Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, since first being elected to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, I have had the honor to represent both the Allegheny National Forest and Pennsylvania's historic Oil Region, where the commercial oil industry began in 1859. This region of north central Pennsylvania was built on our natural resources, and this legacy remains a deep part of our heritage. The Oil Region designation came about because of the city of Titusville, which has been aptly nicknamed ``the valley that changed the world.'' It was there in 1859 that Colonel Edwin Drake drilled the world's first commercial oil well, which set the wheels in motion for the worldwide commercial use of petroleum. Some 60 years following Colonel Drake's historic well, the Allegheny National Forest was created in nearby Warren, Elk, Forest, and McKean Counties. Like so many areas of the West, this national forest is intrinsically connected to the prosperity of our communities. A mixed use of oil and gas production, timbering, hardwood research, recreation, and tourism make the Allegheny National Forest unique to the East Coast and truly a treasure for the mid-Atlantic region. In the Allegheny, more than 90 percent of the mineral rights are owned by the private sector. With the long history in oil and gas development in the region, private landowners had the foresight to reserve their mineral rights when the Federal Government acquired these surface lands. You see, Mr. Speaker, there is not a national government-run oil company. There has long been an understanding in our great country that, when it comes to resources, and specifically energy development, the private sector does it better. For generations, this arrangement successfully operated with oil and gas development taking place in the Allegheny National Forest. Unfortunately, over the past decade, some opponents of production made attempts to mandate new regulations or limit access to the private mineral rights through numerous lawsuits. After years of litigation, a Federal court rightfully ruled in favor of the private landowners maintaining reasonable access to their property. Federal courts have consistently ruled that the United States Forest Service lacks regulatory authority over these private mineral rights. Similar rulings and new regulations that would seek to limit production have also been issued. Today, I am introducing the Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act of 2015, and I ask my colleagues who believe in the importance of private property and private property rights to join me as cosponsors. We need to provide clarity and continue to respect the longstanding importance of private property rights in our country. This legislation will set the tone for addressing other cases dealing with these rights. I urge my colleagues to join me in protecting private property and private property rights by cosponsoring the Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act of 2015.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the students from Pennsylvania participating in this week's National Future Farmers of America, or FFA, convention in Louisville, Kentucky. ``I believe in the future of agriculture.'' Those are the first words from the FFA creed. The Pennsylvania group is among 60,000 FFA members at this week's convention, participating in a variety of competitions and stressing the importance of agriculture to our Nation. Among Pennsylvania's State officers attending the convention is Tony Rice. Tony is a student at the Pennsylvania State University's main campus in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, and Tony is one of 52 national officer candidates traveling to Louisville. Each year, six student members are selected as national officers of the FFA. These young men and women travel as many as 100,000 miles per year, stressing the importance of agriculture, agriculture education, and the FFA. Candidates are judged upon their ability to be effective communicators and team players. Over the past years, Tony Rice has met with more than 12,000 high school students to address the important role that agriculture plays in Pennsylvania's economy as Pennsylvania's number one industry. Now, I not only commend Tony Rice for his dedication to the future of this industry but also his fellow FFA members and the educators who have helped these young people, who will be the agricultural leaders of tomorrow, succeed.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 597, the renewal of the United States Export-Import, or Ex-Im, Bank. In Pennsylvania, the Ex-Im Bank is essential to the economic health throughout Pennsylvania's Fifth District, supporting 11,000 jobs. The Bank supports 40,000 jobs across the commonwealth in nearly 300 companies, adding $7 billion to Pennsylvania's economy since 2007. Exporters in my district range from powdered metal companies to technology firms and to those involved in the manufacture of rubber and plastic products. All of these businesses provide jobs which sustain our local communities. Since 2007, exports from the Fifth Congressional District in Pennsylvania have amounted to more than $1.3 billion, supporting thousands of jobs in rural Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the Ex-Im Bank is not a burden on the taxpayers. In fact, in 2013, The Bank covered its own expenses before directing more than a billion dollars into the U.S. Treasury. Now, I was proud to join a bipartisan group of my colleagues to bring renewal of The Bank to the floor today and to cast a vote in favor of the bill's passage.