Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of the flight 3407 crash that went down outside of Buffalo, New York, resulting in the untimely deaths of 49 people. I rise today with a heavy heart as we commemorate this tragedy. A decade has gone by, but for families who lost loved ones, the pain will live with them forever. These individuals have suffered an unspeakable loss, yet so many of them have traveled to Washington numerous times over the past 10 years to advocate for improved airline safety. They advocate for regional flights to operate under the same standards as major airlines and to ensure that the tragedy of flight 3407 is never repeated. They advocate in memory of their loved ones whose lives were cut short. Nothing can bring back their loved ones, but the standards implemented, thanks to their advocacy, have saved lives, and for that we are grateful.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, February is Career and Technical Education Month. As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, and a senior member of the Education and Labor Committee, I have long been aware of the importance of CTE programs that provides learners of all ages with career-ready skills. From agriculture to the arts, from marketing to manufacturing, CTE programs work to develop America's most valuable resource: its people. Together with my friend and colleague, Congressman Jim Langevin, co-chairman of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, we introduced a resolution officially designating February as CTE month. I encourage all of my colleagues to sign on as cosponsors because CTE truly benefits all Americans. CTE is taught in a range of settings: from high school and area technical centers, to technical and 2-year community colleges. Millions of high school and college students are enrolled in CTE programs across the Nation, bringing CTE to every community in the country. Fortunately, in July 2018, President Trump signed into law the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. I authored this bill with Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and it aims to close the skills gap by modernizing Federal investment in CTE programs, and connecting educators with industry stakeholders. It marks the first major overhaul to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act since 2006. The Perkins Act is important for educational institutions as well as local businesses. Small business owners rely upon Perkins programs to increase the number of skilled candidates in emerging sectors. Future workers in fields such as manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and agriculture also rely on career and technical education programs to obtain the skills necessary for high-skill, high-wage, family-sustaining jobs and careers. Essentially, Mr. Speaker, we are providing the education and tools to equip a 21st century workforce for this Nation. For students who pursue a career in technical education, it isn't some kind of plan B option. CTE has established itself as a path that many high-achieving students choose in pursuit of industry certification and hands-on skills that they can use right away out of high school in skills-based education programs or in college. By modernizing the Federal investment in CTE programs, we can connect more educators with industry stakeholders and close the skills gap in this country. There are good jobs out there, but people need to be qualified to get them. A career in technical education is a pathway forward for each and every one of these people. CTE gives people from all walks of life an opportunity to succeed. During CTE month, we celebrate the achievements of students and spread awareness that there is no one-size-fits-all plan for success in life. I thank Congressman Langevin for his dedication to this issue, and urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for the eighth consecutive year, the Juniata Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, achieved the Gold Journey to Excellence Award. It was an honor to celebrate this outstanding achievement yesterday with the council as well as volunteers at the unit, district, and council levels, as well as the Scouts and parents in Centre, Huntingdon, Juniata, and Mifflin Counties in central Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the Journey to Excellence Award measures a council's performance in a range of areas; including fiscal management, membership growth and retention, and program excellence; including camping, advancement, and community service, among other areas. These key performance areas are directly related to producing successful, growing, and sustainable Scouting programs. I am incredibly proud of the Juniata Valley Boy Scout Council, which I have been a member of for four decades. The annual recognition dinner is a time to celebrate achievements, and I was pleased to see Jonathan Long of my hometown recognized as the Howard Cub Pack Leader of the Year. Scouting makes a difference in the lives of so many youth. I congratulate the Juniata Council on this outstanding achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. I applaud my colleague Congresswoman Ann Wagner for reintroducing this bill, and I am proud to be a cosponsor. This bill penalizes the intentional killing of a child who is born alive. To be clear, I cannot believe I even have to state those words. Mr. Speaker, we have seen horrific actions in New York and Virginia to allow late-term abortion. This is essentially the execution of a defenseless child after birth. It is unconscionable. The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act would require a child who is born after an attempted abortion to receive treatment and be transferred to a hospital. Mr. Speaker, this is a sad day in America when we have to discuss such a reprehensible act. Any doctor who would leave a child to die should face the full extent of the law. This bill would ensure that. We must protect the most vulnerable, and I urge the House to take action on this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, one of the finest American traditions took place this