for autistic adults in Warren County.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last month, I had the pleasure of hosting U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for a dairy and agriculture summit in Pennsylvania's 15th District at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania. Joining the Secretary and I was Gary Groves, Executive Director of the USDA Pennsylvania Farm Service Agency; Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture secretary; and my colleagues Representative John Joyce and Representative Fred Keller, among others. The purpose of the event was to learn from our farm families about what is working, what is not, and where they need support the most. It was a privilege to host so many hardworking dairy farmers and to learn from their experiences. It is important that there are resources available to help the dairy industry strengthen and grow. At the summit, we discussed these resources, like the USDA's new Dairy Margin Coverage Program. Programs like these are strengthening the safety net for farm families everywhere nationwide. This revamped, voluntary program is one of the many tools available to dairy farmers around the Nation that offers more options, more flexibility, and a better return on investment. Our Nation's farmers are always working hard. Owning and operating a farm is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job. No matter where you are from, a strong agricultural industry benefits each and every one of our lives. Of course, the hard work of these men and women would be lost without strong market opportunities. We must do more to expand opportunities for American dairy products, both domestically and internationally. That means making pending trade agreements like the USMCA a reality by bringing it to a vote in the immediate future because Pennsylvania deserves freer markets, fairer trade, and increased economic opportunity. As the Commonwealth's number one industry, the importance of a strong agricultural sector cannot be overstated. As the largest sector of the Pennsylvania agricultural industry, dairy production remains critical. USMCA brings good news for dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and across the country, thanks to the elimination of Canada's class 6 and class 7 dairy pricing, which has unfairly limited our export potential. Our agricultural industry, particularly our dairy farmers, are the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy, and their success directly impacts the well-being of the Commonwealth. Passing USMCA is long overdue. It is time to signal to our Nation's farmers, manufacturers, small business owners, and two closest trade partners that we are serious about securing a bright future for American exports.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate DiamondBack Truck Covers, a truck bed cover company in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. DiamondBack was recently awarded the Small Business Administration's Pennsylvania Small Business of the Year Award. I had the pleasure of traveling back to Philipsburg to present DiamondBack founders Ethan Wendle and Matthew Chverchko with a commendation for this award. Ethan and Matt were also recognized as the SBA Persons of the Year for Pennsylvania. Ethan and Matt met at Pennsylvania State University. What started out as an engineering class project has turned into a flourishing business. I am particularly proud that Ethan and Matt chose to plant roots in Philipsburg. This sort of commitment to our local communities is breathing new life into small town USA. It is companies like DiamondBack that are helping small towns bounce back. The decision to manufacture, market, sell, and ship from Philipsburg is an investment in Pennsylvania's future, in local communities and businesses, and in the people who call the Commonwealth home.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate a friend and educational leader, Dr. Neil Sharkey, vice president for research at Penn State University, upon his retirement. For the last 22 years, Dr. Sharkey has managed, facilitated, and advanced the university's entire research portfolio to dig deeper and discover innovative solutions to society's most challenging questions. Under Dr. Sharkey's leadership, Penn State's research expenditures reached an all-time high in 2017 and 2018, totaling $927 million. This investment in the university's research has helped fund important research projects in life sciences, cyber science, social science, cancer research, energy and the environment, and a variety of other interdisciplinary fields. Before his position as vice president of research, Dr. Sharkey served as the associate dean for research and graduate education in the College of Health and Human Development, as well as a professor of kinesiology. I always say we cannot make good decisions without good data. Dr. Sharkey has been a leader in this feat, and I wish him the best of luck as he embarks on his new endeavors.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month. Depression and suicide ideation affect all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and thousands of Americans die each year. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. There are an estimated 1.7 million attempts each year. In 2017, suicide rates in Pennsylvania exceeded the national average. Mental health professionals, advocacy organizations, survivors, and allies take this month to combat the stigma of discussing mental health and connect those with suicidal thoughts to a network of professional resources. If you think a loved one is struggling with depression or ideation, just ask. People in need can often feel relieved when someone asks about their well-being in a caring way. Acknowledging and discussing their thoughts may be the first step in reducing risk. I encourage anyone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Madam Speaker, let's keep the conversation going year-round. We can all play an important role in prevention.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Family Meals Month. Between work, school, and extracurricular activities, it can be hard to find time to share a meal as a family, but the benefits that come from carving out time to eat together are rewarded tenfold. Family meals are great for the mind, body, and spirit. Regular meals provide children and their parents with great nutritional value, helping them to meet the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. It also expands the variety of food children will eat, making them less picky about what is on the table. For young, developing children, conversation heard at the dinner table involves vocabulary and reading comprehension. Adolescents also benefit, often being more likely to achieve higher grades in school. Meals bring families closer and provide a setting for parents and children to engage in meaningful dialogue that can reduce stress and negative behavior and improve communications skills. Madam Speaker, I encourage all families to prioritize time for family meals and strengthen their ties to one another.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Jefferson County Courthouse in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. Since its opening in 1869, the Jefferson County Courthouse has undergone serious renovations and changes, but its impact on the community remains steadfast. County Commissioner Jack Matson said: ``You really can't be a resident of Jefferson County and not have the courthouse affect your daily lives.'' Tomorrow, the Jefferson County community will come together to celebrate this milestone on the courthouse grounds in Brookville. The programming will include tours of the courthouse, a performance by the Punxsutawney Area High School marching band, a reenactment of the trial of abolitionist Judge Elijah Heath, and the dedication of a World War II monument. The evening will conclude with the lighting of the bell tower and a special rig designed by students at the Jefferson County- Dubois Area Vocational-Technical School. Jefferson County Commissioner Jeff Pisarcik said it best when he said: ``It's not our building; it's everybody's building that lives in Jefferson County.''