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to set the record straight regarding a claim this week by the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifying processed meats as carcinogenic and red meat as a probable carcinogen. According to the American Cancer Society, there is a lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer of 5 percent. By this organization's own findings, eating a cold-cut sandwich or a hot dog every day would only raise that risk to around 6 percent. Doctors with the International Agency for the Research on Cancer admit that the risk for someone to develop cancer due to red meat consumption is dwarfed by the risk caused by cigarette and alcohol consumption. With that in mind, Mr. Speaker, this study should not be used for scaremongering in causing people across the Nation to believe that red meats or processed foods are dangerous. The fact remains that variety is the key to a healthy, well-balanced diet, and that cancer is not caused by a single food.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the National Day of the Deployed, which honors all the men and women who have been deployed and who have dedicated their lives to the defense and the continued freedom of our Nation. On Sunday, October 25, I attended a welcome home celebration for 25 members of the 112th Air Operations Squadron based in State College, Pennsylvania. These men and women were involved in all aspects of air operations in the Middle East and have been instrumental in the fight against ISIS. The 112th Air Operations Squadron was the first in the Nation to be deployed in this manner many years ago, setting precedent for similar units that have been deployed since. Mr. Speaker, the deployed men and women of the United States Armed Forces leave behind their families to travel overseas in order to serve our country in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan, along with other missions throughout Asia and Europe. Their sacrifices embody bravery and the love for our country. I welcome those brave individuals home and pray for those who are still serving our country overseas. May we recognize them on this 10th National Day of the Deployed.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Forest Products Week and in support of our Nation's foresters, our timber producers, our researchers, and the forest products industry as a whole. Pennsylvania, of course, derives its name from ``Penn's Woods,'' and as history shows us, our forests have played a central role in the building of this country. Today, the Commonwealth has 16.7 million acres of forest land, 70 percent of which is privately owned and managed. The forest products industry in Pennsylvania employs 10 percent of our State's workforce; and according to the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association, it generates approximately $5.5 billion annually. While Pennsylvania is well known for its high-quality hardwoods, the forest products industry also plays a fundamental role in actively managing our forests. Active management is essential in order to foster healthy lands as well as economically healthy communities. As chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, I am proud to join several of my colleagues in the House to recognize National Forest Products Week; and as the Representative of Pennsylvania's Fifth District, I will continue to advocate for policies which maintain our forests so that they can power our economy and create family-sustaining jobs for decades to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for affording me the opportunity to address such a critical issue. This reform package will protect taxpayer dollars while reforming some of the most egregious portions of the Affordable Care Act. As a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I am proud to support language included in this bill that would repeal the harmful auto enrollment mandate of the ACA. This provision, which would apply to companies with 200 or more employees, would otherwise move employees into a preapproved government-managed health insurance plan. Mr. Speaker, creating more red tape and mandates was never the solution to curb rising healthcare costs and to increase access to insurance markets. I was a freshman Member in Congress in 2009 when many of the individuals speaking today took part in a 24-hour-long markup of an earlier version of the ACA. Mr. Speaker, some of these provisions lacked all common sense and that holds true today. Half a decade later the Department of Labor is still struggling to find a way to enforce auto enrollment. Say what you want about the Affordable Care Act, this is plain unworkable. Repealing this provision will save $1 billion and maintain flexibility for employers in structuring health insurance benefits for their employees. Mr. Speaker, my Democratic colleagues on the other side of the aisle are just in denial. Since its passage, the ACA has been amended more than 50 times, and the bulk of these were changes they supported and were signed into law by the President. We should not stop there. H.R. 3762 is the next great change to the ACA, and the American people deserve as much.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this weekend I will be joining countless advocates in Centre County, Pennsylvania, for a Buddy Walk hosted by the National Down Syndrome Society. These walks have been held across the Nation for the past 20 years, raising awareness and promoting self-advocacy for those living with Down Syndrome. In spite of some extra challenges, many people with Down Syndrome attend school, work, and contribute to society in a wide variety of ways. In order to provide those living with Down Syndrome and other disabilities the best start possible, I was happy to cosponsor, along with a majority of my colleagues in the House, the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act, which was signed into law last year. This law allows people with disabilities and their families to create a flexible account to help save for medical and dental care, education, community-based support, employment training, housing, and transportation. In my home State of Pennsylvania, State legislation that will allow deductions of account contributions from State taxable income has been introduced in the Commonwealth's house and senate. I urge their passage to complete the work the Federal Government has started.