Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Byrne).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg), the chairman of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 5587.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 5587. Mr. Speaker, a weak economy and advances in technology have dramatically changed today's job market, creating both challenges and opportunities for men and women entering the workforce. This is why equipping today's students with the tools they need to remain competitive is essential. One way we can achieve that goal is by strengthening career and technical education programs for those eager to pursue pathways to success. As cochair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have worked hard to increase awareness about the opportunities available through CTE. For some students, a four-year college is the best path forward. For others, a CTE program might be the best way to shape a fulfilling and successful future, Mr. Speaker. These State and local programs help individuals obtain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in a number of different occupations and fields--fields like health care, technology, agriculture, and engineering. However, the law that provides Federal support for these programs has not been updated in more than a decade. Simply put, it does not address the new challenges today's students, workers, and employers face. That is why I, along with my colleague from Massachusetts, Representative Katherine Clark, introduced H.R. 5587, a bill that works to modernize and improve current law to better reflect those challenges and provide more opportunities for students to pursue successful, rewarding careers. Recognizing the importance of engagement with community leaders and local businesses, this bill empowers State and local leaders by providing them with the flexibility they need to best prepare their students for the workforce and to respond to the changing needs of their communities. H.R. 5587 also promotes work-based learning and encourages stronger partnerships with employers to help students obtain jobs now and throughout their lifetimes. I am also proud to say H.R. 5587 takes steps to reduce the Federal role in career and technical education, while ensuring transparency and accountability amongst CTE programs. By streamlining performance measures, the bill provides State and local leaders--rather than the Federal Government--with the tools they need to hold these programs accountable. These are just some of the important reforms this bill makes to provide Americans with clear pathways to success. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss not to thank a few people who have made this bill possible: Chairman Kline and his staff, in particular, James Redstone; Ranking Member Scott and his staff; Sam Morgante with Mr. Langevin's office; and Katie Brown of my staff. Both Sam and Katie have taken the lead staffing the Career and Technical Education Caucus, each providing tireless advocacy for the policies included in this bill. They have my deep appreciation for their hard work. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5587 and help us take a positive step towards reforming and strengthening career and technical education training in America. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the players, coaches, and staff of the State College Spikes on their 2-1 win over Hudson Valley last night to capture the New York-Penn League Championship. The New York-Penn League is a Class A Short Season baseball league which includes teams from across Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Vermont, West Virginia, and Connecticut. The championship represents the end of a great season for State College. The team set a regular season club record for wins at 50. Tommy Edman, a draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in June, also set the Spikes' single season runs scored record with 61. Earlier this year, I had the chance to meet with the members of the Spikes' management in my office here in Washington, D.C., and I was happy to have the opportunity to learn more about the organization and their players. I know how much the team contributes to the community and to the economy of State College. I wish them the best of success next year.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, later today on this House floor, we will be considering what I would very accurately describe as an opportunity bill. We hear the media talk about how in the middle of this campaign election season that Congress really is not productive. I would argue to the contrary, and I point to this bill. It is a bill I am very proud of. Mr. Speaker, we all know individuals in our communities, perhaps in our own families, who are in need of opportunity. We probably know young people who, as they go off this time of year to school, are not inspired. Maybe their heads are on their desk. They don't learn in the typical fashion that traditional education teaches of lecture and classrooms, but if you put them in an environment where they can use their hands and do applied academics--career and technical education training--they are inspired, they look forward to getting out of bed in the morning, and they excel. We probably all know people--perhaps we are related to folks--who find themselves this morning stuck in unemployment. As we gathered around the breakfast table, they were gathered around the breakfast table just trying to figure out how to make ends meet since they have lost their job for whatever reasons, probably no fault of their own, and they need a strategy to be able to get back on their feet. They need a strategy to be able to provide for their families. A greater opportunity is what they are seeking. We probably know folks as well--certainly people who we serve and people in our communities--who have been stuck in the web of poverty for generations, intergenerational poverty, with no exit ramp and with no exit strategy. This opportunity bill today is one that I encourage all of my colleagues to support. The culture today has so much emphasis on the theory that people need a 4-year degree to be successful in this country. However, we have a huge gap of technical and vocational jobs that are good-paying jobs and family-sustaining jobs that aren't being filled. Job creators cannot find individuals who are qualified and trained to be able to fill those positions. I call that the skills gap. Today we can take a tremendous step in closing the skills gap. I have introduced a bill that will be considered on the floor today, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which, incidentally, is scheduled later today for a vote. This legislation reauthorizes and modernizes--more importantly, modernizes-- the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to help more Americans enter the workforce with the skills necessary to compete and succeed in high-wage, high-demand careers. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. It starts career awareness earlier recognizing that kids have access to technology and will begin to provide career and technical education awareness in the lower middle schools. It brings business and industry to the table so when we invest and do offer career and technical education training, it leads to a job at the end of the day, whether it is a result of a certificate earned, a credential that is provided, or training that is completed, and it serves individuals of all ages. So I just ask and encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act on this House floor later today.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer, I was proud to vote in favor of a package of bills intended to crack down on the epidemic of heroin use and opioid abuse across our Nation. I was even happier to see that legislation pass the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support before being signed into law by the President. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act will help make grant funding available to State and local governments, create a task force to review physician prescribing guidelines and make sure babies born opioid-dependent receive quality care. While this is a step in the right direction, I continue to be impressed by the efforts of community members in my district to help turn the tide against this epidemic. Townhall meetings have been held across Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District in places such as Bradford, McKean County; and Ridgway, Elk County. Another meeting is planned for this evening in Centre County. These meetings, along with hearings held across the State by the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee, are great steps in the battle against drugs and saving lives. Providing Opportunities

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I know that I join a large number of my colleagues here in the House in concern over the white- nose syndrome. It is a devastating fungus that has killed between 5.7 million and 6.7 million bats across North America. Recently, I received news of grant funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to combat this disease and that Pennsylvania will receive more than $30,000. As a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, I have been active in ensuring the effects of white-nose syndrome were appropriately addressed. I have participated in field hearings on the subject and toured habitats where bat populations have been devastated by this fungus. There is an ecological importance to sustaining the bat population as well as preventing the species from becoming endangered, which would cause great harm to resource production, agriculture, and construction across the Commonwealth and a large part of the country. A rule finalized in 2015, which listed the northern long-eared bat, cleared the way for new conservation practices to be put in place where necessary, helping make new conservation measures possible without broadly prohibiting common land-use activities. It is my hope that these measures will help us in the effort against white-nose syndrome.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lieutenant Robert Hess, a resident of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, in the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District. Lieutenant Hess was recently chosen by the Military Chaplains Association to receive its Distinguished Service Award, which annually recognizes excellent chaplains in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Veterans Affairs, and Civil Air Patrol. Lieutenant Hess was born in Lock Haven and joined the Navy after graduating from Lock Haven High School in 1990. As a member of the Navy, he has traveled extensively during his service, including time spent in Spain, France, England, Slovenia, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands. He is currently attached to the Destroyer Squadron, DESRON 60. Lieutenant Hess also spent several years as a civilian pastor before being recalled to Active Duty after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which, of course, occurred 15 years ago this Sunday. As an Army dad, I have the deepest respect for our servicemen and - women, including those such as Lieutenant Hess, who work every day to counsel, teach, and minister to the spiritual needs of those servicemembers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in August, I was proud to announce a grant of $500,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission to the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, located in Warren County in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. The Pennsylvania Wilds region includes 2 million acres of land in the north central and northwestern portion of Pennsylvania and includes 12 counties. Tourism in that area has increased dramatically in recent decades, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, hunting, kayaking, and canoeing, not to mention plenty of forestland for hiking. This grant will be dedicated to the Center's Nature Tourism Cluster Development in the Pennsylvania Wilds, which is intended to develop a network of small businesses to support the increased need for products and services in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. The Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship currently offers two business development programs, assisting prospective businessowners one on one to connect them with lenders, technical assistance providers, marketers, public lands managers, and other resources needed to start a business. Mr. Speaker, tourism is one of Pennsylvania's largest and most vibrant industries. I look forward to seeing what this initiative can do to help grow the industry in the communities of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the efforts at