Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of two of Centre County's finest law enforcement officers. Each year, the Centre County District Attorney's Office accepts nominations from the public, law enforcement agencies, and government agencies for the Centre County Law Enforcement Officers of the Year award. Earlier this month, State College Police Officer John Aston and Pennsylvania State Trooper Jeffrey Ebeck were recognized as this year's recipients. Aston has been a part of the borough police department for yearly 25 years and was promoted to detective in 2003. His experience in cellphone, computer, and internet forensics has been critical in a variety of high-profile cases in Centre County. Ebeck became a state trooper in 2002 and has been described as a man of strong character and integrity. First responders like Aston and Ebeck certainly deserve to be recognized for their work. But the men and women who choose these careers don't do so for the accolades. They do so because of their commitment to service and to safety.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize today, July 25, as National Hire A Veteran Day. In 2017, the nonprofit Hire Our Heroes established the day to highlight the many talented men and women who served our country and are now seeking civilian employment. Hire Our Heroes serves as a resource bank for veterans to seek professional advice, discover new training opportunities, and search for new job opportunities. Our Nation's veterans are some of the most dedicated and selfless individuals who call this great Nation home. While we may never be able to repay them for their sacrifice fully, the very least we can do is to help ease the transition back into civilian life. A big part of that transition is ensuring there are well-paying, family-sustaining jobs available for our men and women in uniform when they return home. The most recent numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show veteran unemployment at 3.2 percent, the lowest rate since 2011. That is great news, but that does not mean our work here is done. As a proud father of an Army infantryman, I am proud to have supported legislation throughout my time in Congress that ensures our Active Duty servicemembers and their spouses have the tools they need to defend our country successfully. But it is critical that we also support legislation that prepares our veterans for adjusting to life after combat. There are more than 7 million open jobs across the country. Our veterans want to work, and service is in their veins. They want to make an honest living and provide for their families. They want to learn new skills and be proud of the work that they do. It is important that we do our part to ensure these opportunities are available. We can bolster veteran employment opportunities with career and technical education. Many of the men and women seeking civilian employment are already highly skilled, highly trained. They are experienced, literally, under fire. The skills that come with CTE training can help expand our veterans' existing skill sets and prepare them for careers in STEM disciplines, nursing, construction, information technology, energy, cybersecurity, and many more. Mr. Speaker, our veterans are a huge part of what makes this country so great. They have chosen to risk their lives to protect our Nation. We have the opportunity, no, the responsibility to provide them with the best possible care and to empower them with the necessary tools to make smart career decisions when we welcome them home. Hire Our Heroes says the best way to thank a veteran is to hire one. We should all keep this in mind as we celebrate our Nation's veterans today and for many more days to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced and published a new rule that would address ``broad-based categorical eligibility'' through the SNAP program, formerly known as food stamps. Under current law, SNAP recipients in dozens of States have been automatically enrolled into the program, despite not really demonstrating financial need; simply by receiving other minimal welfare services, even just receiving a pamphlet in the mail. Now, let me be clear that these changes--anyone who truly is economically distressed and eligible will continue to receive SNAP benefits. But through the loophole that has been in existence, some recipients were enrolled in the program without meeting its asset and income tests. The asset and income tests are critical metrics to ensure program integrity and prevent benefits from going to those who would not normally qualify or truly need the assistance. This new regulation attempts to fix this problem by limiting categorical eligibility for SNAP recipients only to those recipients who receive substantial welfare benefits, rather than nominal ones. As the former chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee, I rise in strong support of this proposal. Enacting this rule will help address waste and abuse within SNAP, while encouraging the continued availability of the program for our friends in need who truly find themselves food insecure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Saint Francis University on a well-deserved grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, otherwise known as ARC. ARC recently announced Saint Francis University as the recipient of a $150,000 grant to support advanced patient simulation training equipment for the university's new Health Science Experiential Learning Commons that will open this October. The Commons will include much-needed space for classroom, laboratory, and clinical education, including five state-of-the-art simulation suites where students can practice real life clinical scenarios on computer-controlled mannequins with the assistance of their instructors through two-way audio-video conferencing. The grant will be used to invest in this cutting-edge technology to provide students with the technology needed to close the skills gap and better prepare them for situations they will likely encounter in their professional careers. Saint Francis University has committed itself to career and technical education in the health science field, and this grant will help provide hundreds of students with the training necessary to prepare for rewarding careers and, quite frankly, service to their community. Investments like these are playing a critical role in developing the 21st century American workforce, in developing a workforce full of talented individuals who can help meet today's ever-growing demand for healthcare professionals. Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, in particular, is in need of healthcare professionals, and Saint Francis students are rising to the occasion. The grant will not only support current Saint Francis students; ARC rightfully noted, ``local employers will have access to a pipeline of highly-skilled healthcare professionals to meet labor demands, help create jobs and expand the local economy, and provide quality healthcare to citizens in Appalachian Pennsylvania.'' Reverend Malachi Van Tassell, President of Saint Francis University, noted the value that this grant adds for the students who are seeking an education in health science. He said, ``This equipment will allow our students to practice hands-on patient care procedures in a simulated environment and to learn how to work in an interprofessional, team-based setting. Beyond the benefit to our students, it will also enable us to provide advanced training opportunities to area emergency medical services personnel and first responders.'' Mr. Speaker, this grant is not just an investment in Saint Francis, it is an investment in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. It is an investment in the lifeblood of our local communities. When we empower learners and provide them with the necessary resources for a conducive, innovative learning environment, our students will thrive personally and professionally, and will provide the best possible care to Pennsylvanians in need.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3800, the Educational Opportunities and Success Act, the bill introduced last week by my colleague Representative Warren Davidson of Ohio. Madam Speaker, H.R. 3800 seeks to address a common, yet preventable, issue impacting students from low-income families and first-generation college students. In recent years, applicants to the Department of Education's Upward Bound program found themselves stuck in financial limbo when their grant applications were rejected due to clerical errors, some errors as insignificant as using the wrong font. This is unacceptable. I was proud to cosponsor H.R. 3800, a bill that reauthorizes the TRIO programs for 5 additional years. I am also proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle to support this commonsense legislation that eases the administrative burdens during the application process. TRIO programs like Upward Bound are critical in ensuring disadvantaged students have a shot at turning the dream of a college education into a reality, and H.R. 3800 has my full support.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 63 percent of Americans support our leadership expanding pathways to greater opportunity through CTE, the better way. I want everyone who is willing to work in this country to succeed, but this legislation is not the answer. I encourage my colleagues to oppose the bill, and then we can talk after this debate so we can get to work on legislation to make sure job seekers have the skills to compete and succeed in the modern workforce.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman from North Carolina for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I certainly rise in favor of upward mobility. I rise in favor of greater opportunity. But this bill doesn't do that. I rise in opposition to this underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, increasing the Federal minimum wage by 107 percent is an extreme and unprecedented policy that will have a severe and negative impact on many American families, our Nation's workforce, our economy, and once again, most importantly, hardworking American families. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, if enacted, this legislation would cause approximately 3.7 million workers--let's extrapolate that to families--across this Nation to lose their jobs by 2025. My home State of Pennsylvania has estimated that more than 120,000 individuals, thereby families, would be negatively impacted through the loss of their jobs. That is not upward mobility. That is downward mobility. Mr. Speaker, the majority of Americans, 54 percent, think losing up to 3.7 million jobs for a $15 minimum wage is not a good idea. And 42 percent of families with a minimum-wage earner would see a net reduction in total family income under the $15 minimum wage. That is according to the Congressional Budget Office. Mr. Speaker, that is totally unacceptable. Now, I have always been a proponent of Federal policies that aim to lift individuals out of poverty and provide them with skills necessary to gain good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. We have done that in this body, and it is working. We should be promoting bipartisan policies that are proven to enhance workforce development. For example, last Congress we passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, restoring rungs on a ladder of opportunity. The President has signed that bill into law, and we are working diligently with the States to ensure that they are doing everything possible to fill the 7.5 million open jobs in this country, most of them good, family-sustaining jobs. We need to ensure that policies enhance job-training programs; so we are not talking about a minimum wage but, rather, arming individuals with skills to compete and to earn well above a minimum wage.