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 50th anniversary of Goodwill Industries of North Central, located in my district. This organization assists people across a huge portion of north central Pennsylvania, including 13 counties. Goodwill has been a valuable part of its region since its launch in 1966. Over the years, their service area has grown to cover more than a dozen counties, 20 stores--the most recent addition, our 21st store, which is an online store they operate--and has created jobs for more than 500 people. Last week, I visited Goodwill's distribution center in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, and learned more about the organization's plans to open an additional three stores as well as a donation training center. Fifty years after its founding, hard work and determination are still the cornerstone to Goodwill of North Central's foundation. It certainly helps that this great local organization is backed by a highly regarded national network. Across the United States, Goodwill is considered one of the top five most valuable and recognized nonprofit brands and is the second-largest nonprofit organization. Pennsylvania alone is served by 10 Goodwill Industries service areas; and Goodwill has solid ties to the communities it services through partnerships with local businesses, schools, and human service agencies, helping individuals overcome life challenges through opportunity, education, training, and employment. I often say that I wear many hats during my day-to-day routine: father, husband, community member, caregiver, legislator, and so on. I am sure most of you would agree with the fact that the different roles that you fulfill in your life provide you with diverse perspectives and help shape your outlook on what is most important. My experiences have solidified my belief in the value of community. Whether we are talking about our national economy, the quality of our health care, or closing the skills gap, we can agree that the most successful efforts start in our local communities from the ground up. Those who donate to Goodwill can have peace of mind that their money is going to the right place, since 90 cents of every dollar is directed toward its mission and its services. These services were provided to nearly 1,200 people across the north central region in Pennsylvania in 2013, providing an immensurable benefit to our region. The 50th anniversary celebration is a great time to reflect on all of the growth that Goodwill Industries of North Central has achieved as a team and to continue to prepare your plans for the future. I commend them for all their remarkable accomplishments, and I look forward to the great things that are to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize October as National Fire Prevention Month and would like to thank all the firefighters across my district and across the Nation for all that they do to keep our communities safe. In 2013, departments across the United States responded to nearly 400,000 fires, resulting in $7 billion in property damage and more than 2,700 deaths. That, unfortunately, amounts to an average of eight people every day. Of those who lost their lives as a result of fire, one in four was caused by a fire that started in a bedroom. This is one of the reasons why one focus of this year's Fire Prevention Month is to raise awareness that every bedroom needs a working smoke detector. Mr. Speaker, as a volunteer firefighter with nearly three decades of experience, I know that smoke detectors save lives. The statistics prove this, showing that working smoke detectors cut the risk of dying in a fire by half. Smoke detectors are inexpensive and easy to install. I urge everyone to take action to help prevent future tragedies. Goodwill Industries' 50th Anniversary

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elk County, Pennsylvania, Commissioner June Sorg. June was honored recently with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania's Outstanding Commissioner of the Year Award and with the Special Presidential Award. This award recognizes a commissioner who has contributed to the advancement of county government. June has a long career of public service, serving for six terms as county commissioner, totaling 24 years. In that time, she has been a leader in Elk County on issues ranging from human services, workforce investment, prison issues, infrastructure improvement, recycling, and environmental issues. Specific accomplishments during June's tenure include consolidation of county offices to a centralized location, improvements to the county's jail, and the construction of Elk County's new emergency management center. As you know, Mr. Speaker, county commissioners across the country dedicate countless hours toward the improvement of counties and communities that they serve. I know that June's Sorg's work proves this is true in Elk County.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague for the time to speak on this bill, which I wholeheartedly support, because ending this oil export ban will not only boost our economy, it will also improve our foreign policy. I also rise with hesitation to a proposed amendment that would remove a provision of this bill boosting payments to the 60 ships of our maritime security fleet. These ships are essential in transporting cargo to the men and women of our Armed Forces who are serving overseas in harm's way. As evidence of this, 90 percent of all cargo moved to Iraq and Afghanistan has been transported on these privately owned ships. As of right now, Mr. Chairman, the stipend provided by the government is too low to make this program viable to those who have stepped up to defend our Nation against foreign threats. Without this increase, it is likely that participants will drop out of the program. This, obviously, is a national security threat. It is estimated that for the government to replicate this program, it would cost more than $50 billion in taxpayer money. This programs saves money while enhancing our security, and I encourage my colleagues to avoid supporting this amendment, but voting ``yes'' to lift this outdated oil export ban.