Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize our Nation's case managers and the role that case management plays in our health care and our social services sectors. October 12-18 marks National Case Management Week. During this time, we recognize the contributions case managers make each and every day and the role that they play in educating individuals about their health care options across the continuum of care. While all too often overlooked, case managers are critical in improving health care outcomes for individuals across the country, promoting quality health care for patients. As we continue to look at ways to improve health care delivery in America, let us not forget the role case managers play in cost- effective outcomes for patients. Today, I offer my thanks and praise for our Nation's case managers. During this upcoming National Case Management Week, let us all recognize the value that case management brings to the health care arena.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, over the past 2 years, the House of Representatives has advanced bill after bill to grow our economy. The House has passed legislation to keep our small businesses growing through smarter regulations. We have passed legislation to increase wages and expand job opportunities. The Senate has failed to act. The House has passed legislation to make energy more affordable for American families and to keep the country on a path to energy security. The Senate has failed to act. The House has passed legislation to require the U.S. Forest Service to increase timber production on national forest lands and better manage those national treasures. We have also advanced legislation to modernize the Endangered Species Act, promoting science-based decisionmaking and improving species recovery while protecting our economy. The Senate has failed to act. The House has passed a series of reforms to improve the President's health care law, including a repeal of the harmful 2.3 percent medical device tax. The Senate has failed to act. The American people deserve better, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank our veterans. This weekend, I will have the great honor to join the 2014 Hometown Heroes Celebration in Wayne Township, which is Clinton County, Pennsylvania. The focus for this year's celebration is honoring those from the Vietnam war, and will also include paying tribute to our veterans from the Korean war and World War II eras. We will honor these local heroes for their service and their brothers in arms, including those who didn't make it home or gave the ultimate sacrifice. Each day, especially on September 11, we are reminded of the many threats posed to America and its citizens. We are also reminded of how blessed we are to have brave men and women who have, for generations, served their Nation and laid their lives on the line in protection of our freedoms. Mr. Speaker, we owe those who have served and are serving in uniform our unwavering support and thanks, and today I offer my sincere praise for the veterans of Wayne Township and the surrounding areas. You are our hometown heroes, and you deserve as much.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Suicide Prevention Day, which is recognized on September 10. Suicide is a tragedy that touches more of us than most might realize. It is also a great challenge for our military. In addition to an alarming suicide rate, half of all soldiers who tried suicide first attempted it before enlisting, according to recent Army studies, and a large percentage had never been deployed in a combat role. Today, as we draw attention to the issues and prevention strategies that might save just one life or more, I am proud to say the House in May passed bipartisan legislation that would improve the military's approach to suicide detection and prevention. While currently the Department of Defense does a thorough physical assessment for military recruits, no similar mental health evaluation is performed. H.R. 4305, the Medical Evaluation Parity for Servicemembers Act, will bring mental health to parity with physical health through the enforcement of a mental health assessment for incoming military recruits. On Suicide Prevention Day, I am calling on the Senate to pass this important legislation. Our servicemembers deserve as much.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss an important and timely field hearing that was put on today by the House Natural Resources Committee in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, titled, ``The Northern Long-Eared Bat: The Federal Endangered Species Act and Impacts of a Listing on Pennsylvania and 37 Other States.'' Today's oversight panel heard from witnesses representing a number of economic sectors on the harmful economic impacts of this wrongheaded designation proposal. Mr. Speaker, no one can deny the primary challenge facing the northern long-eared bat, which is a disease known as white-nose syndrome, and there is a consensus that we must learn more about this great threat. However, it is imperative that we get the science right and strategically address the root cause of the apparent population losses rather than restrict a large area of the economy and activities that have no bearing on slowing or reversing this disease. The Endangered Species Act is far from perfect and has generated many unintended and harmful consequences. Unfortunately, the proposed designation for this particular species is yet another reminder of how this law must be improved and modernized.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am here to celebrate the most recent of many bills produced by this House, the Republican-led House. This one is H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, with overwhelming bipartisan support. This legislation will begin the process of reforming the Veterans Health Administration and instituting great accountability across our veterans' health system. Being the father of an Army soldier and having worked for 30 years as a health care practitioner, my heart broke when I first heard of the disturbing revelations of gross misconduct and dysfunction at the VA. Fortunately, with the passage of H.R. 3230, we have moved one step closer to restoring the trust of our veterans. This legislation will afford greater and timelier access to cost-effective care services, while bringing necessary changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, Mr. Speaker, this is just the first step, and more needs to be done to fulfill the commitments we have made to these brave men and women. I want to thank the chairmen of the House and the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees for their commitment to overcoming political differences and finding common ground.