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this Saturday, July 20, as National Pennsylvania Day. The Keystone State has played a historic role in our Nation's founding and continues to shape our future. It is the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and home to our Nation's very first capital, Philadelphia. Pennsylvania is also the site of several historic battles, including the Battle of Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War and the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. It is where Betsy Ross handcrafted the first American flag and Colonel Edwin Drake drilled the first commercial oil well, in 1859. Pennsylvania has a proud history of American craftsmanship and work ethic, from our steel mills and coal mines to our farmlands and forests. This great State's many contributions to our Nation are a strong testament to the diverse, industrious citizens who make up this Commonwealth. Mr. Speaker, today and every day, I am proud to call Pennsylvania my home.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as a number of my colleagues have, to recognize that this Saturday, July 20, is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Fifty years ago, Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the surface of the Moon and declared the moment ``one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'' Along with Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, he launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and embarked on a journey that would change the course of human history forever. At the age of 8, I can remember watching the coverage of the landing from my family living room, where we had moved the dining room table to eat dinner and watch this historic occasion. I remember the landing that occurred at 4:18 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on July 20. Along with many other children of that time across the country, I was filled with a sense of awe and wonder. This consequential moment was sparked years before in 1961 when President Kennedy stood before Congress and set forth an ambitious goal of putting a man on the Moon before the decade's end, long before, as he acknowledged, the materials had been yet invented to make that a reality. His bold vision became a reality on July 20, 1969. This achievement would not have been possible without American innovation and work ethic, paired with the support of the public. Now, we are tasked with safely sending the first woman and another man to the south pole of the Moon, where no human has traveled. This mission, called Artemis, will send astronauts back to the Moon by 2024, allowing us to establish a permanent presence on the Moon by 2028. None of this can be achieved without a strong public-private partnership between NASA and the commercial industry and the strong support of the American people. NASA works with companies, both large and small, from across the 50 States to prepare for the Artemis mission, as well as many other projects NASA conducts in space. In Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, there are several local businesses working with NASA. Just recently, NASA announced a contract for infrastructure support service from the H.F. Lenz Company in Johnstown to provide their engineering expertise. In Bellefonte, Actuated Medical is working with NASA on additive manufacturing methods and custom medical devices. Public-private partnerships like these will fuel the next generation of exploration. Space is more than just a place of academic study, however. It is instrumental to our national security, discovers new technologies that have everyday applications, and encourages us to push the boundaries of what is possible. Mr. Speaker, the legacy of the Apollo 11 Moon landing is forever enshrined in the hearts and the minds of Americans who witnessed the moment 50 years ago this week. We must reignite our curiosity for space exploration as we prepare to return to the Moon and seek further horizons in the decades to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of American manufacturing and to highlight Pennsylvania's contributions. This week, the White House hosted its annual Made in America showcase, displaying products from all 50 States. Businesses of all sizes were invited to participate in the event to highlight the strength, creativity, and ingenuity of American manufacturers. I am pleased that Pennsylvania's 15th District represented the Commonwealth for 2 years in a row. In 2018, BWP Bats, a baseball bat company from Brookville, traveled to the White House to share their products with attendees. This year, Zippo lighters, which are manufactured in Bradford, Pennsylvania, McKean County, represented the Keystone State. Businesses involved in manufacturing are vital to Pennsylvania's economy. Advanced manufacturing ranks among the Commonwealth's top five industries, and nearly 1 in 10 people across the Commonwealth work for a manufacturer. A strong manufacturing sector helps America stay competitive, and supporting legislation that strengthens the industry bolsters our Nation's potential for a prosperous future by keeping good-paying, family-staying jobs right here at home.