Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Saturday marked World Youth Skills Day. The United Nations General Assembly started this initiative to raise awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development. Young people are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. Young people around the world are exposed to lower quality jobs, greater labor market inequities, and a longer school-to-work transition period. That is why I am pleased this House voted in favor of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act last month. Too often we have seen students pushed down the college- for-all pathway that just doesn't work for some students. CTE has established itself as a path that many students choose in pursuit of industry certifications and hands-on skills they can use right out of high school in skills-based education programs or in college. By modernizing the Federal investment in CTE programs, we will be able to connect more educators with industry stakeholders and close the skills gap. On World Youth Skills Day, I encourage everyone to consider a career in technical education.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday Americans observed National Ice Cream Day, which is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in July. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan made the designation and also named July National Ice Cream Month. Our very own Penn State University is a world leader in dairy production and food science. Over the last 150 years, its Berkey Creamery has been an important Penn State landmark. Penn State has a herd of more than 200 Holsteins that are milked twice daily, which is the start of the university's delicious ice cream. The methods developed by Penn State's food and dairy scientists have made the creamery a world authority on ice cream and dairy manufacturing. Penn State's legendary short course, which takes participants from ``Cow to Cone,'' has attracted some of the biggest names in ice cream, from Baskin-Robbins to Ben & Jerry's, from Hershey's to Haagen-Dazs. For 6 days a year, industry professionals head to Happy Valley for the best-known program dealing with science and the technology of ice cream. Congratulations to Penn State for being the industry leader, and happy National Ice Cream Month.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week the House debated the National Defense Authorization Act, which I believe is one of the most essential responsibilities of Congress, to fund our armed services. This House works to ensure our servicemen and -women have the resources they need to keep America safe. We must also make certain that our veterans, our military, have access to the resources they need to be successful in civilian life. This certainly includes access to nutritional food. Out of the 22 million veterans in the United States, about 1.7 million are in households that currently participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Approximately 46 percent of our veterans are senior citizens, including those who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Veterans of all ages may also have widely varying levels of disabilities or limitations. SNAP cannot solve all of the challenges a veteran or a member of an Active-Duty military family faces, but it can help eligible veterans once they return home. As the Agriculture Committee prepares the next farm bill, we must remain vigilant in our dedication to serve those who have given so much in the defense of our Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the wonderful career of Susan Gurekovich, the office manager and academy coordinator caseworker in my Bellefonte district office. After nearly 40 years of service to the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, which spanned the terms of three separate Members of the House, Susan will retire on Friday, July 14. She will certainly be missed by all. Mr. Speaker, Susan began her career on February 19, 1979. She began working for Congressman Bill Clinger of Warren County, Pennsylvania. She would spend the following 18 years providing top-notch constituent services to the people of Pennsylvania. Susan said she was blessed to work for Congressman Clinger and to learn from his experienced staff, especially her mentor, Becky Mills. Susan has seen a lot through her 38 years of service, and her smile, friendliness, and can-do attitude has only grown larger over the years. Susan, herself, has mentored countless interns and employees during her tenure. It was decades ago that a young intern named Rick Santorum spent time in the office during his tenure at Penn State University. Later Susan would watch his career progress as he eventually found himself in the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. When Congressman Clinger retired and Congressman John Peterson was sworn in, he welcomed Susan's experience as he took office in 1997. Susan continued her role, which included overseeing the Military Service Academy Board. Susan also worked to help nominate the best and the brightest young men and women in the congressional district for our U.S. service academies. She has seen scores of young, optimistic, patriotic students walk through her door with the hope of attending one of our great academies. These same students have been fortunate to work with a true civil servant like Susan. She is someone who is not only dedicated to her job, but enthusiastic about it day in and day out. When Congressman Peterson retired in 2008 and I was elected in 2009, it was an easy fit to retain Susan on my district staff as a caseworker and office manager. Her