Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the good work of the Congressional German-American Caucus and to urge new Members of the House to consider joining. I am cochairman of the caucus with Representative Bill Keating from Massachusetts. The caucus seeks to highlight the friendship and the alliance between the United States and Germany. We do so through an Oktoberfest networking event and through our support of programs like the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange internship program. The caucus also discusses timely topics, such as trade, security, and foreign affairs, and how they relate to our German counterparts. Mr. Speaker, German heritage has become widespread in America. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Germans are the largest single ethnic group in the United States. Frederick Muhlenberg, a German immigrant and Lutheran pastor from Pennsylvania, whose family also founded Muhlenberg College, was the first Speaker of this House following the signing of the new Constitution. Our caucus has nearly 100 members in the House, and I urge all of those who are interested in joining to do so today.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, I will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, legacy by volunteering my time to help veterans in my community. Congressman Scott Perry of Pennsylvania's Fourth District and I will be at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in Harrisburg to pack boxes for the MilitaryShare program. MilitaryShare is a program that serves fresh, nutritious meals to families with at least one member who has served in the military. This program assists area veterans and their families to ensure they do not go hungry. Our veterans have numerous needs when they leave the military, and many of them are life-threatening challenges as a result of combat such as post-traumatic stress injury. When we help meet the nutritional needs of military families, it allows them to focus on other pressing issues such as joblessness or treatment for combat-related health issues. MilitaryShare serves more than 4,000 households in central Pennsylvania, which translates to about 10,000 people a month. Mr. Speaker, to serve one's country is a noble and selfless act. The very least we can do is to help our veterans transition to civilian life when they return home.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as the mercury dropped to record lows this week in Pennsylvania, I rise to highlight an upcoming cold-weather event in State College, Pennsylvania. The Light Up State College will attempt to break a Guinness World Record next month by lighting more than 3,000 ice luminaries on Allen Street between College Avenue and Beaver Avenue at 6 p.m. the first Saturday in February. Now, you may ask: What is an ice luminary? According to Guinness, ice luminaries are cup-shaped structures made purely out of ice that hold a light inside. Those interested in helping break this record can pick up a do-it-yourself ice luminary kit in downtown State College. The current world record contains 2,561 separate lanterns and was set in 2013 by the residents of a small town in Sweden. They have been making ice luminary lanterns to coincide with a nearby winter market for the past 10 years. Light Up State College is a partnership of three groups: Centre Foundation, Make Space, and the Knight Foundation. Organizers have asked individuals in State College to commit to making ice luminaries, as more than 2,000 are still needed to help put State College over the line and on the map in the Guinness Book of World Records. This record- breaking event will take place in State College on Saturday, February 4. I wish them the best of luck.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, before I was elected to serve in the House of Representatives, I spent nearly 30 years in the nonprofit healthcare field assisting those individuals who were facing life-changing diseases and disability. Additionally, as a member of my home community, I have volunteered for decades as an emergency medical technician, serving my neighbors in their time of trauma or medical emergency needs. I am acutely aware of the challenges many face when it comes to obtaining reasonably priced health care. It is especially critical for rural America, like much of the Fifth Congressional District of Pennsylvania. We are facing a healthcare crisis in our Nation's rural areas. These often disadvantaged populations are still struggling to access affordable, quality care. Many remain uninsured. Many find themselves newly uninsured as a result of the pressures and the demands and the mandates of the Affordable Care Act. Most are underinsured; however, access to quality care really does remain the largest challenge. Even when people gain access to health insurance or coverage, it does not equal access to care. Rural hospitals across the country are closing, leaving patients without access to their emergency rooms and long-term care facilities. When you close a hospital in a rural area, the result is a commute that means the difference, frequently, between life and death. Eighty rural hospitals have closed since 2010. One in three rural hospitals are financially vulnerable. At the current closure rate, more than 25 percent of rural hospitals will close in less than a decade. As this Congress examines ways to improve our Nation's healthcare system, we must not forget that rural health care is unique and requires different programs to succeed. In addition to hospital closures, a workforce shortage plagues rural America; 77 percent of more than 2,000 rural counties in the United States are designated as having a shortage of healthcare professionals. Recruitment and retention of experienced professionals, including primary care physicians, is an ongoing challenge. Mr. Speaker, no matter how you pay for health care, if there