Glenn Thompson

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.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Religious Freedom Week began on Saturday and runs through June 29. Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right and is protected by our Constitution. The First Amendment protects freedom of religion, along with freedom of speech and freedom of the press. This affords us the opportunity to have open and thoughtful debates on the floor of the House each and every day. The United States is a place where people of all faiths can peaceably practice their religion without fear of persecution, which is something we have recognized since our founding. The very foundation of our Nation, a place of freedom and liberty for all, was conceived by individuals in search of religious freedom. Mr. Speaker, the United States of America will always be a beacon of light in the world, and we will always protect our fundamental, unified commitment to religious freedom. It is a central part of what makes America exceptional. It affords our citizens the right to live in a free society, because no person should live in fear for their beliefs.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the participants of the 2019 PITTchFEST, which was held in conjunction with this year's Showcase for Commerce in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The event is designed to support the next generation of great ideas in Cambria County and the Allegheny region. The Shark Tank-style competition was created as a way for local entrepreneurs to present their innovative ideas and creations to potential investors. Programs like these are essential to attracting new businesses and a skilled workforce to our region. One of the competition's categories is specifically for students at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. These students are a part of the summer accelerated program with PITTchFEST, which is used as a launchpad for their work. This year's top student entrepreneurship teams included Smarchitecture, led by Alex Schork. This team project provides architects, designers, and artists the ability to render digital imagery that can be instantly shared and edited with clients in real time. Skill Spirit was led by Ben Wargo. This team developed an incremental learning app that provides incentives and rewards for learning new languages. Supernal Siesta was led by Laura Johnson. Laura's team focused on helping women manage hot flashes and the effects of menopause by creating a fashionably created mattress with the technology to cool and provide for a full night's sleep. For the third year, PITTchFEST also included the social entrepreneurship category, which highlights incredible efforts and ideas for building vibrant communities. The top teams in this category included the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy team, which is developing plans to expand the Path of the Flood Trail, which would be the first safe and easily followed bicycle route from downtown Johnstown to the historic Little Conemaugh River gorge. The Central Park Square/Gallery on Gazebo team aims to promote the arts in downtown Johnstown. The Friends of the Inclined Plane Trails team is planning the Inclined Plane Riverside Park, which will include zip lines and a downhill mountain-biking course. The three finalists in each category received a cash award that supports their innovations. The judges for PITTchFEST represented various aspects of the community, including social agencies, private industries, advocacy groups, and higher education. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the sponsors of PITTchFEST who made the event possible, including Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Cambria Regional Chamber, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Croyle-Nielsen Therapeutic Associates, Enterprise Venture Capital Corporation of PA, Entrepreneurial Alchemy, JARI, JWF Industries, and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. PITTchFEST was a tremendous success, as it showcased the community spirit and the innovative minds of the greater Johnstown region. As their motto proclaims, they are: ``Growing Great Ideas Right in Our Backyard.''