morning, the National Prayer Breakfast. Penny and I were honored and inspired to join Members of Congress and leaders from across the globe gathered here in Washington, D.C., for what has become an international forum. Since 1953, the National Prayer Breakfast has united people, nations, religions, and even politicians who come together to celebrate faith, fellowship, and prayer. It is a time where we reflect on faith and focus on the year ahead. It is a time where we put aside differences and unite to pray for our leaders, our friends, and our families. Every President since President Eisenhower has attended the National Prayer Breakfast, and President Trump delivered excellent remarks this morning, urging the Nation to build a culture that cherishes the dignity and sanctity of life. President Trump said: ``Let us always give thanks for the miracle of life, creation, and the grace of God.'' Mr. Speaker, I agree. It is my hope the unity and fellowship we felt this morning stays with us always in our work and in our lives.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, for more than 50 years, we have observed February as American Heart Month. Heart disease is the Nation's number-one killer, and during this month we reaffirm our commitment to combating heart disease and educating all people about the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. Madam Speaker, before I came to Congress, I worked for nearly 30 years as a rehabilitation therapist and a licensed nursing home administrator. I understand the unique challenges facing individuals who have suffered a stroke or other life-changing injuries. Often, it is a long road to recovery. An active lifestyle can help lower blood pressure, boost levels of good cholesterol, improve blood flow, and more. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remain the leading cause of death globally; but, by making healthy choices, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, individuals can lower their risk for cardiovascular disease by as much as 80 percent. I hope that Heart Month 2019 inspires more Americans to take control of their cardiovascular health and to begin a healthy lifestyle journey.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last night we heard a tremendous State of the Union Address from President Trump that expressed confidence and hope for the future of this great Nation. Our economy is growing. Thanks in part to historic tax reform, there are currently more than 7 million job openings. This truly is the land of opportunity. We must continue to support smart policies that will expand opportunities for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I agree with President Trump: Together, we can break decades of political stalemate and choose greatness over gridlock. We can work together for the common good to improve our outdated infrastructure; to protect American workers; to provide a check against the high cost of healthcare, prescription drugs; to secure our borders; and, yes, to fix our broken immigration system. As a nation, we have a right to secure our borders. As President Trump stated, tolerance for illegal immigration is not compassionate; it is cruel. Smugglers use migrant women and children to exploit our laws and to gain access to our country. Congress must act to address these issues that have plagued our country for far too long because it is clear that America is stronger when we work together. We saw incredible moments of unity last night. One that stands out for me is when Republicans and Democrats in this Chamber sang ``Happy Birthday'' to Holocaust survivor, Judah Samet. Mr. Samet narrowly avoided the mass killing at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Last night, he turned 81 years old. Mr. Speaker, I have witnessed many State of the Union Addresses, but that is a moment I will truly never forget. The President and First Lady had many distinguished guests in addition to Mr. Samet, including another Pennsylvania resident, Pittsburgh Police Officer Timothy Matson. Officer Matson raced into the Tree of Life synagogue and was shot seven times as he chased down the shooter. Officer Matson has undergone 12 surgeries. I understand he has more in the future, but he made the trip to Washington to be in the gallery last night. We are proud of the bravery and heroism of both Officer Matson and Mr. Samet. It was an honor to have them in the Chamber last night. The President and First Lady also welcomed a World War II and D-day veteran; the first man to step on the Moon; a childhood cancer survivor; former prisoners who, thanks to criminal justice reform, have their lives back; and many other special guests. The State of the Union is both a time to reflect and look to the future, and this administration has achieved record-setting accomplishments. The policies being put forth truly are lifting up all Americans and setting a foundation to build a safe, strong, and proud America: We have worked to combat the opioid crisis; we have provided relief from burdensome regulations; we have given our military the resources it needs to be successful; and we can continue to work towards solving the very serious problems facing this Nation. Now, I thank President Trump for outlining his vision for the path forward, and I look forward to working together to overcome some of our greatest challenges. I know we can do it because it is the American way.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today just hours before our 45th President, Donald Trump, will deliver the State of the Union Address. Members of Congress and guests will fill the Chamber tonight to hear the President speak about a host of issues impacting America: from economic growth to trade deals, and infrastructure investments to immigration reform. I look forward to hearing about the administration's successes and the plans for the future. I know that we all want to find commonsense, bipartisan solutions to the challenges before us. Mr. Speaker, many distinguished guests will be here tonight, each with a story to tell and each representing the very best of America. I will host Mr. Bill Jones, president of Penn United Technologies. Headquartered in Cabot, Pennsylvania in Butler County, Penn United Technologies provides high-quality, high-precision manufacturing solutions in various markets and employs more than 500 individuals. Since 1971, Penn United Technologies has provided quality products and has established itself as an industry leader. It is an honor to have Mr. Jones here this evening, and I look forward to the President's address.