are not qualified and trained professionals in those communities, healthcare access does not exist. Congress must act to stop cuts to rural hospitals and strengthen the healthcare workforce in underserved areas. Furthermore, the opioid epidemic that is sweeping the Nation has ravaged our rural communities, leaving even more of the population in need of crucial health services. Adolescents and young adults living in rural areas are more vulnerable to opioid abuse than their urban counterparts. The prevalence of fatal drug overdoses has skyrocketed in rural areas. High unemployment and a greater rate of the types of injuries that result in prescriptions for opioid medications have contributed to this. For these reasons, I again look forward to cosponsoring the Save Rural Hospitals Act in the 115th Congress. We must ensure access to health care for Americans living in rural areas. On average, trauma victims in rural areas must travel twice as far as victims in urban areas to the closest hospital. As a result, 60 percent of trauma deaths occur in rural areas, even though only 20 percent of Americans live in rural areas. The Affordable Care Act was supposed to help cut costs for health care, but that did not happen for everyone. American families have found out the hard way, with increased taxes, looming regulations, and a slew of broken promises, from untrue cost controls to limitations on consumer choice. We were told that, ``if you like your coverage, you can keep it.'' Well, that was not even close to being true. I look forward to working with my colleagues to fix our flawed healthcare system. Currently, healthcare costs have gone up, premiums have increased by double digits, but choices have decreased. Deductibles are so high that many Americans, despite having ``coverage,'' cannot afford to seek care under that coverage. Well, that is not right. It is not fair, and it is not feasible. There must be a better way, and I know together we can work to find a stable transition to a 21st century healthcare system that works for everyone in America, particularly for those in rural regions where the need is great and the services are scarce.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of People for Life, a nonprofit in Erie County, Pennsylvania, that is dedicated to educating and promoting right-to- life causes in northwestern Pennsylvania. This organization hosts several events throughout the year to bring together people of the pro-life community. People for Life organizes an annual bus trip to participate in the national March for Life in Washington, D.C., and it also hosts its own March for Life in Erie. For nearly four decades, People for Life has hosted a Pro-Life Breakfast that highlights the sanctity of human life in all phases and conditions. Attendees can hear stories of love, courage, and victory through God's mercy and grace. I thank People for Life for all the work it has done in Erie and northwestern Pennsylvania on this topic of such great importance. They work to save lives through education and love. They recognize how sacred each human life is and fully understand the need to protect the most vulnerable. They are a voice for the voiceless. I am deeply grateful for their work.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate an industry that allows Americans to have access to affordable, high- quality, and safe food--the agriculture industry: our farmers, our ranchers, farm families. Without food security, we do not have national security; so I am here today to recognize all of those who work so hard in that industry. Over the weekend, some members of the House Agriculture Committee were able to join me in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, our State capital, to attend the 101st annual Pennsylvania Farm Show. This event has been widely attended for generations, and it is the largest indoor agriculture expo in the country. It showcases 300 commercial exhibits, 6,000 heads of animal, 10,000 competitive exhibits, and more than a half a million visitors. On Saturday, Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway and I hosted a public listening session. We wanted Members of Congress to hear directly from farmers and ranchers, from FFA members, from kids in 4- H--the future of agriculture--on how agriculture policy impacts them. I thank the following Members who were able to join us at the farm show: Congressman Mark Amodei, Congressman Lou Barletta, Congressman Tom Marino, Congressman Dan Newhouse, and Congressman Ted Yoho. We covered a range of topics, Mr. Speaker, during our public forum, from raising awareness about agriculture education, to hearing very real concerns from our dairy farmers, to receiving an update from our forest industry about the best ways to strengthen forest management. As chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, this was of particular interest to me. The Pennsylvania Farm Show, which continues throughout this week, brings together so many different farmers and growers and ranchers, all with unique issues. This, truly, is an event like no other. The Farm Show Complex and Expo Center houses 24 acres under one roof, spread throughout 11 buildings, including three arenas. There is no admission fee. It is a great event for the entire family, and there are numerous educational shows that are, obviously, all free of charge. This year's theme is ``Our Commonwealth's Blue Ribbon Experience.'' It reminds us that there really is something for everyone, farmers and nonfarmers alike. The Pennsylvania Farm Show provides an atmosphere for everyone to walk through, observe, and educate themselves about different areas of agriculture and to be able to reconnect with the farm--the Commonwealth's largest industry, which brings in nearly $6.9 billion annually in agricultural cash receipts. Almost a half million jobs are tied to the industry, which positively impacts all