Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

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

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Jarrod Davis, of Blossburg, Pennsylvania, for his Eagle Scout project in honor of our Nation's veterans. Jarrod, the grandson of a World War II veteran, wanted his Eagle Scout project to benefit veterans, so he began working in the spring on a reflection project outside the Veterans Center in Charleston Township, in Tioga County. He collected donations to assist with establishing a flagpole, black metal benches, and a monument. At the project's completion, he donated the remaining funds to the Veterans Affairs Outreach Fund. Jarrod worked with 10 volunteers on the project for 3 months, and he spent about 80 hours working on his Eagle Scout project. The flagpole and the reflection area were finished on April 21. Jarrod, who graduated from North Penn-Liberty High School in June, now works at Sullivan Farms in Mainesburg. His project was dedicated earlier this month, on the 76th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day on December 7. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of Jarrod, his patriotism, and his respect for those who serve. I wholeheartedly commend Jarrod Davis on this outstanding project.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report to accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. For the first time since 1986, there is a real opportunity to challenge the status quo and simplify the Tax Code. The final agreement lowers rates and significantly increases the standard deduction for both individuals and joint filers. American families will see the child tax credit expanded to help parents with the cost of raising children. Importantly, the graduate tuition voucher exemption and student loan interest deduction have remained to ensure our commitment to opportunity through education. I, and many of my colleagues, urged the conference committee to keep these important provisions intact. H.R. 1 also eliminates ObamaCare's individual mandate penalty tax to allow Americans the flexibility to buy healthcare that is right for them. Job creators will see the corporate tax rate lowered to 21 percent on January 1, 2018, which is the largest reduction in our Nation's history. Mr. Speaker, this is just some of what this once-in-a-generation proposal does to help America keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 1.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

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

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Diane L. Whitaker as she retires from the Clinton County Library System this year after serving 31 years and 31 days as executive director of the Ross Library in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. In the library's 107 years of existence, Ms. Whitaker is just the seventh director, but she is the longest serving in its history. The Ross Library Board of Trustees recently hosted a celebration for Ms. Whitaker. They also revealed the newly named ``Diane L. Whitaker Genealogy Collection'' on a plaque in her honor. Over the years, Ms. Whitaker has overseen numerous projects and has also authored grant applications that have helped local libraries with much-needed funding. Ms. Whitaker was raised in Clearfield County and holds a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Lock Haven University. She earned a master's degree in library science from Clarion University. She has been a career librarian for more than four decades, working as a school librarian, bookmobile librarian, children's coordinator, branch librarian, and administrator. Ms. Whitaker and her husband, Lester, live in Beech Creek. They have three daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom reside in Clinton and Centre Counties. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Whitaker for all her contributions to Ross Library and the entire Clinton County Library System. The community is a better place thanks to her efforts. She plans to visit State and national parks in her retirement, which I think is an outstanding plan. Recognizing Michael Colbert

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for nearly 20 years, Michael Colbert has given his leadership to Oil Creek Township as supervisor chairman. Last week, he oversaw his final meeting as supervisor, and he will retire at the end of the year. Mr. Colbert first served as a supervisor in 1993 to fill a vacancy, but he stepped down the next year. He would run again in 1999, win the seat, and officially be sworn in in January 2000. Over nearly 20 years at the helm, Mr. Colbert oversaw numerous projects, but he told the Titusville Herald that his proudest achievement was helping pave the way for Walmart to open a store in the township. In his well-deserved retirement, Mr. Colbert said he plans to vacation in Florida for a few weeks. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Colbert for his dedication and leadership to Oil Creek Township as supervisor chairman. He has given nearly 20 years of his time and energy to his neighbors and his community. For that, we are grateful. I wish him the best in retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today marks 50 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill into law officially establishing the National Park Foundation. The National Park Foundation works to enrich America's national parks and programs, safeguard our heritage, and engage the next generation of national park enthusiasts. Celebrating 50 years, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts. It works to connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. And, the National Park Foundation helps to engage the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, we proudly commemorated the National Park Service's 100th anniversary. The National Park Foundation launched the Centennial Campaign for America's national parks, a comprehensive effort to strengthen and enhance the future of our parks. