Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last Friday I visited Penn State University for their annual Energy Days program--focused efforts in research and education involving America's energy sectors. As many people from Pennsylvania know, the university was founded as one of our Nation's first colleges of agricultural science. Now under the leadership of Penn State President Eric Barron, the university is taking strides to become known as the energy university. Courses of study are already being offered that prepare students for careers in the Marcellus Shale industry, many of which offer a starting wage that can support a family. I applaud the efforts of Penn State in striving to meet the needs of our energy sector, combining expertise in energy-related research, teaching, and service with contributions from leaders in the energy industries. The new initiative will greatly expand efforts in energy policy, fossil fuels, renewable energy, systems and technology, and environmental impact. More importantly, those efforts will be expanded across the State at the university's 24 campuses. Our energy industries, such as coal, natural gas, and oil, are vital to the history, heritage, and future of Pennsylvania.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in just a few days, people across the Nation will pause on Memorial Day to remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives as members of America's Armed Forces. As a Member of Congress and an Army dad, with my son, Logan, being wounded in Iraq, I know some of the struggles our military families go through every day. I also know how courageous and strong our fighting men and women are, and the bravery of those who did not make it home. I rise in support of H.R. 433, which renames the United States Post Office in Knox, Pennsylvania, as the Specialist Ross A. McGinnis Memorial Post Office, a designation which will honor an exceptionally brave young man. Medal of Honor recipient Ross A. McGinnis was born June 14, 1987, Flag Day, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, the son of Tom and Romayne McGinnis. He was killed in the line of duty on December 4, 2006, while serving in Iraq. Ross grew up in the community of Knox, located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. He attended Clarion County Public Schools and was a member of the Boy Scouts, along with participating in basketball, soccer, and Little League Baseball. He was a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Knox, and a 2005 graduate of Keystone Junior-Senior High School. Ross had long wanted to be a soldier, and in 2004, on his 17th birthday, he visited an Army recruiting center and joined the delayed entry program. Following his initial training, Ross was deployed to eastern Baghdad in August of 2006. He served as an M2 .50-caliber machine gunner in the 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, in support of operations intended to combat an intense insurgency in that region. On December 4, 2006, McGinnis' platoon was on mounted patrol in Adhamiyah. During the course of the patrol, an insurgent on a nearby rooftop threw a grenade into the vehicle Ross was riding in. Without hesitation or regard for his own life, McGinnis threw his body on top of the grenade, saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. Posthumously, he was promoted to Specialist and was awarded the Silver Star. On June 2, 2008, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. In part, his citation reads his ``extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.'' It is my hope that through the naming of this post office, his heroism and selflessness will live long through the ages.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend several communities in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District that are taking a stand in the battle against our Nation's opioid abuse and heroin epidemic. Last evening I chaired a hearing here on Capitol Hill on this epidemic, and just this morning I learned of two townhall meetings, one held last night in Titusville in Crawford County and the other held Tuesday evening in Ridgway in Elk County. These communities, like countless others across Pennsylvania and our Nation, have witnessed firsthand the tragic impact of this epidemic. Elk County is ranked ninth in Pennsylvania in overdose deaths per population of 100,000 people, while Crawford County has seen its overdose deaths double in the past 4 years. I am proud to see these communities come together to see what can be done to help turn the tide against the scourge of prescription drug abuse and heroin use. I am also proud of the package passed last week--18 bills--here in the House which will make grant funding available to State and local governments for the creation of opioid reduction programs, create a task force to review prescribing practices, and care for babies who are born opioid dependent. In the future, I look forward to further partnerships with Federal, State, and local officials, along with these communities, in winning this battle.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Denise Jones, who is the chief clerk and county administrator for Venango County, located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. After nearly 39 years of work for the county, Denise plans to retire next month. She started in the 1970s with Venango County, and Denise has served in a number of different capacities. Those include as a human services planner, as an administrative assistant, as an employee relations manager, and then finally moving into the role of chief clerk and county administrator in 1993. In addition to her service with the county, Denise serves on a number of boards dedicated to her community, including as board chair of the Northwest Hospital Foundation, which is dedicated to providing high- quality health care for the residents of the Venango County area. Mr. Speaker, I am always proud to talk about the local officials who are making a difference in their communities, dedicating their service to improving the lives of people in their communities. I know that Denise Jones is one of those people, and I wish her the best of luck in her retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the service of law enforcement officers not only in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, but across Pennsylvania and the entire United States. As this week is National Police Week, it is especially important that we recognize the sacrifices of these men and women, especially those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Over the weekend, as part of National Police Week, communities across the country observed Peace Officers Memorial Day. This observation was created in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy to pay special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives while providing for the safety and the protection of others. Last year, five police officers lost their lives in Pennsylvania: Officer Lloyd Reed in Westmoreland County, Patrolman John Wilding of Scranton, Lieutenant Eric Eslary of Westmoreland County, Detective Paul Koropal of Allegheny County, and Sergeant Robert Wilson III of Philadelphia. I know that I join my fellow members of the Pennsylvania House delegation in saying that their service to our Commonwealth will not be forgotten. Recognizing the Retirement of Venango County Chief Clerk/County Administrator Denise Jones