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence affects people across the Nation, including one in four women and one in seven men who have suffered severe physical violence. In my district, I want to recognize the efforts of the Clothesline Project, an initiative which features T-shirts decorated by domestic violence survivors. In preparation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, people from across the Clarion County, Pennsylvania, area have participated in this project, decorating shirts which were displayed during last Saturday's Autumn Leaf Parade in Clarion. Mr. Speaker, this is such an important effort because last year 97 people died as a result of domestic violence in Pennsylvania. It is a wide age range. In fact, one was an infant. I appreciate the efforts of the Clothesline Project and all the nonprofit and community organizations across my district working to bring attention to this critical issue.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Patti Flood, a Centre County resident who is being recognized tonight as an Angel in Adoption. Angels in Adoption is a program of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and honors those who have made extraordinary contributions on behalf of children in need of families. Patti is the executive director of Family Intervention Crisis Services, which helps children in Centre County, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area connect with foster homes and adoption, along with reuniting their biological parents whenever possible. Mr. Speaker, Patti Flood has impacted the lives of countless children. Through her work, she has pushed for the development of new programs in Centre County dedicated to helping children find permanent homes as quickly as possible. In addition to her professional role, Patti serves as a trainer for the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program, passing on the knowledge gained over her nearly 30-year career. Helping children in need of adoption is a service which demonstrates real selflessness and a strong dedication to community. I thank Patti Flood for her service to our area's children.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for yielding and for leading on this incredibly important issue that is before us. I rise in support of Congressman Murphy's bill, H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2015. You know this significant piece of legislation aims to address the fact that millions of Americans who suffer from a serious mental illness are going without treatment, as families and caregivers struggle to find support in a disorganized healthcare system. I practiced rehabilitation services for 28 years before I had the privilege and honor in 2009 to come to work on behalf of the citizens of Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. Part of my career was working acute psychiatric services, working with people that were experiencing some of the most chronic and reoccurring disabling conditions that are out there. Many times the system that we are in only really responded when people were in crisis, but it only responded to the point that the person was no longer a danger to themselves or someone else. The system did not allow for the types of resources to be deployed and the care to be provided to really meet the needs of these individuals to stop the cycle. It was really a privilege and honor to work with many different individuals and many different family members. But I am so excited about this step that we are taking with this bill, and I really encourage leadership. This is a bill whose time is now. We need to elevate it to the House and to the Senate. This needs to be on the President's desk because we can make a difference in people's lives with this bill. It is hard to deny the staggering consequences of neglecting our mental health system. Suicide rates are at the highest they have been in more than 25 years. Our nationwide shortage of psychiatric beds is nearly at 100,000. The three largest mental health hospitals in the United States are classified as criminal incarceration facilities, prisons. I have taken the opportunity--I think it is important--to make visits to our prisons within the congressional district. I have done that. I have more of those visits coming up. It is very apparent to me that, as we have closed in the past facilities that perhaps we could have improved upon versus closing, all we did was shift people to the streets and from the streets to the prisons. So many people today have a dual diagnosis, some type of psychiatric diagnosis, but also a substance abuse diagnosis, which tends to be a part of that spiral. And your heart breaks to see that. If we want to reduce our prison population and the cost that it takes to maintain individuals, then this bill is a good step in that direction of breaking that cycle. I would argue that this bill will help have a cost savings over time, short term and certainly long term. Congressman Murphy has taken a compassionate and evidence-based approach to reforming the way the Federal Government addresses mental health. H.R. 2646 breaks down barriers for families. It encourages innovative models of care. It advances early intervention and prevention programs. Notably, it employs telepsychiatry to reach underserved and rural population areas where patients have difficulty accessing needed care. I know for a fact using telepsychiatry reduces the stigma of reaching out for help. I authored a bill that has become law. It is called the STEP law, the Servicemember Telemedicine Electronic Portability Act, which we really did this for our military, our Active-Duty military Reserve and Guard. We changed the law a few years back with a piece of legislation that has expanded telemedicine that is used by the Department of Defense, and it really has helped save lives. It has not been the only thing we have done, but it was a valuable part in the reduction of the suicide rate among our military. So we