Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a St. Marys Area High School student for winning first place in the Pennsylvania Municipal League's annual essay contest. Michelle Bauer, a senior at St. Marys Area High School, is the recipient of a $2,000 scholarship for taking home the top prize at the Pennsylvania Municipal League's 118th annual summit, which took place earlier this month at Erie's Bayfront Convention Center. This year's essay theme was: Civics and you. Contest participants were asked to elaborate on this theme by writing about opportunities in their community that allows for civic engagement and encourage citizens to volunteer locally. Mr. Speaker, I know that civic involvement is something that we can all agree is important to the quality of life in all of our communities. The mission of the Pennsylvania Municipal League is to strengthen, empower, and advocate for effective local government. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that was established in 1900 to advocate for Pennsylvania's third class cities. I congratulate Michelle Bauer on her first place finish and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 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. That is why my office is proud again to participate in the 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. The 2015 winner from my office, Lachlan Campbell, created an app to store recipes and discover new dishes. I am proud that this State College student was able to show off his talents in our Nation's Capitol. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that students from across Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District will put their skills to work, create an app, and submit it to the Congressional App Challenge. Submissions will close on November 1, and I can't wait to see what our students create.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today is National Farmers Day. From farm to fork, our farmers work hard to put food on dinner tables across this country and around the world. Today has traditionally been a day to recognize farmers and thank them for all their endless hard work. Records of National Farmers Day events date back to the 1800s. Mr. Speaker, our farmers are the cornerstone of our rural communities. They face tough odds by the very nature of the business, and food security is national security. Right now, there is a critical shortfall of skilled young and beginning farmers and ranchers. That is why, together with Congressman Joe Courtney from Connecticut and Congressman John Faso from New York, we introduced the Young Farmer Success Act. This legislation provides incentives for those who would like to pursue a future in the agriculture industry by adding farmers to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which currently offers loan payback assistance for professions such as government service, teaching, and nursing. Under the program, eligible public service professionals who make 10 years of income-driven student loan payments can have the balance of their loans forgiven. On Monday, I heard from a number of young farmers in upstate New York in Congressman Faso's district. The House Agriculture Committee hosted a farm bill listening session at SUNY Cobleskill, and we covered topics from dairy to specialty crops to nutrition assistance programs, and we heard a lot of excellent feedback from those who shared their stories with us. As the House Agriculture Committee works to craft the next farm bill, these listening sessions have allowed us to hear firsthand from those who are directly impacted by the farm bill. They provide us with real world examples of what is working and what isn't working. With farmers in every region of this country, we heard from many different perspectives. This feedback will help us write the best farm bill possible. Mr. Speaker, food security is national security, and it aids the long-term sustainability of our country. They provide fresh produce and products to communities throughout the country, and there is no better food than something grown locally. Today, we celebrate our food producers on National Farmers Day, but we should also celebrate them every day for putting food on our tables and in our grocery stores. Let's face it, farming is a tough business. Long hours, unpredictable commodity prices, and, even more, unpredictable weather conditions, but it is also exciting, rewarding, and full of opportunities. Generations of farmers have worked every patch of American soil caring for the Earth, their animals, and their neighbors. Mr. Speaker, as vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I want to wholeheartedly thank America's farmers for providing our country with safe, sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food every day. Happy Farmers Day.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend 42 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who are currently in Puerto Rico assisting with hurricane relief efforts. Thousands of National Guard members are working in both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to help our fellow Americans recover from devastating hurricanes. Hurricane Maria, with its Category 5 winds, was the fifth strongest storm to ever hit the U.S. and the strongest storm to hit Puerto Rico in 80 years. What it left behind was vast devastation and great damage to infrastructure and energy distribution systems. Mr. Speaker, I am tremendously proud of our Pennsylvania Guardsmen who are on the ground assisting with this humanitarian disaster. They welcomed the call to action and are working to restore Puerto Rico's infrastructure, install additional telecommunications equipment to connect families and businesses, and deliver more than 300 generators to provide electricity to those who need it. We are working on rebuilding, and the Pennsylvania National Guard is there to aid in the recovery effort. It is the American way to have all hands on deck, and I am grateful for their efforts.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, next week is National Forest Products Week, which the Nation observes from October 15 through October 21. Each year since 1960, our Nation has celebrated the achievements of the forest product manufacturers and organizations throughout this country. The forest products industry is an integral part of U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 States. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this industry is home to 265 wood products, paper, and packaging manufacturing facilities that make more than $16 million in products, annually, and contribute nearly $3 million to State and local economies through wages and compensation. More than 53,600 hardworking men and women in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are employed by the forest products industry. Forest products continue to meet the evolving needs of people across the country and around the world. The forest products industry directly employs about 900,000 people and supports 2.4 million jobs. It is 4 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion, annually, and manufactures almost $240 billion in products every year. One-third of the United States is forested--751 million acres. Privately owned forests supply 91 percent of the wood harvested in the United States; State and Tribal forests supply approximately 6 percent; and Federal forests supply only 2 percent of the wood used by the forest products industry. More than 56 percent of U.S. forests are privately owned, much of it by family forest owners who manage their lands to provide value to future generations. The industry has tremendous impact on our environment, too. A single tree can absorb more than 10 pounds of CO2 each year. In the United States, forests and forest products store enough carbon to offset approximately 12 percent of the Nation's CO2 emissions. Forest products play a valuable role in the life of every American every day. Two-thirds of the Nation's drinking water comes from forests. From paper and packaging to wood products, tissue and other personal care items, these products are at the heart of modern life and a modern economy. Paper products allow us to communicate, teach, and learn. They provide safe packaging for goods and consumables, as well as personal hygiene and cleanliness. Wood products provide shelter and necessary components of daily life. Mr. Speaker, because the industry plays such an important role in the life of everyday Americans, in 1960, Congress designated the third week in October as National Forest Products Week. Next week, the country celebrates with events and advocacy campaigns to mark that occasion. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly join those across the Nation who applaud the forest products industry for its many contributions.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in both the opening and the closing ceremonies for the traveling version of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall. The traveling wall was in State College last Thursday through Sunday, and it was a truly moving experience for all those who visited. The theme for Centre County was ``Welcome Home.'' We all know that in many instances, our Vietnam veterans did not receive a warm welcome home when they returned from war. This is a scar on our history and one that we are working to heal. The traveling wall serves as a reminder of the efforts to promote liberty and freedom that our Vietnam veterans put forth. It finally recognizes their struggles and thanks them for their service after years of underappreciation. Mr. Speaker, the wall tells the story of so many Americans. They were sons and daughters. They were our friends and our neighbors. They are American heroes. It is never too late to honor our veterans to ensure that they receive the recognition that they deserve.

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, October is National Farm to School Month. It is time when we celebrate food education, school gardens, and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients. Farm to School brings healthy foods from local farms to schoolchildren nationwide. The program teaches students about the path from farm to fork and instills healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime by introducing children to real food. At the same time, use of local produce in school meals and educational activities provides a new direct market opportunity for family farmers in the area and lessens environmental impacts of transporting food long distances. More than 31 million children eat a school lunch 5 days a week, 180 days a year. If school lunch can taste great and support the local community, everybody wins. In the early 1990s, there were merely a few Farm to School programs, and today there are thousands. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee, it is encouraging to see this program grow and our schoolchildren's diets improving. A lifelong love of healthy, locally grown food from your local farmer is something we can all support.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Department of Veterans Affairs for proposing a rule that will allow VA-credentialed healthcare providers to practice telemedicine across State lines. This is excellent news because our veterans should receive the best care possible no matter where they live or are located. With advances in technology, we see new opportunities for veterans to obtain coverage through telemedicine, especially in some of our most rural areas. The VA rule is similar to a bill that I introduced together with Representative Julia Brownley, called the VETS Act. The existing licensure requirements for VA service providers are not in line with the technology and care available today. Outdated regulations prevent individuals who receive care within the VA system from accessing qualified providers who utilize telemedicine simply because of the geography and a State border. That is wrong, and we must change it. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the VETS Act and work to give our veterans access to the best care possible. Our servicemen and -women answered their country's call. Let's be there for them when they return home.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this Friday is National Manufacturing Day. We celebrate Manufacturing Day annually in order to recognize the manufacturing industry's part in the growth and prosperity of the United States economy, as well as raise awareness of the important investment and career opportunities within the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing Day started in 2012 as an annual celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers, and it has done just that. According to a 2016 survey of students who attended Manufacturing Day events, 89 percent were more aware of manufacturing jobs in their communities; 84 percent were more convinced that manufacturing provides careers that are interesting and rewarding; 64 percent were more motivated to pursue careers in manufacturing; and 71 percent were more likely to tell friends, family, parents, or colleagues about manufacturing after attending the event. Mr. Speaker, the manufacturing industry impacts every community in the United States, and that is certainly true for Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. Pennsylvania has a rich history of being a manufacturing leader, especially our storied Pennsylvania Steel. The Commonwealth has been an important cog in the wheels of this country's industrial revolution thanks to industries like iron, coal, and lumber, in addition to steel. Our Pennsylvania farmers have fed and continue to feed generations of Americans, providing safe and nutritious food for all our neighbors. From heritage companies to newer rising stars, we have a wide cross- section of products produced in the Fifth District of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight just a few. Brookville Equipment Corporation in Jefferson County is the leading American manufacturer of diesel locomotive engines, street trolleys, and mining machinery. Brookville's mass transit resume includes fully refurbishing streetcars for cities, including New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Since 1889, W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company has been fashioning handcrafted pocketknives and sporting knives in McKean County. Zippo Manufacturing Company, makers of the world famous Zippo windproof lighter, owns Case Knives