Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, which I chair, conducted a hearing to review the National Forest System and active forest management. The health of our national forests is an issue of vital importance for rural America. Not only are national forests a source of immense natural beauty, but they provide us with natural resources, healthy watersheds, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat. Perhaps more importantly, they serve as economic engines for the surrounding local communities. Our national forests are capable of providing and sustaining these economic benefits, but they need proper management in order to do so. The U.S. Forest Service manages more than 193 million acres of land across 41 States. Within those 41 States are over 700 counties containing national forestland. These counties and communities within them rely on us to be good stewards of these Federal lands, and there is a direct correlation between forest health and vibrant rural communities. The people living in these rural areas depend on well-managed national forests to foster jobs and economic opportunities. These jobs come from diverse sources, such as timbering, energy production, or recreation. However, if those jobs disappear, so do jobs that support those industries. It is a snowball effect from there, threatening school systems and infrastructure in these rural communities. As a result, effective management and Forest Service decisions have significant consequences on our constituents who live in and around national forests. Healthier, well-managed national forests are more sustainable for generations to come due to the continual risks of catastrophic fires and invasive species outbreaks. Especially with the decline in timber harvesting and the revenue to counties from timber receipts over the past two decades, rural economies will benefit immensely from increased timber harvest. We can continue supporting a diverse population of wildlife through active land management practices, such as prescribed burns. Our national forests are not museums. They were never intended to sit idly. I say it frequently, but national forests are not national parks. When Congress created the National Forest System more than 100 years ago, it was designed so that surrounding communities would benefit from multiple uses. Our national forests are meant to provide timber, oil, natural gas, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and clean drinking water, not just for the rural communities, but these tend to be the headwaters of the waters that provide water for our cities as well. During yesterday's hearing, members of the Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee called upon Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell to use the tools that Congress made available in the 2014 farm bill in order to strengthen rural economies and improve the health of our national forests. One certainly complements the other.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, over the weekend, I was thrilled to be at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art in DuBois, Pennsylvania, for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition awards ceremony for my congressional district. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to recognize and encourage artistic talent among U.S. high school students. This year, I had the honor to serve as cochair of the annual national competition. Madam Speaker, this year, I was blown away by the quality of work and the levels of creativity by the students in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. This year's first place winner, determined by an independent panel, is Leah Kleiner of Waterford, Pennsylvania. Leah, whose work is titled ``Little Brother,'' attends Fort LeBoeuf High School in Erie County. I am looking forward to hosting Leah in Washington this summer and displaying her award-winning work in the Halls of the Capitol Building. This year's second and third place winners are Bethany Stoddard of DuBois and Madelyn Ostermann of Summit Township, respectively. Natalie Haupt of Oil City and Caitlin Cesa of Sandy Township both received honorable mentions. I would like to congratulate all of this year's winners and thank everyone who participated in this fun and exciting competition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, during a time when our digital world is so insecure, new policies are needed to help defend against cyber attacks. The attacks against Sony Pictures, Target, and Anthem are just a few of the most recent examples. According to a report released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cyber crimes in 2013 cost more than $100 billion in the United States and, roughly, half a trillion dollars globally. Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to resolve these problems by working together to improve our Nation's cyber defenses rather than having President Obama try to solve the problem one executive order at a time, and that is exactly what the House is doing this week. Determined to protect the American people from future cyber attacks, last night, the House passed one bipartisan bill--and it will vote on another today-- which seeks to balance security while protecting privacy. Mr. Speaker, after years of inaction, the White House has indicated it is willing to work with Congress on this issue, signaling that we may finally put the policies in place that are necessary to protect our digital world in the 21st century.