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, the world joined together in honoring the memory of those who were murdered during the Holocaust. In 2005, the United Nations designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The systematic, government-sponsored persecution and murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators will always be a scar on humanity. We promise to always remember those who lost their lives, those who survived, and those who saved them, those who stood in the face of such evil and refused to turn a blind eye. We make this promise to ensure such blight on humanity will never happen again. By remembering the events of the Holocaust, we can understand how important it is to defend those who are defenseless. We must eradicate hatred and never become indifferent to the suffering of others. Mr. Speaker, on the international day of remembrance, the most important thing to reflect upon is the humanity that exists in all of us.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible role mentors play in the lives of young people. January is National Mentoring Month, which brings national attention to the need for mentors. Individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities, and nonprofits can all engage their constituents to become mentors for the next generation of leaders. When children have strong role models in their lives, they grow up to be good neighbors and good citizens. As a co-chairman of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, I know firsthand how essential mentors are for students seeking a career in technical education. From agriculture to the arts, from marketing to manufacturing, CTE programs work to develop America's most valuable resources: its people. CTE has established itself as a path that many high-achieving students choose in pursuit of industry certification and hands-on skills that they can use right out of high school, in skills-based education programs or in our colleges. Many CTE instructors are mentors who inspire students to reach their full potential and follow their dreams wherever they may lead. Mr. Speaker, I thank every mentor in America for providing students the guidance and confidence that they need to find success.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a tremendous business in Armstrong County, Bergad Specialty Foams. Bergad Specialty Foams is a leading producer of polyurethane foams. It recently celebrated the completion of a 50,000-square-foot building expansion. This is phase 1 of a long-range facility expansion, which will increase production capacity to meet customer demand for its growing line of specialty foams. It will also allow the company to accommodate the production of several new product lines. The expansion includes state-of-the-art CNC cutting equipment and streamlined fulfillment and shipping areas, in addition to a secure manufacturing area to accommodate the requirements of the consumer technology industry. Mr. Speaker, Bergad Foams makes specialty cushioning materials that span several markets, including medical, cosmetic, oil and gas production, high-end consumer electronics, and transportation and aircraft. I congratulate Paul Bergad, president of Bergad Incorporated, on the outstanding business he has built in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. When they broke ground on this project, he refused the ceremonial golden shovel and, instead, fired up his excavator to take out the first bucket of dirt. Clearly, Mr. Bergad is a man who isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and get to work. With this new addition, the manufacturing area totals more than three acres under one roof, making it one of the largest manufacturing facilities in the county. Phase 2 of the expansion is expected to begin in about 18 months and will add an additional 35,000 square feet to the facility. With these expansions, Bergad Incorporated said they expect to hire an additional 30 employees. Mr. Speaker, this is very welcome news in Armstrong County, where Bergad Specialty Foams has its laboratory, manufacturing, fabrication, tooling, warehousing, and sales division, all located at its Kittanning facility. Since Bergad Specialty Foams opened operations there in 1999, the mission has been to ``exceed, not meet'' the standards of the industry and the expectations of its clients. Mr. Speaker, the ever-expanding product lines and expansion surely note that Bergad Specialty Foams is not only living up to its lofty goals, but surpassing them. I wholeheartedly congratulate Mr. Bergad on this outstanding achievement, and I wish him the best as his company continues to flourish in Armstrong County.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 33 years ago today, we lost the Space Shuttle Challenger. I rise to remember and honor the seven crew members whose passion for exploration has inspired generations of Americans. On January 28, 1986, the 25th mission of the United States space shuttle program was set to transport cargo and crew into orbit. Tragically, the mission was cut short over the skies of Cape Canaveral. More than three decades later, we remember the sacrifice of each crew member: Dick Scobee, Michael Smith, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe. Their legacy is forever enshrined in our Nation's Capital with the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. As President Reagan said in his address to the Nation: ``The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we'll continue to follow them.'' Mr. Speaker, may our American curiosity for space exploration never fade, and as we continue to seek farther horizons, it is my hope that we fuel the interest of future