Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to continue the discussion on the Agriculture Committee's findings from hearings conducted to ensure that SNAP--or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program--is meeting the needs of those it is intended to serve. After individual resources, family support, and community programs, SNAP is critical to supporting nutritional needs. The program integrity within SNAP is critical for both the functioning and the long-term sustainability of the program. Jessica Shahin of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service emphasized in testimony: ``As vital as the program is to so many, and as well as it operates, we can all agree that it can do even better. And it is up to all of us--the Federal Government, the States, and the local providers--to work together to improve it by holding ourselves accountable. FNS is committed to continually improving the integrity of SNAP.'' Mr. Speaker, opportunities for SNAP program integrity improvements includes defining clear program goals and metrics that generate program improvement and reduce SNAP fraud rates through innovative State and Federal strategies and technologies.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of Penn State's finest events, THON, a 46-hour dance marathon. THON began in 1977. It is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, and it raises money to fight pediatric cancer. THON ran from February 17 to 19 as dancers stood for 46 hours without sleep at Bryce Jordan Center. THON is a year-round fundraising and awareness campaign for the fight against childhood cancer, with proceeds going directly to Four Diamonds, which benefits the Penn State Children's Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Four Diamonds ensures that families who are battling pediatric cancer are not faced with any costs, allowing them to fully focus on the needs of their child. THON 2017 raised more than $10 million, and since its inception, THON has raised more than $146 million. This truly is an event like none other. It shows the power of what Penn State students can do and have been doing to cover the treatment costs for pediatric cancer patients as well as support cancer research. Thank you to all the Penn State students who take part in this spectacular event.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the cornerstones of our rural communities: our American farmers. These men and women are stewards of all of our land and provide the country with a safe and affordable food supply, but we need to do more to cultivate the next generation of farmers. They face tough odds by the very nature of the business, and there is a critical shortfall of skilled young and beginning farmers and ranchers. That is why, together with Congressman Joe Courtney of Connecticut and Congressman John Faso of New York, we introduced the Young Farmer Success Act. This legislation will provide 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. Farming is an expensive business to enter, in part because of skyrocketing land prices, and beginning farmers often see small profits or even losses in their first years of business. In 2011, the National Young Farmers Coalition conducted a survey of 1,000 young farmers and found that 78 percent of respondents struggled with a lack of capital. A 2014 followup survey of 700 young farmers with student loan debt found that the average burden of student loans was $35,000, and that 53 percent of respondents are currently farming, but have a hard time making their student loan payments; while another 30 percent are interested in farming, but haven't pursued it as a career because their salary as a farmer wouldn't be enough to cover their student loan payments. Mr. Speaker, food security is national security and it aids the long- term sustainability of our country. Our rural communities are in crisis and declining. We should do everything in our power to recruit a new generation of farmers. Did you know that the number of new farmers entering the field of agriculture has dropped by 20 percent and the average farmer age has now risen above 58 years old? We must encourage new farmers to enter this critical industry. I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan Young Farmer Success Act. The skyrocketing cost of higher education and the growing burden of student loan debt are presenting major obstacles for young ranchers. The burden of student loan debt can thwart their ability to purchase the farming operations they need to get started and drive them away from a career in agriculture altogether. Let's pass this bill and help the men and women who put food on the table for American families throughout America. Our farmers feed, and we should give them every incentive to continue to do so. The American people deserve a safe, reliable, and sustainable food source. Our farmers provide that.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the opportunity to gather in Upper Senate Park with thousands of individuals from across the country to demand that Congress ``Fix Not Fight'' and work together to build a better, safer, and stronger nation. The No Labels Problem Solvers Conference brought together thousands of citizens from across all 50 States to kick-start a year of action in creating a more united path forward for our country. Proudly, I have been part of this movement from the beginning. As a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, I hope we can all come to the table, find common ground, and focus on finding solutions. Of course, there are some areas where we are never going to agree, and that is okay. Our differences should not divide us. Instead, we must exhibit good governance, good leadership, and serve our constituents in a manner that is worthy of the office we hold. After all, the only way that we will build a better America today and for all generations that follow us is if we come together now. Let's get to work. Support Student Loan Debt Relief for Farmers

