Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this past Monday, February 8, is recognized by many as National Boy Scouts Day, marking the incorporation of the Boy Scouts of America 106 years ago. I have spent close to four decades as a scoutmaster, Juniata Valley Boy Scout Council executive board member and council president, and as a scouting dad. My wife and I are scouting parents, with three sons we are very proud of who are Eagle Scouts today. In my own scouting experience, I was honored to become one of just 2,000 people, since 1969, to receive the national Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. It was my experience in scouting that first sparked my interest in public service--in the vein of the Boy Scout promise, which urges us, in part, to do our duty to God, to our country, and in the service of other people. Scouting got its start around the turn of the last century, thanks to the efforts of British Army Officer Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden- Powell. As Scouting history has it, in 1909, a Chicago businessman, a publisher, William D. Boyce, who actually grew up in western Pennsylvania, lost his way in a dense fog in London. A young boy came to his aid, guiding Mr. Boyce to his destination. And in the end, when Mr. Boyce offered that young boy a tip, a coin, the boy refused the tip offered by Mr. Boyce stating: Sir, I am a Scout, and Scouts do not take rewards for doing good turns. Well, that young boy was a Scout. We don't know his identity today, but he certainly has changed our country. That single act of volunteerism gave birth to what became the Boy Scouts of America, incorporated in 1910. In 2013, there were more than 2.6 million members of the Boy Scouts of America. The program today serves not just boys, but also girls in our Scouting Venturing program. In a time which has, in many ways, been highlighted by a decline of volunteerism and criticism of perhaps our younger newest generations, I know that our Nation's future is in good hands with those who live and dedicate themselves to the Scout Oath or the Scout Promise, which they state at the beginning of every meeting and they end with. The words since that time are: ``On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.'' Scouting prepares youth to be productive and successful members of the workforce. The program introduces our youth to countless career opportunities, including the STEM fields. As a Scout Master for almost three decades, I have seen these 11- year-old youths, until the time they become 18 and go on into life, the career paths they were exposed to for the first time--whether it was medicine, or teaching, or professional fire fighting, or across the board--through the Scouting experience. What employer would not benefit from an employee with practical exposure from an organization that emphasizes values, service, and leadership? Scouting fosters the values that make communities strong and preferred for families to set down roots and to contribute. Scouting offers the world's finest leadership training for adults and youth, leadership training that can be generalized to any occupations, including the United States House of Representatives. As frequently said, ``Scouting is outing.'' Scouting is the youth leadership program that is grounded, not just in values, but in the beauty and the nature of the outdoors, building appreciation and respect for God's creation and for active lives, for being physically active, that is so desperately needed today. Now it is my hope that this wonderful organization continues to contribute to the lives of young men and young ladies for generations to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week, I visited Penn State University, which is located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, for a discussion on the effect that invasive species are having on forests across our Commonwealth. I was joined by several experts in the field of entomology--from the university and from Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Among the insects discussed were the spotted lanternfly, the gypsy moth, and the emerald ash borer. These experts discussed at length the challenges each species presents as well as the ongoing efforts to combat the devastating impact and spread. As chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, I know that my State is not alone and that the effects of these pests are being felt all across the Nation. I applaud the research being done at Penn State University and by foresters and entomologists around the Nation. Research and applying that science will go a long way in preventing these species from spreading further and causing more destruction on our forests. I remain hopeful that we can all work together to ensure that our forests remain healthy, both ecologically and economically.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Melissa Traylor of North East, located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, a very happy 110th birthday. Melissa was born on February 6, 1906, on a farm located along the Pennsylvania and New York border. She later married and moved to Detroit, where she attended beautician school, eventually opening her own hair salon and working for around three decades before retiring in the 1960s. Melissa later moved to Florida before eventually moving back to Erie County in 2006 to be closer to her nieces and nephews. Mrs. Traylor remained active even after her 100th birthday, flying in an ultralight airplane with her nephew when she turned 101. Now I am looking forward to traveling to the Erie area this weekend to join family, friends, and other local and State officials in wishing Melissa a very happy birthday. Mr. Speaker, only one out of 10,000 people live to be 100 years old. Even more impressive is the fact that only 1 in 7 million people turn 110. I wish Mrs. Traylor the best as she continues her wonderful life.