know the many provisions within this bill are tested. They are proven. There are lives to be improved and lives to be saved. It recognizes the important role of the family, the caregiver. Now, these are some of the most chronic and recurring conditions, and you need a strong support system. The way our system is today, it excludes those family members. So there is just a lot to support here, and I am certainly proud to do it. It is important that we make a commitment to address mental health with the same urgency as we do physical health. I will remain steadfast in my support for H.R. 2646, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, just a few minutes ago, I cast an affirmative vote for the National Defense Authorization Act for 2016. However, I do have great concern over an important measure which was all but removed from the legislation we voted on today. Earlier this year, I authored the Medical Evaluation Parity for Servicemembers, or MEPS, Act. The MEPS Act would improve military suicide prevention by instituting a mental health assessment for all incoming military recruits, which can be used as a baseline for evaluations throughout their military careers. The conferenced version of the NDAA merely calls for the Department of Defense to continue to study such a screening. Mr. Speaker, this issue has been studied thoroughly over the past several years. I strongly urge the Pentagon to act quickly to take steps in better assessing the mental health of our servicemen and - women with a commonsense baseline evaluation. A recent Army study found that nearly one in five Army soldiers enter the service with a psychiatric disorder, and nearly half of all soldiers who tried suicide first attempted it before enlisting. I call on the Pentagon to stop studying to death the death of our soldiers. Mr. Speaker, we need to act now.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 2617) to amend the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 to postpone a scheduled increase in the minimum wage applicable to American Samoa, with the Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend two schools in my district that were named this week as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2015. The National Blue Ribbon Schools program was started by the United States Department of Education in 1982 and recognizes overall academic excellence or the success of the schools in closing achievement gaps in their student population. Youngsville High School in Warren County and North East High School in Erie County both received this honor. They are among less than 20 schools in the State of Pennsylvania to be recognized, which is quite an accomplishment when you consider the many hundreds of schools in Pennsylvania's 500 school districts. Overall, 285 public schools across the Nation received this honor. For Youngsville High School, this honor is many years in the making. The school has greatly improved its test scores and is using the collaboration of teachers, students, and staff, along with community members, to make sure its academic success continues to grow. In Erie County, administrators at the North East High School say that their learning model is built on heart, trust, and respect. School organizations such as National Honor Society, student council, and the school's Inspire group are intended to boost student performance in the classroom and highlight their service in the community. I know that the administrators for both the Youngsville and North East High Schools have worked for many months toward this goal. I congratulate them, their students, and teachers on this major accomplishment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of two Future Farmers of America teams from my district after they placed first and second at a national competition this past weekend. The competition, known as ``The Big E,'' hosts teams from schools from the East Coast and the Mid-Atlantic regions which compete in a wide variety of categories, including poultry science, equine events, dairy science, and much more. A team from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Centre County, placed first in the poultry science career development event and was responsible for judging the birds and rating their quality along with other criteria. The second team, from the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania, Centre County, placed second in the nursery and landscaping division. They were tasked with designing and selling a landscaping plan. The team is now working on a landscape project for Pennsylvania's farm show in January. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the accomplishments of these future farmers and also recognize the important work performed by the FFA. The success of these young people shows that the industry is in good hands and agriculture has a bright future.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a nonprofit organization in my district that is providing a valuable service to the region. The organization, Ricky's Wheels, is dedicated to providing electric wheelchairs to those in need. Rick Worthy and his wife, Diane, created Ricky's Wheels after the death of their son Ricky in 2009, following a brief battle with melanoma. After donating Ricky's wheelchair to a local couple, Rick and Diane noticed a need across their community, especially since Medicare will not pay for a chair once someone is accepted into hospice. Since its founding 6 years ago, Ricky's Wheels has grown from a few donated electric wheelchairs in the Worthys' garage to a warehouse filled with mobility assistance devices, along with push chairs, walkers, and baby strollers. Mr. Speaker, Ricky's Wheels recently was named a local Jefferson Award recipient, after being nominated by the local television station, WJAC. This award, which was created by the American Institute for Public Service, honors ordinary people who do extraordinary things without expectation of recognition. Mr. Speaker, I believe that Rick and Diane are more than worthy of recognition for their efforts.