generations. Today, we honor and remember the brave crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I was honored to be at Mount Aloysius College to participate in its Martin Luther King Jr. Day prayer service. Located in Cresson, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, Mount Aloysius College planned events throughout this week to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The activities include community service projects, diversity talks, art exhibits, and more. Mr. Speaker, it was a privilege to join the students, faculty, and staff on Monday during a truly moving prayer service in Cosgrave Lobby. The service featured several readers who shared Dr. King's powerful words, and everyone in attendance sang hymns. Yesterday, the college hosted a multicultural food day. Today, at 3:30 p.m., a special guest speaker from Carlow University will be featured at Alumni Hall. Friday concludes Martin Luther King Week at Mount Aloysius College with an exhibit in the Cosgrave Lobby and a poetry night for all the regional college students at a location in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to be able to meet so many wonderful Mount Aloysius students, and I thank them for hosting me.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, northwest Pennsylvania has a rich history and a vibrant, diverse economy. Its winding trails, beautiful landscapes, recreational experiences, and thriving communities make Venango and Crawford Counties especially captivating places to live, to work, and to visit. Many of these attractions are centered around the same central common theme: the world's first commercial oil well. Colonel Drake successfully drilled this well in 1859, triggering the first oil boom and establishing the Oil Region as ``the valley that changed the world.'' His efforts not only made northwest Pennsylvania the energy powerhouse that it is today, but also sparked a cultural revolution that came as a result of a booming economy. We are tremendously proud of our history and heritage in northwest Pennsylvania. We still celebrate these historic communities that bloomed from Colonel Drake's innovative idea, and Drake Well continues to have a tangible impact on the area's economy. In 2004, Congress designated the region as a national heritage area. There are only 49 of these areas across the country that are designated as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive nationally important landscape. The Oil Region national heritage area was the Nation's 25th national heritage area, and it celebrates the birth of the petroleum industry. The region is honored to have this important designation, but without action, it will sunset next year. That is why I have introduced H.R. 642, the Oil Region National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act. The heritage area's coordinating entity, the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry, and Tourism, has taken a grassroots, community- driven approach to heritage conservation and economic development. Through public-private partnerships, national heritage area entities support historic preservation, natural resource conservation, recreation, heritage tourism, and educational projects. These partnerships foster pride of place and an enduring stewardship ethic. The Oil Region Alliance focuses on heritage development, economic development, and tourism destination marketing. All three of these areas have been successful, and from 2005 to 2015, ORA has been able to invest more than $6.8 million in heritage development projects, invest more than $6.7 million in economic development activities, and attract nearly 240,000 visitors, annually. They have done an excellent job using innovative methods to stimulate the local economy, using a mixture of both Federal and private funds. Last year, Congressman Mike Kelly and I visited the home of the legendary investigative journalist Ida Tarbell. Born in Pennsylvania at the onset of the oil boom, Tarbell is best known for her 1904 book, ``The History of the Standard Oil Company.'' The ORA had recently completed a full restoration of Ms. Tarbell's home, ensuring that it would be preserved for generations to come. This restoration was just one of many projects the ORA is working on, and my bill will allow these projects to continue through 2026. Extending this funding is crucial for the ORA to continue its mission of preserving the Oil Region's history, stimulating the local economy, and allowing others to appreciate the beauty and culture of Venango and Crawford Counties. The ORA's efforts give us the ability to appreciate the rich history of northwestern Pennsylvania and understand the impact that our community has had on American culture today. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation, which will directly impact northwestern Pennsylvanians and preserve a rich heritage for all Americans.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, more than 100,000 Americans came to Washington for the 46th annual March for Life. This year's theme was ``Unique from Day One.'' Those who march envision a world where the beauty, dignity, and uniqueness of every human life are valued and protected. Thanks to the pro-life movement, abortion rates across the country are at the lowest since 2013. Proudly, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania remains one of the top protective States in the Nation to provide legal protections for human life from conception to natural death, according to the Americans United for Life. Many of my colleagues have introduced legislation in this Congress to advance the pro-life cause and to protect the unborn. I am proud to cosponsor many of these bills, including the Defund Planned Parenthood Act, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, the Sanctity of Human Life Act, the Protecting the Dignity of Unborn Children Act, and the Life at Conception Act. Mr. Speaker, we must always be a voice for the voiceless, and we must continue to build a culture that values life and respects mothers and their children, both born and yet to be born.