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today commemorates the 15th anniversary of March for Meals. This month-long grassroots campaign seeks to raise awareness about senior hunger and isolation. It also celebrates the proven private-public partnership of government, local community organizations, businesses, and compassionate individuals coming together to ensure that America's seniors are not forgotten. As chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, I know how important this program is to seniors across America. One in six seniors might not know where their next meal is coming from. But on March 22, 1972, President Nixon signed into law a measure that establishes a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. For nearly 45 years, these critical programs--commonly referred to as Meals on Wheels--have delivered more than just nutritious meals to homebound seniors in virtually every community across the country. Meals on Wheels programs have come together each March, since 2002, to celebrate this proven collaboration of local community organizations, businesses, all levels of government, and compassionate individuals to ensure their seniors are not forgotten. Thank you to everyone who works to help our seniors live healthy lives.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a true treasure in central Pennsylvania, actually in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, the Nittany Theatre at the Barn. This one-of-a-kind theater has a storied history which started in the late 1800s as the service barn on a working farm. The Boal family settled the region for which the town Boalsburg is named. This town was on the main road for travelers from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. The Boal Mansion estate, which dates to 1789, is a national registered landmark. The fourth generation of the Boal family, Colonel Theodore Davis Boal, married a descendant of Christopher Columbus and brought the Columbus Chapel to the Boal Mansion from Spain in 1909. This included an admiral's desk said to belong to Columbus himself. By the 1930s, the estate's aging barn was retired from farm use, but it would eventually take on a whole new life. Pierre Boal retired from the diplomatic service for the country following World War II. He wanted to make the family's estate into a regional museum to display the family's vast collection of treasures and artifacts. Mr. Boal hired Lillian Dickson-Major, an English stage and film actress and lover of history, to be the first curator of the new Boal Mansion Museum. She arrived in 1953 and immediately began preparing the estate for museum service. Lillian looked at the emptied barn and saw its potential as the site for a ``most unusual theatre.'' At the same time, theater professionals throughout the country and at nearby Penn State University wondered how theater would continue to survive in a world that was captivated by television and Technicolor motion pictures. Pierre and Lillian invited several Penn State professors and theater specialists to make their plans. To close the deal, Pierre Boal leased the old barn to the newly formed Centre County Theatre Association for the generous sum of zero dollars as a means to invite and encourage culture and theater in Centre County. Entrusted to oversee the construction of a state-of-the-art arena theater, the Centre County Theatre Association brought life to Lillian's vision of the barn as a ``most unusual theatre.'' After several years of preparations and construction, the theater opened at the barn in the summer of 1959 and was a tremendous success. Many audiences enjoyed the summer performances in the old barn for decades. After a long run, the community theater company let the old barn go dark, but it was only for a brief time before Nittany Theatre at the Barn took up the cause to breathe new life once again into the historic community treasure. State-of-the-art advancements were made at the barn, merging the latest technologies with good, old-fashioned summer stock theater. The house is stocked with 99 seats, retaining all the charm and intimacy that made the barn legendary. In addition, to enhance audiences' experiences, brand-new, state-of-the-art LED lighting and Broadway quality sound systems were installed. Nittany Theatre also partners with Penn State's School of Theatre to allow Penn State's young actors to share the stage with local seasoned actors. Mr. Speaker, this theater is full of history and full of life. For nearly 60 years, audiences in Happy Valley have enthusiastically embraced summer theater in Pennsylvania's oldest arena barn theater. I congratulate all those who have kept this community gem open for business throughout the years. As they say in the business, ``break a leg'' this summer.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week marks Rare Disease Week on the Hill. Many Members of this House will meet with patients, caregivers, physicians, family members, and advocates from across the country about how their lives are impacted by disease. The National Institutes of Health considers a disease rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people across the United States. Many times the disease is accompanied by uncommon or mismatched symptoms that make diagnosing the illness difficult, and many times such illnesses are without a cure. Mr. Speaker, before I came to Congress, I was a healthcare professional, and I have seen firsthand how devastating a disease or injury can be to an individual and to families. I welcome the rare disease community to Washington this week, and I look forward to meeting with Representatives from the Fifth District of Pennsylvania, including Tom Weiser, James and Jean Rickard from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Education can help shape healthcare policy, Mr. Speaker, to better meet the needs of the rare disease community, and I am pleased to be a part of that conversation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to identify an important rung on the economic ladder. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, can help pave the way for recipients to climb the economic ladder through work training. The truth is simple: where poverty exists, skills gaps can prevent access to jobs with family-sustaining wages. Underemployment and unemployed are leading causes of poverty, and promoting pathways to employment is the best way to help individuals climb the economic ladder out of poverty and into self-sufficiency. Combined with other welfare programs, SNAP recipients may face a welfare cliff when they are just above the income eligibility level, which can create disincentives to finding work or increasing earnings. Better enforcement of work requirements is needed in some States, and enforcement needs to be coupled with more effective SNAP employment and training programs. As the House Agriculture Nutrition Subcommittee chair and House Career and Technical Education Caucus co-chair, I am committed to reforming the nutrition needs of today and greater opportunities for tomorrow for all Americans.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the important role the Manufacturing Extension Partnership plays in strengthening U.S. manufacturing. This public-private partnership consists of a nationwide system of centers located throughout the United States. Manufacturers can receive several services by visiting a designated MEP center, including workforce development, supply chain development, commercialization, exporting, and many other helpful strategies. I recently had the opportunity to meet with the Innovative Manufacturers' Center in my home district. The IMC works to increase the innovation, productivity, and growth for manufacturers in central Pennsylvania. Over the past 25 years, IMC has helped more than 600 manufacturing companies in its 12-county region of the Keystone State. Mr. Speaker, American manufacturing is a critical part of our economy. I am pleased to see that public-private partnership is working to help support small and midsized manufacturers. These are the businesses that employ our neighbors and produce quality made in America products. I look forward to seeing their continued growth, and I salute the centers nationwide that help them do just that.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the House Agriculture Committee has been focused on the issue of food insecurity and the programs that serve those in need beyond personal resources, family support, and community programs. Many are surprised to learn that 22,000 Active Duty military families receive supplemental nutritional assistance, or SNAP. Food insecurity for the families of these American heroes can be triggered by low pay among lower-ranking enlistees, high military spouse unemployment, larger household sizes, and unexpected financial emergencies. We lifted one barrier to SNAP assistance for military families by disbanding the Department of Defense-administered Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance, or FSSA. It was determined that the FSSA benefit was duplicative, underutilized, hard to qualify for, and less valuable than SNAP, with as few as 100 military families utilizing FSSA. Another significant barrier that prevents some military families from qualifying for SNAP is the fact that their off-base housing allowance counts as income when computing eligibility. It is my hope we remedy this. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare for reauthorization of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, we must remember the needs of America's finest and their families, our American military. After all, nutrition matters.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, there will be a lot of focus on hearts, and I would like to talk about heart health. February marks American Heart Month, which is an annual awareness campaign for the number one killer in the United States--heart disease. The first American Heart Month was declared in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. While the death rate from heart disease has dropped considerably since the 1960s, we still have much work to do. More than 17 million deaths a year are attributed to heart disease and stroke. But studies show that 80 percent of cardiac events and strokes are preventable. What is truly important for Americans to know is that heart disease is within their control if they have a family history where a loved one has suffered, or even died, from heart disease. The good news is that the risk of heart disease can be lowered through a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups. It is my hope that all Americans will take their heart health seriously and educate themselves on how to lead a healthy life in the spirit of American Heart Month.