Pennsylvanians. Undoubtedly, one of the most popular attractions at the Pennsylvania Farm Show is the food court, which is located in the complex. The food court offers visitors a variety of Pennsylvania preferred products, and it generates income to support the nonprofit Pennsylvania Agricultural Commodity Organizations. There is where you will find the famous Farm Show baked potatoes. The Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc., is the oldest in the United States, chartered in 1922. The money raised during the week helps to support the marketing and the promotion of Pennsylvania potatoes. Money is also used to pay the dues for Pennsylvania growers to belong to national potato organizations, fund research projects, and promotional opportunities for Pennsylvania's growers. Our delegation was able to stop by and sample some of the well-known potato doughnuts. The Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association is also on hand at the expo. This service organization provides scholarships, youth programs, and agricultural education programs across the Commonwealth. It also maintains the milk house facilities that are located in the farm show complex. The Dairymen rely on the revenues that are generated during the farm show to fund their activities, including a statewide fresh milk program, called Fill a Glass with Hope. All of their activities are bolstered with the sales of milkshakes, milk and chocolate milk, ice cream sundaes, grilled cheese sandwiches, ice cream cones, and my favorite--fried cheese cubes. Over a century ago, the first Pennsylvania Farm Show was a 3-day exhibit. Today, the event is a weeklong celebration of how the agriculture industry touches our lives every day. If you pick up a fork, a spoon, or a knife, you are touched by agriculture. Proudly, this event draws visitors from across the country to highlight everything our State has to offer when it comes to agriculture. As the 115th Congress begins to address the next farm bill, listening sessions like the one that we hosted Saturday will continue to be critically important. Policy that is based on discussion within the vacuum--the beltway--of Washington usually fails and falters. When we open it up to the people who are impacted, we get the best policy. If you are looking for the best agriculture expo in the country, head to Harrisburg this week.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize seven Elk County Catholic High School band students who performed on December 7 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for the 75th anniversary of the tragic attacks that brought the United States into World War II. This anniversary marks one of the major milestones, which may be one of the few opportunities for survivors of the attacks to participate. Elk County Catholic represented the Commonwealth, alongside the survivors of the USS Pennsylvania, one of the eight battleships in Pearl Harbor on that fateful day in 1941. I am so proud of how the students paid tribute to World War II veterans who served at Pearl Harbor and all of the military men and women that fought for our Nation. This event was especially close to the heart of baritone saxophone player, Luke Ferragine, whose grandfather is a World War II veteran. Also performing in the honor band was Emily Miller, Kendra Smithbauer, Holly Kim, Andrew Wingard, Simon Glatt, and Nathan Schlosser. Congratulations to each of them.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to commend the law enforcement officers throughout our Nation who answer the call to serve their communities. Law enforcement officers face increasingly difficult circumstances while working to serve and protect the public. It is a dangerous job, and often it is a thankless job. Just last week, Pennsylvania mourned the loss of a 23-year-old Pennsylvania State Police trooper who was shot and killed while investigating a domestic incident. Our officers put on their uniforms each day knowing that they can be in harm's way at any moment. They answer the calls in times of distress, they follow the rules, and they wear the badge proudly. We must remember that our officers are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and husbands and wives. They are human, and they arguably have one of the most difficult jobs in America. So today, and each day, let's honor our brothers and sisters in blue. Let's thank them for the important work they do to keep us all safe.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as the House is set to begin debate on H.R. 26, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act, commonly referred to as the REINS Act, as a cosponsor of this bill, I rise to express my strong support for its passage. This bill requires that any Federal regulation with a significant economic impact be subject to an up-or-down vote in both Chambers of Congress. Currently, the President has the power to implement regulations over executive agencies on a broad basis with little congressional consent. The balance of power in Washington has often shifted increasingly toward the executive branch. This enables executive agencies to create regulations that Congress would never have approved. The pace and volume of Federal regulations and rules are increasing. In 2016 alone, the Obama administration broke all records in printing more than 97,000 pages and by issuing more than 3,800 rules and regulations in the Federal Register. Unfortunately, the bureaucracy has been empowered to create punitive regulations rather than promoting collaborative efforts with States, businesses, and the average citizen. Mr. Speaker, I encourage each of my colleagues to think of the American people and vote ``yes'' on the REINS Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Section 3: ``No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a Member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States . . .''