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last month I met with teachers, administrators, school board members, even educators in higher education that train our next generation of teachers and some graduate students who are in that program to discuss the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA, which replaces No Child Left Behind as our Nation's elementary and secondary education law. I was honored to be appointed by Speaker Ryan to the conference committee that was tasked with settling the differences between the House and Senate versions of ESSA to assure this legislation will prepare students for life success. The ESSA reins in the unilateral power of the United States Secretary of Education and gives it back to the States and the local education agencies. It prohibits the Secretary from adding new requirements to State education plans, being involved in the peer review process, and exceeding his or her statutory authority. It also allows school districts to disentangle themselves from Common Core without penalty. Additionally, the ESSA eliminates the controversial adequate yearly progress provision, paving the way for States to develop their own accountability systems. While the new law keeps annual standardized testing requirements for students in grade 3 through 8 in place to monitor progress, it eliminates most of the burden of testing on teachers and students and it sets up a process to further reduce even more standardized testing in the future. While assessments for elementary schools must be the same for all public school students statewide, States may also choose. They have flexibility to offer nationally recognized local assessments at the high school level as long as the assessments are reliable, valid, and comparable. In other words, a local education agency could use the SATs or ACTs to evaluate high school students instead of being held solely to tests mandated by the Federal Government. Now, this flexibility should, could, and will be extended to career- and technical-education-focused students whose trade-specific competency is appropriately measured by the NOCTI performance test. This flexibility will benefit our students and strengthen our overall economy. High school students will have increased access to pathways leading to careers in high-skill, high-wage jobs in technological industries. The connection between education and our students' future careers is also enhanced by a provision in this law that encourages businesses to get involved with their local schools. Schools will be able to apply for funds to provide apprenticeships that offer academic credit toward comprehensive career counseling. Now, this was the result of bipartisan legislation I introduced with Congressman Jim Langevin aimed at informing school counselors of local labor market conditions so that they can best guide the decisionmaking process of these students and their parents. Not only does ESSA lift overly strict testing requirements, it also ends the Federal mandate on teacher assessments. States will be able to enact their own evaluation system in accordance with stakeholders, including teachers, paraprofessionals, and their unions. The structure of their system will no longer be tied to Federal funding as it was in No Child Left Behind. ESSA provides flexibility in the use of Federal funding, allowing teachers and district administrators to finance priorities set at the local level. This commonsense provision restores control to those on the front lines of educating our students and our children. The ESSA also calls for the United States Department of Education to study how title I funds are allocated. Now, title I funds are used to offset the impact of poverty, one of the leading influences in the academic achievement of our children. I have long been concerned that the children are put at a disadvantage based upon the population of the school district rather than the concentration of poverty. This study is the result of an amendment I introduced, which gained the support of the entire conference committee responsible for merging the House and Senate versions of the legislation. Title I funds are vastly important to students who are low income, disadvantaged, or who have disabilities. I am hopeful this study will make a strong argument for a more equitable distribution of funds for the areas which need them most. Funding must be based on student need, not a school district's ZIP code. The ESSA is 4-year reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Feedback from those involved in educating our students is so essential to making the right changes to our education system, and I appreciate the feedback that came in this process as we succeeded in this reform. Now, as these changes are put into practice, I want to hear from you. If a particular provision of the ESSA is having a great effect on your student or your school district, whether it is good or whether it is bad, Congress needs to know. As the implementation of this new law begins, I will continue to travel across Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, keeping our schools up to date on the change that was long overdue.