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the situation on our southern border and the influx of unaccompanied migrant children is both tragic and alarming. Even more concerning is the lack of leadership coming from the White House. We also know that a law passed in 2008--the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization--has further complicated the administration's response. The law guarantees minors from Central America a court date and assistance for temporary relocation as they wait out their pending appeal. Unfortunately, a large number of these individuals evade attending these proceedings. Few minors are sent home, and most are able to stay for years, if not permanently. The current situation is a stark reminder of just how flawed the Senate's immigration reform bill is. Granting amnesty to millions would merely reinforce the perception that, if you come to the United States illegally, you will be rewarded. Unfortunately, billions in new spending will not reverse the perception of a lenient enforcement environment in the United States. What we need is for the White House to enforce the laws, secure the borders, and put aside political games and start working with Congress in a bipartisan manner.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the situation on our southern border and the influx of unaccompanied migrant children is both tragic and alarming. As the House and Senate debate this matter, it's important for us to recognize several areas of discussion that demand our attention. To start, Mr Speaker, we know this influx has been building for some time and that over the last several months it has grown at an even faster pace. Before 2009, the flow of unaccompanied children attempting to cross the border was less than 10,000 per year. These numbers have increased dramatically over the last few years. While recent estimates over the past month appear to indicate the flow is subsiding, we remain on pace to exceed 90,000 children for 2014. We also know that more than 90 percent of all these children come from just three countries--El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. While economic conditions in this region have been poor for quite some time, they have not significantly changed in the last few years. We also know that a law passed in 2008 with the best of intentions-- the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization--is making it more difficult to return unaccompanied children to their families. Unlike illegal immigrants from Mexico, who are required by law to be processed and promptly returned home, the 2008 law guarantees minors from these countries a court date and mandates extensive assistance for temporary relocation as they wait out their pending appeal. We also know that a large number of these individuals evade attending these proceedings, and that ultimately, few minors are sent home. In fact, most are able to stay for years, and a large number remain permanently. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement data, only 1,669 children were deported in 2013 despite more than 26,000 apprehensions. These statistics are stunning, Mr. Speaker. There is no wonder that according to interviews conducted by the Department of Homeland Security that more than 90 percent of these children expect they will be able to stay in the United States. Mr. Speaker, what's even more concerning is how many of the Obama Administration's policies have not helped the current crisis. For example, the President's 2012 policy for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals gives these families hope that they might receive some sort of amnesty. This policy not only is detrimental to the rule of law and an overreach of executive authority, but it also sends the wrong signal. Mr. Speaker, all of this is a stark reminder of just how flawed the President and Senate's immigration reform bill is. Granting amnesty to 11 million illegal immigrants would merely serve to reinforce the perceptions that if you come to the U.S. illegally you will be rewarded--and not only with a hearing, but full legalization. This does not help the current situation, to say the least. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, billions in new spending as the President has requested will not reverse the perceptions of a lenient enforcement environment in the U.S. Alternatively, what we do know is that this administration--and every administration--must do more to secure the border. What we do know, Mr. Speaker, is that we must do more to stem this migration influx, which should include changes to the 2008 trafficking law. What we do know, Mr. Speaker, is that we must do more to leverage our relations with Central America to support the expedited return of these children in a humane fashion. What we do know Mr. Speaker, is that we need the White House to enforce the laws, better secure our border, and to put aside political games and actually start working with Congress in a bipartisan manner.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this legislation. H.R. 4315 is an important first step in reforming the Endangered Species Act, and undertaking long overdue. This legislation is about three things: increasing government ransparency, requiring better state and local data and input, and limiting excessive payments for lawyers who sue the Federal government under ESA. First, the bill requires the Federal Government to publish on the internet and make publicly available the data that was used to make the determination that a species should be considered for listing under the ESA. Secondly, the legislaion would require the Federal Government to include and consider data provided by state, local and tribal governments. The purpose of this is to ensure that the best ``on the ground'' input is taken into account when making such listing. Finally, H.R. 4315 would limit attorneys' fees when individuals or organizations sue the government under the ESA and prevail. In my home state of Pennsylvania, we are currently seeing firsthand why these changes need to be legislated. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently proposed the Northern Long-Eared bat for listing under ESA--despite significant scientific debate over its population levels. While the species is unquestionably being impacted by White Nose Syndrome, considerably more research still is needed before sweeping federal regulations go into effect. This species has an enormous geographical footprint and is found in 38 states. Listing this bat species would have an enormous impact, including harming a large number of economic sectors that pose no threat to this population. During the open public comment period, the Fish & Wildlife Service received a significant number of public comments discussing this lack of adequate data, and since then, the Service has acknowledged that the economic activities most affected by the proposed listing have had little impact on population numbers or the decline of the species. As a result, the agency has now decided to extend the comment period to further review these disparities. H.R. 4315 is a package of commonsense reforms that will improve local control and increase government transparency and accountability. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week, the House will be advancing solutions to some significant issues that are facing this Nation. Among those, I rise today to discuss one of those, a piece of legislation set for consideration by the House later this week, H.R. 4315, the Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act. It is a package of reform bills that will modernize and improve the Endangered Species Act. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was first enacted to protect and recover key domestic species that are under threat of distinction. Although the ESA was written with the best of intentions, areas of the law hinder, rather than enhance, our ability to effectively manage ecosystems and conserve species as initially intended. Today, the law is failing, failing to achieve its primary purpose of species recovery and has only a 2 percent recovery rate. In April, the House Natural Resources Committee advanced this package of bills through committee with support from both sides of the aisle. As a member of the House Endangered Species Act Working Group, which developed the findings and recommendations for these proposals, I encourage my colleagues to support these reforms that promote greater transparency and accountability under the Endangered Species Act, while ensuring the ecological and economic needs of our local communities are being met.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Nation's military chaplains. It was 239 years ago this week, at the behest of George Washington, that the Army Chaplain Corps was created by the Continental Congress. These brave men and women, who serve in each branch of the military and are from all faiths and denominations, have served in every one of our Nation's wars. Today I would like to acknowledge one of our Nation's military chaplains, Captain Mike Cerula, who is from Waterford, Erie County, Pennsylvania, and is currently serving with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg. Chaplain Cerula deployed to Iraq in 2011 and was previously acting brigade chaplain for the 411th Engineer Brigade. Military chaplains, like Chaplain Cerula, represent some of the best this country has to offer. A favorite Bible verse of Chaplain Cerula's is from James 5:16, and I quote: ``The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.'' We thank you, Chaplain Cerula, along with all of our military chaplains, for your service, your sacrifice, and most importantly, your work to support the spiritual strength and wellness of those who serve in uniform.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act and to call on Congress to come together and pass this important bill so that our troops have the support they need to succeed in the field and so that our military commanders and policymakers have the certainty they need to conduct our Nation's national security affairs. This year's NDAA has already been voted on by the House, passing with bipartisan support. In addition to keeping troops adequately equipped and trained, this year's legislation also includes a piece of legislation called the Medical Evaluation Parity for Service Members Act, or MEPS Act, which is a bill I introduced that will help our military move toward a more comprehensive and effective approach to suicide prevention and detection. While our military has made great strides to address issues of mental illness, it is tragic events such as those at Fort Hood that remind us we must do better. Madam Speaker, I am calling on the Senate to move forward on this legislation so that we can fulfill our commitment to those who serve in uniform. They deserve as much.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, each day, we hear about new opportunities as a result of developing our own domestic energy resources. What we hear less about is how many crises we have avoided as America has moved from energy scarcity to energy abundance. Last week, on July 15, historian, Pulitzer Prize winner, and renowned energy expert Daniel Yergin stated that, without the recent domestic boom in oil production, the United States would be in deep economic trouble. ``I am convinced, were it not for what's happened these last few years, we'd be looking at an oil crisis,'' he said, according to the Pennsylvania energy news publication, StateImpact, covering Mr. Yergin's remarks. ``We'd have panic in the public. We'd have angry motorists. We'd have inflamed congressional hearings, and we'd have the U.S. economy falling back into a recession,'' he added. Not only that, Mr. Speaker, we have jobs coming back to the United States that were previously headed