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the Pennsylvania Farm Show that opens this weekend in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This weeklong event is the largest indoor agricultural expo in the country. It showcases 6,000 animals and thousands of agricultural exhibits. There will be a Member listening session on Saturday, January 7, at 1:30 p.m. Proudly, Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway and I have organized a public forum for Members to hear directly from farmers and farm families. We invite all Members of the House to join us at this tremendous expo that celebrates Pennsylvania's rich history and the agriculture industry. We will tour the show and visit various exhibits. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will also join us. Agriculture is the number one industry in Pennsylvania and generates nearly $6.9 billion in agricultural cash receipts. Almost half a million jobs are tied to this industry in the Commonwealth. This show has been widely attended for generations. In fact, this year marks the 101st show. Come join us Saturday in Harrisburg as we celebrate the prominence of the agriculture industry in Pennsylvania and its importance to this Nation. We hope to see you there.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to mourn the loss of Pennsylvania State Trooper Landon Weaver, who was killed in the line of duty on Friday, December 30. Trooper Weaver had been on patrol for 1 year with the Pennsylvania State Police. He was investigating a domestic incident in Juniata Township, Huntingdon County, in Pennsylvania's Fifth District, when the situation turned deadly and he was fatally shot by the suspect. Flags throughout Pennsylvania are flying at half-staff in honor of Trooper Weaver being taken from us too soon. I rise today to speak about who Trooper Landon Weaver was: a son, a brother, a husband, a friend, a hero. Trooper Weaver's law enforcement career had just begun. He was 23 years old, and he married his high school sweetheart, Macy, in June. They graduated from Central High School in Martinsburg in 2012, and he went on to study criminal justice at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was proudly on the dean's list. In December 2015, he enlisted to join the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the State Police Academy in June, was assigned to Troop G of the Pennsylvania State Police, and served at the Huntingdon Barracks. He loved his family, and he loved being a police officer. Trooper Weaver attended Zion Lutheran Church and enjoyed spending time with his family, and especially his wife, Macy. To him, family was everything. Trooper Weaver is the 97th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to be killed in the line of duty. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his parents, Eric and Christine Weaver of East Freedom; his brother, Larett Weaver of East Freedom; his paternal grandparents, Merrill and Christine D. Weaver; as well as other family members and friends. He grew up in a small town where there is a deep sense of community. Many hearts are broken over this tragic, senseless situation. One of Trooper Weaver's teachers at Central High School in Martinsburg remembered Trooper Weaver from his days as a student. Teacher Joe Logan said Trooper Weaver was a ``great kid'' whom you could call on during times of need and he would be there. He said he was ``beside himself with grief and sadness.'' He went on to say: ``He would do anything for you. He was humble, dedicated, and a loving person to his wife and family. You'd be proud to call him a colleague or friend.'' Trooper Weaver was one of Pennsylvania's finest. He was committed to his family, to his profession, and to the community that he loved. His dedication to service embodies the values of law enforcement officers across the Nation. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to help people. Trooper Weaver put on his uniform that day and went to work like he had done so many days before, knowing that any moment he could be in harm's way. That is a commitment our officers make to serve and protect the public and uphold the law. That is the commitment that Trooper Weaver made to serve the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. May we all honor Trooper Weaver's memory. He was a young man just starting out in life. He was a newlywed with so much to look forward to. In one moment, he was gone. On behalf of the Congress of the United States and the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to his family, especially to his wife, Macy, during this tragic and difficult time. He risked his life to keep all of us safe. Trooper Landon Weaver is a hero who was taken from us too soon. May we mourn his loss and honor his memory. May God bless Landon Weaver and his family.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we remembered 2,403 Americans who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Naval Station Pearl Harbor came under attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy. In an effort to destroy the United States Pacific Fleet, Japan sent hundreds of planes and mobile submarines to attack Pearl Harbor's ships, planes, and facilities. Although the attack lasted only 2 hours, the aftermath was devastating. Eight battleships were damaged, five of which were completely sunk, and another nine vessels were lost; 188 aircraft and numerous infrastructure assets were also destroyed. Thousands of Americans gave their lives on this dreadful day, but they were not lost in vain. Their sacrifice prompted the U.S. involvement in World War II, leading to the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of millions imprisoned in concentration camps. On the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we remember those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. Their service and commitment have inspired generations of Americans and will continue to do so for years to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Pennsylvania State Little League champions, the Keystone Little League team, from Clinton County, Pennsylvania. Today, I had the privilege of hosting them for a Capitol tour, and they currently join me from the House Gallery. The team had a remarkable 2016 season, claiming their district and sectional titles before winning the statewide championship for Pennsylvania. As the Pennsylvania champions, they made an impressive run in the regional playoffs and came just one game short of representing the mid- Atlantic region in the Little League World Series. Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District has a rich history of great Little League players and teams, and this year's Keystone team continues that legacy. They join greats such as Specialist Ross A. McGinnis, a Medal of Honor winner and Little League Hall of Excellence inductee, and the 2011 Mid- Atlantic Little League World Series team, also the former Keystone team, which also hailed from Clinton County. In keeping with this tradition, Keystone made their region proud through their love and dedication to America's favorite pastime-- baseball. Congratulations to the players and coaches on such a great run.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Big Ten football champions, the Penn State Nittany Lions. Following a series of impressive victories that stunned the Nation, Penn State, my alma mater, finished the regular season ranked fifth in the Nation. After falling behind to Wisconsin 28-14 at halftime, Penn State's chances to take home the Big Ten trophy looked bleak; but under the leadership of Big Ten Coach of the Year James Franklin, the Nittany Lions rallied to score 24 points in the second half to win the Big Ten championship. Throughout the game, they showed grit, determination, and sportsmanship, making me proud to be a fellow Penn Stater. Congratulations to the Nittany Lions on an impressive season, and I wish you the best of luck in the Rose Bowl. We are.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on Saturday evening, I had the privilege of attending the 10th anniversary celebration of The State Theatre in State College, Centre County. The State Theatre first opened as a movie house for Warner Bros. Pictures on October 15, 1938, showing ``The Sisters,'' starring Errol Flynn and Bette Davis. Closing in 2001, the theatre building was extensively refurbished and reopened in December 2006, as a state-of-the-art venue for theatre, dance, music, film, concerts, and other regional and international performances. Today, The State Theatre is a community-owned theatre dedicated to serving the Centre County region. The theatre is a hub of local culture, featuring artists both homegrown and nationally renowned. There is something for everyone at The State Theatre--rock `n' roll, country, indie, and blues; drama, musical theatre, comedy, and opera; movies, dance, stand-up, and children's programming. There is rarely a day at the theatre without a show to be seen, a concert to be heard, or a laugh to be had. Congratulations and thank you to the leadership, employees, volunteers, and supporters of The State Theatre for being a great venue for artists and audiences.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I move that the House now adjourn.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great friend and leader, Congressman John Kline, who will be retiring at the end of this Congress. He has served the citizens of Minnesota's Second District in the U.S. House since 2002. A 25-year veteran of the Marine Corps, he also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. I have had the honor of serving with John Kline on the Education and Workforce Committee for 8 years. He has chaired this committee as a great advocate for education and how this creates greater opportunity for all. His steady leadership has navigated Congress to successfully developing and advancing legislation to improve job training, elementary and secondary education, career and technical education, and so much more. His service has truly made a difference throughout our Nation. In addition to serving under Chairman Kline's leadership, I have enjoyed the privilege to share a weekly Bible study with John. Thank you, and best wishes to Congressman John Kline and his wife, Vicky, for their service to the Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Small Business Saturday this past weekend, a day to support small businesses and celebrate the role that they play in our communities. This year, Small Business Saturday saw a record 112 million shoppers, a number which highlights the effectiveness of this movement across the United States. Small businesses have proven time and time again that they are the backbone of a strong economy. In Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, which I am proud to represent, small businesses provide valuable services, ranging from construction and manufacturing to health care and social assistance, bettering the lives of residents and consumers. Academic institutions also play an important role in growing small businesses. For example, Penn State University introduced a business preaccelerator this year, known as the Happy Valley Launchbox. This unique venture is a signature program of the Invent Penn State initiative, and I am confident it will serve as a platform for entrepreneurship and innovation. I look forward to the continued success of small businesses both in Pennsylvania and across the United States, and I remain grateful for their contribution to our Nation's economy.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the American Tree Farm System, the largest and oldest woodland certification system in the Nation. The American Tree Farm System was founded in 1941 to protect landowners across the country and help meet the growing demand for forest products. In 1954, the Principles of the American Tree Farm System created a system for tree farm certification, establishing a clear outline for proper forest management and conservation. Today, the American Tree Farm System is comprised of more than 70,000 individuals and families that manage more than 20.5 million acres of forest. These tree farmers benefit our Nation's forests and our economy, while providing timber, homes for wildlife, recreational space, and clean water. In honor of its legacy, last June I introduced H. Con. Res. 144, bipartisan legislation celebrating the American Tree Farm System and recognizing the 75th anniversary. I congratulate the members of the American Tree Farm System on this remarkable milestone and applaud their work with landowners and foresters across the United States.