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Cheryl Johnson, a resident of Centre County in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, who was recently named Centre County Volunteer of the Year by the county's Chamber of Business and Industry. For more than 20 years, Cheryl has been the executive director of the Private Industry Council of the Central Corridor, or PICCC, a nonprofit organization which focuses on improving workplace effectiveness and preparing people for either first-time employment, making career changes, or returning to the workforce. It is estimated that PICCC and its staff impact more than 15,000 people annually in Bedford, Blair, and Centre Counties. During her time with PICCC, Cheryl has dealt with challenges, including the county's transition from being a manufacturing economy to being one that is more service driven. As evidence to PICCC's success and the good work of other organizations, the county regularly has the lowest unemployment rate in Pennsylvania. Cheryl's good work in Centre County extends beyond PICCC, to volunteer efforts with the United Way, Leadership Centre County, and the Juniata Valley Council Boy Scouts of America. She is an essential part of our community, and I congratulate her on earning this recognition which came as a result of her hard work.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as co-chairman of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, it is my pleasure to recognize the efforts of MaryAnn Volders, who was recently named Administrator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Education. MaryAnn is the vice president of secondary education at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, or CPI, located in Centre County, in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. She has been with CPI for the past 9 years, having previously worked with the Tyrone Area School District. This award is a true sign of Volders' work in helping prepare students for careers in growing technical fields not only across Pennsylvania, but also across the United States. On a day-to-day basis, MaryAnn's work can include everything from working on a grant to assisting students and teachers--working to create the best possible educational environment at CPI. Her nomination included five letters of support, including one from a student. MaryAnn says a student greeted her with congratulatory roses after she received word that she had won this award and recognition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the month of May as National Foster Care Month across our Nation. In fact, I was proud to sign on this week to the legislation creating this distinction. National Foster Care Month was established more than 25 years ago to bring foster care issues to the forefront, highlighting the importance of permanency for every child and recognizing the essential role that foster parents, advocates, and social workers play in the lives of children in foster care across the country. With nearly 415,000 children in foster care across America, it is safe to say that we all know a child in foster care. Furthermore, I want to recognize the families 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. Madam Speaker, the foster care system has and always will hold a special place in my heart. When I was 11 years old, my family welcomed a foster care child, Bob, into our home. Bob, throughout the years, has taught me so much and will be my brother for life.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Fred Fesenmyer of Bradford, McKean County. Mr. Fesenmyer will be recognized next month with the Penn-Brad Oil Museum's Yellow Dog Award, which is intended to recognize the leadership and dedication of those who have helped preserve the history of the Bradford Oil Field and its unique culture. The Bradford Oil Field is an essential part of Pennsylvania's history since it was there that oil was first discovered in 1859, when Colonel Edwin Drake drilled the world's first commercial oil well. Even today, Bradford is home to the Nation's oldest continuously operating oil refinery. Fred's contributions are vital to the region as the CEO of the world's oldest family-owned and -operated independent oil firm, the Minard Run Oil Company, which was founded by his great-grandfather, Lewis Emery, Jr. In addition to his activities in business, Fred is an active member of the Penn-Brad Oil Museum and serves on multiple boards that are dedicated to the community, including the Bradford Airport Authority, the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association, and the Drake Well Foundation. I congratulate Mr. Fesenmyer on this achievement, and I wish him continued success in serving his community in the years ahead.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4843, the Infant Plan of Safe Care Improvement Act. Introduced by my colleague and friend, Mr. Barletta, this bill takes steps to strengthen protections for our Nation's most precious and vulnerable population: infants and children. In Pennsylvania alone, nearly 8,000 infants were diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome between 2010 and 2014, and that number is increasing every day. Neonatal abstinence syndrome, or NAS, is defined by the National Institutes of Health as a set of problems that occurs in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother's womb. Infants experiencing NAS can endure fevers, rapid breathing, seizures, and even death. While States are currently required to certify to the Department of Health and Human Services that they have developed a safe care plan for infants born under these conditions, it has come to light that HHS does not independently verify State plans unless there is a specific reason to do so. My cosponsorship of this bill is a direct assertion of my belief that our Nation's infants deserve more from legislators, Federal agencies, and the administration. This valuable legislation will help clarify the intent of safe care plans, provide States with best practices for keeping infants safe, and improve accountability across the board. Mr. Speaker, every district in every State in the United States has been affected by what has been referred to as a substance abuse epidemic. While there is hope in the fact that the House is taking up more than a dozen opioid bills this week, we must not lose sight of the long road ahead of us. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4843 and join the fight to defend our Nation's children.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week was National Drinking Water Week. This designation is to highlight the importance of drinking water across our Nation and the need to reinvest in the infrastructure that brings tap water into our homes. Quality water has been credited with vastly extending the life expectancy here in the United States by eliminating the sickness from diseases that are spread through drinking water, such as typhoid fever. While we have made great progress in improving water across our Nation, there is always more work to be done. In Congress, since 1996, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund has helped to fund public water systems and infrastructure projects in order to meet public health goals and to comply with Federal regulations. Last year alone, Congress provided $2.3 billion to the EPA for local drinking water and sewer construction projects through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds. Good water is not only vital for good health, but it is also essential for our State's number one industry: agriculture. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania continues to provide substantial food, fiber, and energy for residents across our Nation. With this in mind, promoting and sustaining healthy waters and soil is essential. As chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, with jurisdiction over Federal conservation programs that are administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Forest Service and forestry practices, we work to provide leadership and resources to promote the health of our watersheds, soils, and forests. To help meet those needs, I was proud to work on the 2014 farm bill, which provides many positive tools for farmers and landowners. From on- farm operations to estuary management, the United States Department of Agriculture plays an important role in managing and in improving both water and soil quality. The farm bill is the guiding authorization for the Department. Programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program, or the CRP, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or the EQIP, and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, or the RCPP, are a few of the critical ones that directly impact soil and water quality in our country and certainly in Pennsylvania. As we have seen so many times in Pennsylvania and around the country, once a watershed or water source is harmed, it often takes generations to recover. History shows us just how important clean water is. It also demonstrates how hard it is to fix a water source once it has been contaminated. I remain committed in Washington and certainly in my home State of Pennsylvania to helping our professionals, volunteers, business community, nonprofits, such as Trout Unlimited and Watershed Associations, as well as academic and research institutions, such as Penn State, in their efforts to preserve our State's water and our country's water for future generations.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the efforts of Grace Preston, a sixth grader from Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. Grace visited Washington, D.C., last week to accept the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, a ceremony at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Grace was one of only two students in Pennsylvania to be honored with this award, which recognizes outstanding acts of volunteerism. Grace has raised more than $4,000 in the past 3 years to improve the lives of animals in her community through the sale of homemade dog treats, cat toys, and flee and tick repellent. She became interested in helping animals after her family adopted a pet from a local shelter. Through her efforts, Grace has raised enough money to enable the local Humane Society to purchase a storage shed, as well as other supplies, such as rabies gloves. She has also provided animal oxygen mask kits to a local fire department for pets that have been caught in fires; has helped pay for a shelter dog's surgery; and has collected animal food for the pets of needy families. Grace's work is an example that students all across the Nation should look toward. I know she has made her school and her community proud. Leadership for Clean Water

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of Penn State University's Red Cell Analytics Lab, a unique organization intended to educate students on how to combat threats in an age of ever-evolving technology. Last weekend, I visited with members of the lab, and I listened in awe to how they are working with local law enforcement to keep students, staff, and spectators safe at events such as Penn State football games and the university's annual dance marathon, or THON. Quite simply, these students have become experts at recognizing threats and security holes--essential skills in today's world where governments, technology firms, and corporations must stay one step ahead of those who seek to do us harm. I was happy to learn that members of the Red Cell Analytics Lab move on to great careers, working for companies in our financial and technology sectors, along with the Federal Government. It is unfortunate that these talents are necessary in today's world, but I am glad they are being cultivated at Penn State University.