overseas due to cheaper labor and other competitive advantages. Today, the U.S. is looking a bit more welcoming for businesses and job growth and for the American worker. From The Wall Street Journal earlier this week, ``The competitive advantage that U.S. companies will receive from the lower cost provided by shale gas . . . is attracting investment from some of the industry's bigger names. Just last week, the International Energy Agency said some 30 million European jobs are at risk as manufacturers of petrochemicals, plastics, and fertilizers are relocating to the U.S.'' Additionally, as reported in Politico earlier this week, ``A strange thing happened in the past few months as Ukraine battled with Russian- backed separatists, rockets flew over Israel, and much of Iraq fell to Islamist insurgents: gasoline prices for U.S. motorists stayed pretty much flat. The price at the pump has even fallen in the past week, even after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 exploded over Ukraine and Israel sent ground forces into Gaza . . . It's yet another sign of the unexpected changes wrought by the U.S. energy boom, which has turned the United States into one of the world's largest oil producers and the biggest producer of natural gas.'' Mr. Speaker, the opportunities of domestic energy production are apparent. As a result, we have new opportunities here at home and abroad. Americans are keeping more money in their pockets due to lower heating costs and prices at the pump. U.S. businesses are bringing operations back to the U.S. to create jobs here at home. Companies from across the globe are bringing their operations to the United States, so that they can do business at a lower cost. American families are able to find good-paying jobs. We are helping the U.S. remain competitive, and we are becoming more economically secure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I just want to thank my colleague for his work and leadership on this amendment. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership on the underlying bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, while claiming the time in opposition, I rise as a supporter and cosponsor of this bipartisan amendment with my colleague and fellow cochairman of the House Career and Technical Education Caucus, Congressman Langevin. Our amendment would allow eligible entities to submit to the Institute of Education Sciences information regarding the number and percentage of students who are able to find employment, jobs in a field relating to their program or course of study. This will provide for the collection of longitudinal data and will allow policymakers to have a further understanding of course study and career alignment, but more importantly, students will be able to utilize these findings to see what courses of study have a higher prevalence of job placement. Mr. Chairman, I often say, ``It is not where you start out in life, but it is where you end up,'' and education is the key to that journey. This amendment will further assist students participating in competency-based programs, many of whom will be nontraditional students and will provide them with another opportunity to attain success in life. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan, no-cost amendment and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to this amendment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, the Environmental Protection Agency's regulatory attack on our economy and way of life in central and northwestern Pennsylvania has been growing for some time. In recent months, the EPA moved forward with an egregious power grab to redefine the Agency's jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act through a new proposed rule commonly known as the Waters of the United States. In Pennsylvania, agriculture is our number one industry. As in other parts of the country, our farmers and ranchers know that clean air, clean water, and being good stewards of the environment in which they live and work is of fundamental importance to their livelihoods. Despite local prerogatives and successful State and regional initiatives to protect our natural resources, the Federal Government, once again, has chosen to undercut these efforts with punitive Federal regulations. In March, the EPA issued the Waters of the U.S. proposal, explaining that the rule expands neither Federal authorities, nor the amount of water or land under the Agency's jurisdiction. Well, the EPA has argued the action is necessary to eliminate ambiguity over which bodies of water are jurisdictional under the law. Unfortunately, this is a far cry from the truth. In reality, the EPA's plan represents an unprecedented expansion of Federal power that will harm our economy and erode the rights of both States and private landowners. Enacted in 1972, the Clean Water Act was created as a partnership between the States and the EPA in order to better manage identified pollution sources through a range of pollution control programs, such as setting wastewater standards. The scope of the law is limited to navigable waters, and for the first time, it made it unlawful to discharge any pollutants into these bodies, unless a permit was obtained. The law was never intended to impinge upon States' authority as the primary managers of water resources within their borders. The law was never intended to regulate small, noncontiguous bodies of water, such as streams, ditches, ponds, and creek beds, which would impose unnecessary burdens on economic activity. Unfortunately, that is exactly what the EPA has proposed. Despite Supreme Court rulings interpreting the regulatory scope of the Clean Water Act more narrowly than what the Federal Government has asserted, the EPA's new rule moves in the opposite direction. In fact, essentially all waters in the country under the EPA's proposed rule could potentially be subject to regulation and permitting approval by the Federal Government. The Obama administration and the EPA have argued the rule is intended to eliminate ambiguity and offer greater protections for States, farmers, and landowners when, in fact, it will create new regulatory burdens, more ambiguity, and less certainty. EPA Chief Gina McCarthy earlier this month characterized the growing opposition to the Waters of the U.S. rule--which has come from both Republicans and Democrats--as ``ludicrous'' and ``silly'' and recently summarized the backlash as a ``growing list of misunderstandings.'' Madam Speaker, it is no misunderstanding. EPA's new Waters of the U.S. rule is a historic power grab that poses a fundamental threat to our economy and way of life in Pennsylvania and for communities across the country. Unfortunately, the only thing ludicrous is how the EPA continues to believe a punitive one-size-fits-all approach to environmental stewardship is the only way forward.