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Dr. David Wright, a dedicated public servant and community leader from Clarion County, Pennsylvania, in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. He was a beloved professor and department head at Clarion University, where he passionately taught for nearly 30 years. Dr. Wright also served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1976 to 1996. His 20-year tenure is the longest served in the State house by any Representative from Clarion County. As a house member, Dr. Wright served as chairman on several committees and took on various leadership roles. He continually advocated for rural Pennsylvanians and authored language that created the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. He also played a major role in establishing the State System for Higher Education, which unified Pennsylvania's 14 State colleges into a comprehensive system. Dr. Wright passed away on November 18, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to benefit Pennsylvanians for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with the Wright family. Recognizing 75th Anniversary of American Tree Farm System

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the House passed the 21st Century Cures Act with a vote of 392-26. I was proud to support the Cures Act that expedites the discovery, the development, and the delivery of new cures for illnesses and disabling conditions where none exist today. This legislation also included long overdue reforms to our Nation's mental health system. Mr. Speaker, the text of the Cures Act additionally contains my Special Needs Trust Fairness Act language. This corrects a civil rights oversight or issue for persons living with any disability to be allowed to establish their own special needs trust. Without this legislation, the way the law exists today, a person, any person living with a label of a disability, is deemed incompetent to be able to set up and manage their own special needs trust. Their parents can do it, their grandparents, a court-appointed guardian, but they are deemed incompetent. I want to thank my colleagues for their support, and encourage the Senate to take swift action on the Cures Act that contains all this language. Recognizing the Life of Dr. David Wright

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Adoption Month, which is observed each November. The goal of National Adoption Month is to increase national awareness of adoption and to bring attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth in the foster care system. As of September 30 of last year, there were more than 110,000 children across our Nation waiting to be adopted. This year, the initiative focuses on older youth adoptions, which has a special significance to me. When I was 11 years old, my family welcomed a foster care child, Bob, into our home. Bob, throughout the years, has been a part of my life since I was 11 and will be my brother for life. In fact, it is because of Bob that I developed a lifelong passion for scouting and was eventually motivated to a call to public service. I commend the men and women across our Nation who have selflessly decided to open their homes to these boys and girls, providing good homes at a very challenging time for these young people. To all the parents who have either adopted a child or participated in foster care: Thank you.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the National Grange's 150th anniversary and to celebrate their century and a half of service to agriculture and rural America. The National Grange was founded in 1867 by Oliver H. Kelley, an employee at the United States Department of Agriculture. He formed this organization to bring farmers from all over the country together in order to share best agricultural practices, drive educational discussion, and promote the economic and social needs of farmers. In the 150 years since its founding, the Grange has encouraged families and communities--both rural and urban--to come together at the community, county or district, State, and national level to advocate not only for agriculture, but for an array of causes affecting communities. For example, the Grange played a critical role in developing rural access, from electricity to rural mail delivery, and was an early supporter of women's suffrage. I congratulate the National Grange and its members on a century and a half of excellence.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate hospitals in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District for being recognized by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. This year, 32 hospitals in Pennsylvania reached top quartile performance status in quality, outcomes, patient satisfaction, and financial strength compared to all acute care hospitals in the nation. Now, I am proud to represent seven of these outstanding health facilities, including Kane Community Hospital, Lock Haven Hospital, Corry Memorial Hospital, Penn Highlands DuBois, Warren General Hospital, and UPMC Northwest. In light of these and the many other tremendous accomplishments that have been achieved in rural health care this year, I am honored to join with key stakeholders across the United States to celebrate National Rural Health Day. It is no secret that healthcare providers in underserved areas play a vital role in maintaining and safeguarding the health of millions of Americans. Due to my previous experience as a healthcare provider, I have nothing but the deepest respect and admiration for those who work to enhance the quality of healthcare services in rural communities. Congratulations again to the rural healthcare providers in Pennsylvania for their tremendous work. Thank you for your service.