Glenn Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3261. This bill waives the congressionally mandated 30-day notification period before the Forest Service can issue new contracts for aircraft for its air tanker fleet. There is some urgency to this bill given the catastrophic wildfires that are afflicting the western United States. The west is currently experiencing a drought that has drastically increased the hazards of wildfire this year. A wildfire in New Mexico has already burned more than 400 square miles and is still raging. The Forest Service must modernize its fleet of air tankers and must do so immediately. The fleet is using several tankers that have been in service for 50 years or longer. The agency intends to issue four contracts for seven new tankers, and this bill will allow the agency to move forward more quickly during this critical time. Two tankers were lost this past weekend. Only nine tankers remain to fight fires at this time, which is inadequate to deal with wildfire threats our western communities face. A tanker was forced to make a crash landing in Nevada this weekend when its landing gear failed. Sadly, we learned the danger of flying these missions when a Forest Service tanker crashed in southern Utah this past weekend, killing both pilots. I want to take a moment to recognize the pilots of these planes, Todd Neal Tompkins and Ronnie Edwin Chambless, both of Boise, Idaho. I hope their families know that we appreciate their service and sacrifice in making our communities safer. This is a simple step Congress can take to assist the Forest Service during this critical period. The bill was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table. General Leave

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, there are too many Americans out of work, and the President's policies only make things worse. There are fewer prime working-age adults in jobs than at any point in the two decades prior to the start of the recession. By combining those who are not actively seeking work, along with those who are involuntarily working part-time, the real unemployment rate checks in at 14.5 percent. The President's policies have led to lower U.S. rankings on world indexes of economic freedom and business opportunity. The President's regulations are costing businesses billions. The EPA Utility MACT rule alone will cost $9.6 billion per year to the American consumer, according to the Agency's own estimates. The President has stalled energy development on public lands, leaving us subject to foreign oil imports and high gas prices. Mr. Speaker there are 28 bipartisan bills awaiting Senate action. It is long past time for the President and the Senate to join with the House to increase American jobs, opportunity, and competitiveness.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 366 I inadvertently voted ``no,'' I meant to vote ``aye.'' Had I voted correctly, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the USDA Biobased Markets program was created to provide new markets for farm commodities and to encourage consumers to purchase environmentally friendly biobased products. Unfortunately, under the current law, most forest products are excluded from both the Federal procurement preference and the market label of the USDA Biobased Markets program. For instance, bamboo plywood is already eligible for the BioPreferred label and is used as a ``green'' alternative for hardwood flooring or lumber. The Forest Products Fairness Act of 2012 modifies the definition of ``biobased product'' to clarify that forest products should be included in the Biobased Markets program if they meet the minimum biobased content requirements. The Forest Products Fairness Act of 2012 will enable U.S. producers to build back a competitive advantage through stronger, expanded product markets and new economic opportunities so that the industry can better compete in the global marketplace. Including U.S.-made forest products as part of the USDA's BioPreferred program is a win-win for consumers and producers. It will promote healthy, well-managed forests and the protection of communities that rely on these jobs and industries to survive.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, President Obama has often claimed that we have 2 percent of the world's proven oil reserves, which is nothing but an excuse for inaction when developing American- made energy. As The Washington Post's fact-checkers noted, the President's claim is ``true, but false.'' False because ``proven oil reserves'' is only one category of oil, a fraction of the overall oil in the ground. ``Proven reserves'' refers to amounts of oil where seismic studies have identified available resources. Due to the long Presidential and congressional bans on Outer Continental Shelf development, the inventory of resources has not been tracked in over 30 years. The U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management estimate the U.S. has a 16 percent share of the world's undiscovered, technically recoverable, conventional oil resources. The Middle East also has a 16 percent share. Rather than saying what we can't do, the President should be doing more to facilitate the safe discovery and development of U.S. resources. Mr. Speaker, the President says he supports ``an all-of-the-above strategy for the 21st century that develops every source of American- made energy.'' The question now is whether he is willing to prove it.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Military Mental Health Awareness Day, which is tomorrow, May 16, 2012. Our servicemembers have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and many face serious conditions, including the potential for anxiety, depression, anger; and a growing number of those experience post-traumatic stress injury. For one reason or another, too many, tragically, result in suicide. According to the Army, during 2011, there were a total of 164 confirmed active duty suicides. For 2012, there have been 61 potential active duty suicides--35 confirmed and 26 still under investigation. Madam Speaker, these statistics are daunting. One servicemember taking his or her own life is too many. In Congress, we have worked to increase access and availability and also to remove the stigma associated with these conditions in hopes that more soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines will be more easily diagnosed and seek the available resources and treatments. I want to thank everyone involved in Military Mental Health Awareness Day as we continue the important work of delivering care to these brave men and women who have served this country with honor and distinction.