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss efforts to strengthen America's higher education system, make it more affordable, and provide students the tools they need to make smart investments in their futures. Later this week, the House will consider three bipartisan bills that recently passed the House Education and the Workforce Committee, which include H.R. 3136, the Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act; H.R. 4983, the Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act; and H.R. 4984, the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act. Together, Madam Speaker, these measures will support innovation, strengthen transparency, and enhance financial counseling, which will ultimately help students access a more affordable education. These legislative proposals are part of a broader effort to reauthorize the Higher Education Act. The House remains determined to strengthen America's higher education system and provide students the tools that they need to succeed. I encourage my colleagues in the House to support these commonsense bills and call on the Senate to join us in working to make a difference in the lives of students and families.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of the Securing Access Via Excellence, or SAVE, Medicare Home Health Act, legislation introduced by my colleagues Mr. Walden and Dr. Price to replace the cuts to Medicare home health funding under the President's Affordable Care Act with a value-based purchasing program. Home health care allows the ill and disabled to access essential care services within the home setting and enables our seniors to have more control over health care decisions. The Affordable Care Act cuts Medicare home health by 14 percent by the year 2017. This will have a devastating impact on a large portion of the 3.5 million Americans who receive these services, including more than 143,000 in Pennsylvania. Of equal concern, these cuts could result in the loss of thousands of jobs for caregivers and health professionals. The SAVE Medicare Home Health Act will achieve the same level of savings in the Medicare program. Rather than indiscriminately cut this funding, this legislation protects beneficiaries' access to home health by making these services more effective and cost efficient. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation. America's seniors deserve as much.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, natural gas production in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations is projected to grow 36 percent by 2035, according to a recently released industry report from ICF International. According to the report, which is released quarterly: Well data from producers suggests ultimate recovery of gas in the Marcellus will average 6.2 billion cubic feet per well, up from 5.2 billion cubic feet per well in the last report. According to a recent Energy Information Administration drilling report, gas production in Pennsylvania alone has more than quadrupled from 2009 to 2011. Today, Bloomberg News reports: Record natural gas production from the Marcellus is helping send U.S. output to an alltime high. Another recent industry report from Morningstar, Incorporated, noted that Pennsylvania is now ranked third in the Nation for natural gas production and that the Marcellus is expected to account for nearly one-fourth of all U.S. gas output by 2015. Mr. Speaker, natural gas continues to provide jobs and family- sustaining incomes that are much needed in the Nation's slow economic recovery. At the same time, we are moving closer to energy independence.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in a dramatic shift from just a short time ago, the United States is reducing its dependence on foreign sources of energy. It has the opportunity to become a major force in the international energy market. It is being made possible through the development of our domestic energy resources, namely the expansion of unconventional resources, such as shale gas and oil. Through remarkable innovations, the U.S. has been able to access oil and gas from shale formations that were previously inaccessible or uneconomical to produce. As a result, we have quickly moved from energy dependence and a weaker footing to energy abundance and strategic leverage both domestically and abroad. At a time when the economy has not recovered at an acceptable pace, gas production in particular areas, such as the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania, have provided a key source of economic relief and job creation. As a result of the Marcellus, Pennsylvanians and Americans across the country are benefiting from lower heating costs, businesses are able to produce goods more efficiently, and manufacturers are looking to relocate to the United States to create products, support economic expansion, and grow jobs that were previously headed overseas. But, Mr. Speaker, if we are to sustain the same level of growth and expansion, policymakers must make smart choices for the future so that we support rather than hinder this opportunity. To start, we must continue to expand gas utilization domestically. The Marcellus shale, for example, has changed where, in the United States, gas is transported and utilized and how it is transported from region to region. This reconfiguration requires new infrastructure, including pipelines for transmission and transport and new processing facilities, and this all requires long-term planning and investment. Additionally, because the domestic production of natural gas is far surpassing