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as co-chairman of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I want to recognize the accomplishments of the South Hills School of Business & Technology, which has campuses based in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. I was recently notified by school officials that they have placed 86 percent of their 2014 graduates in jobs within their fields of study. Now, that statistic is 10 percent higher than the average occupational placement rate for associate degree graduates. Additionally, the school achieved a job placement rate of close to 100 percent for graduates of their criminal justice, business office specialist, and administrative medical assistant programs. This stands as further evidence that careers in our career and technical education fields are in demand. It also serves as a reminder for high school students across the Nation that a technical education is a great option for their futures. Madam Speaker, the South Hills School of Business & Technology is just one example of how these institutions create job-ready employees for 21st century careers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with good news. Early this morning in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, located in the Commonwealth's Fifth Congressional District, Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring. In the 130 years Phil has predicted the weather on February 2, this is only the 18th time that he has called for an early spring. Now, I know that I join many of my colleagues from across the Nation in a bipartisan fashion in hoping that this prediction comes true. Groundhog Day means so much to Punxsutawney and the communities which surround it. This tradition has its roots which go back centuries, but the celebration in Punxsutawney got a start in 1886, one year before the first trek to the celebration's official home of Gobbler's Knob. Since the start of the celebration, Phil has been joined on February 2 by movie stars such as Bill Murray and several Governors of Pennsylvania. And, yes, I have attended the festivities a few times. Phil even visited President Ronald Reagan at the White House. It is wonderful to see such dedication from the people of Punxsutawney to this great tradition, which brings in visitors from across the world to Pennsylvania.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I deeply admire the service of policemen and -women who serve across Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District; but, today, I rise to note Lieutenant Stew Neff's service. He has been a member of the Penn State University Police Department for the past five decades. Lieutenant Neff was born and raised not too far from State College, and he joined the Penn State Police Department as a dispatcher on January 10, 1966. Since then, he has filled many roles, most recently as a training officer, as a firearms instructor, and as a special events coordinator for the past 13 years. As a sign of his longevity with the department, consider that the current assistant chief went to high school with Lieutenant Neff's daughter. At a time when so many people switch jobs at the drop of a hat, Stew's dedication to the Penn State Police Department and to the university, itself, is highly commendable. Lieutenant Neff isn't planning on retiring soon. He says that he still loves his job and embraces the opportunity to serve his community as a member of the Penn State Police Department. I wish Stew the best of luck as his career continues.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mary Lawrence, a native of Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, who was named late last year as one of the five new flight directors to manage the operations of the International Space Station from NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston. Mary grew up in Wattsburg, Erie County, earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Pennsylvania State University's Behrend campus in 2001. Following graduation, she worked for the U.S. Space Alliance, a NASA contractor, before joining NASA in 2007. As a flight director, Mary will lead teams of flight controllers, research and engineering experts, along with support personnel, in ensuring the crew of the International Space Station have the tools that they need to conduct their important scientific research. Mr. Speaker, Mary is hoping to be certified as a flight director in a few months, and will then be one of only 27 active flight directors for NASA. Again, I congratulate Mary, her husband, Andrew, and their entire family on this commendable accomplishment. I wish her the best of luck as her career with NASA continues.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague for the time to speak regarding this important legislation, which I believe would help relieve the overregulation that we have seen in recent years in the coal industry. The coal mining industry has supported countless jobs in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District for generations and continues to do so. In addition to jobs, coal also helps provide millions of Americans with affordable and reliable energy. However, overregulation, such as the stream buffer rule, has taken a big toll on our region. Layoffs have affected miners and companies across Pennsylvania, as these job creators continue to face unprecedented regulatory challenges. Reports have indicated that the rewrite of the stream buffer zone rule from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement would lead to the elimination of 7,000 mining jobs and cause economic harm in 22 States. With the rewritten regulations proposed, this bill introduces a bit of common sense, Mr. Chairman. It seeks to make sure that the regulation is based on proven science, requires a study on the strength of existing stream buffer rules, and, finally, seeks to end duplicative rulemaking. This is the least we can do to help limit the strain and provide some certainty for coal companies and, quite frankly, families who make their living in that industry where so many jobs are in the communities that we serve. As a cosponsor of this legislation, I strongly support it, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on final passage.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which is intended to draw attention to a problem which is sadly still a concern across this Nation and across the globe. According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, authorities have investigated more than 500 cases of suspected human trafficking just in Pennsylvania since 2000, including 75 cases reported in 2015 alone. Human trafficking has been called one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world. The statistics and recent reports indicate that these types of cases are on the rise across Pennsylvania, including those involving victims who are still teenagers. I greatly appreciate the work of organizations in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District and across the State in assisting those hurt in human trafficking. Last year, I supported the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama. This legislation is aimed at addressing the rise in human trafficking and to improve services for survivors. I will continue to work in the House towards eliminating this disturbing behavior.