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I share the chairman's passion for FFA and in the leadership that emerges from that experience for our youth. And I know that, being someone who represents a very rural district, we think of the FFA as a rural enterprise; but, Mr. Speaker, the largest FFA chapter we have in Pennsylvania--and we have a lot--it is a robust program in the city of Philadelphia. This is a program that has tremendous impact in rural America and has tremendous ability to impact in urban America today. So I rise in support of H.R. 439, the National FFA Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act. I am honored to work with my good friend, Mr. Langevin, on this piece of legislation. This bipartisan bill makes updates to allow the national FFA to be a self-governing organization, while maintaining its long-held relationship with the U.S. Department of Education. FFA, formally called the Future Farmers of America, was organized in 1928. Congress recognized the importance of FFA as an integral part of vocational agriculture, and in 1950 granted it a Federal charter. This charter provides Federal authority to create an interagency working agreement that is focused on strengthening FFA and school-based agriculture education. However, the role of education in securing a skilled, sustainable workforce in agriculture is underscored through the required involvement of the U.S. Department of Education on the National FFA board of directors. It is important to note that only about 100 organizations have charters with Federal agencies. Only six organizations require the respective government agencies to select one member for their board of directors. FFA is the only organization that requires a majority of its board of directors be chosen by its partner government agency. Mr. Speaker, while we can all appreciate the integrated relationship between the Department of Education and the FFA, it must be our prerogative to determine the best path forward for both this Federal charter and the students it serves. FFA functions through a network of local chapters that may be chartered in any public school with an agricultural education program. Local chapters are run with student leadership. Students are elected each year by the chapter's members, with the agriculture teacher serving as adviser for the chapter. Local chapters then make up State FFA associations, which operate within the bounds of the National FFA Organization but have the ability to create other individual leadership arrangements, competitions, awards, and programs. In Pennsylvania alone, our State FFA association includes over 12,900 members, 210 agriculture science teachers, and they have raised $179,000 to support the future of agriculture education and student leader growth. It is important to understand this bill will allow the Secretary of Education to continue to serve on the National FFA board of directors but would no longer have the Department of Education's employees constituting the majority of the board. Additionally, this bill will also shift the organization's purpose towards providing comprehensive career and technical education to strengthen the Nation's agriculture workforce. Mr. Speaker, this legislation brings FFA, a great cornerstone of rural America--and, quite frankly, having a tremendous impact, today, on urban America--into the 21st century. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ridgway Area High School for being named a National Blue Ribbon School. Since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has identified and celebrated excellence in education through the Blue Ribbon Award. Ridgway Area High School's tradition of academic excellence is a testament to this rural community's dedication to the importance of education. Like many small communities, the high school serves as a central hub in Ridgway. Faculty and staff work diligently to help each student reach their fullest potential. Ridgway Area High School knows that families and community stakeholders are vital to the educational mission. They strongly value the idea that students who are involved in teams, groups, and community service initiatives are those who grow habits of engagement that lead to productive citizenship. All graduating seniors are required to have completed 50 hours of community service in local nonprofit organizations in the Ridgway community in an effort to instill in all students a sense of service above self. Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly congratulate Ridgway Area High School on this outstanding achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today on Religious Freedom Day to celebrate the numerous faiths that people hold across this great Nation. Today we commemorate the 233rd anniversary of the passing of a State law that has shaped and secured our important legacy of religious liberty. On January 16, 1786, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom. The bill, written by Thomas Jefferson, states: ``All men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion.'' Just a few years later, this bill served as the inspiration for the First Amendment, which affirms our right to choose and exercise faith without government coercion or retaliation. Today, Americans from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds remain committed to the values of faith, honesty, integrity, and patriotism. Madam Speaker, our Constitution and laws guarantee Americans the right not just to believe as they see fit, but to freely exercise their religion. We observe this day in our homes, schools, and houses of worship because we have the freedom and the right to do so.