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, I welcome Cindy Lam to the Capitol. Cindy is the winner of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District Congressional Art Competition. The annual art competition organized by the Congressional Institute showcases the artwork of high school students from across every congressional district in the country. Cindy just finished up her sophomore year at DuBois Area Senior High School earlier this month. Her artwork entitled ``Self'' is a prism- colored pencil drawing. Cindy's artwork was selected, by an independent panel of judges, from 68 entries, which is one of the largest groups of students to participate in the 15th District's Congressional Art Competition. All the winning pieces will be displayed for the year in the Cannon tunnel, where they will be viewed by Members of Congress, staff, and many visitors of the Capitol every day. Today, Cindy is participating in a reception where she and fellow winners from across the country will be honored for their talented work. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Cindy and all the students who participated in the competition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and it has reached crisis proportions. There is no effective treatment and no means of prevention and no method for slowing the progression of this disease. Sadly, one in three seniors will die of the disease of Alzheimer's. Today, on the longest day of the year, the Alzheimer's Association is raising awareness to outshine the darkness of Alzheimer's disease. Approximately 50 million people, worldwide, are living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This not only has a devastating impact on those who are diagnosed with the disease, but also their caregivers and their loved ones. More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care to families and friends living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Compared with caregivers for people without dementia, twice as many caregivers for people with dementia indicate substantial emotional, financial, and physical stress. Madam Speaker, the time to act is now. Let's join the fight. Let's take the pledge to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and to never stop searching for a cure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, Tuesday morning, I had the honor of being in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the State capitol to speak about my bill, Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee at the State legislature hosted a panel to discuss my legislation that would increase milk options in school lunchrooms across the country. Later that morning, we gathered in the capitol rotunda with State lawmakers and representatives of the dairy industry, dairy farm families from throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to rally in support of putting whole milk back in our schools. Madam Speaker, dairy products like milk contain 9 essential nutrients that can help reduce your risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. It is helpful with weight management. And whether it is protein to help build and repair muscle tissue of active bodies or Vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin, dairy products are a natural nutrient powerhouse. I was especially glad to participate in these events, because June is National Dairy Month. Proudly, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is one of the largest milk- producing States in the Nation, and this annual tradition celebrates the contributions the dairy industry and dairy farm families have made to the world. It is my hope that, through this legislation, we will be able to allow students to select the type of milk that they love best, including flavored and whole milk. This legislation is in response to changes made in 2010 to the School Lunch Program. That year, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act amended the nutrition standards and mandated that flavored milk must be fat-free. This law, along with the lowest participation in the program, led to an alarming decline in milk consumption in schools since 2010. Declining milk consumption in schools not only impacts students where they don't get the nutrition that they need, but also the dairy farm families in rural communities across the Nation. In addition to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, I recently introduced another bill with Congressman Joe Courtney to expand milk options for students and reverse the decline of milk consumption in schools. The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2019 reaffirms and codifies a recent regulation from the USDA by providing schools with the option to serve lowfat milk with flavor, and it requires that milk offered is consistent with the most recent dietary guidelines for Americans. In November of 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced regulatory changes for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, including a provision that provides schools with the option to serve lowfat 1 percent flavored milk. I urge my colleagues to sign on to these bills during National Dairy Month and allow our students the option of consuming the type of milk that they love with the nutrition that they need. I thank the Pennsylvania lawmakers and members of the dairy industry who stood together in Harrisburg on Tuesday in support of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Milk is the official beverage of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and I hope we will soon allow students everywhere the option to drink whole milk with their lunches, should they choose to enjoy it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, during the month of June, we raise awareness for those suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder. After trauma or a life-threatening event, it is common to have reactions such as upsetting memories, increased jumpiness, or trouble sleeping. PTSD was not always properly understood by the medical professional and society, but today there are great organizations and resources that can help both individuals and professionals discover ways to identify and manage PTSD symptoms and explore effective treatments. PTSD is especially prevalent for those who have served in the military, affecting nearly 30 percent of Vietnam veterans and up to 20 percent of veterans who served during the global war on terror. A nonservicemember may be exposed to a single traumatic event that can also cause PTSD. Madam Speaker, as a former rehabilitation therapist, I have seen the incredible strides that people with injuries can make with access to appropriate rehabilitation. I applaud all the organizations that raise awareness about this important issue during the month of June. There is help and support for those who have PTSD.