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the impressive career and technical education students in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. Career and technical education helps learners of all ages gain valuable skills that have the potential to lead to good-paying jobs and rewarding careers. It all starts with our Nation's most valuable resource: our people. Hardworking men and women and the dedicated students who have chosen to pursue a technical career are the backbone of our economy. As co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus, I couldn't be happier to congratulate Jakob Dixon of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, on recently winning a gold medal for his work with sheet metal at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The 56th annual event took place in Louisville, Kentucky, and hosted upwards of 6,500 students to compete in more than 100 different skills-based competitions. Jakob will be a senior this fall in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program at the Indiana Career Technology Center. Additionally, in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Northern Cambria Middle School celebrated its back-to-back national championships in the 41st annual Technology Student Association national conference in Washington, D.C., just earlier this month. More than 8,500 students from across the country competed in 70 different events, including woodworking, programming robots, debate, and more. Every student from Northern Cambria Middle School who competed in the contest achieved national recognition as a top 10 finalist. Mikey Konitsky, Chris Yahner, Peyton Myers, and Braden Moriconi became national champions in the mechanical engineering competition, a category they have also won in the Commonwealth State of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Chris Yahner and his classmate Caleb Born placed third in the Nation in structural design and engineering, and Garret Link placed ninth in the Nation for flight endurance. I am proud of Jakob Dixon and the students of Northern Cambria Middle School and the many students like them across the Commonwealth and the country who have chosen to pursue a skills-based career in such a competitive workforce. Students like these are in high demand. More than 80 percent of manufacturers claim talent shortages prevent them from keeping up with customer demand, and 46 percent of employers say they have difficulty finding talent, particularly in the skilled trades. Career and technical education prepare students to be career ready by providing core academic skills, employability skills, and technical job-specific skills through hands-on learning opportunities. We need more students like Jakob, Mikey, Chris, Peyton, Braden, John, Caleb, and Garret. The value they will add to the American workforce one day cannot be overstated.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on June 28, I had the privilege of attending the fourth annual Frank Varischetti All-Star Football Game in Brockway, Pennsylvania. The Frank Varischetti Foundation hosts this annual event with support from the Brockway Gridiron Association and the Brockway Area School District. The event brings the region together for a great gridiron game in support of the academic futures of local students. In addition to showcasing the best football talent in the region, $1,000 scholarships are awarded by game sponsors. This year, I was proud to represent many players from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District in awarding 20 scholarships. The event also recognized the late coach Andy Evanko, who passed away last month from ALS, with a moment of silence. Coach Evanko was a staple in his community and coached the Curwensville Golden Tide football team from 2000 to 2018 with an impressive career record, winning more than 70 percent of his games as head coach. These young men and their coaches truly exhibited the value of hard work and the importance of good sportsmanship.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I had the privilege of returning to Blairsville, Pennsylvania, and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining site in my district. Founded in 2003, NCDMM is committed to driving innovation throughout the defense manufacturing industry. They are helping revitalize our Nation's manufacturing industry by implementing solutions, cutting commercial and defense customer costs, increasing productivity, improving quality, decreasing lead times, and reducing waste. NCDMM works to leverage the expertise of their team to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions that produce real results. My recent visit highlighted their efforts to create a 2-year curriculum, partnering with local institutions to train veterans for additive manufacturing placement following their service. This project addresses two critical issues: opportunities for veterans and strategic workforce shortages. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the leadership and the work of the dedicated staff at the NCDMM site. I wish them all the best as they continue to bring innovation and efficiency to our Nation's manufacturing industries.