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week marked the retirement of John Guerriero, who has covered politics for the Erie Times-News for more than three decades. John joined the Times-News in 1981 after graduating from college. John's stories have focused on just about anything you can imagine, from local, State, and Federal politics, education issues, to stories involving court cases in Erie and those involving gambling. With background on so many issues, it is common for John to follow up on action here in Washington with questions on how it might impact the Erie region. Mr. Speaker, I have long followed his work in the newspaper, but I had the chance to truly interact with John in 2013 when he spent several days with Congressman Mike Kelly and myself here on Capitol Hill. I was glad to talk with him about representing Pennsylvania's largest congressional district, and about how priorities and concerns across the district often lead to policies discussed here on the House floor. I wish John the best of luck in retirement and congratulate him on a wonderful career.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I was proud to vote in favor of the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, which repeals the Affordable Care Act, or the ACA. With yesterday's passage of the bill, it marks the first time repeal of the ACA has been sent to President Obama's desk. In the past year, several significant problems with this law have become ever more clear. We have seen a large number of healthcare co- ops go under. One major healthcare provider, UnitedHealthcare, announced it is pulling out of the ACA exchange. This system is just not sustainable. Late last year, the Congressional Budget Office released a report stating that the ACA will lead to a reduction of work-hours equivalent to 2 million jobs over the next decade. The CBO attributes this reduction to healthcare subsidies tied to income, raising effective tax rates for Americans, and creating a disincentive for people seeking promotions or new, higher paying jobs. It also points to higher taxes and penalties as a reason for the reduction in work-hours. In comparison, the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act will reduce the Federal deficit by more than half a trillion dollars over the next 10 years. It will also eliminate costly provisions, such as the individual and employer health insurance coverage mandates, the Cadillac tax on high-cost plans, and it will enhance the solvency of Medicare. It also ensures that Federal tax dollars will not go to providers of abortion. Mr. Speaker, over the past several years, dozens of ACA reforms have been signed into law. However, we have only scratched the surface when it comes to addressing problems with this law. It is time to come together to support a comprehensive approach that ensures responsible use of taxpayer dollars and fixes the issues affecting our Nation's healthcare system.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am proud to rise in recognition of the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show, which starts this weekend in the Commonwealth's State capital of Harrisburg. Agriculture is so important to our Nation's economy, and the same is true in Pennsylvania, where it is our largest industry. The farm show is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the Nation, with nearly 6,000 animals and 10,000 competitive exhibits from across the State. The event itself started in 1917 with several events held across Harrisburg. By 1931, attendance had risen to 131,000. Today, the figure stands at an estimated 400,000. This weekend, I will visit the farm show with Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway and several other House colleagues. We will take part in a listening session to order to hear from farmers and others involved in agriculture regarding Federal policies. I am looking forward to showing all those who make the trip to Harrisburg why the farm show brings visitors back year after year.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of efforts by the Allegheny National Forest, located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, in addressing invasive insects which are threatening the forest's ash, beech, and hemlock trees. Invasive species are a major concern for national forests across the United States, with the emerald ash borer decimating white ash, the wooly adelgid affecting Pennsylvania's State tree, which is the eastern hemlock, and the beech bark beetle killing American beech trees. In some areas in the Allegheny National Forest, steps are being taken to proactively manage and treat trees. Over the summer, I met with the local forest service and helped apply a wooly adelgid treatment to eastern hemlock trees. In other areas of the forest, the best approach is to harvest these trees while they still have value. That is what is proposed across 4,000 acres in the forest, which includes high percentages of these tree species. The harvesting project itself will spread across the forest's four counties, adding up to a total scope of more than 100,000 acres. I appreciate the approach of the Allegheny National Forest's personnel, their hard work, their dedication, and their continuation to advocate for such proactive management practices. Now, I will continue to do what I can in the House and as chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee for Conservation and Forestry to help our national