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, I was proud to announce grant funding for the Centre County Youth Services Bureau, an organization in my district which operates an emergency shelter, assisting youth, ages 12-17, who are homeless, runaways, or at risk for either of these conditions due to difficult circumstances at home. This grant funding allowed the shelter to continue to operate 24 hours a day, providing a safe haven for these young men and women. The shelter is just one of my initiatives that the Centre County Youth Services Bureau is responsible for. The organization, which was founded in 1968, also is involved in a variety of community-based, family-based, and residential programs intended to improve the lives of families across Centre County and the surrounding area. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Youth Services Bureau and all the staff in taking the initiative to apply for this grant funding, and I know that they are going to be able to see the results of this award for years to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, early this month, I visited Brookville, Jefferson County, located in my district, to congratulate local officials and community leaders on securing funds for a long-awaited project. The Historic Brookville Town Square is one of the most important pieces of the community's long-term plan and is the product of a very successful fundraising effort by Historic Brookville, Incorporated. The Historic Brookville Town Square will be located next to the Jefferson County Courthouse on land once occupied by a vacant, rundown building. The funding for the project includes more than $300,000 raised by the community through the efforts of Historic Brookville, showing a real desire on behalf of the residents to beautify their community. Mr. Speaker, this park represents a great public-private partnership, with the final $150,000 in grant funding clearing the way for this project to enter the planning stages. I have been proud to work with the community leaders in Brookville to move this project one step closer to completion.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize today as National POW-MIA Recognition Day, in honor of missing servicemen and -women across our Nation. Sadly, more than 80,000 American soldiers ranging from World War II, the Korean war, and Vietnam are still unaccounted for. While we are thankful that several nations have worked to assist the United States in research and recovery efforts, there are still hurdles to clear when it comes to negotiations and operations. That is why I drafted H. Con. Res. 56, entitled ``Keeping Our Promise to MIAs and POWs.'' This bipartisan, noncontroversial resolution seeks to increase cooperation with nations that we enter into trade agreements in the research and recovery of our unaccounted soldiers. With so many servicemen and -women still unaccounted for, we need to do everything we can to bring them home with the honor and dignity that they deserve. I encourage all my colleagues to sign on to H. Con. Res. 56.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 497, I was absent during roll call number 497 (the Previous Question on H. Res. 420) the afternoon of September 17, 2015 because I was meeting with constituents from Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. Had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reject a proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency that would increase compliance measures in dealing with ozone. This proposal has been met with bipartisan opposition in Pennsylvania from local, State, and, yes, Federal elected officials. As a result of these regulations, three counties in my district-- Erie, Centre, and Clearfield--would fall out of compliance with Federal law. This comes at a time when Pennsylvania's ozone emissions have declined for decades. Let me repeat that. This comes at a time when the ozone emission levels in Pennsylvania have been in decline for decades. This is an EPA-Obama administration political solution in search of a problem. The new regulations would trigger an implementation procedure for counties which would make State and local officials answer to the EPA for basic permitting and planning decisions. The regulations would threaten the State's ability to open new manufacturing facilities and, by the way, the jobs that would go with that. They would threaten the State's ability to expand current businesses and invest in new roadways. They would also threaten agriculture through restrictions on animal feeding operations due to emissions from animal waste, along with limits on pesticide use. This proposal comes at a time when ozone emissions across Pennsylvania have been in decline, again, for decades. With the State's economy still on the rebound from the Great Recession, now is the wrong time for new, stringent, and, I would argue, unnecessary rules from the EPA that could kill jobs. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, this proposal is the latest in a series of overreaches by the EPA, including the Clean Power Plan, which was announced earlier this summer by President Obama. That plan will work hand in hand with these proposed ozone limits to kill good-paying jobs and to stifle economic development in Pennsylvania and across the Nation. Furthermore, recent studies have called into question the claim that ozone levels lead to health issues, including asthma, especially among children. With that in mind, these proposed regulations, which could be the costliest in the history of this Nation, may not have any impact on the health of our citizens. There is still time for the EPA to reconsider the stringent regulation proposals for ozone and coal power plants. As the Representative of a largely rural district which depends on agriculture, I understand how important it is that we be good stewards of the environment. However, that stewardship must be balanced with the protection of industries and jobs, which have powered our communities for generations.