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and reaffirm the friendship between the United States and Germany. I am proud to co-chair the German-American Caucus with Congressman Bill Keating, and today we introduced a resolution to reaffirm the history of the United States and Germany under the Wunderbar Together initiative. Our countries are linked by heritage, common values, and shared interests. More than 50 million Americans of German origin live in the United States, many of whom still have strong ties to their heritage. Madam Speaker, our resolution highlights the alliance between our nations and our shared commitment to free and democratic societies. The Wunderbar Together initiative brings together more than 250 partners across all 50 States, with more than 1,500 events and projects in local communities covering every aspect of German-American relations, including science, the arts, culture, language, business, sports, and more. Germany is an important trading partner of the United States, with the European Union and German companies creating more than 690,000 American jobs. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and reaffirm our deep and historical friendship with Germany.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Pollinators Week. It is a time when we encourage protection of pollinator species--such as honeybees, native bees, birds, bats, and butterflies--as essential partners of farmers and ranchers in producing food. These pollinators are vital to keeping items like fruits, nuts, and vegetables in our diet, and healthy pollinator populations are crucial to the continued economic well-being of rural America and the U.S. economy. Worldwide, approximately 1,000 plants grown for food, beverage, fiber, spices, and medicines need to be pollinated by animals to produce the goods we depend upon. The number of honeybee hives has declined from 6 million in the 1940s to about 2.5 million today, and we need to increase these habitats. American farmers have no better friend than the honeybee, and more than one third of the U.S. crops require pollination, including blueberries, chocolate, coffee, melons, peaches, pumpkins, vanilla, and almonds. Mr. Speaker, as one who has had a beehive in my backyard, I fully support efforts to raise awareness and keep our pollinators buzzing for generations to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about a bill to eradicate hazing on college campuses. This morning, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge will introduce the END ALL Hazing Act. I am proud to lead this bill with her to increase campuswide transparency and accountability for all student organizations. For too long, hazing has threatened the health and the safety of students and undermined the educational mission of higher education institutions. No student on any campus should have their well-being put in jeopardy because of a dangerous and life-threatening situation as part of a sports team or a club ritual. Parents who have lost children to incidents of hazing have been working with fraternities and sororities to engage in aggressive student education, outreach, and advocacy efforts to end tragic hazing incidents. Their work has included successfully pursuing legislation with transparency requirements in several States, including my home State of Pennsylvania. A Federal solution will more quickly address the problem and ensure students across the country can enjoy a safe collegiate experience with involvement in extracurricular activities and student organizations without fear of being hazed. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate America's hardworking, dedicated, and passionate teachers. Mr. Speaker, I am sure every Member of this House can think of a teacher who had a positive influence not only on their education, but on their life. Teachers push students to achieve their best, and they show students how to realize their full potential. Sometimes, it is the interest of just one teacher that can transform the life of a young person. Teachers are often the most underrated, yet powerful, professionals in the entire world. They truly do shape young minds. That is why, last week, I was proud to introduce H.R. 3108, the Teachers Are Leaders Act. This bipartisan legislation, led by Congressman Brad Schneider, seeks to expand professional development and leadership growth opportunities for teachers. Under the current law, the Federal Teacher Quality Partnership grant connects local schools with nearby colleges and universities to create professional development programs for new teachers. However, there are not enough opportunities for established teachers to develop leadership and peer mentoring skills that can help retain teachers and boost student achievement. The Teachers Are Leaders Act would expand the Teacher Quality Partnership grants by making teacher leader programs focused on professional development for established teachers eligible for funding. These programs would focus on peer coaching, family and community engagement, curriculum development, and other ways to make full use of their experience as educators and leaders within their communities. If schools want to recruit and retain high-quality teachers, then they must treat them like the professionals that they are. That means we must allow them to grow both inside and outside the classroom. Mr. Speaker, professional development is essential in all positions, especially for those who are educating the next generation. Now I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation devotes the resources necessary to give teachers the tools to become even stronger leaders for our youth. Teachers lend a caring hand and extend a loving heart. They make differences in the lives of our students academically, emotionally, and physically. This legislation strengthens the teaching profession and lets them take their experience to the next level. I encourage my colleagues to support the Teachers Are Leaders Act today.