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I joined the gentleman from North Carolina, Congressman G.K. Butterfield, to introduce H.R. 1906, the bipartisan Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2015. Coordinated medical rehabilitation provided in an inpatient setting is crucial to Medicare beneficiaries with injuries, disease, disabilities, or chronic conditions. Unfortunately, beginning in 2010, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began placing limitations on what types of therapy a beneficiary could receive, despite the professional judgment of the treating physician. Mr. Speaker, these limitations restrict recreational therapy from being prescribed, despite it being medically necessary in many cases. The bipartisan Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2015 that I have introduced with Congressman Butterfield will undo these unnecessary barriers imposed by CMS that place limitations on what types of therapy a beneficiary may receive. This legislation will not cost the American taxpayer any money; will help facilitate access to the appropriate mix of services in an inpatient rehabilitation facility; and will benefit patients with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and those who have sustained strokes, amputations, individuals living with neurological disorders, and a wide range of other conditions. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today and strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get behind this commonsense bipartisan legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Recently, the Pennsylvania State University Agricultural Extension honored Anna ``Mickey'' Peters for her more than half century of volunteerism to Penn State Extension's 4- H volunteer youth program. This was just the latest honor for Mickey, who, last year, was inducted into the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Hall of Fame. This honor was only granted to 14 individuals from across the Nation who best embodied the award motto: ``Making the Best Better.'' Mickey was the sole recipient from Pennsylvania. Since the early 1960s, this dairy farm wife and mother of four has been a mentor and a trainer, exhibiting outstanding citizenship and leadership. Mickey has been recognized through numerous awards, including the National 4-H Salute to Excellence award, the President's Volunteer Service Award, and the Centre County Council of Human Services Extension award. During her years with the Extension, Mickey has worked with over 500 members and has mentored over 30 4-H leaders. At age 83, Anna ``Mickey'' Peters continues to help us all understand that every person has the best within himself and that we all have the capacity to make the best better.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, earlier this week the Energy Information Administration released its annual forecast of U.S. energy trends and predicted that the United States will become a net exporter of natural gas by 2017. As cochair of the bipartisan Congressional Natural Gas Caucus, I understand the magnitude of this geopolitical transition and the implications for ensuring American energy security through continued natural gas development and investment. By becoming a net exporter of natural gas by 2017, the United States will be able to build and strengthen its economy, help to improve the environment, and remain globally competitive. As one of the Nation's top producers of natural gas, Pennsylvania continues to help drive record-breaking oil and natural gas production domestically. The Energy Information Administration's recent projections place the United States closer than ever to obtaining energy independence, while signaling longer term market stability that will make energy prices more affordable for businesses and families throughout Pennsylvania and all across the country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, with April 15 quickly approaching, this week the House of Representatives will be taking action and voting on a number of bills to ease the pain for American taxpayers. Across Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, I have heard from constituents expressing their ongoing anxieties when it comes to the complexity of our Federal Tax Code. Mr. Speaker, there are more than 4 million words in the Tax Code and only 462 words in the Bill of Rights. This country is long overdue for a more simplified Tax Code. This week, the House is considering legislation to ensure IRS transparency, repeal the immoral and oppressive death tax, and pass a taxpayer bill of rights. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these commonsense measures to protect the American taxpayer.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on September 22, 2011, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen referred to our national debt as ``the single biggest threat to our national security.'' He was correct in his statement that the United States continues to suffer from overbearing debt and, unless immediate action is taken, future generations will face unsurmountable challenges. No one wants a future where policymakers are forced to choose between discretionary programs, like roads and bridges or educating our children, when they continue to be crowded out by mandatory spending which accounts for more than two-thirds of our annual budget. We need a strong social safety net. We need a strong national defense. We need an America where young learners can have access to a quality education and workers can receive the skills that they need to gain family-sustaining jobs and keep businesses thriving and competitive, both domestically and globally. Unfortunately, aspirations for a more prosperous America are not going to be achieved until we begin to get out from underneath this burden of debt. Mr. Speaker, since 2009, the Obama administration has added more than $7 trillion to our national debt, and today, we owe more than $18 trillion, an amount greater than the annual gross domestic product. While bipartisan agreements have led to some successes since 2011, Congress must continue to put forth a blueprint that aims to reduce deficit spending and provide a path to long-term fiscal stability. Recently, the House passed a strong budget resolution that aims to reduce spending by $5.5 trillion over 10 years to get a handle on erroneous regulations and mandates that impede job creation and promote true patient-centered healthcare solutions. Mr. Speaker, the critics of this plan have unashamedly claimed that Republicans ``want to end Medicare as we know it.'' Well, those accusations could not be further from the truth. Unfortunately, these nearsighted individuals have focused more on partisan attacks rather than looking at the long-term challenges that we, as a country, face together. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the Medicare hospital trust fund will be insolvent by 2030, which is closer than we all would like to admit. The House Republican proposal presents a plan to save, strengthen, and secure Medicare for today's seniors and tomorrow's retirees. It makes no changes for those in or near retirement, provides future seniors with premium support, and will result in actual savings for both beneficiaries and taxpayers. The do-nothing alternative will only serve to break promises this country has made to our seniors and places us on a road to rationing, where beneficiaries will be burdened with arbitrary caps to medically necessary procedures and care. Mr. Speaker, I am in no way claiming this blueprint is perfect, but please be assured that I was not elected to sit idle or squander an opportunity to ensure that our great country can continue to support promises that we have made. Moving forward, as the House and Senate begin to conference and work out the details between each Chamber's respective budgets, I will remain committed to ensuring a strong national security, economic competitiveness, and an atmosphere that fosters positive growth throughout Pennsylvania and across our great country. We have been given an opportunity to strengthen this great Nation. Let us work toward that end, rather than vilify those who look to provide us options. Our children and future generations of Americans deserve as much.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, while back in my district on April 4, I was proud to be in Erie County, Pennsylvania, for the fourth annual Running for Parkinson's race, which is an event that seeks to raise awareness for this disease that affects more than 1 million people in the United States alone. April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, and recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Lynne Gotham, coordinator at Parkinson Partners of northwest Pennsylvania, and Angela Badaracco, founder of the local nonprofit Running for Parkinson's. Angela was diagnosed with Parkinson's back in 2005 at the young age of 32 and, since then, has been committed to raise funds to combat this disease. Since Angela and her husband, Matt, started the Running for Parkinson's race 4 years ago, they have helped raise over $12,000 for Parkinson's research. It was my privilege to attend this year's race, and I applaud Angela and Parkinson Partners of northwest Pennsylvania for helping to bring hope and awareness to those living with this disease.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, moments ago, the House passed a historic piece of bipartisan legislation that will put an end to the flawed Medicare sustainable growth rate, the so-called doc fix, and extend the Children's Health Insurance Program. For more than a decade, Congress has used a bandaid to address the sustainable growth rate, rather than offering permanent reforms. Having served in a nonprofit health care setting for nearly three decades, I experienced firsthand the uncertainty and the anxiety that patients and their providers experienced annually, wondering if draconian cuts to reimbursements would occur. This bipartisan, permanent solution will replace the sustainable growth rate with a more stable system that will ensure our seniors do not lose access to their healthcare providers. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is by no means perfect, but it is a move in the right direction for children, seniors, and our medical providers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening with deep sadness in the wake of the terrible tragedy involving Germanwings Flight 9525. While the investigation is still ongoing, it is believed that all 150 passengers on board have been lost, including three American citizens. Also on board were 16 German students who were on their way back to Germany following their 10th-grade class trip to Spain. Mr. Speaker, every tragedy of this magnitude brings heartbreak, but we are especially saddened by the loss of so many young people full of hope and promise. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that investigators can quickly determine the cause of this tragedy for the victims' families. As cochair of the bipartisan German-American Congressional Caucus, I want to offer my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all the victims and their families, and our allies in the several countries currently addressing this tragedy.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on March 1, Penn State University's public television station, WPSU-TV, celebrated its 50th anniversary. On March 1, 1965, WPSU transmitted its first broadcast signal from atop Penfield Mountain, and viewers for the first time watched ``Saludos Amigos,'' an introductory Spanish class aimed at schoolchildren across central Pennsylvania. Since that initial broadcast, WPSU has dedicated itself to informing and engaging central Pennsylvania communities and beyond. More recently, WPSU has looked to make a global impact by expanding its documentary production. WPSU-TV has produced several award-winning projects, such as ``Telling Amy's Story,'' which has reached more than 6 million people through on-air broadcasts, online, and at various community events. Mr. Speaker, today, WPSU-TV reaches approximately 515,000 households in 29 counties through cable, satellite, and over-the-air delivery. As a graduate of Penn State University, I am so proud of all that WPSU-TV has accomplished, and I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing them for 50 terrific years.