today. Zippo is another family- owned business, based in the city of Bradford, McKean County, since 1936. Major leaguers have been swinging our fine Pennsylvania hardwoods thanks to Jefferson County company BWP Bats. BWP's slogan is ``Built With Pride.'' Huntingdon County's Bonney Forge has a state-of-the-art forge facility capable of manufacturing our entire line of forged steel fitting and forged steel valve products since 1875. A new manufacturer is DiamondBack Truck Covers. Two Penn State students started this company in their garage in 2003. They make heavy- duty, utility-oriented, diamond plate aluminum truck bed covers for pickup trucks in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, in Centre County. Mr. Speaker, this is just a handful of the manufacturers in my district who produce quality, American-made products. As co-chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am proud that the manufacturing industry employs scores of career and technical education students in family-sustaining careers. These are great family- sustaining jobs. As we celebrate National Manufacturing Day on Friday and draw attention to the roles manufacturers play in our communities, I commend all those who keep our economy booming through manufacturing.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Old Gregg School Community and Recreation Center on its 10th anniversary. I recently had the opportunity to visit the repurposed school in Spring Mills and partake in the anniversary celebration. For more than 80 years, the Old Gregg School building in Spring Mills educated children and young adults throughout the eastern Penns Valley in the time-honored values and responsibilities of community and service. The traditions of the historic Gregg Township School have been celebrated and expanded in the Old Gregg School Community and Recreation Center, which is now a multipurpose, nonprofit facility benefiting the entire Penns Valley community. Old Gregg School Community and Recreation Center is regarded as a treasure in the heart of Penns Valley. It supports small businesses with affordable office space, offers athletic facilities for recreation, open space for meetings and events both indoors and out, and has well-maintained grounds and outdoor play areas. Mr. Speaker, Old Gregg is an example of how to repurpose a space to benefit the entire community. It truly is a gem of Penns Valley that all residents treasure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2937) to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize partnerships between States and nongovernmental entities for the purpose of reclaiming and restoring land and water resources adversely affected by coal mining activities before August 3, 1977, and for other purposes.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank leadership for allowing H.R. 2937 to come to the floor. This legislation, introduced by my friend from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), will help address the challenge of abandoned coal mines present in many affected communities across the Nation. The Community Reclamation Partnerships Act enables States to partner with Good Samaritan entities to reclaim abandoned mine sites and facilitate acid mine drainage cleanup. H.R. 2937 creates more opportunities to address this challenge. Mr. Speaker, representing the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District, just to note, my congressional district has more abandoned mine sites than any congressional district in the country, so I am very grateful for the leadership that Mr. LaHood has shown in bringing H.R. 2937 forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would just ask my colleagues to support this piece of legislation. I am very appreciative to the author of this bill for his leadership. Having a congressional district that has significant presence of abandoned mine lands, I know that the authorities and the protections he is seeking here will be good for all, for the communities, for the environment, and for the economy. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Utah (Mrs. Love).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2582, introduced by the gentlewoman from Utah (Mrs. Love), seeks to resolve an ongoing standoff between the State of Utah and the Bureau of Land Management over statehood-era land grants to promote responsible land management and enable the United States to fulfill its commitments to provide land for the support of Utah's higher education system. Since 1998, the Bureau of Land Management has cited an administrative technicality to favor land exchanges over State selections of land, which has held up the State of Utah's selection of roughly 500 acres of Bureau of Land Management land classified for disposal. The land in question has been selected by the State for the benefit of Utah State University, and this bill makes it clear that State selections are equally acceptable as land exchanges and would confirm that the Bureau of Land Management may process the State's current selection as well as future State selections in the immediate area. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2582) to authorize the State of Utah to select certain lands that are available for disposal under the Pony Express Resource Management Plan to be used for the support and benefit of State institutions, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, being from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I encourage support for this piece of legislation and thank the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster) for putting this forward, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Augustus Saint-Gaudens is one of the most prolific sculptors in our Nation's history. His work includes Boston's Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, Chicago's Standing Lincoln, and New York's William Tecumseh Sherman Memorial. Most notably, Saint-Gaudens designed a $20 double eagle gold piece for the U.S. Mint, considered one of the greatest American coins ever issued. The Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site is a 190-acre historic site in Sullivan County, New Hampshire. The site encompasses the summer home and studio of this renowned American artist, whose annual presence in Sullivan County helped spawn the Cornish Artist Colony in nearby Cornish, New Hampshire. This colony, which was comprised of painters, sculptors, and musicians, helped drive a period of American artistic resurgence called the American Renaissance in the years following the Civil War. The main house and surrounding gardens were initially designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1962, which was converted to a National Historic Site in 1964, when the grounds were donated to the National Park Service. The current property contains 21 buildings, a number of Saint-Gaudens' sculptures, and miles of hiking trails. This bill simply changes the designation of Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site to a National Historical Park, allowing the National Park Service to better relay the impact and legacy of this historic American artist. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. McSally).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.