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly thank the National Park Foundation for all that it does to support our national treasures for another 100 years. Congratulations.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 381st birthday of the National Guard. A component of the United States Army, the National Guard is primarily composed of citizen soldiers who hold down full-time civilian jobs or attend school. At the same time, National Guard members are available to provide support and protection for their States or to be called for military operations for the country. They serve their community and their country. Each U.S. State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands maintain both an Army National Guard and an Air National Guard. The Massachusetts General Court issued an order on December 13, 1636, requiring all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 to create a standing Army for protection. With that order, what we now know as America's National Guard was born. The idea was simple: establish an Army of citizen soldiers who could be called upon to fight when needed. In honor of the National Guard's birthday, here are some lesser known facts about the branch: each member of the National Guard is sworn to uphold two constitutions, Federal and State. The term ``National Guard'' didn't become an official term until 1916. 50,000 members of the National Guard were called to take on various missions during the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Only two Presidents have served in the National Guard in its modern structure: Harry S. Truman and George W. Bush. The National Guard is older than the Army. Militias were used as early as 1636 to protect British colonies. The U.S. Army wasn't formed until the beginning of the Revolutionary War. American Samoa is the only territory of the United States to not have a National Guard unit. National Guard units were called minutemen during the American Revolution due to their rapid response ability. The most senior member of each State National Guard unit is the adjutant general. Some States elect the adjutant general while others have their Governor appoint someone to that position. The National Guard formed one of the first all-African-American units in U.S. military history, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers. Their creation was met with mixed reactions, but the unit serves to this day, and the first African American to receive a Medal of Honor, William Harvey Carney, hailed from it. The National Guard is second only to the United States Army in terms of number of members. Mr. Speaker, I commend all those who join the ranks of the esteemed National Guard. They answer the call of duty to protect their community and their country. We are grateful for their service and proud of their commitment. Happy 381st birthday to the National Guard.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Clyde Glossner, who has served the Woodward Township in Clinton County as supervisor for nearly 50 years. Supervisor Glossner, who is 84, will retire this year after 47 years of service. Next Tuesday, he will oversee his last board of supervisors meeting. Supervisor Glossner has been a resident of the township his entire life. He is a member of the Forty and Eight organization and the Masons in Lock Haven. He and his wife of 60 years, Wilma, were married in 1955 in First Evangelical United Brethren Church in Lock Haven. In September 1955, Clyde and Wilma purchased their home in Woodward Township. They still live there today, and they have three grown sons. In his earlier years, Supervisor Glossner worked as a food inspector for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. He has shown his dedication to his neighbors through his years of public service, and the community will gather next Tuesday, December 19, at the Dunnstown Fire Hall to honor him. Mr. Speaker, I commend Supervisor Glossner for a life of service, and I wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional achievement of Contine Corporation in Erie, Pennsylvania. Contine Corporation is a manufacturer of mechanical and electromechanical assemblies built to customer specifications. In its more than three decades in operation, it has expanded the facility three times, acquired a plastic injection molding business, and developed quality employees and suppliers to serve its customers. Recently, Contine Corporation received approval from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, as a SHARP participant. SHARP stands for Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. This is one of the highest honors OSHA awards to a worksite. Since 1995, OSHA has been recognizing small business worksites that have shown a continuous commitment to improving the safety and health of their workplace through the OSHA Consultation Program. Fewer than 1,600 worksites across the country currently share the honor of SHARP recognition. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Constance Ellrich, owner of the Contine Corporation; safety manager, Randall Groves; and the entire Contine workforce for its dedication to workforce safety. Ensuring a safe and healthy working environment protects a business' viability, and, most importantly, it protects American workers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a great agribusiness, a successful part of our number one industry in Pennsylvania, which is agriculture. One out of every seven Pennsylvanians owe their job directly or indirectly to agriculture, and today I rise to congratulate one of those agribusinesses, the Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery, for winning a Best of Category award at this year's Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association competition. Mount Nittany Vineyards and Winery took home one gold, six silver, and two bronze awards in the mid-Atlantic competition. Located just 6 miles from State College and Penn State University, Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery is located above the historic village of Linden Hall. It boasts breathtaking views across Penns Valley to the Tussey Mountain range. Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery won Best of Category for its 2016 Geisenheim wine. Joe and Betty Carroll founded the winery, and it opened for business i 1990. Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery now produces 16,000 gallons of wine each year and harvests anywhere from 12 to 15 tons of grapes annually. It is now owned and managed by Joe and Betty's daughter and son-in- law, Linda and Steve Weaver. Linda and Steve continue to produce award- winning wines, including fruit wines out of locally sourced cherries, apples, blueberries, and raspberries. Mr. Speaker, proudly, Linda and Steve Weaver will be on Capitol Hill tomorrow for the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association awards ceremony. I wholeheartedly congratulate the Weavers on this outstanding recognition. I wish them the best as they continue to grow, make, and produce their fine wines in Centre County.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Farmers of Tomorrow Act, a bill that Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and I recently introduced. Our bill was designed to make it easier for young farmers and veterans to purchase new land to begin a farming career. New and beginning farmers can obtain ownership loans through USDA to buy land, but too many experience difficulty due to outdated experience requirements that do not take into account the variety of paths future farmers can take to prepare to run their operations. The Farmers of Tomorrow Act allows new, beginning, or veteran farmers to count various experience toward the current 3-year experience requirement to make it easier to access USDA financing. This includes an honorable discharge from the United States military, successful completion of a farm management curriculum, at least 1 year as hired farm labor with management responsibilities, and more. Access to land is essential for supporting the next generation of farmers. This legislation will help get more Americans involved in agriculture, while strengthening rural communities. I encourage all my colleagues to support it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Titusville Area Hospital on a national recognition for overall excellence in patient perspective. The award, which is presented by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, was announced on National Rural Health Day. Titusville Area Hospital CEO Lee Clinton called the award a true honor and added that he is very proud of the care provided and the level of expertise offered to the citizens served at the Titusville Area Hospital. He said: ``All of our staff strives to provide each patient with the best possible experience every time. This award demonstrates our ability to exceed as a small, rural community hospital.'' Mr. Speaker, our rural hospitals face complex challenges that range from financial concerns to a shortage of healthcare professionals. Thankfully, the Titusville Area Hospital is being recognized as a top performer that is increasing patient satisfaction, and I am proud that it sets the standard for other rural hospitals. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly congratulate CEO Lee Clinton and all of the staff of the Titusville Area Hospital on this outstanding achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Nation observed National Miners Day, which was designated by Congress to honor the contributions and sacrifices of miners both past and present. Mr. Speaker, I am the proud grandson of a Pennsylvania coal miner. National Miners Day does mark the anniversary of the worst mining accident in history on December 6, 1907, in Monongah, West Virginia. The disaster resulted in the death of 362 miners. While technology in mining has continued to improve, mining remains difficult work. Every day, our Nation's miners work so hard excavating minerals for energy production and raw materials for many forms of manufacturing. In particular--my family heritage--I am very proud of our Pennsylvania coal miners who really dug the coal that fueled the industrial revolution and provided the energy for fueling our preparations to win World War I and World War II. From coal to copper, and from gold to granite, miners work to provide materials that play an important role in our everyday lives. American miners today deliver the same commitment to the industry that they historically have. But thanks to advancements in technology, we are seeing the industry operate smarter, faster, and, most importantly, safer. Americans benefit from the energy, metals, and minerals made available to us thanks to mining. It is as fundamental today as it was centuries ago. Mr. Speaker, to all of our miners, I say: Thank you for all you have given to this important industry. Congratulating the Titusville Area Hospital