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I thank my good friend from California for being such a tremendous champion for this important program and a great partner to work with. Mr. Chairman, the Statewide Family Engagement Center Program provides much-needed technical assistance and partnership development to States and school districts to foster meaningful engagement with families to further their children's academic and developmental progress. Research has shown that family engagement in a child's education increases student achievement, improves attendance, reduces the dropout rate, and advances the emotional and physical well-being of children. Unfortunately, due to our Department of Education grant reviewer error, a $1 million shortfall for fiscal year 2019 has been created in this program. If this shortfall, this error, is not filled, corrected, a 9 percent cut in the grants of 11 centers serving 11 States will take effect. This means that 11 centers will have to cut staff or reduce services, including those who work closely with parents. While I was extremely pleased to see an increase in funding in this program in fiscal year 2020, we must ensure these centers receive the funding they deserve. Our amendment would resolve this shortfall by designating $1 million of the $5 million increase under this bill to ensure the current grantees are made whole and can continue to provide the needed services and supports to families in their States. Mr. Chairman, I urge my fellow colleagues to vote in support of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this Friday is Flag Day and the U.S. Army's 244th birthday. Each year, on June 14, we celebrate the Stars and Stripes, which the Second Continental Congress designated as the symbol of our Nation on June 14, 1777. Since our founding, our flag has flown across the country and the world. It has flown during both our most tragic moments and our greatest triumphs. It has also been a glorious symbol of hope for our brave servicemen and -women who salute it, defend it, serve it, and, in some cases, die for it to protect our freedom and liberty. Later today, the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and the Sergeant Major of the Army will be on Capitol Hill to celebrate the rich history of our Army. Without the Army 244 years ago, we would not be the great Nation that we are today. On Friday, our Nation will celebrate our Army and our flag, which both symbolize America being the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Allen ``Al'' Pingee of Lewis Run. Al passed away on Tuesday, April 23, at his home, surrounded by his family. Al was a McKean County commissioner at the time of his death, and I flew a flag over the United States Capitol to be presented to Al's family and his colleagues. Prior to becoming a commissioner, Al was a member of the city of Bradford professional firefighters and retired as a captain in 1988. He then served as Bradford Township supervisor for 14 years, 11 of those years as chairman. Al was a proud Vietnam veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a corporal in September 1970. Mr. Speaker, Al Pingee has served his Nation and his community. Above all else, he was a family man, a loving husband of 36 years to his wife, Deborah, and father to his four children, Andy, Scott, Jeff, and Jodie. He was a grandfather, a brother, and a friend to many. We remember Al Pingee for his exceptional service to others. May he rest in peace. Recognizing National Dairy Month

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize June as National Dairy Month. Dairy products like milk contain nine essential nutrients that may help reduce the risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Whether it is a protein to help build and repair the muscle tissue of active bodies or Vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin, dairy products are a natural nutrient powerhouse. National Dairy Month started out as National Milk Month in 1937 to stabilize the dairy demand when the production was at a surplus. Now, it has developed into an annual tradition that celebrates the contributions the dairy industry has made to the world. Proudly, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is one of the largest milk- producing States in the Nation. I have a bill called the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow for whole milk, both flavored and nonflavored, to be offered in school cafeterias. Just last week, I introduced the School Milk Nutrition Act with Congressman Joe Courtney to expand milk options for students and reverse the decline of milk consumption in our schools. Our bill reaffirms recent regulation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture by providing schools with the option to serve low-fat milk with flavor and requires that the milk offered is consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In November 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced regulatory changes for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, including a provision that provides schools with the option to serve low-fat 1 percent flavored milk. The School Milk Nutrition Act for 2019 will codify this milk provision and will maintain the option for schools to offer low-fat 1 percent flavored milk if it is consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. I urge my colleagues to sign on to these bills during National Dairy Month and allow our students the option of consuming the type of milk that they love and to receive the nutrition that they need. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to being, a week from today, in our State capital of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at 11 a.m. for a rally with all the advocates for nutrition for children and certainly for dairy farming, as we rally for whole milk for healthy kids.