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 107th birthday of an organization near and dear to my heart: the Boy Scouts of America. On May 17, 1977, I became an Eagle Scout myself as a member of Boy Scout Troop 52, Walker Township, Pennsylvania. Over the years, I have proudly held various leadership roles with Boy Scout troops in Pennsylvania, including two separate stints as scoutmaster of Troop 353 in Howard. One of my greatest honors was to witness 29 young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout during my time as scoutmaster. The Boy Scouts of America is the largest Scouting organization in the United States, one of the largest youth organizations in the world. It boasts more than 2.4 million youth participants and more than 1 million adult volunteers. Mr. Speaker, at its core, Scouting encourages that we leave this world a little bit better than how we found it. This value-based youth development organization provides programs for young people that build character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness, personal self-reliance. The Boy Scouts of America has helped build future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes--and, through over a century of experience, knows--that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. Scouting focuses on moral character development, citizenship training, and development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Scouting promotes serving others every day in ways big and small. These values are something all of us can respect and admire. Family involvement is an essential part of the program, and parents are encouraged to play an active role in making the most of the short time they have to impact the lives of their children. Scouting is designed to be experienced outdoors. Hiking, camping, mountain biking, skateboarding, BMX, mountain climbing, kayaking, white-water rafting--these are just some of a Scout's outdoor experiences. The Scouting program is delivered through local civic, faith-based, and educational institutions called charter organizations, which operate Scouting units to deliver the programs to their youth members as well as the community at large. These organizations are dedicated to helping youth learn and grow, and I have enthusiastically been involved in Scouting for decades. Boy Scouts offer more than 130 merit badges, from archery and art to welding and wilderness survival. Scouting is the ultimate form of learning by doing. Boy Scouts explore their interests and improve their skills while working towards Scouting's highest rank: Eagle. By first imaging, planning, then doing their own service projects, Boy Scouts learn the value of hard work and experience the thrill of seeing it pay off. Add in outdoor adventures, hiking, and camping, and Scouting gives boys all the experiences they need to become fine men. The Venturing program, which is a co-ed division of the Boy Scouts, is geared towards men and women, ages 14 to 20. Venturing's motto ``Lead the Adventure'' is truly geared towards the pursuit of adventure: exploring new places with friends and accomplishing challenges together. There are currently 158,000 Venturers and 58,000 adult volunteers with the Venturing program in the United States. Mr. Speaker, I cannot be more proud of this organization and the way it helps shape young lives. Happy birthday, Boy Scouts of America. Thank you for the wisdom that you have imparted in millions of Americans.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, February is Career and Technical Education Month. As co-chairman of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, and as a senior member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I have long been aware of the importance of CTE programs that provide 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. CTE is taught in a range of settings, from high schools and area technical centers, to technical and 2-year community colleges. In total, 12.5 million high school and college students are enrolled in CTE programs across the Nation. Last Congress, I was proud to introduce the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This bill, which passed the House by a vote of 405-5, aimed to close the skills gap by modernizing the Federal investment in CTE programs and connecting educators with industry stakeholders. I look forward to reintroducing similar legislation this Congress and I remain committed to working with the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), my CTE Caucus co-chair and good friend, to improve our Nation's career and technical education system.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of the veterans that have made incredible sacrifices for our country. Our Nation must ensure that they have access to resources that they need to be successful in civilian life. This certainly includes access to nutritious 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, or Vietnam. Veterans of all ages may also have widely varying levels of disabilities or limitations. Veteran advocacy groups are focused on obtaining a veteran's earned benefits. Often veterans are not connected to SNAP right away and they should be. As the Agriculture Committee prepares to reauthorize SNAP, we must remain vigilant in our dedication to serve those who have given so much in defense of our Nation. SNAP cannot solve all of the challenges a veteran faces, but it can be a vital component of serving eligible veterans once they return home.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about some significant changes for our education system that will help reestablish local control for our States, for our educators, and, above all else, for our students. The Every Student Succeeds Act, or the ESSA, was passed in December of 2015, with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and the Senate. This bill took unilateral power over the public school system away from the Secretary of Education in Washington and gave it back to the States and the local education agencies. This change allowed States to develop their own accountability systems with which to measure the success of their schools and educators. However, the final guidance on this law issued by the Obama administration, in November of 2016, contained a number of provisions that significantly expanded the law's requirements and violated the statute's prohibition against overreach by the Secretary. Essentially, this action ignored congressional intent by attempting to constrain State decisionmaking. Mr. Speaker, the very intent of ESSA is to encourage flexibility and innovation in education, not stifle it. This landmark legislation is meant to prepare students for the 21st century economy, empower parents to get out of the bleachers and back into