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the House Republican budget proposal released last week will serve as a strong blueprint to put our country on a long-term path to fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Unlike the President's proposed budget, which is the same tax-and- spend policies that have not worked for the President or the American people, the House Republican proposal aims to balance the budget within 10 years without ever raising taxes. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, marked the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law. Let me be clear: ObamaCare is certainly not worth celebrating. The House majority budget proposal would repeal ObamaCare in full, including the tax increases, erroneous regulations, and mandates, all while promoting freedom of choice, affordability, and true patient- centered health care solutions. Furthermore, the budget proposal aims to further ensure a strong national security, economic competitiveness, and an atmosphere that will foster positive growth throughout Pennsylvania and all across the country. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support a clear path forward. The American people deserve as much.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, President Obama released new regulations for hydraulic fracturing and once again turned his back on job creation in an attempt to appease a small but vocal group of environmental extremists. These new regulations are unnecessary and threaten the potential growth of jobs on Federal lands and across the Nation. Production of shale resources has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and much of this growth has been due to private sector innovation, coupled with sensible regulations at the State and local levels. As one of the top producers of natural gas, Pennsylvania continues to help drive record-breaking oil and natural gas production here at home. Since 2006, Marcellus producers have contributed over $1 billion in State taxes, along with half a billion dollars in road construction. Communities in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District have greatly benefited from the technology and safety advancements that make natural gas readily available. This success has been made possible due to regulations administered at the State level, not by adding the bureaucracy of the Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, I will work with my colleagues in Congress and do all that I can to stop top-down policies such as this that undermine economic progress and energy security.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, along with the gentleman from Ohio, Congressman Tim Ryan, I am introducing the Medical Evaluation Parity for Servicemembers Act. This legislation, which has strong bipartisan support and the support of a large number of military and mental health advocacy groups, will help the military identify behavioral health issues and improve suicide prevention by instituting a mental health assessment for all incoming military recruits. A recent Army study confirmed the need to address mental health issues in a timely manner, finding 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.'' Our military makes sure that every servicemember is physically fit for duty, and this legislation will ensure that they are also mentally fit. Furthermore, it will ensure that we have a better baseline against which to measure any potential mental harm that may have occurred during their duty. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day in the service of our Nation, and it is our duty to offer everything in our power to guarantee they return home safely, both physically and mentally. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry, which I chair, held a hearing to review the definition of the ``waters of the United States'' proposed rule and its impact on rural America. Enacted in 1972, the Clean Water Act established a Federal-State partnership to protect our Nation's navigable waterways; however, despite strong opposition from Congress and the public, the Obama administration has taken upon itself to redefine the Clean Water Act's jurisdictional waters. The EPA's proposed rule could have serious consequences for rural America and the Nation's economy. Yesterday, members of the House Committee on Agriculture asserted that the administration has acted on its own, without input from the States and stakeholders, to broaden the scope of the Clean Water Act, threatening the livelihood of farmers, ranchers, and rural America. It is my hope that yesterday's hearing will spur the administration to pull the rule and consult with the States and stakeholders first or repropose the rule and allow a new round of public comment. Mr. Speaker, there is too much on the line to continue down the current path.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, I, along with 15 fellow House colleagues, called upon the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to provide flexibility with the agency's proposal to list the northern long-eared bat under the Endangered Species Act. Back in December, the Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the northern long-eared bat as threatened under the Endangered Species Act through a special 4(d) rule, which would provide exemptions for certain activities if they met prescribed conservation activities. Apart from forest management, the initial rule did not specify which activities would be granted exemptions. Because this species of bat can be found in 38 States, including all of Pennsylvania, a broad Endangered Species Act listing would have far-reaching impacts upon the States and permissible land uses. Mr. Speaker, listing the northern long-eared bat as endangered has never been warranted. Since day one, the Fish and Wildlife Service has repeatedly acknowledged the underlying cause of population decline is a disease--white-nose syndrome--not habitat loss through human activity. Rather than limiting commerce and land use activities--impacting jobs and local economies--the Fish and Wildlife Service should focus their efforts on combating white-nose syndrome.