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, June is National Homeownership Month, and it is the time when we celebrate and recognize the many benefits of owning a home. For generations of Americans, owning a home has been an essential element in achieving the American Dream. But since the Great Recession, we have seen homeownership rates dip to historic lows. Young families often find themselves unable to save for a down payment or gain access to adequate credit, and that is especially true for those living in rural areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture places emphasis on helping rural Americans buy homes. USDA provides mortgage loan guarantees through partnerships with private-sector lenders to help low- to moderate- income rural home buyers. USDA has helped more than 4.4 million rural residents buy homes since the National Housing Act was passed 70 years ago. Mr. Speaker, homeownership has widespread benefits: It fortifies communities, creates jobs, and strengthens the local businesses that support our towns. I thank USDA for its commitment to providing affordable housing for rural Americans. By helping hardworking Americans achieve this dream, it provides a strong foundation for more prosperous rural communities.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Allied D-Day invasion of France, to honor the bravery of our Armed Forces who served in that operation. On June 6, 1944, 73,000 Americans took part in Operation Overlord to storm the beaches of Normandy. Sadly, the United States suffered more than 6,000 casualties in this operation. Ultimately, thousands more U.S. servicemembers would fall in the coming weeks and months liberating the rest of Western Europe from German control. Madam Speaker, last year I attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France. Looking out among the white crosses, one could see fathers buried next to sons and brothers next to brothers. The average age of those who perished was just 19 years old. This memorial serves as a constant reminder that the United States will fight and die to protect the freedoms of not just American citizens, but for those around the globe. We are eternally grateful for this devotion to duty and devotion to country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, today, I have Jeremy Collier with me as part of the National Foster Youth Institute Shadow Day. Jeremy and his wife, Ashley, live in Cincinnati with their 2-year-old son, Payton. Jeremy recently completed his MBA studies at Western Governors University. Life wasn't always easy for Jeremy. Jeremy aged out of the foster care system at age 18 when he was still in high school. Jeremy was virtually homeless, yet he graduated and went on to complete a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati. Jeremy majored in business with a concentration in finance. Today, Jeremy works as a senior insurance auditor, focusing on risk- related audits. I thank Jeremy for being here today, sharing his story and helping so many children overcome similar obstacles. Jeremy went through tough times and persevered. He came to Washington to share his experiences in the hope of strengthening the system for foster youth. Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly congratulate Jeremy on all that he has achieved in life. Madam Speaker, I am proud of Jeremy's success and wish him and his family the best moving forward.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week I was honored to attend the Showcase for Commerce in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Cambria County. For nearly 30 years, the annual Showcase for Commerce has highlighted the exceptional work happening in Cambria County. Established by the late Congressman Jack Murtha, the event brings together Federal, State and local leaders, as well as major defense corporations and subcontractors and regional, national, and international business leaders. With more than 100 exhibitors and more than 2,000 attendees, the Showcase for Commerce has grown into a nationally recognized business and industry trade show and defense contracting exhibition. Cambria County has a skilled workforce that makes considerable contributions to our national security. We saw more than $180 million in new defense contracts announced at this year's showcase. Because America can't merely remain competitive in a global economy, but we must lead the way with the most sophisticated technology. As a Member of the House of Representatives and the father of an Active-Duty soldier and a Purple Heart wounded warrior, I am not interested in a fair fight. Our United States military members deserve our best, that includes the resources to be optimally safe, effective, and lethal. There is no better means to a peaceful world or a deterrent to would- be dictators and terrorists than a well-equipped, robustly trained, and properly funded United States military. Generations of workers in Cambria County and southwestern Pennsylvania have been dedicated to our national security through service overseas and service here at home. They ensure that we send our servicemen and women into combat with the most advanced state-of-the-art equipment available. Here in Washington, the Army's modernization efforts include a request of $12.2 billion in research, development, tests, and evaluation funding, and $21.8 billion in procurement, which will begin to address the Army's identified top six modernization priorities: Long-Range Precision Fires Missile, next-generation combat vehicles, Future Vertical Lift, tactical network, air-and-missile defense, and soldier lethality. Now, I support this request because we need to be ready to answer the threats that are before us, whether they come from Iran, North Korea, Russia, or elsewhere, we must be able to counter and mitigate such threats swiftly and deliberately. Career and technical education play a role in our readiness. Right now, there are more than 7 million job openings in the United States, and it is one of the greatest challenges we face--the skills gap. Thanks to the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, we were able to completely overhaul the Perkins Act and invest the resources necessary to have a dominant and prosperous workforce. We can secure the future, and help more Americans climb the rungs on the ladder of opportunity through career and technical education programs. Mr. Speaker, the Showcase for Commerce puts Cambria County workforce on display. Those of us in Pennsylvania already knew this, and the showcase lets us share it with the rest of the Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as a public servant, Fred Keller has built a reputation for being hardworking, sincere, and dedicated. He has worked passionately for everything he has achieved. Things weren't always easy for Fred. In fact, he grew up in a house where he had no running water or electricity. And he went straight from high school to work in a factory and became the manager of that great forest products manufacturer. He then served honorably for 8 years in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. Fred Keller's life is reflective of the American Dream, and it is my privilege to welcome him to the House of Representatives today.