dedication to the people of the Fifth Congressional District knows no bounds. She is always in search of an answer and works diligently to navigate our Federal agencies to resolve issues and problems for our constituents. To say we will miss Susan is an understatement. Her warm welcome to all who cross her path will not be forgotten or easily replaced. Everyone who has the pleasure of interacting with her can see her passion. Susan is a hometown girl and a self-described country girl at heart. She graduated from South Hills School of Business Technology and supplemented her degree with courses at Penn State University. I know she looks forward to spending more time with her husband, John, and they plan to travel and visit with family and friends. Susan said she will take a more active role in her church as a deacon to continue her life of service. And that is exactly what Susan has done for the past 38 years for the people of central and north central Pennsylvania: serve. She has helped and assisted so many. When you meet with Susan, you will always be greeted with a welcoming smile, a listening ear, and a caring heart. I thank Susan for her dedication, for serving the American people, and for helping select so many bright young minds to serve in our military academies. On behalf of the Congress of the United States, I thank Susan for more than four decades of service to the people's House. She embodies the character of this institution and has been a steadfast advocate for countless constituents, three Members of the House, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On behalf of my family and her second family, the staff in Pennsylvania and here in Washington, we wish Susan the best for a well- deserved retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 16 individuals from Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District who have received prestigious Fulbright awards during the 2016-2017 school year. Congress established the Fulbright Program in 1946. It promotes friendly and peaceful relations between Americans and people of other countries through international educational exchange. Each year, more than 3,000 U.S. students, scholars, artists, and professionals in more than 100 different fields of study are offered Fulbright Program grants to lecture, study, teach English, and conduct research in more than 140 countries. Today, it is my privilege to recognize the following 16 individuals: Dr. Farshid Ahrestani of State College, Pennsylvania, a scholar of biology, whose host country was India; Dr. Luis Ayala Hernandez of State College, Pennsylvania, a scholar of engineering, whose host country was Colombia; Ms. Maria Barboza of Clarion, Pennsylvania, a student with an English teaching apprenticeship, whose host country is Brazil; Dr. Samuel Bufford of State College, Pennsylvania, a scholar of law, whose host country was Romania; Ms. Alice Chen of Bradford, Pennsylvania, a student with an English teaching apprenticeship, whose host country was Taiwan; Ms. Talia Cowen of State College, Pennsylvania, a student with an English teaching apprenticeship, whose host country is South Korea; Dr. Zuleima Karpyn of State College, Pennsylvania, a scholar of engineering, whose host country was Colombia; Ms. Lauren Knoth of State College, Pennsylvania, a student of sociology, whose host country was Finland; Dr. Gerald LeTendre of Furnace, Pennsylvania, a scholar of education, whose host country was Japan; Dr. Anthony Robinson of State College, Pennsylvania, a scholar of geology, whose host country was Austria; Dr. Robert Roeser of State College, Pennsylvania, a scholar of psychology, whose host country is India; Dr. Heather Snyder of Waterford, Pennsylvania, a scholar of psychology, whose host country was the United Kingdom; Dr. Jacqueline Stefkovich of State College, Pennsylvania, a scholar of education, whose host country was Croatia; Ms. Ann Tarantino of State College, Pennsylvania, a scholar of the arts, whose host country was Brazil; Dr. Andrea Wyman of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, a scholar of library science, whose host country was Azerbaijan; and Dr. Karl Zimmerer of State College, Pennsylvania, a scholar of geography, whose host country is Spain. Congratulations to each and every one of you. You have earned this national recognition with your years of study, leadership, and service, and our community is proud of you. Mr. Speaker, the Fulbright Program is one of the most sought-after exchange programs in the world. It encourages applications from individuals of academic and professional achievement who are current and future leaders in their respective fields. Selected through open, merit-based competition, Fulbrighters represent the excellence and diversity of their societies around the world and in the United States. Since 1946, more than 370,000 individuals from the United States and 180 countries have participated in the program, including 37 heads of state, 57 Nobel Laureates, 82 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 70 MacArthur Foundation Fellows. These relationships form a foundation of trust on which the United States may advance global peace and security. I know that the memorable learning experiences individuals encounter through the program will never be forgotten. I thank all the Fulbrighters, especially the 16 from Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. We are grateful for your contributions and most proud of your achievements. Congratulations.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for the past 100 years, people in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, have been producing light for the world. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit the LEDVANCE manufacturing facility and visit with employees. St. Marys is located at the eastern edge of the Allegheny National Forest in the Pennsylvania Fifth District. It is a town this has a rich and storied history of being a leader in manufacturing. The LEDVANCE facility in St. Marys manufactures nearly 2 million incandescent and halogen light bulbs--and soon, LED light bulbs--each day, in 1,700 packages and varieties. Its employees are skilled, knowledgeable, an dedicated to their craft. They are producing state- of-the-art lighting solutions right in the heart of north central Pennsylvania. LEDVANCE has locations throughout North America and is a global leader in advancing light with LED, traditional and smart lighting, and accessories. It was a privilege to tour the St. Marys facility and meet with the talented local employees who work diligently each day to produce a quality product. Congratulations to our workforce in St. Marys on 100 years of knowledge and expertise to advance light around the world.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two Penn State University students who received critical language scholarships following their completion of the U.S. Department of State's Critical Language Scholarship Program in the summer of 2016. The following students were two of the 564 total selected participants. A total of 5,700 students applied. Janet Purdy, of State College, reached an intermediate level of Swahili while studying in Tanzania; and Erika Pugh, of Boalsburg, achieved an advanced level of Arabic while studying in Russia. The Critical Language Scholarship Program is a crucial component of our Federal Government's goal to encourage Americans to master languages that are essential to our national security and economic prosperity. These students study abroad in rigorous summer institutes, learning these critical foreign languages, while engaging with citizens of the host countries to further their cultural educations. We are proud of these two outstanding students from the Pennsylvania State University for their achievements. Congratulations, Janet and Erika.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I introduced a resolution with Congresswoman Niki Tsongas to designate July as Parks and Recreation Month. It is a fitting time to celebrate our Federal, State, and local parks and recreation systems as so many start this summer season by visiting these facilities that are available within our communities or even a short commute. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 406 recognizes the important role that public parks, recreation facilities, and activities plays in the lives of Americans and the contributions of employees and volunteers who work daily to maintain public parks across the Nation. As a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania and an avid outdoorsman, I strongly support our Nation's parks and recreation facilities. Our parks provide countless recreational and educational opportunities for individuals and families to engage in the outdoors. This resolution simply recognizes and supports Parks and Recreation Month and the many benefits, including health benefits, that a healthy active lifestyle contributes in our park settings that is provided to all Americans. Our parks generate opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community. They pay dividends to communities by attracting businesses and jobs and increasing housing values. In the United States, public park operations and capital spending generates nearly $140 million in economic activity annually. Ninety percent of people in the United States agree that public park recreation activities and facilities are important government services, a figure that displays a base of support that spans across all people in the country regardless of race, income, gender, or political party affiliation. Nearly 75 percent of Americans agree that it is important to ensure all members of their community have equitable access to public parks and recreation facilities. The most economically sound communities are those with ample and healthy public parks and recreation facilities and activities. In fact, a key factor in business expansion and location decisions is the quality of life for employees, with a premium placed on adequate and accessible public parks and open space. Mr. Speaker, public parks and recreation facilities foster a variety of activity that also contribute to a healthier society. People who use public parks and open spaces are three times more likely to achieve recommended levels of physical activity than nonusers. Americans living within a 10-minute walk of a park have a higher level of physical activity and lower rates of obesity. Recreation programs at public parks provide children with a safe place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically active, and enrichment facilities that help prevent at-risk behavior such as drug abuse and gang involvement. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation celebrates Independence Day next week, scores of Americans will visit public parks and recreation facilities to spend time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors. We are blessed with beautiful outdoor facilities. I wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July. Get out and enjoy the parks in your area.