the classrooms, and to allow our dedicated educators to teach and inspire future generations. ESSA moved the Federal Government out of the way and gave our educators flexibility to forget about the ``teach to the test'' environment that had become commonplace in our public schools. Teachers were, again, allowed to truly teach and not merely focus on meeting the demands of the Federal Government. Education should serve the needs of our youth, our children, not the needs of government. This happened by taking unprecedented steps to rein in the unilateral power of the United States Secretary of Education and give it back to the States and local education agencies. It prohibited the Secretary from adding new requirements to State education plans, being involved in the peer-review process, and exceeding his or her statutory authority. It also allows school districts to gradually disentangle themselves from Common Core without penalty. Mr. Speaker, what we know is that one-size-fits-all options do not work. ESSA was passed with the promise that the Education Department's role would be limited, and that States would be back in control of education decisions. It is critically important that Congress keep this promise, and that over-regulation will not continue to negatively impact our Nation's teachers and our students. That is why I support the Congressional Review Act resolution in the House today that disapproves of the Obama administration's requirements that significantly expanded the Department of Education's purview regarding accountability and State plans under the Every Student Succeeds Act. This Congress must ensure ESSA is enacted as it was intended and be stripped of any provisions that expand the reach of the Secretary of Education. Now, I am looking forward to going back to the original intent of this bipartisan bill that was approved in both Chambers, and I want all of our children to love learning from passionate teachers who don't teach to a test, but they teach to the students. Our kids deserve no less.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the start of National School Counseling Week to recognize the tremendous impact that school counselors have on our students. School counselors are committed to helping students realize their full potential. They encourage students to explore their ability, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development. National School Counseling Week is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association and is always observed during the first full week of February. This week's theme is ``School Counseling: Helping Students Realize Their Potential.'' Mr. Speaker, what we know is that school counselors are integral to student success. Counselors not only help students reach their academic and career goals, but they focus on assisting with social and personal development, too. Many parents also benefit from the assistance of school counselors as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world. Our counselors play a vital role in the total education of children. I salute these professionals in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and throughout the United States for their dedication to preparing our students to achieve success and become productive members of society in this ever-changing world. Thank you to our school counselors for all you do to help educate students nationwide. Happy National School Counseling Week.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today marks the conclusion of the annual Catholic Schools Week in America, and I rise today to celebrate these quality educational institutions. This year, the theme celebrated was ``Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.'' Schools across the country observe the week with masses, open houses, and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and community members. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and contributions to their church, communities, and to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, Catholic schools provide an excellent education to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. These schools offer academic excellence and faith-filled education for students nationwide. National test scores, high school graduation rates, college attendance, and other data show Catholic schools frequently outperform schools in both the public and private sectors. While there have been challenges to enrollment in some areas, the good news is that there is a strong demand and enthusiasm for the rigorous and quality education Catholic schools provide. Nearly 30 percent of the schools have waiting lists for admission, and new schools are opening across the country. Congratulations to all involved in Catholic Schools Week and your efforts to educate the next generation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today is a big day in the Fifth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, specifically, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as our most famous resident had his day in the sun, literally. Early this morning, Punxsutawney Phil, our weather-expert groundhog saw his shadow. For those of you who know the old German legend, this means that we are in for six more weeks of winter. Punxsy Phil has been forecasting the weather since the 1800s. He drinks a magical punch annually on February 2, which is an elixir of life that extends his life by 7 years. Crowds gathered on Gobbler's Knob before sunrise today for the 131st celebration. While there are many wannabes, accept no substitution for the original prognosticator. The crowd chanted Phil's name repeatedly to awaken him, and then Phil, known in his hometown as the Seer of Seers, came to deliver the news. Records going back to 1887 show that Phil has forecasted a longer winter 103 times and an early spring just 18 times. Today in Punxsutawney it was a balmy 30 degrees, so don't pack up your winter gear just yet. Phil says we have six more weeks. Happy Groundhog Day.