Sweden Valley Manor, a nursing home in Coudersport, Potter County, serving people in that county, along with McKean, Tioga, and Cameron Counties. In particular, I want to commend the efforts of local master gardener Bonnie Wood, who has worked over the course of the past 5 years to create what are now called ``Enabling Gardens'' at the facility. As a former licensed nursing home administrator, the opportunity to visit Sweden Valley and, specifically, to visit these healing gardens-- what a resource this is for the men and women and the individuals who live and work within that facility. The gardens are designed so that residents can exercise their green thumbs. All the planters that Bonnie built are wheelchair-height, and a lazy Susan actually allows for the planters to rotate for maximum accessibility no matter what the physical mobility or orthopedic issues that an individual may be experiencing. She has cultivated relationships with corporate sponsors, volunteers, and youth groups from across the region, and has also welcomed students involved in FFA and 4-H to work with Sweden Valley Manor's residents. Bonnie has educated staff and residents on how to take care of plants and where particular plants should be placed in a garden, dedicating her own time to get plants and vegetables started on their growth at the home. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Bonnie Wood's dedicated service to her community and to the citizens of Potter County and the surrounding region and, certainly, to the residents who make their home at Sweden Valley.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Tri-Town Fire Company in Potter County, located in Ulysses, Pennsylvania, within the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District. The company was founded in 1946, and currently serves Ulysses Borough, Northern Ulysses Township, Southern Bingham Township, Northern Hector Township, and Eastern Allegheny Township. Under the Tioga/Potter County Mutual Aid Plan, they also respond on the first alarm to certain calls in Harrison, Pike, Genesee, and Sweden Townships. Although the fire company is located in a very rural area, they protect a large and vital part of America's national infrastructure, including the Northern Potter County natural gas storage field, compressor stations, transfer stations, pipelines, and wells. The station is also responsible for protecting nearly 35,000 acres of Pennsylvania forestland, which is something of high importance to me as chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry. Mr. Speaker, as a volunteer firefighter myself, I have the deepest respect for the men and women who step forward to help their communities, to help their neighbors, putting their lives on the line and asking for nothing in return. I wish the men and women of the Tri-Town Fire Company the best of luck in the future. Honoring Sweden Valley Manor

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3881) to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to repeal provisions relating only to the Allegheny National Forest, as amended.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the United States Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, honors the many members of the Marine Corps who have given their lives fighting for our country. This is one of the most popular memorials in the area, attracting over 1 million visitors annually and hosting several popular events, such as the Summer Sunset Parades and the Marine Corps Marathon. Despite the popularity, the site only has portable toilets and no permanent bathroom facilities for visitors. This bipartisan, straightforward bill introduced by Congressman Don Beyer authorizes the construction of a visitor services center that includes permanent restroom facilities. Due to a generous donation from billionaire David Rubenstein, this new visitor service center will come at no cost to the taxpayer. This new facility represents a more respectful and permanent solution to improve visitor experiences at this important site. I urge the adoption of the measure. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4789) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish a structure for visitor services on the Arlington Ridge tract, in the area of the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, and for other purposes.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3480) to expand the boundary of Fort Frederica National Monument in the State of Georgia, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in August I was proud to recognize someone from Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District who made a big contribution to the Commonwealth's largest industry-- agriculture. James Davis was the recipient of the Huntingdon County Pomona Grange #6 Community Service Award. Mr. Davis has been a strong advocate for agriculture over the past 50 years. As a child, he attended a one-room schoolhouse before graduating from Juniata Valley High School and later earning a degree in agricultural sciences from Penn State University and a master of arts degree from West Virginia University. He dedicated his life to agriculture education, teaching in Butler, Lebanon, Fulton, and Franklin Counties. He also taught agriculture, science, math, social studies, and English in Juniata Valley School District, later becoming an elementary principal. Along with his brother, he has operated the Peaceful Terrain Farm, which has been in the Davis family since 1832. Jim continues to serve as a volunteer in his community and is an enthusiastic mentor for countless youth across Huntingdon County. Congratulations, Jim. You have earned it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, once again, I urge passage of this measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5577, introduced by Congressman Garret Graves, will increase transparency and efficiency regarding the Federal Government's current process for conducting lease sales while also saving Federal tax dollars in the development of oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), the author of the bill.

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5577) to amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct offshore oil and gas lease sales through Internet-based live lease sales, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this piece of legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.