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 76 years ago today, our Nation witnessed a devastating attack at a naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. That event hastened our entry into World War II. The surprise attack by the Japanese on the morning of December 7, 1941, left 2,403 people dead. Among them were members of the U.S. Navy, Army, Marines, and also civilians. It was one of the deadliest attacks in American history. President Franklin D. Roosevelt described it as ``a date which will live in infamy.'' On this solemn day of commemoration, we remember and we reflect. Flags throughout our country are flown at halfstaff in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Mr. Speaker, let us remember and honor the lives of those brave Americans who perished on this day 76 years ago. As President Roosevelt said: ``No matter how long it will take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.'' And we did. God bless all of our Pearl Harbor victims and survivors, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor Alfred Earnest Pellow, a resident of Franklin, Pennsylvania, who passed away last week at his home. Ernie, as he was called by family and friends, was involved in founding the Veterans Coalition and the VETS Honor Guard in Franklin. He was also deeply instrumental in bringing the Veterans Administration clinic to Franklin to care for our military men and women. The 79-year-old was a U.S. Army peacetime veteran who served 37 months in Germany. In 1960, he married his wife, Joyce, with whom he spent 57 years of wedded bliss. He was a family man: a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather. Ernie was a self-employed building contractor. He received the Pennsylvania Builders of the Year Award in 1996 and Pennsylvania Builders Distinguished Achievement Award in 2014. A member of Masonic Blue Lodge and the York Rite, Ernie received his Masonic 50 year pin in 2015. Mr. Speaker, Ernie Pellow lived a life of service: service to his country, service to his community, and service to his family. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as one of the senior members on the House Education and the Workforce Committee and co-chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus to note that this week is Computer Science Education Week. Computer science drives job growth and innovation throughout our economy and throughout our society. Computing occupations are the number one source of all new wages in the U.S. and make up two-thirds of all projected new jobs in STEM fields, making computer science one of the most in-demand college degrees. Computing is used all around us in virtually every field, but fewer than half of the United States' schools offer any computer science courses, and only 8 percent of STEM graduates study it; 93 percent of parents want their child's school to teach computer science, but only 40 percent of schools teach it; 67 percent of parents and 56 percent of teachers believe students should be required to learn computer science; 50 percent of Americans rank computer science as one of the two most important subjects of study after reading and writing. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there are currently 16,976 open computing jobs. The average salary for a computing occupation in Pennsylvania is $85,654, which is significantly higher than the average salary in the State of $47,540. Mr. Speaker, only 169 schools in Pennsylvania offered the advanced placement computer science course in 2015-2016, and there are fewer AP exams taken in computer science than in any other STEM subject area. But technology connects the world in ways like never before. From everyday conveniences at our fingertips to improved communications, technology plays an ever-increasing role in our lives. We are becoming more dependent on applications or apps, and the students of today will become the leaders of tomorrow by developing such technology. Proudly, the House of Representatives has encouraged America's students to focus on computer science and STEM subjects through the annual Congressional App Challenge. This competition allows K-12 students from across the country to practice their code writing skills by developing an app. Winning apps will be displayed in the Capitol Building later this year. This year's winner from Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District is Lachlan Campbell. He redesigned the Hack Club website to make it more user friendly. Hack Club is a nonprofit network of coding clubs run by high school students around the world. Lachlan started a Hack Club this past spring at his very own State College Area High School, and taught more than 40 students how to code and create a website. His project for the Congressional App Challenge was to redesign hackclub.com, and his overhaul has been welcomed by the club. I congratulate Lachlan on winning the Congressional App Challenge for Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. He is a two-time winner, having come in first place in 2015 as well. He has got a promising career ahead of him. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of all of the students who participate in the App Challenge. The competition inspires students from every corner of the country to explore STEM, coding, and computer science through hands-on practice, and that is something we can all support. Happy Computer Science Education Week.