forests address these invasive species, which threaten both the health of the forest and the timber resources which helped build this Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Tionesta Dam, located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, in Forest County. This vital flood control project is estimated to have prevented more than $570 million in flood damage over the past seven decades. The Tionesta Dam, located in Forest County, was officially dedicated on January 9, 1941, as a result of the Flood Control Act of 1936 and 1938. The dam itself is located on the Tionesta Creek just over one mile from the Allegheny River. It is key to flood protection along the Allegheny and upper Ohio Rivers. Mr. Speaker, this dam is so important that during the 1972 Tropical Storm Agnes, which caused damage all across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is estimated to have prevented more than $60 million in additional damages. Today, the dam and the lake it created serves purposes beyond flood protection. Tionesta Lake and the area around it amount to more than 3,000 acres available for camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The lake itself is a hotspot for boating, water skiing, and other activities for families each summer. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the Army Corps of Engineers for their years of work at the Tionesta Dam, and I wish the Park Rangers and staff the best for the future. Saving Trees in the Allegheny National Forest

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this is the season of giving. Today I rise in recognition of a community in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, which banded together after a fire destroyed the home of a local charity. On the evening of December 12, flames ripped through the Huntingdon Salvation Army Church, destroying everything inside. Toys and clothes donated for the holiday season were left ruined by smoke and water damage. These items would have made the holiday season a little better for around 300 local families. Meals would have been provided for more than 100. Like so many of us know, small towns often come together in times of hardship. The people of Huntingdon and the surrounding area have risen to the task. In fact, Salvation Army Church officials say donations in the form of both monetary gifts and supplies have been coming in nonstop since last weekend's fire. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the people of Huntingdon for stepping up to the plate and brightening the holidays for their friends and neighbors.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, recent Iranian ballistic missile tests in direct violation of sanctions by the United Nations show that this regime cannot be trusted. This week a panel of experts from the United Nations confirmed that the tests in October and November violated sanctions placed on Iran in June of 2010. The tests also stand in stark contrast to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the agreement unveiled by President Barack Obama, which is intended to curb the Iranian nuclear program. This is a plan which would roll back sanctions against the regime at a time when the United Nations Security Council is considering new sanctions due to these missile tests. The idea that we should reward Iran by removing economic sanctions, providing billions to a regime that has long been the leading state sponsor of terrorism, is dangerous. Past performance is a good indication of future actions. Iran has a decades-long history of misrepresentation to the global community, especially in regards to its nuclear program. I urge the President to abandon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in order to make sure not $1 flows into the coffers of this terrorist regime.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again reinforce the importance of proper management of our Nation's national forests. Over the past two decades, timber harvests in the Allegheny National Forest have fallen dramatically, following a trend we have seen in national forests nationwide. This has a domino effect on communities and school districts in and around the forest, because, since 1908, counties in national forests are entitled to 25 percent of the receipts from timber sales under the 1908 Good Neighbor Compact. These are communities which were built on the lumber industry and natural resources. Many are among the most rural, poorest in Pennsylvania, and the funding from timber sales is critical for schools, roads, and other public services, something these towns and school districts depend on. Due to this diminished revenue and various challenges forest communities continue to face, we must pass real reform that leads to good management practices in our national forests. As such, I continue to support the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2015, or H.R. 2647. I believe this legislation is a key to increasing timber harvests in our national forests, which will not only benefit our communities but will create a forest that is healthier and less prone to wildfires and invasive species.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, found that the Environmental Protection Agency broke Federal laws by promoting its highly controversial waters of the United States rule. While I agree that the Clean Water Act needs clarifying, this rule would drastically expand Federal jurisdiction beyond the historical limits of the law and would apply to State and ephemeral waters. The rule would greatly increase the costs of permitting and trigger new environmental reviews and litigation. Thankfully, this disastrous rule was put on hold nationwide by a Federal Court ruling earlier this year. In its finding, the GAO said that this was an attempt by the EPA to spread ``covert propaganda'' by directing Internet users to the Web sites of environmental groups in support of the WOTUS rule. This illegal attempt to gain congressional support for the rule--and to sway public opinion--undermines the integrity of the rulemaking process, and it shows just how unprecedented this vast expansion of the EPA's power really is.