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition for the 115th Congress, I am confident that we must work to ensure that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP is meeting the needs of those that it is intended to serve. The House Agriculture Committee hearings have highlighted how nutrition matters and the specific ways that vulnerable populations are well served by a strong, sound, and reliable food program. SNAP serves a diverse population who share a common need for nutritional support beyond what is available based on personal means, family support, and community resources. Now, according to a 2015 USDA report, 42.7 percent of SNAP recipients are children, while single parent households are more susceptible to food insecurity, especially those who are single mothers. Two-parent families also struggle, at times, to put food on the table. Children whose households face food insecurity, face both negative developmental and health consequences. A child's future success goes beyond what any single government program can or should achieve. SNAP is not the only means of breaking the cycle of poverty, but it certainly plays a key role in increasing food security for children. Mr. Speaker, for me, SNAP is not merely a food program but a pathway that works to lift people out of poverty. It is a tool for the better health and development of our children who deserve no less.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I just came back from the organizing committee meeting with my good friend from California for the House Agriculture Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to work with this gentleman and all of the folks who serve on that committee that really provides policy to our Nation's agriculture industry. It is about making sure that Americans have access to affordable, high quality, and safe food. I actually look at the Agriculture Committee as well as having a dual mission of making sure that the rural economies of our Nation are robust or successful. Mr. Speaker, I rise to say thank you and farewell to Scott Graves, staff director of the House Agriculture Committee, an individual who served well for many years. Mr. Speaker, as you know, there is a right way to do business here in the House, and Scott Graves has understood what it takes to manage the Agriculture Committee, the chairman's personal affairs and agenda. But he also has found time to help out members of this committee from both sides of the aisle. Knowing is one thing; execution is everything. I have always been impressed with the way we have been able to work on the committee in a bipartisan manner for the good of agriculture, and 320 million Americans have benefited from safety, innovation, and forward thinking of the agriculture industry. Under Scott's leadership, he made this look easy. Now, as he embarks upon the next step in his career, I wish Scott Graves all the best, his wife, his little boy, and his little one to be born later this year. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a slogan on every road sign entering the State, and the sign reads, ``You've got a friend in Pennsylvania.'' Well, Scott, you don't have to drive far, but realize this holds true for me and all of my staff, you've got a friend in Pennsylvania. SNAP Helps Lift People Out of Poverty

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Washington State, whom I have been proud to serve with. I had an opportunity to visit his district, and I know natural resources are extremely important to him. I appreciate his yielding on what is germane to this discussion, which is basically trying to claw back regulations that had no basis in science that essentially were causing harm and taking away good-paying jobs for Americans. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the underlying legislation, which disapproves of a midnight regulation that the Obama administration made with just 1 month left in his Presidency. The stream protection rule negatively targets coal country and will devastate communities that have already been hit hard by job losses and reduced mining activity making sure that America has affordable and reliable energy and electricity. Pennsylvania is the fifth largest coal producing State and generates roughly 25 percent of its electricity from coal-fired power plants. Coal-fired electricity provides roughly 30,000 jobs in my State, equaling nearly $8 billion in economic impact. Although coal continues to be an essential component of our energy mix, this rule duplicates many existing laws while providing very little environmental gain. What the rule does is expands the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's regulatory authority. In effect, this Federal agency would overtake the regulatory authorities of individual States. This makes no sense. States should be able to continue their own regulation of coal production. This is the epitome of a midnight rule that has more to do with empowering the Federal Government at the expense of coal miners' jobs than it has to do with protecting streams. The Office of Surface Mining's own reports show that virtually all coal mines have no offsite impacts. The reports year over year show that coal mines are being safely operated and the lands are being successfully restored thanks to the watchful eyes of the States that regulate 97 percent of the mines in the United States. This rule does nothing to protect our streams that State and Federal regulators are not already doing. We do not need a one-size-fits-all approach from Washington, which rarely works. In order to bring real-world thinking back into the regulatory process, we must act quickly to stop this rule. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, Members of Congress and leaders from across the globe will gather in Washington, D.C., to mark one of our finest traditions: the National Prayer Breakfast. This event is hosted annually on the first Thursday in February. More than 3,000 people typically gather for this international forum that allows individuals from various sectors--including political, business, and social--to build relationships and come together in faith, fellowship, and prayer. Personally, I look forward to the National Prayer Breakfast each year as a time when thousands around the world and right here at home can reflect on their faith, focus on the year ahead, and walk away from this remarkable event with a renewed sense of hope and faith. This nonpartisan event brings together so many unique individuals who will hear the stories of inspiration from faith-filled speakers. From the Book of First Chronicles, Scripture tells us to, ``Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.'' This is what we will be seeking at the National Prayer Breakfast. It is my hope that I will see many of my colleagues there this Thursday.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the unsung heroes in many rural communities throughout America: our volunteer firefighters. These dedicated volunteers answer the call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They spend time away from their families and homes. The training that is required can be costly and very time consuming. Our volunteer firefighters make these sacrifices because they care deeply about their friends and neighbors. They care about their communities. But rural America is facing a real problem with dwindling numbers of those who are willing to volunteer. A National Fire Protection Association report published last year shows the number of volunteer firefighters per 1,000 people has been decreasing since 1986. Gone are the days when those seeking to volunteer had to add their names to a waiting list to join their local fire department. Sometimes volunteers could wait for years to be added to the roster, but that is not how it is anymore as fewer individuals are interested in signing up. This is not unique to Pennsylvania, but it is happening in communities across the country. Small communities reap the benefits of having volunteer forces. According to a 2016 National Fire Prevention Association study, the time donated by volunteer firefighters saves localities across the country an estimated $139.8 billion a year. The savings are clear, and the service could not be more important. That is why last year I hosted two fire summits in my district to speak directly with local firefighters and try to identify not only the challenges that they face, but also some solutions to those problems. Funding is always a problem that plagues volunteer departments and can truly decline quickly when we think of what it costs to purchase new equipment and be compliant with the latest regulations. Small communities are often already stressed economically and do not have a tax base that can assume another increase; but equipment replacement is paramount, and it can sometimes mean the life or death of a firefighter. Volunteer fire departments also face training challenges. Firefighters in rural communities regularly need to travel long distances for instructional courses, and paying for the necessary training can be difficult. Training sessions might not focus enough on firefighting in rural communities, which is different from that in urban communities in a number of ways. Personnel challenges remain a constant issue with declining populations, aging firefighters who are not being replaced with those of a younger generation, and a lack of tangible retention incentives. Yet, with all of these challenges, fire departments are faced with higher call volumes than ever before, according to a study from the National Volunteer Fire Council. Most fire departments across the country have experienced a steady increase in calls over the past two decades. This is a major source of the increased time demands on volunteer firefighters. The number of calls, coupled with the decline in the number of volunteer firefighters, means that fire departments are continuously spread too thin. Most of the increase is attributed to a sharp rise in the number of emergency medical calls, false alarms, and the use of mutual aid as the number of firefighters has decreased. Mr. Speaker, the dangerous work that these men and women do in order to protect the homes and livelihoods of Americans is not something that should be taken for granted. These first responders put their lives on the line and make great sacrifices in order to protect their neighbors and communities from harm. As a volunteer firefighter and EMT rescue technician myself and as a member of the Congressional Fire Caucus, I am grateful for the services that our first responders--brothers and sisters who serve the communities--provide and the constant state of readiness that they operate under. While we must not forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice through their service, we must also ensure that their colleagues and all of our Nation's first responders are respected and have the resources they need to safely perform their jobs. That is why I am working with the volunteer fire departments in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District to develop solutions-- ideas--to not only recruit more firefighters but to retain them. It is my hope that, by increasing awareness and examining incentives, we might be able to strengthen and grow the rosters of our volunteer fire departments. We know that this service is critical, and we must respect those who are willing to show up, day or night, to protect their neighbors. Thank you to all of our volunteers who answer when the alarm sounds. We value you; we respect you; and I hope we can find more of you to serve.