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a Franklin High School graduate from Venango County on earning a prestigious fellowship. Michael Wisner, who graduated from Franklin High School in 2015 and is expected to graduate from Princeton University in June, has been awarded the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship following a nationwide contest. The fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University right here in Washington. The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service, where they can help formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy. The Rangel program selects outstanding fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through 2 years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. Michael is completing certificates at Princeton in African studies, history and the practice of diplomacy, and Latin American studies. He spent a summer abroad in Greece and a semester abroad in Argentina, where he worked as an English as a second language instructor. Since 2016, he has taught English as a second language at the resource center of Catholic Charities in New Jersey. Impressively, he also worked with Engineers Without Borders to design and install a water system in Peru. As part of the project, he co-led a 12-person team to author a Spanish language water system manual for community use. During his time at Franklin High School, Michael was committed to academics, sports, and community activities. He was named salutatorian of his class. He played football and was captain of the team. He was also a wrestler and attained the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Michael is the son of Tom and Nancy Wisner of Polk, Pennsylvania, in Venango County. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for American men and women who are committed to serving this country at home and abroad. I have no doubt that Michael will excel in his fellowship and help promote positive change globally. I congratulate Michael Wisner on this outstanding achievement, and I wish him the best as he pursues this opportunity

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor PCN for 25 years of outstanding coverage of the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Pennsylvania Cable Network, now called PCN, was organized August 29, 1979, as a nonprofit corporation by Pennsylvania cable companies. PCN marked the first use of cable television for distance education, and it was the first educational cable television network in the Nation. PCN was on the air before CNN, ESPN, FOX News, MSNBC, and nearly all other nationally distributed cable networks. In November 1993, PCN began providing public affairs programming in prime time to provide viewers coverage of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. In 1994, it expanded beyond government and covered every aspect of the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show. This year, PCN exclusively delivered the Pennsylvania high school championships rodeo, the sale of champions, the celebrity rabbit hopping contest, the grand champion junior market goat and lamb show, the draft horse competitions, the mini-horse pull, square dancing competitions, and much more. Madam Speaker, I commend PCN on 25 years of exclusively delivering the Farm Show to viewers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and I congratulate PCN on this outstanding achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, I had the privilege of being in Kane, Pennsylvania, McKean County, Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, for a film screening and a panel discussion about opioid addiction. The 11-minute film is called ``Eye of the Needle,'' and it chronicles opioid addiction in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was produced in 2017 for the Light of Life Rescue Mission's annual gala. Light of Life is a homeless shelter in Pittsburgh whose clients are homeless, primarily due to addiction and mental health issues. Light of Life provides a home for the homeless; food for the hungry; and care for the poor, the addicted, the abused, and the elderly. Like so many shelters in America, the opioid epidemic has greatly impacted them. They have been using this film as an educational tool. It has been screened at Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Point Park University, and Robert Morris University. On Sunday, it was the first time the film was shown in a community setting. About 100 people gathered in the Kane Area Community Center for the viewing, which also featured a panel discussion. I proudly participated on the panel, which featured several speakers from the community, including representatives from law enforcement and alcohol and drug abuse services. Mr. Speaker, I know there isn't a ZIP Code in the country that isn't impacted by the opioid epidemic. We have seen the crippling effects of this epidemic, and we need to act with unified urgency to help those who are suffering. It is considered by many to be the worst public health crisis of this generation. Overcoming it will not only take a community-wide effort, but a nationwide effort. Through treatment and recovery, through prevention, by protecting our communities, and by fighting fentanyl and other ever-changing synthetic or foreign illicit drugs, we will overcome this epidemic. Heroin and pain pill addiction does not discriminate on age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Your neighbor could be using heroin, and so could their high-honors high school student. Unfortunately, the people of Pennsylvania have seen some of the worst. In 2017, the crisis surged when the Commonwealth experienced a 44 percent increase in opioid overdoses. Addressing this unprecedented rate of opioid-related deaths means that we must focus on nearly 2.2 million Americans who currently struggle with opioid addiction. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we are on the front line. Through community conversations, like the one that took place in Kane this Sunday, we can continue the conversation on how to end this epidemic. Congress has engaged many agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and Customs and Border Protection, just to name a few, to help combat opioid abuse. This crisis has taken lives, torn apart families, weakened our workforce, and overextended our healthcare system. Mr. Speaker, this is a modern-day plague and the public health crisis of our lifetime. We need to talk about it. We need to take action. And we need to find solutions.