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the work of a student at Penn State DuBois. Alec Baker, a native of Clarion, Pennsylvania, is a student in the wildlife technology degree program at Penn State DuBois. He was recently awarded an Erickson Discovery Grant from Penn State's Office of Undergraduate Education for an independent research project. Alec's area of study focused on black bears and the impact the bears have on agriculture and farmers in Pennsylvania, particularly, the Commonwealth's corn crop. Alec conducted the project this summer for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and gathered information in the field through October. He is processing his findings this fall. Alec has conducted his research primarily using Clarion County as his study area. He has obtained nuisance bear reports for crop damage from the area dating back to the year 2000. He plans to chart trends in the data through these years and monitor sites for continued activity using cameras. In total, 219 students applied to receive an Erickson Discovery Grant this year, and Alec was one of 83 students from all Penn State locations and campuses who received a grant. The Erickson Discovery Grant allows students to immerse themselves in original research under the direct supervision of a faculty member in order to obtain hands-on experience in their chosen field. Alec has just completed his sophomore year in the wildlife technology associate degree program and will go on to earn a bachelor's degree in wildlife and fishery science. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Alec Baker for undertaking this important area of study. I have no doubt that his research will help farmers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania better protect their crops from bear- related damage. Pennsylvania has one of the largest populations of black bears in North America, and thanks to studies like Alec's, the Commonwealth will be better able to understand how bears influence agriculture and how farmers can implement better management tactics to protect their crops. I congratulate Alec for his achievement and all those who received the Erickson Discovery Award, and I look forward to the results.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on World Soil Day to highlight the importance of soil quality for our food security, healthy ecosystems, and overall well-being. As vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee and chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee, I know firsthand the importance of good management practices to keep this essential resource healthy. This year's theme is ``caring for the planet starts from the ground.'' Globally, 815 million people are food insecure and 2 billion people are nutritionally insecure, but we can mitigate this through soil health. Mr. Speaker, 95 percent of our food comes from soil. Soil is a finite resource, and on a human scale, it is nonrenewable. However, despite the essential role that soil plays in human livelihood, there is a worldwide increase in the degradation of soil resources due to inappropriate management practices, population pressure driving unsustainable intensification, and inadequate governance over this essential resource. World Soil Day 2017 aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the increasing challenges in soil management. Today we encourage people around the world to engage in proactively improving soil health. Happy World Soil Day.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an instructor at Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology for being named the national technical education teacher of the year. CPI's horticulture and landscaping instructor, Joe Luther, will be given the Carl J. Schaefer Memorial Award, which is presented annually to recognize career technical education teachers for their outstanding service. Mr. Luther will accept the award this Thursday at a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee. The award is presented by NOCTI, which is the largest provider of industry-based credentials and partner industry certifications for career and technical education programs across the Nation. It was named for Dr. Carl J. Schaefer, who was a lifelong champion of CTE. He gained national recognition as a CTE educator and author and was one of NOCTI's founding fathers. This is the second time an instructor at CPI has received the award. In 2015, dental assistant instructor Mindi Tobias was selected as a top CTE teacher in the Nation. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the House Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am most proud of CPI and Mr. Luther for this outstanding recognition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week I had the opportunity to meet with a number of organic farmers to discuss the upcoming farm bill and its impact on organic production. In recent years, organic production has continued to grow in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania being the second largest State for organic production, and in many other States. There are a number of programs authorized in the farm bill, including Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, that help provide financial assistance and planning assistance for new farmers and farms. Access to programs such as these is essential for supporting the next generation of farmers and growing American agriculture. As it relates to organic, the farm bill contains numerous provisions and programs tailored to organic producers. This includes conservation assistance through EQIP Organic Initiative, the Market Access Program, Organic Agriculture Research and Extension, and competitive grants. The Horticulture title also includes the National Organic Certification Cost Share, marketing and data collection, the Organic Program, and the Organic Check-Off Program. Mr. Speaker, supporting agriculture of all forms through the farm bill is critically important for the industry, rural communities, and, quite frankly, all Americans.