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to detail a report from the Congressional Budget Office that was released this month, which says the Affordable Care Act will lead to a reduction in work hours equivalent to 2 million jobs over the next decade. The key reason for the work reduction, according to the CBO, is healthcare subsidies which are tied to income, which will raise effective tax rates for Americans and will create a disincentive for people who are seeking promotions or new, higher paying jobs. The report also points to tax increases and penalties as a reason for the work reduction, including the employer mandate, which imposes penalties on those companies with more than 50 employees that do not provide insurance. The House and the Senate recently passed legislation that would repeal key parts of the Affordable Care Act, including the employer mandate. Unfortunately, President Obama has pledged to veto it. We can't allow these job losses to become a reality. This is why I will continue to work with my colleagues to make commonsense changes that will improve our Nation's healthcare system and will revitalize economic growth and jobs.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, just a few minutes ago I returned from the White House, where President Barack Obama signed historic reforms for elementary and secondary education into law. I was proud to serve on the conference committee that was responsible for settling the differences between the House and the Senate versions of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which has replaced No Child Left Behind. This is legislation which has been years in the making and which will finally put the control of education back into the hands of our States, our schools, and, of course, our parents and teachers across the Nation. It also calls for the U.S. Department of Education to study how title I funds are distributed. I have long been concerned that children are put at a disadvantage based on the populations of their school districts rather than on a concentration of poverty. I am hopeful that this study will make the argument for a more equitable method of distributing these funds to areas that are deeply affected by poverty. This is a bill that I believe will make a real difference for students across the Nation. I was proud to see it gain overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I appreciate that. Mr. Speaker, I have one last category I want to cover here, and that is how we increase the markets, because you have to have a place to sell timber that is harvested. There are a number of things that we can do. Just quickly, we need to expand our trade. That is why I am so pleased with the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The trade ambassador and his chief negotiators actually have eliminated basically all of the tariffs that really hindered our ability to export whether it was raw timber or boards or pellets. It was just very difficult in the past. This trade proposal, members of the subcommittee and members of the full Agriculture Committee worked very closely with the trade ambassador to make sure that that was one of our priorities that was achieved, and it looks like it has been achieved. I think that is going to increase markets. We need to do that with all of our trade agreements. We need to expand the use of timber products within the green building standards, LEED standards. It is an original renewable, but it was excluded from those. It makes no sense whatsoever. We need to develop the lamination technology that has taken timber, and being able to use that really for skyscraper type construction very successfully. The research is done by our U.S. Forest Services, as well as our land grant universities, such as my alma mater of Penn State. There is great research being done, actually supported through the farm bill in terms of forest services, forest products. We need to encourage and develop the woody biomass of biofuels, taking that timber, that fiber, to use it for chemicals, to use it for fuel. We need to prevent the loss of market infrastructure that results in no beds or low beds for timber sales. In some parts of our country, our sawmills have been decimated. As small businesses, we need to help people with small businesses keep that foothold that we have and regain it. Those are just a few of the things--all not my ideas. Those all came out of our hearing with the October 8 subcommittee that we had on wildfires. I very much appreciate the bipartisan participation tonight by my colleagues on this very important issue. I think we have done some really good things with the farm bill to help our forest products industry. Again, this truly is about the health of the forest. It is about revenue for the country, but it is about the prosperity of rural America. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to have this Special Order. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I appreciate the gentleman's perspective on that. The Equal Access to Justice Act was a righteous piece of legislation when it was passed. But it was passed to be able to protect those who are kind of landowners, who were the big brother--the National Forest, or the Federal Government, was impinging on your private property rights. We all know that most individuals don't have a whole lot of money to be able to defend themselves. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has the pockets of every taxpayer. It was never meant to be hijacked by the way it has been. I appreciate the leadership of the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Mrs. Lummis), who has been a great leader, championing kind of just returning to the original intent of the Equal Access to Justice Act. I look forward to working with the gentleman on that.