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today this House welcomes the winners of the Congressional Art Competition to the Nation's Capital. Students from all over the country have traveled to Washington to proudly display their works of art in the tunnel to the Capitol for the next year. The Congressional Institute hosts the nationwide competition each year to showcase and inspire the artistic talent of high school students from each congressional district. I am proud of the 37 students from my district who submitted entries. I am thrilled to welcome our first-place winner, Cassy Lester of Reynoldsville, for her acrylic painting titled ``Chocolate Lab.'' Cassy attends Jeff Tech, and it is an honor to recognize a career and technical education student as our winner this year. She was honored with her fellow winners from the States across the Nation at this afternoon's luncheon, and earlier today, I was able to give Cassy and her family a tour of the Capitol. Congratulations to Cassy and all of this year's winners. We are grateful to have your art brighten the walls of the tunnel of this Capitol for the year ahead.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about TRIO programs, which, for more than 50 years, have helped millions of low-income students attend college. Often, these students are the first in their family to earn a college degree. TRIO programs have helped low-income and disabled students who want to pursue a higher education, but thought college was unaffordable and out of reach. Children from disadvantaged families often struggle to access important mentoring, tutoring, and other hands-on services designed to help encourage high school completion and the pursuit of postsecondary education. Sadly, these students are often unprepared for college academics and require remedial courses that add to the challenges of completing a program. Too many disadvantaged students simply give up on even applying to college because they are confused by the application process, overwhelmed by the cost, or are unaware of the available financial aid options, despite our best efforts to ensure the information is available and understandable. Recognizing these challenges, the Federal Government has created several programs to help disadvantaged students access the support necessary to realize the dream of a college degree. For example, college preparation and retention programs such as TRIO, Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services provide a pipeline of support services that encourage low-income students to graduate high school and earn a postsecondary degree. Mr. Speaker, just last week, the House unanimously approved the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Act and support skills-based career education. This bill will help close the skills gap that exists today and prepare students for in-demand jobs. TRIO programs are just as important to help those who want to pursue a college degree have the resources necessary to do so. As a senior member on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, I am a strong supporter of TRIO. I am also a member of the House TRIO Caucus. I want all Americans to have higher education opportunities if that is the path that they choose. The TRIO program dates back to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty. That is when Upward Bound was formed. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs. By the late 1960s, the term TRIO was coined to describe these three Federal programs. Over the years, the TRIO programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. In 1990, the Department created the Upward Bound Math and Science program to address the need for specific instruction in the fields of math and science. Mr. Speaker, as you can see, TRIO programs have a long history of helping low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities reach their full potential. I support these programs, and I want to see every American reach his or her educational goals.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five high school honors students from Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District chosen to represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as delegates at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. The following students were selected to attend the event which began Sunday and concluded yesterday in Lowell, Massachusetts: Donovan Brubaker of Boalsburg; Catherine McQuitty of Rixford; Hannah Mull of Genesee; Mackenzie Wilcox of Duke Center; and Sarah Zakrzwski of Tyrone. They were nominated by their teachers or The National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists based on their academic excellence and aspiration to join the medical field. Each of these dedicated students achieved a minimum 3.5 GPA to be nominated for the honors-only program. The event aims to encourage and guide the top students in our country who hope to become physicians or medical scientists. Chosen delegates at the Congress represent all 50 States including Puerto Rico. I wish these students the best of luck in their future studies to lead our country's medical profession. Congratulations.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today is National PTSD Awareness Day. Today and during the month of June, we raise awareness for those suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. After a trauma or life-threatening event, it is common to have reactions such as upsetting memories of the event, increased jumpiness, or trouble sleeping. If these reactions do not go away or if they get worse, you might suffer from PTSD. There are organizations and resources that can help both individuals and professionals to discover ways to identify and manage PTSD symptoms and explore effective treatments. PTSD is especially prevalent for those who have served in the military, though not all of our military servicemembers suffer from PTSD. A non-servicemember may be exposed to a single trauma--for example, a car accident--that can also cause the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Mr. Speaker, before I came to Congress, I worked as a rehabilitation therapist, and I have seen incredible strides that people with injuries can make with access to appropriate rehabilitation. There is help and support for those who have posttraumatic stress disorder. As a nation, we must stand ready to support them.