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week, my wife, Penny, and I honored those who make Independence Day possible by attending our son Logan's reenlistment and promotion to Army sergeant first class at Fort Drum, New York. This occasion reminded me that our independence relies upon the vigilance of our citizens and those who have fought to defend our freedoms. Regarding Independence Day, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail: ``It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forevermore.'' Following the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what sort of government the delegates had created. Without hesitation, he responded, ``A republic, if you can keep it.'' President Reagan aptly stated that freedom isn't something passed to our children in the bloodstream. Preserving our freedom is certainly a responsibility of this generation as any past. Madam Speaker, I commend those who continue to make these freedoms possible, and I look forward to a future where these freedoms will be defended for generations to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 8, I had the privilege of hosting the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council Executive Director, Mr. Scott Turner, in Bellefonte in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. Mr. Turner shared his insight, his expertise, and, I will say, his passion for serving economically distressed communities, regarding the recently designated opportunity zone in Bellefonte, with myself and members of the community. It was a productive and engaging discussion hosted by the American Philatelic Society at its headquarters. Joined by officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. General Services Administration, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Turner shared a vision behind the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, or opportunity zones, as they are more broadly known. The Council was established to proactively address the 52 million Americans who live in economically distressed communities nationwide in urban areas, suburban areas, and, quite frankly, rural areas. It was inspiring to hear Mr. Turner's passion when it comes to stimulating economic growth, expanding workforce development opportunities, and promoting long-term investment in distressed communities. The opportunity zone designation was made possible by the landmark 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that I was proud to cosponsor and to support. This past April, the White House Council was formed to help align communities with a myriad of Federal agencies that can help supplement public endeavors with private investments. Because of this, communities, and not the Federal Government, are being put in the driver's seat. The borough of Bellefonte is one of 300 opportunity zones in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, nearly 30 of which are located within Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. These opportunity zones were nominated by the Governor and are nominated by the Governors of each State and territory. The final vetting and finalization for selection are up to the United States Treasury Department. Opportunity zones are an investment in Pennsylvania's future, our communities' futures, our businesses, and the people who call the Commonwealth home. These zones have great potential when it comes to revitalizing economically distressed communities all across the United States. It is my hope that they can become a catalyst for change and a catalyst for hope in communities across the country. This facilitates investment by private investors who can take their capital gains that they may have realized because of business transactions that they are engaged in. Normally, these aren't the types of communities where these capital gains are invested. These are areas of higher unemployment and infrastructure issues, maybe housing issues, and a lower median income, not prime places for economic investment by the private sector. With the incentives of opportunity zones, where these investors can invest these capital gains within those communities for causes and for needs defined by the members of the communities, they are able to realize tax savings. It encourages them to maintain that investment for 10 years, where they would pay zero taxes on those capital gains and yield a tremendous return on investment for families, for individuals, and for communities. Additionally, these 23 Federal agencies would provide preferences for competitive grants in these designated opportunity zones, another way of investing. It was equally inspiring to hear local stakeholders discuss their new developments in Bellefonte, and I am looking forward to helping these communities seek these Federal opportunities. As I mentioned that day, this is a program that was created by Congress and was signed by President Trump, who executed this with Scott Turner's leadership as Executive Director. It is one that really lies in the community, in terms of identifying what the needs are and the investors who come from the community. I am grateful to the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council for its willingness to be on the ground and engage, in the hopes of sparking growth and development in all the designated opportunity zones. Specifically, on Monday, it was Bellefonte. Moreover, I am grateful to the residents of Bellefonte for joining as engaged citizens who are passionate about the future of their town. By taking advantage of opportunity zones, communities like Bellefonte can play a more proactive role in the future and the destiny of their town that they call home.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the incredible talent of the United States Women's National Soccer Team, which secured their fourth World Cup title this Sunday, July 7. The commitment, athleticism, and drive of these women brought our Nation together to cheer them on as they truly dominated match after match. The team scored 26 goals in their seven matches and allowed only three goals during the entire tournament, making them the highest scoring team in tournament history. I would like to personally recognize the efforts of goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and defender Ali Krieger, both alumnae of Pennsylvania State University. Naeher denied England a critical penalty shot in the semifinals, sending the United States to the championship round where the team outran, outshot, and outplayed the Netherlands Women's National Team to win 2-0. Krieger said, ``We were ready for the moment.'' She, along with their 21 other teammates, delivered and brought home a hard-fought and well-deserved victory for the United States, rightfully earning the title of champions.