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, one week from today, our Nation celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tomorrow is Dr. King's birthday. He would be turning 90 if his life wasn't violently cut short in 1968. Madam Speaker, it was November 3, 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed a bill to mark the third Monday of every January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The holiday officially began 3 years later. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. King was the son of a Baptist minister. He went on to receive his own doctoral degree in theology. Dr. King was a powerful orator, and his talents were on full display when he delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech in 1963. 250,000 people gathered outside the Lincoln Memorial to hear his speech, which peacefully called for the end of racism. It is still regarded as one of the most influential moments in American history. Madam Speaker, I am thankful for all that Dr. King did to advance the civil rights of all Americans, and I am honored to commemorate his life and legacy.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week, I introduced a bill that protects private property rights in Pennsylvania's only national forest, the Allegheny National Forest. H.R. 245, the Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act of 2019, will ensure that private property owners and energy producers in the Allegheny National Forest have access to the property. Despite being successfully and sufficiently regulated by the Commonwealth for decades, a Federal law passed in 1992 required the Forest Service to write new regulations on oil and gas production in the ANF. However, Federal courts have repeatedly ruled that the Forest Service does not have the authority to do so because the minerals in the ANF are privately owned. My bill corrects this Federal law by repealing the improper 1992 requirement. In fact, the House of Representatives previously passed my legislation, twice, with strong bipartisan support, overwhelmingly in 2016 and unanimously in 2017. I hope we can get this commonsense legislation across the finish line during the 116th Congress. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this important legislation to put the brakes on excessive litigation in the ANF and protect private property rights.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dick Kline of Rimersburg, Pennsylvania. Dick passed away at the age of 94. He leaves behind his daughters, Cathy and Mary, and many grand- and great-grandchildren. He was a World War II Navy veteran who served on the hospital ship the USS Tranquility. During the war, he and his crewmates were dispatched to receive survivors of the sinking USS Indianapolis, which led to the largest loss of life at sea from a single ship in the history of the Navy. After the war, Dick married his loving wife of 67 years, Rosalyn Jean Kline, and, together, they owned and operated Kline Funeral Home. Dick stayed active in the community over the years. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He belonged to the Rimersburg United Methodist Church, and he gave 55 years of service as the secretary of Rimersburg borough. In 1999, they named him Citizen of the Year. Madam Speaker, Dick Kline left a lasting impression in his service to his country, his community, and all those who knew him. He will be missed.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the small business development centers located throughout my district and throughout the country. These development centers are Statewide, nationally accredited programs that provide one-on-one consulting, training, and information resources to empower new and existing small businesses. They are a public-private partnership between the Small Business Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce and Economic Development, and universities and colleges across the Commonwealth. Clarion University and Penn State both have fantastic small business development centers whose mission is to provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge needed to make smart decisions and to see their businesses grow and prosper. Over the past few months, I have received many letters in support of small business development centers from constituents who have utilized these services to start or maintain a small business of their own. Lisa from Smethport wrote that, after growing up working in her family's restaurant, it had always been a dream to operate her own restaurant. Through the help of the Clarion University Small Business Development Center, her dream became a reality. Joseph from Punxsutawney worked with the center to help manage his business's financial records and receive a line of credit. He wrote that the information and advice they provided helped him make critical business decisions with confidence. And Emily from Franklin recently opened up a charming bed and breakfast after working with the development center staff to write up a business plan and organize the financial aspects of her business. She hopes to continue working with the development center and said she truly feels as though they want her to succeed. Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the stories I have received, and I thank all of my constituents that took the time to share their stories with me. The success stories of small business owners that work with development centers are endless. They have greatly helped economic progress in my district. The Clarion University center helped start up 55 new businesses in 2017 and supported more than 500 constituents. Nationally, small businesses make up 99.7 percent of U.S. employer firms. In 2018, there were more than 30 million small businesses that employed 58 million people. The development center program, operated through the Small Business Administration, was allocated $130 million for fiscal year 2018. Through the continued funding of small business development centers, paired with the passage of probusiness legislation like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, entrepreneurship can continue to thrive in Pennsylvania and all across this country. Mr. Speaker, that is something every American can applaud and that we should be proud of.