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the administrators, staff, and students from the Park Forest Elementary School in State College, Pennsylvania, on being named a 2016 Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Park Forest is 1 of only 47 schools across the entire Nation to earn this distinction, which is given to schools for their innovative efforts to reduce their environmental impact and reduce utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure sustainability practices. In addition to the elementary school's efforts to reduce its energy use and waste footprint, it has also received grants to construct an outdoor compost bin and created a garden compost program. The school grounds also include vegetable, herb, pollinator, and rain gardens. In partnership with Penn State University, the school has also built a greenhouse which later served as the model for two built at a school in Rwanda. This just scratches the surface of the initiatives undertaken at Park Forest Elementary, and everyone involved deserves praise for their efforts.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am very excited to be on the floor this morning to talk about digital manufacturing and how that impacts the things that we make. This is a quantum leap in manufacturing: allowing objects to be rapidly printed and, in the case of cyber manufacturing, printed remotely. Since 2009, I have proudly represented Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, which is the largest geographically in the Commonwealth. It is also the home to Penn State University's main campus in State College, Pennsylvania, as well as to the Behrend campus in Erie County, and the DuBois campus in Clearfield County. Over my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand how the university is leading in the field of digital manufacturing in areas that range from 3D bioprinting to cyber manufacturing--robotics and automation. Portions of the Fifth Congressional District have a long history in the powdered metal industry. In fact, St. Mary's in Elk County, as well as in Cameron County, an adjoining county, have been known for years as the powdered metal capital of the world. A few months ago, I visited Penn State to take a look at their work in the field of additive metal manufacturing, which takes place in the university's applied research laboratory CIMP-3D lab. It was amazing to watch metal parts be created using what amounts to a 3D printer, and it is easy to see how this new technology will revolutionize careers in the powdered metal industry, which has meant so much to our region. In the same vein, I have been so impressed with the university's efforts in hosting an additive manufacturing challenge for small businesses. The challenge will award five companies $40,000 to work with faculty and staff at Penn State CIMP-3D on projects to demonstrate this amazing technology. Mr. Speaker, beyond the dividends that these new innovations are paying for the industries which drive America's economy, this research is also benefiting our national defense. Penn State is currently working with the United States Naval Air Systems Command to 3D-print, - qualify, and -certify a critical safety item--in other words, an important part of a Department of Defense vehicle--in titanium. This part will be flown in an aircraft next month and will be the first 3D- printed part to have gone through the entire process to become flight certified and tested in the military. Now, I commend the pioneers of this exciting new technology from universities such as my alma mater, Penn State, but also universities such as Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, along with companies such as the aircraft engine manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney, in helping students prepare for what are certainly the careers of the future. Mr. Speaker, as co-chairman of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, I spend a lot of time visiting schools, visiting our high schools, secondary schools, and post-secondary schools that are providing training to greater opportunity. It is exciting to go into specifically high schools and see where this digital manufacturing-- this additive manufacturing using the 3D printers and various types of materials--is now present in our high schools. I appreciate the partnership that Penn State has had working with not just business and industry, but the collaborative work with our high schools to begin to introduce and to grow this new innovation in manufacturing and to introduce this to young learners, many of whom, I believe, are going to go on and will find great family-sustaining jobs through that type of career and technical education training, being exposed to the very newest form of innovation for manufacturing. Some of them will go on to work for businesses and industries. Who knows? Some of them will become entrepreneurs and return to a day of cottage industries. Some of our most amazing discoveries have happened in basements, garages, and spare bedrooms where entrepreneurs have developed and invented. With the use of digital manufacturing, a return to cottage industries is, quite frankly, something that I think is going to happen in an overwhelming way as often entrepreneurs take that innovation and are able to do some very specific product development and manufacturing targeting, maybe some specific niche markets. So I am very excited in how technology relating to career and educational training and information technology, as it relates to digital manufacturing or additive manufacturing, is going to have a very positive impact on our citizens, our families, our businesses, and, quite frankly, the competitiveness of our Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Renovo, Clinton County. Renovo, which is located northeast of Lock Haven, in western Clinton County, was founded in 1866 and built for and by the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad as the midpoint between Philadelphia and Erie. For many years after the community's founding, it was advertised as a mountain resort location, with several large hotels built there before the turn of the 20th century. Although it was the railroad that built Renovo and its mountain location that attracted travelers, the lumbering industry formed the bedrock of the town's heritage and economy. Clinton County's timber industry continues to thrive, contributing more than $90 million to the economy of that county. Many celebrations are planned in May to mark Renovo Borough's anniversary, including a parade along Erie Street, the opening of a time capsule, and a firework display. I want to commend the local officials and the residents of Renovo and the surrounding areas of western Clinton County for this recognition of their long history.