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 45th annual National EMS Week. During this week, we celebrate emergency medical services personnel and the important work that they do in our Nation's communities. The EMS professionals provide constant services to people in need. From illness to injury, whenever the world seems to be ending, society counts on EMS personnel to be there. They are expected to work hard and be strong, especially in times of trouble. Madam Speaker, as a former EMT rescue technician and firefighter with more than three decades of experience being on the front lines with my fellow EMS professionals, I can personally attest to their dedication to saving lives. The job of an EMS professional is not easy. It requires just as much compassion as it does courage. These men and women are committed to making the world better. EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who are on the front line providing day- to-day lifesaving services. A thank-you to the EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and supervisors across the country. Every American is grateful for their service.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brad Farmer, who has spent the last 38 years of his life in service to the Boy Scouts of America, and to congratulate him on his retirement. It is because of people like Brad that Scouting has been able to positively influence the lives of millions of young American men and women. Brad began his service in 1981 as a district executive in Wood River, Illinois, and has served Scouting in several local and national roles since then. Brad most recently served in the National Office of the Boy Scouts, where he was Assistant Chief Scout Executive for Development from 2009 until earlier this year. Brad was also charged with overseeing the Boy Scouts of America sustainability and outdoor stewardship efforts. Mr. Speaker, over the last 10 years, Brad has provided incredible service and leadership. Brad leaves tremendous shoes to fill, but I congratulate him on a well deserved retirement. Mr. Speaker, I thank Brad for his contributions to the Boy Scouts of America and our Nation's youth.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this weekend marks one of our most solemn occasions, Memorial Day, where we mourn those we have lost in the defense of this Nation. Many in this House will attend ceremonies throughout the weekend and on Memorial Day, which is observed annually on the last Monday of May. The traditional Memorial Day dates back to 1864 in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, my home county, where three ladies decorated the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers. The custom has continued every year since then. Boalsburg still puts on a traditional Memorial Day celebration, complete with a parade, a community walk to the cemetery, speeches, military reenactments, and much more. We must never forget the unthinkable pain for the families whose loved ones have not returned home, and this includes those missing in action and prisoners of war. Currently, there are more than 83,000 American servicemembers who remain unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean war, and Vietnam. While several nations have worked to assist the United States in search and recovery efforts, many challenges still exist when it comes to negotiations and operations. That is why today I will introduce the Keeping Our Promise to MIAs/POWs resolution that expresses a sense of Congress that any nation seeking to potentially enter into a mutually beneficial trade agreement with the United States should provide reasonable access and cooperation to help us recover our unaccounted- for servicemembers. This resolution sends a message that this Nation will uphold its eternal promise to our Armed Forces to always work to bring our men and women home, no matter the circumstances we face, no matter the time that has passed. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, especially in advance of Memorial Day weekend. Mr. Speaker, America will gather this weekend with family members, friends, and neighbors to remember those whom we have lost. As we raise the Stars and Stripes, as we lay wreaths at monuments and memorials and cemeteries, as we march in parades and attend services, let us remember that our freedom is thanks to those who died in sacrifice. May God bless them, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, exactly 100 years ago today, this House passed the 19th Amendment. On June 4, 1919, the Senate approved it. The women's right to vote began the race to ratification, requiring three-fourths of the 48 States to ratify it before it was added to the Constitution. That happened on August 26, 1920. Madam Speaker, a woman having the right to vote is not at all controversial today. However, in 1848, when the first women's rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York, the issue was so contentious that the group of mostly women only narrowly passed including voting rights in their Declaration of Sentiments. We know some of the leaders of the movement, like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Ida B. Wells, but there are thousands of other women whose names will never be known. They also gave heart and courage to ensuring equality for women. The passage of the 19th Amendment ensured that all Americans were included in steering our Nation toward the future. One hundred years later, it remains just as important.