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week by sharing my heartfelt praise of Pennsylvania's teachers and educators throughout this great country. I would like to recognize Tricia Miller, Pennsylvania's Teacher of the Year from Penns Valley Area School District located in my home county in the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District, and Margaret McLaughlin of Garnet Valley Area School District in eastern Pennsylvania, who was the recipient of the Education Support Professional of the Year Award for Pennsylvania. Their accomplishments are impressive, and both are the type who go above and beyond when helping our students achieve academic success. Like so many other teachers, they remain tirelessly committed to high achievement and developing the next generation of leaders. And while these two are Pennsylvania's award winners, there are countless others who dedicate their lives day in and day out to ensure that students live up to their individual potential and strive to push young learners to surpass that potential. As a Nation, we must make sure that we celebrate outstanding educators every day. During National Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to thank all teachers for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Zippo Manufacturing Company, which is located in the Fifth District of Pennsylvania, city of Bradford, McKean County. Zippo employs approximately 900 people in Bradford, which is a community of approximately 8,000 people, making it the largest employer in the county. Zippo has been making lighters since 1895 and became very popular during World War II. Next month, Zippo will celebrate the production of its 500 millionth windproof pocket lighter at the company's manufacturing plant. The actual 500 millionth Zippo lighter will be classic brushed chrome with two-tone engraving and an individual serial number of ``1.'' But it's not just the number that Zippo and its employees will celebrate; it's that over the years Zippo has developed an iconic brand; it's that consumers in over 160 countries around the world buy Zippo products; it's that despite the drastic downturn in the economy, Zippo, through hard work and innovation, has continued to successfully grow its business, support our domestic manufacturers and the strength of our communities. For these reasons, Zippo CEO Gregory Booth was recently nominated to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Council. I want to congratulate Zippo on this tremendous accomplishment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas C. Detwiler, a constituent and friend from Ridgway, Pennsylvania. Tom is the mill manager of Johnson Domtar's Johnsonburg mill, and earlier this week he was awarded the prestigious Mill Manager of the Year Award from the Paper Industry Management Association at their international conference. Tom was named vice president and mill manager on July 1, 2006, which is the pinnacle of a professional journey that began over 38 years ago at the same facility when he was hired as a process engineer. Over the years, Tom has become a recognized leader in the industry. His work and dedication is an inspiration to all of us, and his concern for the mill and the employees over the years is truly commendable. While being diagnosed with a severe health issue that began almost 6 years ago, Tom is devoted to the Johnsonburg area, the mill, and especially the 378 employees. A native of Johnsonburg and 1970 graduate of Johnsonburg High School, Tom holds a bachelor of science degree in medical technology from Penn State University. He resides in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, with his wife Kathy. They have two grown daughters, Lauren and Lynn, who reside in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I want to thank Tom for his service to the community and congratulate him on this esteemed award.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, over the past two decades, our Nation's small businesses have generated 65 percent of new jobs. According to a recent small business survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, today 64 percent of small businesses stand idle at current staffing levels, with 52 percent not hiring because they aren't confident in our Nation's recovery, and another 33 percent pointing to uncertainty driven by Washington. These concerns are justifiable, Mr. Speaker, with the Senate continually choosing to ignore our jobs crisis in favor of advancing an agenda that will only grow government, not our economy. The latest proposal surely wasn't about economic growth, for it takes private investment away from small businesses and turns it over to bureaucracies. It wasn't even about fairness, because it was fair to no one--not to the wealthy who pay even more taxes instead of investing in our economy, and not to the rest of us who need jobs, growth, and greater opportunity. With economic uncertainty still pervasive, every decision made by government must pass the simple test of whether or not it aids the Nation's recovery. Senate Democrats either fail to understand our economic problems or have, as troubling as it may be, chosen to ignore them.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week we remember and recognize the sinking of the Titanic 100 years ago. It is humbling to reflect upon the frailty of even so mighty a ship. Titanic-like, this country faces threats that this generation must sadly confront and must address. We can see the icebergs in the water ahead. Recent spikes in interest rates on Spanish debt reinforce cause for concern about our own future. President Obama's successive trillion-dollar budget deficits have sunk us deeper in debt than we've ever been before. We see the fiscal icebergs looming around us, yet the Senate has not even passed a budget for 1,000 days. Mr. Speaker, it's time to recognize that we cannot spend money that we do not have. It's time for us to get serious about finding ways to steer for open water. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren to balance the long-term income and expenses of this government and of this country. If we do not steer clear of the icebergs, they will send us down.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to H.R. 1959, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act. This legislation has been designed to improve the quality of orthotic and prosthetic care and reduce fraudulent payments for orthotic and prosthetic services under Medicare. This legislation would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reimburse only those providers who have been accredited or licensed in orthotics and prosthetics. The legislation also would require CMS to report to Congress on its enforcement efforts to reduce fraud and abuse. Fraud and abuse contributes not only to rising costs, but it also harms patients, particularly when medically necessary devices are arbitrarily provided or without qualified providers. Mr. Speaker, we need to collectively look at ways to create savings by combating waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare system. This legislation will enhance patient care and ensure that Medicare fraud is addressed, particularly when the fiscal solvency of the Medicare program is in question.