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 18-year-old Lawrence Township volunteer firefighter Jeffrey Buck. On March 3, Jeff was battling a house fire in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, when the porch roof collapsed on him and two fellow firefighters. For the next 6 days, Jeff was in critical condition, on and off sedation, and on March 9, Jeff succumbed to his injuries. Mr. Speaker, it is tragedies like this that remind us how selflessly these brave volunteers act in order to protect their neighbors and our communities. This is a sad time for Clearfield and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On Friday afternoon, I attended the memorial service for Mr. Buck in Clearfield, and it was truly remarkable to see the entire community come together and unite in the wake of this terrible tragedy. I ask my colleagues to join me in offering their prayers and deepest sympathies to Jeff's family, friends, and fellow first responders.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the House voted with bipartisan support to pass H.R. 240, legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security through September 30, 2015. It is our constitutional duty to ensure that our country remains safe, and playing politics with Homeland Security funding, when the world is as dangerous as it is today, is simply unacceptable. Make no doubt about it, it is critically important to stop the President's actions on immigration. But at a time like this, it would be gravely irresponsible to allow the Department of Homeland Security to shut down, or even to have the appearance of that. When the executive and legislative branches of our government are in disagreement, the judicial branch must play referee, and that is exactly what took place when a Federal judge sided with a complaint filed by 26 States in opposition to the President's move toward amnesty. Now that our Federal courts have halted President Obama's executive actions, further rulings will closely examine how the President has overreached his constitutional authorities. Mr. Speaker, considering all of the facts, voting ``yes'' on Homeland Security funding yesterday was the right decision. However, this does not compromise my position of standing strong against the President's executive actions.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week, the FCC voted 3-2 on bipartisan lines to allow unprecedented government regulation of the Internet and reversing nearly two decades of bipartisan policy. In a recent interview, FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai said, ``This is a solution that won't work to a problem that doesn't exist.'' Mr. Speaker, the FCC Commissioner is exactly right. Why are trying to fix a problem that simply does not exist? This decision by the FCC represents a dangerous and reckless disregard for free market principles and is just another example of government overreach by this administration. Mr. Speaker, President Obama's 332-page plan to regulate the Internet will lead to slower services, less investment, and more taxation. Together with my colleagues, I will continue to fight to keep a free and open Internet.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is Rare Disease Day, and I stand to help raise awareness for more than 7,000 different types of different rare diseases and disorders that affect more than 300 million people nationwide. Today, the National Institutes of Health is celebrating its eighth annual Rare Disease Day, and I applaud their efforts to bring awareness to this very important issue. Mr. Speaker, in the United States, a condition is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people combined in a particular group. In the U.S. today, there are approximately 30 million people living with rare disease, many of whom are inflicted with diseases whose symptoms are so complex that they simply remain undiagnosed. It is estimated that 80 percent of rare diseases are genetic in origin, and about half of all rare diseases affect children. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me not just today but every day in helping to raise awareness on this very important issue that affects so many people in this Nation and around the world.

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. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my good friend and cochairman of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, Mr. Langevin, for working with me on this amendment and his leadership. We believe it is vitally important that flexibility be provided to local school districts as they explore options for students to earn academic credit through internships or apprenticeships. Unfortunately, too often, our schools have subscribed to a one-size- fits-all approach when it comes to the opportunities available to all students. It is expected that all graduates will be going on to a 4-year postsecondary school or program. Mr. Chairman, this is a false premise. It is not realistic and certainly not fair to students. While every child should leave high school college and career ready, it is imperative that we allow school districts to assist young learners in career exploration and the positive gains that can be achieved through real-world work experiences. This amendment provides flexibility for school districts to provide credit for achieving these real-world academic experiences. I encourage support of this amendment. I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita), the subcommittee chairman.