U.S. demand, most economists agree that a modest expansion of natural gas exports would serve to stabilize domestic prices and supply, which is critical to sustaining the rapid growth in the industry that we have witnessed. Furthermore, each gas export terminal is a multibillion-dollar investment that creates construction jobs in addition to the more permanent positions within the natural gas value chain. That means jobs for steelworkers, turbine manufacturers, pipefitters, and others, which will help communities across the country. Given the situation in Ukraine and events in the Middle East, we are reminded that our energy resources can also provide significant geopolitical benefits. Exporting even a small amount of these plentiful resources overseas to our allies will strengthen not only our domestic economy but our national security. President Obama, Secretary of State Kerry, and leaders of the European Union have clearly stated that additional global supplies of natural gas will benefit Europe and our strategic partners. For this reason, I am proud to say the House recently passed H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act. This bipartisan bill would streamline the permitting process for natural gas exports. In February 2014, the United States Department of Commerce reported that our national trade deficit for 2013 improved by $63.1 billion in comparison to 2012. However, despite this improvement, figures for the month of April are now showing that imports are increasing and that exports are decreasing, and as a result, the trade deficit is now at a 2-year high. With the U.S. Department of Commerce having acknowledged that increased petroleum exports are a key factor that can contribute to a lower trade deficit, it makes perfect sense to allow additional LNG exports in order to further reduce the trade deficit. In addition to its economic and international benefits, natural gas has helped to significantly lower our carbon emissions, which decreased by 3.8 percent last year in the United States, down to 1994 levels, according to government data. The United States needs a smart energy policy that enables the citizens to continue receiving the benefits of abundant, low-cost energy, but also one that utilizes these resources as a tool of strategic leverage to improve our environment and shape international events to the benefit of America and its allies. Mr. Speaker, we have made a smart and strategic decision in the House with the passage of H.R. 6. Let's continue to advance similar policies to further leverage the many benefits of our domestic energy resources. Let's do it for the good of the American people and our Nation's strategic competitiveness in the world.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize retired Captain Marshall Hanson, United States Navy, who suddenly passed away last week at the age of 63. I worked closely with Captain Hanson in his role as the director of legislation and military policy at the Reserve Officers Association. I know that so many of his friends and colleagues share my sentiments when I say that we have lost a tireless advocate of America's Reservists and the men and women who serve in uniform. Captain Hanson was born in Darby, Pennsylvania, and raised in Glen Rock, New Jersey, and Seattle, Washington. A 1972 graduate of the University of Washington, he was commissioned through Naval ROTC. Later, he earned an MBA from the University of Washington and graduated with distinction from the Naval War College. Captain Hanson served 3 years in Active Duty and 27 years in the Naval Reserve, retiring in August 2002, before continuing his service to those in uniform through his advocacy on Capitol Hill. I offer my thoughts and prayers to Captain Hanson's family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week, I had the opportunity to join rural school advocates from across the country here in Washington for the release of the Why Rural Matters 2013-2014 report, a biennial report from the Rural School and Community Trust which analyzes the state of rural education for communities in each of the 50 States. This important research document gives policymakers and the public fresh insight into the social and economic contexts that influence educational outcomes and also reinforces how these conditions must be better understood, including in the context of how the Federal Government allocates title I funding. Title I was initially created to offset the impacts of poverty on student learning. Unfortunately, the report shows once again that children receive preferential treatment based not only on their economic circumstances, but on the basis of their ZIP Code. Surely my colleagues on both sides of the aisle believe that all children are equal. Unfortunately, most are surprised to learn, as we were reminded again this week, this is not the case. I believe this body can do better, for our children deserve as much.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, recently I joined fellow lawmakers in sending a letter to the U.S. Agriculture Secretary concerning the U.S. Forest Service's proposed groundwater resource management directive. Similar to a large number of other proposals stemming from this administration, the directive seeks to further federalize water resources at the expense of State authority and private property rights. Additionally, it will unnecessarily interfere with State and private water rights, along with other activities. Furthermore, the directive was proposed without State or local input, which will encourage litigation and potentially interfere with the adjacent State, local, and private land and water rights. In Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, 93 percent of the subsurface rights are privately owned, which means the consequence of this directive could even be more complicated and threatening to private property and water rights. Mr. Speaker, the mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests. Unfortunately, this policy will achieve little or no environmental benefit while it, at the same time, undermines the agency's statutory obligation to manage these lands. The Forest Service should withdraw this ill-timed and punitive directive.