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, before coming to Congress, I worked as a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and rehab services manager. There is no greater joy in the health profession than to see your patient make progress after a debilitating disease or disability. I rise today to speak about how we can allow more patients the ability to live full and healthy lives through therapy. Last week, with Congressman G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina, I reintroduced the Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act. This bill would allow physicians to prescribe what they consider to be most medically necessary treatments for Medicare beneficiaries within the comprehensive inpatient rehab setting. In 2010, Medicare narrowed its coverage options and limited therapeutic services to just physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and orthotics and prosthetics. Meaning that if a doctor thought that a patient would be served by recreational therapy, it is currently not an option covered by Medicare. Well, that is wrong. Medicare coverage should support a patient's recovery plan as directed by their physician. Such therapies are intended to help those who have suffered a life-altering injury recover their functions and transition back to living a full life. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan commonsense bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the importance of nutrition as it relates to agriculture policy in America. Proudly, I am the vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 115th Congress and chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee. Agriculture policy is near and dear to my heart, as it is the number one industry in Pennsylvania. It brings nearly $6.9 billion annually in cash receipts to the Commonwealth. Almost half a million jobs are tied to the industry, which positively impacts all Pennsylvanians. Our farmers feed America. Farmers play a pivotal role in the nutrition of families in this country. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity has decreased across the Nation in recent years. However, USDA found that 12.7 percent of all households in the United States faced hunger in 2015. Mr. Speaker, no one in America should go hungry. The Nutrition Subcommittee oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which used to be referred to as food stamps. Over the past 2 years, under the leadership of Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, this subcommittee examined what is working with SNAP and what could be improved. More than 43 million Americans rely on SNAP to put food on the table for themselves and their families. SNAP has grown from a pilot program that served just 500,000 people in 1964 to a program that served more than 47 million Americans at the height of the recession. SNAP is now the largest program under the Agriculture Committee's jurisdiction, accounting for almost 80 percent of farm bill spending, and is the largest Federal food program serving low-income families in the United States. SNAP is literally a lifeline for many of the least fortunate among us. During the subcommittee's examination of SNAP, it hosted more than 16 hearings and had 60 witnesses testify. The goals of these hearings were to better understand SNAP and the population it serves, to review how SNAP utilizes cash and noncash benefits to serve that population, and to examine ways the program could be improved. Four themes emerged from the hearings: First, serving SNAP recipients through innovation and flexibility in program delivery. The need for nutrition assistance cannot be addressed by just one program or just one group. It requires more collaboration between governments, charities, businesses, health systems, communities, individuals, and many others. Second, climbing the economic ladder through work. Mr. Speaker, the number one leading causes of poverty are unemployment and underemployment. We must promote pathways to employment as the best way to help individuals climb the economic ladder out of poverty and into self-sufficiency. Third, maintaining program integrity. SNAP needs clear program goals and must be evaluated according to metrics aligned with those goals to generate program improvement. While we want to give States flexibility in administering SNAP, it should not jeopardize the overall integrity of the program. Fourth, improving food access and promoting healthy food. This theme really gets at the heart of the issue: Americans in both urban and rural communities cannot improve their diets without adequate access to healthy food. Offering nutrition education is essential to help SNAP recipients develop healthy lifestyles and healthy eating habits. There is so much at stake when it comes to SNAP. Most SNAP recipients face more challenges than food insecurity. They also face housing, utility, transportation, and child care costs, among others. Through the subcommittee's thorough investigation, we were able to fully review how to deliver SNAP to those who need it most. We also examined ways to keep the program viable for years to come. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office currently projects that SNAP will cost an average of $69.75 billion per year over the next 10 years, making it the largest Federal food program serving low-income families in the United States. Mr. Speaker, I recently volunteered at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to help area veterans and their families to ensure they do not go hungry. When we help meet the nutritional needs of military families, it allows them to focus on other pressing issues. The same goes for all families in America. I am committed to ensuring that SNAP continues to work for those who need it most, and to make certain that the program remains viable for decades to come. I look forward to getting to work on this in the 115th Congress.