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize July as Park and Recreation Month. It is a fitting time to celebrate our Federal, State, and local parks and recreation systems because so many Americans will visit them this summer. As a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania, an avid outdoorsman, and spending time in my career as a recreational therapist, I strongly support our Nation's parks and recreation facilities. Our parks provide countless recreational and educational opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors. This month recognizes the important role these parks and public facilities play in the lives of Americans and the contributions of employees who work every day to maintain public parks across the Nation. Our parks create opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community. They contribute to local economies by attracting businesses and jobs and increasing housing values. In the United States, public park operations and capital spending generate nearly $140 million in economic activity annually, and our National Park System receives an estimated 331 million recreation visits every year. Ninety percent of people in the United States agree that public park recreation facilities and activities are important government services. This support spans across all people in the country regardless of race, income, or political affiliation. Nearly 75 percent of Americans agree it is important to ensure all members of their community have equitable access to public parks and recreation facilities. The most economically sound areas are those with ample public park and recreation facilities and activities. A key factor in business expansion and location decisions is quality of life for employees, with a premium placed on adequate and accessible public parks and open space. Mr. Speaker, public parks and recreational facilities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier society. Americans living within a 10-minute walk of a park have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity. People who use public parks and open spaces are three times more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity than nonusers. Recreational programs at public parks provide children with a safe place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically active, and enrichment facilities that help prevent at-risk behavior such as drug use and gang involvement. As we head further into summer, many Americans will visit public parks and recreation facilities to spend time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors. We are blessed with beautiful outdoor facilities, and it is my hope that all Americans get out and enjoy the parks in their areas. Minimum Wage Kills Jobs

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this morning, I rise to address a bill that my friends across the aisle, the Democrats, are going to bring to the floor next week raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. There was a score this week by the Congressional Budget Office that sheds truth and light on that proposal and what it does, and this government source has indicated it kills jobs. It harms Americans who are today struggling to make ends meet. The average family income will be reduced as a result of this bill. Mr. Speaker, it is estimated by the CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, that 3.7 million jobs will be lost and that 42 percent of families who are currently at the minimum wage will see a net reduction in their family income, taking many of them, maybe for the first time, down into a poverty level of income. There is a better way, Mr. Speaker. In the past, this body passed the Career and Technical Education Reauthorization bill, the Perkins Act. I was proud to work with Mr. Krishnamoorthi from Illinois on that bill as we led it. President Trump signed that into law last July. We are seeing this bill restore rungs on the ladder of opportunity. A significant number of jobs--6 million jobs--are open and available today at family-sustaining wages. There is a pathway out of minimum wage. Minimum wage should be a starting point. To me, it is not where you start in life, but it is where you end up. We have provided the tools to provide individuals better access to the type of skills-based education to improve their lot in life and to achieve higher wages and greater opportunity, which is what this country promises. We work hard; we take risk; and we better ourselves

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3073, the TICK Act, which would help combat the rise of tickborne and bloodborne illnesses across the country. These diseases are rapidly becoming a serious and growing threat to public health with more than 300,000 estimated cases annually. In my home State of Pennsylvania alone, ticks are a common threat to those who explore our vast network of trails and public lands in Pennsylvania. While ticks carry a variety of harmful diseases, Lyme disease is one of the most prevalent. Currently, there are no uniformly accepted treatment options for patients with chronic symptoms of Lyme disease. The TICK Act would develop a national strategy to prevent and treat Lyme and other diseases, including those spread by mosquitos and fleas. It would also authorize the Centers for Disease Control to award grants to State health departments to support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise public awareness. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 3073, and I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation to prevent and treat Lyme and other vector- borne diseases.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hardworking students, teachers, and staff at DuBois Area Middle School. For the fourth consecutive time, DuBois Area Middle School was one of over 465 schools from around the country named as a school to watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. The Schools to Watch recognition is based on a comprehensive 3-year review of the entire school. Only one other middle school in Pennsylvania has remained at the top with DuBois for their continuous designations. The students, teachers, and faculty members have joined together to create a learning community where everyone is supported. Every year, the community is challenged to maintain their success by continuing to put their best foot forward. This week, they were recognized for their 12 years of excellence at the National Forum Schools to Watch Conference here in Washington, D.C. I look forward meeting representatives from the DuBois Area Middle School later today. Madam Speaker, the entire 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania is proud of their continuous success.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and can be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the School Food Modernization Act which would help America's school cafeterias modernize its equipment and infrastructure. Earlier this week, I was proud to introduce this act with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. We know nutrition plays a critical role in a child's development and for far too many children, sometimes the only meal of the day is the one that they receive at school. That is why it is essential to help schools access funding to purchase modern kitchen equipment and infrastructure. Some schools may be using the same equipment so long that it not only serves a student, but, quite frankly, served that student's parent as well. Food service staff needs modern facilities to serve high-quality, nutritious meals that meet the school nutritional standards. Our bill allows schools to participate in a loan assistance program from USDA to help them acquire new kitchen equipment. Schools would be eligible for Federal guarantees, up to 80 percent of the loan. It also strengthens training for food service personnel who want more education on how to prepare healthier meals. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation to help students form a lifetime of healthier eating habits.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the passage of the 19th Amendment providing women the right to vote. After Congress passed the 19th Amendment in 1919, three-fourths of the 48 State legislatures were needed to ratify the new amendment. This past Monday, June 24, marks the 100th anniversary of Pennsylvania becoming the seventh State to ratify the 19th Amendment. Women first organized and fought for suffrage on the national level in July of 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention in New York. But Pennsylvania was a center of women's rights even before the Seneca Falls Convention occurred. Famous suffragist Lucretia Mott joined with a diverse group of Pennsylvania women to organize the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1833. In 1840, the society sent Mott as a delegate to the World Anti- Slavery Convention in London to protest the exclusion of women at the convention. Organizations like this were formed all across the Commonwealth to focus their attention on raising awareness of the women's suffrage cause. The decades of effort on the local and national level by women's suffragists resulted in Congress finally passing the 19th Amendment. Today women play a pivotal role in our government. The 2018 elections brought a record number of Pennsylvania women to the ballot box, and a record number were welcomed to political office across the United States. Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania can be proud of our important role in the women's suffrage movement and securing the right to vote 100 years ago.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Michael Messina. Dr. Messina is retiring this week following a distinguished career in academia. Most recently, Dr. Messina has served as the head of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at Pennsylvania State University. He earned his bachelor's degree in forest science from Penn State in 1979 and a doctorate in forestry from North Carolina State University in 1983. In 2009, Dr. Messina was named director of Penn State's School of Forest Resources after serving as a professor and associate department head at Texas A&M University. He has been a great resource when it comes to forest science and is a leader in that area. In July 2012, he led the Penn State School of Forest Resources in the creation of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. He has used his years of expertise and knowledge to focus on improving the responsible management of soil and water, healthy forests, and a diversity of fish and wildlife species. His work has always been aimed at preserving the beauty of the world around us for all to enjoy. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Messina for his years of service. I wish him and his wife, Suzy, all the best in retirement. 100th Anniversary of Pennsylvania Ratifying the 19th Amendment

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I urge the Speaker and Majority Leader to immediately schedule a vote to protect born-alive infants of failed abortions.