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, June is National Homeownership Month, and it is a time when we celebrate and recognize the many benefits of owning a home. For generations of Americans, owning a home has been an essential element in achieving the American Dream. But since the Great Recession, we have seen homeownership rates drop to historic lows. Young families often find themselves unable to save for a downpayment or to gain access to adequate credit. This is especially true for those in rural areas. The United States Department of Agriculture places emphasis on helping rural Americans buy homes. USDA provides mortgage loan guarantees through partnerships with private sector lenders to help low- to moderate-income rural home buyers. In 2016 alone, USDA worked with nearly 1,500 lenders to help 116,000 rural individuals and families buy homes. USDA has helped more than 4.1 million rural residents buy a home since the National Housing Act was passed 68 years ago. Mr. Speaker, the benefits of homeownership have widespread benefits. Homeownership fortifies communities, creates jobs, and strengthens the local businesses that support our towns. Thank you to USDA for your commitment to providing affordable housing for rural Americans. Happy National Homeownership Month.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday this House unanimously approved the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, to give Americans who enter the workforce the skills they need to succeed. I was proud to sponsor that bill with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. It will help all Americans across all sectors and industries because all education is career education. As chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee of the Committee on Agriculture, I want to talk about food service careers. Earlier this spring, I had the opportunity to visit the DC Central Kitchen right here in our Nation's Capital. DC Central Kitchen feeds the most vulnerable among us, but it fights hunger differently: it offers skills-based education, empowerment, and career opportunities that allow people to finally be free from hunger and poverty. The CEO there said, ``You can't feed your way out of poverty,'' and I wholeheartedly agree. DC Central Kitchen feeds the hungry, but also teaches people the skills needed to find employment in the hospitality industry. That is a CTE program: helping people find jobs that pay living wages and obtain lasting careers. Now, that is something we can all get behind.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2353 has the power to improve the lives of countless Americans. By modernizing career and technical education, we can help prepare more men and women from all walks of life to succeed in the workforce. I would like to note that it is important we continue to fund these programs at the authorized levels so the programs can adequately serve students of all ages. We really have an opportunity to make a positive difference today, and I couldn't be prouder of the bipartisan work that went into this. Once again, I want to thank Representative Krishnamoorthi as well as all the members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. I would be remiss not to thank my education staff on my team, Katie Brown; Education and the Workforce staffers, James Redstone and Alex Payne; and all of our colleagues, for their diligent work on this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to vote in favor of H.R. 2353, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Brat), who is a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Georgia an additional 15 seconds.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Estes).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Ferguson), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), who is a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Lewis), an Education and the Workforce Committee member.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Davidson).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and it has reached crisis proportions. There is no effective treatment, no means of prevention, and no method for slowing the progression of the disease. Sadly, one in three seniors will die with the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer's disease in the year 2013. This number is expected to almost triple to 14 million by the year 2050. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable. Alzheimer's also has a devastating impact on caregivers and loved ones of those diagnosed with the disease. More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care to family and friends living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Compared with caregivers for people without dementia, twice as many caregivers for people with dementia indicate substantial emotional, financial, and physical stress. Mr. Speaker, the time to act is now. Let's join the fight. Let's take the pledge to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease, and to never stop searching for a cure.