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable young man, Jakob Zernick, from Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Jakob is a 13-year-old with a green thumb who started his own nonprofit called Seedz 4 Needz. Jakob grows celery, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and more to support the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where he has been receiving treatment for Crohn's disease for the last 5 years. Jakob sells his produce at a vegetable stand outside his home in Ebensburg and uses the money to purchase toys, games, books, and more items to gift to children who are patients at the hospital. According to Jakob, he is projected to raise $10,000 this year to benefit the Children's Hospital. His efforts have been recognized by the community, and Jakob's neighbors have been incredibly supportive, offering their own donations as well. Most notably, Saint Francis University of Loretto, Pennsylvania, donated a $1,000 check to Seedz 4 Needz to help Jakob continue his mission. I am proud of the work that Jakob has done, and I look forward to seeing Seedz 4 Needz grow.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today, on the 18th anniversary of September 11, 2001, to reflect on the events of that fateful day and to honor the lives lost and the heroes that united us. At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 roared over Lower Manhattan and into Tower 1 of the World Trade Center. Shortly after, Flight 175 struck Tower 2. Our country was under attack. Many of us could never imagine such evil taking place in our own backyard. The terror did not stop in New York City. The Pentagon, center of our Armed Forces and national defense and our Nation's Capital, was also a target of evil. Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon at 9:38 a.m. It was a turning point in our history and changed the way we would view the world forever. The fourth plane hijacked that day was United 93, crashing into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Here in the Capitol, as you exit the north side of the rotunda, a plaque displays the names of the 40 passengers and crew of United 93. One of those aboard was Flight Attendant Sandra Bradshaw. Sandra had always wanted to be a flight attendant and was living out that dream, traveling and meeting new people. At 9:30 a.m. on 9/11, she called her husband and told him that United 93 had been hijacked. She said the crew and passengers had decided to try to take back the plane. Their sacrifice saved countless lives, and I can't help but think they may have saved this very building where we sit today from destruction. Our country's fight against terrorism did not happen on a battlefield on the other side of the world but over the skies of Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia by ordinary American citizens. The courage and bravery of Flight 93 was not the only heroism on display that day. Firefighters, police officers, and first responders jumped into action without hesitation. When planes crashed, they ran in. When fires ignited, they ran in. When buildings collapsed, they ran in. Their courage never wavered. We will never forget the lives lost and must always remember the heroism that was shown. And while we cannot bring our loved ones back, we can honor their memory through acts of service. To maintain the spirit of unity and compassion that stem from the attacks, every year our country proclaims September 11 as Patriot Day. It is a great way to honor the souls we lost and pay tribute to all who sacrificed their lives. As President Bush said when he addressed the Nation: ``Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These attacks shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.''

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the community development and revitalization efforts of Clarion, Pennsylvania. Recently, I was back in my district, touring Clarion's growing downtown region, meeting with small business owners and community leaders, and the progress and growth that I saw were truly exciting. In 2015, Clarion was selected as a Blueprint Community, an initiative through the FHLBank Pittsburgh that seeks to revitalize older communities and neighborhoods. One of the shining stars of the Blueprint program is the Clarion River Brewing Company, and I am proud of their continued success as one of the many exciting small businesses in town. But Clarion's blueprint included more than new businesses. It also outlines a plan to increase affordable housing options for current and future residents. These blueprints don't offer one-size-fits-all plans for community development. Instead, they work with local leaders to better understand the needs of their residents to create custom, homegrown solutions that breathe new life into older communities. Madam Speaker, I am excited to see what Clarion has in store, and I am rooting for its continued success.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ben Weaver, owner of SERVPRO, a damage restoration company in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, Cambria County, that specializes in fire, water, and mold remediation. Ben is an Army National Guard veteran, who was recently named the Western Pennsylvania Veteran-Owned Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration. I was pleased to be back in Ebensburg recently to present a commendation for this award. What started out as Ben in one truck as his mobile office, has become a growing company of 22 employees, a fleet of 20 trucks, and a 10,000-square-foot office building in Ebensburg, with a second office opening soon in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Ben was able to launch his business, thanks to the help of an SBA- backed 7(a) loan but attributes his success to being active in his community. Ben mentioned that the community is like a family. He said, ``in the end, people really want to do business with people they know-- their extended family.'' Madam Speaker, I applaud Ben's dedication. He is certainly deserving of this award.