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, from our Nation's farmers to our foresters, anglers, hunters, and those who love the outdoors, good land management and conservation practices hold endless benefits. To support this stewardship, the 2014 farm bill provides substantial opportunities for agricultural conservation. This includes initiatives such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and Conservation Stewardship Program, just to name a few. These voluntary programs are essential in assisting landowners to implement best management practices while also improving water quality and the surrounding watersheds. The farm bill and the committee have also worked to promote well- managed forests. Our Nation's forests, of course, are economic engines in many rural areas while providing resources for our Nation. Additionally, our forests also deliver significant ecological benefits because they are natural water filters, as well as our most important carbon sinks. With Earth Day last Friday, I think it is timely to recognize all the great conservation work going on in our communities and in our committee, and the importance of managed land and water. With that in mind, it remains essential that we continue active stewardship of our forests, farmlands, soils, and watersheds.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kenneth Kane of Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, who will be honored at a banquet tomorrow night in State College, Pennsylvania, as an outstanding alumnus of the Penn State University School of Forest Resources. I have long been impressed by Ken's broad knowledge on forestry policy and regarding our Commonwealth's forests. Kenneth served in a variety of positions for forestry organizations, including as chairman of the Allegheny Society of American Foresters, chairman of the Penn Chapter Association of Consulting Foresters, northeast regional director of the Association of Consulting Foresters of America, and as an adviser to various State-level planning committees, including the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Joint Legislative Task Force. When I am looking to draw on expertise regarding Pennsylvania's forests, including the Allegheny National Forest, Ken Kane is one of the first people I turn to. In addition to that, I am proud to call him my friend. I congratulate him on this honor, and I look forward to his future work on forestry policy.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Doyle and Becky Corman for earning the Joe and Sue Paterno Community Impact Award in recognizing their dedication and their contributions to the youth of Centre County, Pennsylvania. The Juniata Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which I had spent more than three decades serving within the Council as a scoutmaster, executive board member, and president, offers the award. Given my history with the Council, I can tell you that the Cormans follow a long line of men and women who have dedicated their lives to the service of their community. Mr. Corman served as a State Senator from Centre County for more than 20 years, from 1977 to 1998. Over the years, he and his wife, Becky, have provided vital support for community organizations, including the Boy Scouts, the YMCA, a scholarship to Penn State University, and much, much more. They are also the parents of Pennsylvania State Majority Leader Jake Corman. The Cormans are a real credit to Centre County and its communities. I congratulate the Cormans on this award, and I look forward to many more years of their work for our region's youth.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend lawmakers in Pennsylvania's House and Senate for their work on passing the Commonwealth's new ABLE, or Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, which was signed into law by the Pennsylvania Governor on Monday. The measure's passage at the State level follows the signing of a 2014 Federal law, also known as the ABLE Act. I was happy to cosponsor that legislation along with a majority of my colleagues here in the House of Representatives. The law empowers people with disabilities and their families to create flexible accounts to help save for medical and dental care, education, community-based support, employment training, housing, and transportation. The State law passed easily in the Pennsylvania House and Senate last week, clearing the way for the State to administer the new accounts created by the Federal law. The State eliminates a $2,000 cap on cash assets for medical assistance for those with certain intellectual and developmental disabilities, which acted as a financial roadblock preventing individuals from reaching their full potential. Mr. Speaker, thanks to this new law, parents of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities will be able to save up to $100,000, with no impact on eligibility for medical assistance. Last week here in Washington, I joined the National Down Syndrome Society, where I was proud to be presented with their Champion of Change Award. I also had the chance to connect with people from Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, including Alek Masters. Alek is a wonderful young man who, despite living with Down syndrome, is an Eagle Scout, the highest honor earned by the members of the Boy Scouts of America. I also was with Isabel Ross, a toddler from Centre County who attended the event with her parents, Steve and Raquel. There are so many people such as Alek and Isabel across the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our great Nation. Alek is already making a difference in his community, and this new law ensures that he and Isabel, along with the help of their parents, can work towards achieving their goals. I know that the ABLE Act, on both the State and the Federal level, will play a role in improving the lives of those who are living with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I firmly believe that our communities will be much better because of it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, which I am proud to represent, has a deep heritage with wood products and timber industries. Wood is the ultimate green building material and should be encouraged for its environmental benefits. Unfortunately, USDA's Bio-Preferred Program did not recognize wood products, despite the obvious benefits of using such material in buildings. Because of this, I authored the Forest Products Fairness Act of 2013. This legislation, which was ultimately included in the 2014 farm bill, modified USDA's definition of bio-based products to specifically include forest products. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the U.S. Green Building Council in taking the next step with the recent changes to their Leadership in Energy Environmental Design, or LEED, green building rating system. This change will encourage more use of domestic wood in building construction. The change includes lumber companies certified by the American Tree Farm System and landowners certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative or the Forest Stewardship Council. This decision by the U.S. Green Building Council is another step in the right direction and will provide a boost to many across Pennsylvania involved in the industries that rely on our significant timber resources.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate State College High School health education teacher Melanie Lynch, who was recently named one of six winners of the National Health Education Teacher of the Year Award by the Society of Health and Physical Educators. Specifically, Melanie was recognized for designing and putting in place lesson plans which educate, motivate, and inspire high school students and their communities to take personal responsibility for improving their health habits. Melanie's classes involve not only the academic knowledge of which nutrients are best for their diets, but also about topics such as peer pressure, bullying, eating disorders, and how to eat right once they graduate high school. Lynch is assisted in those efforts by the textbook she co-wrote entitled ``Comprehensive Health.'' Physical and health education is key to students across the Nation receiving a well-rounded school experience. I appreciate the efforts of teachers such as Melanie Lynch in bringing real-world lessons into the classroom.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 175th anniversary of Porter Township, Clinton County, located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, which was founded in 1841 and named for the current Governor at the time, David Porter. The township was settled by Scotch Irish pioneers and was known in its early days for the Washington Iron Works, built in 1809 and operated until 1878. Like so much of Clinton County, Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, and the Commonwealth as a whole, the township has been also dependent on the timber industry over its 175-year history. To this day, the timber industry remains vital, contributing an estimated $90 million per year to the county's economy. At 175 years old, Porter County is older than 24 States. This is, indeed, a milestone to celebrate. The celebration begins this weekend, on Saturday, with an opening ceremony that will include guest speakers, a hymn sing, and an ice cream social. Further events are planned through the end of the year, including a 5K Color Walk/Run and tours of township farms. Again, congratulations to the officials and residents of Porter Township on this huge milestone.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to serve, along with my colleague from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), as co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus. In that role, I am always excited to learn of students in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District who are excelling in their preparation for careers in growing technical education fields. Today I want to congratulate Justin Deets, a student at Oil City High School who also studies welding at the Venango County Technology Center. Last December Justin won first place in the annual Pittsburgh Section of the American Welding Society Competition. On March 29, Justin was awarded $100 for this accomplishment, a new welding helmet, jacket and gloves, along with a week at the Lincoln Electric Welding School and qualification in x-ray welding. This is quite an achievement, which will undoubtedly open new doors for Justin. I wish him the best of success in his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, career and technical education training transforms lives. America needs a robust reauthorization of the Perkins Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate staff and students at several schools in the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District following their recognition from the National Association of Music Merchants, better known as NAMM. Now, I am a big proponent of the importance of quality music education in our schools. I am very proud of what we accomplished with the repeal of No Child Left Behind and its replacement with the Every Student Succeeds Act, which really recognizes the importance of those programs such as music education. In fact, my son is a middle school music teacher in New Jersey. We saw firsthand in our family that experience for all three of our sons. Being involved and being impacted by music education has really helped them with their creativity skills, helped them in so many different ways. Certainly, exposure to a quality music education for my youngest son, Kale, motivated him to pursue further education in music education. He did that with his undergraduate degree and is now a middle school music teacher in New Jersey, and making such a difference in the lives of the kids that he has the responsibility to teach and to influence. We are very proud of Kale, who, just this year, was selected as Teacher of the Year because of his contributions in music education and, specifically, in the lives of kids. I am so proud that the efforts of the Moshannon Valley School District and State College Area School District have led to their recognition by NAMM as Best Communities for Music Education, drawing attention to their support and to their commitment for music education. In fact, these two districts are among only 476 to receive this distinction nationwide--out of America's more than 13,000 school districts. In addition, I want to mention the DuBois Area Middle School, which received NAMM's SupportMusic Merit Award, which is given to individual schools which have shown a strong commitment to the value of music education. This school is among only 118 in the Nation to be honored. Music education is vital to the education of children across the Nation and is essential to helping them become well-rounded adults. I commend the staff, the students, and the parents in each of these communities for placing music in such high regard.