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, everywhere I go, Americans are feeling the pinch of high gas prices. In response, the President has begun to claim he supports the Republicans' all-of-the-above energy policy. Although the words sound inclusive, a glance at the record suggests that President Obama really means none of the below. The policy is none of the below on Federal lands. On average, the Bush and Clinton administrations leased more than 3 million acres for oil and gas development per year. The Obama administration has leased less than 2 million acres per year. On Federal lands, oil and gas production was down in the last year. There are now fewer offshore production facilities in Federal waters than have been for more than 50 years. Do the President's policies matter for gas prices? The Washington Post argues that global oil prices are being driven up by a decline in global supply relative to the demand of about a million barrels of oil a day. That's a lot of oil. But let's keep that in perspective. It's less oil than the Keystone XL pipeline President Obama blocked could carry each day to U.S. refineries.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today the Supreme Court will begin hearing oral arguments on the constitutionality of the President's health care overhaul, the so-called Affordable Care Act of 2010. While the Court is still months away from this decision, in many ways the verdict has already been cast by countless American families and small businesses negatively impacted by the law. In 2007, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested: ``We have to pass the bill so you can find out what's in it.'' Two years since passage, American families have found out the hard way with increased taxes, looming regulations, and a slew of broken promises from fictitious cost controls to limitations on consumer choice. Most recently, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office served a devastating blow to President Obama's most frequently used tagline: ``If you like your present coverage, you can keep it.'' The CBO report suggested there will be a net loss of employer-based insurance coverage between 3 and 5 million people per year from 2019 to 2022. This has the potential for 20 million Americans to lose their insurance coverage over just a 4-year span. On the first anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, I joined the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for a congressional field hearing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in order to review the law's impact throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. During the hearing, Pennsylvania's acting insurance commissioner, Michael Consedine, testified that new mandates on insurance coverage had resulted in premium increases of up to 9 percent. These figures mirror the national trend as outlined in a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The Kaiser report shows that the average annual premium for family coverage through an employer reached $15,073 in 2011, an increase of 9 percent over the previous year. This is a far cry from Barack Obama's 2008 proposition that his law would cut family premiums by $2,500 before the conclusion of his first term in office. President Obama had also promised that he will not sign a health care plan that adds one dime toward deficits either now or in the future. However, an honest accounting of the health care law finds that it will increase the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars in the first 10 years alone. Former Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin has testified the law will increase the deficit by at least $500 billion in its first 10 years and more than $1.5 trillion over the decade thereafter. At a time of severe budgetary constraints, there's only one place to turn in order to keep up with this spending: the wallets of Americans, in the form of tax increases. Having spent almost 30 years in the nonprofit health care field, I am acutely aware of the challenges many face when it comes to obtaining reasonably priced health care. While many of us agree there are portions of the law that are beneficial, such as the ability of adult dependent children up to age 26 to stay on their parents' insurance, the elimination of excluding those with preexisting conditions from the plan and the expansion of low-cost clinics into underserved areas, the approach of the Affordable Care Act is fundamentally flawed. The law places Uncle Sam between doctors and patients when it should be the American people, not Washington bureaucrats, determining the kind of health care coverage that best suits their needs. Over the past 2 years, as the regulations have rolled out and the American people continue to learn what really is in the law, the broken promises have continued to pile up, weighing on the backs of small businesses and families. That's why we must repeal the law and toss out the negatives; move forward with reforms that actually lower costs without sacrificing quality and liberty. This week, just blocks away from this Chamber, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on the constitutionality of this law. While the Court's decision is months away, the verdict has already been cast by the countless American families and small businesses in congressional districts across this great country that simply cannot afford the so- called Affordable Care Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as the 2-year anniversary of the President's so-called Affordable Care Act approaches, we're reminded of the unkept promises. It almost seems like yesterday when we heard the line, ``We have to pass the bill so we can find out what's in it.'' That prediction today stands as one of the few justifications for passage of the law to still hold much truth or credibility. Then supporters said it wouldn't cost a dime; yet last week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office stated they now expect the law to cost $1.76 trillion over 10 years. That's nearly double the $940 billion originally claimed. Supporters said it would bring down costs; yet these new mandates have helped result in premium increases of up to 9 percent in my home State of Pennsylvania. Today we remain committed to repealing and replacing this costly and dangerous law, piece by piece, if necessary. We take a great step today by repealing a provision that would otherwise cede the responsibility of Congress to an unelected and unaccountable Medicare rationing board. This measure is yet another facet of that commitment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, just last week the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office served a devastating blow to President Obama's most frequently uttered promise during debate over the Affordable Care Act: ``If you like your present coverage, you can keep it.'' The CBO predicted the law would lead to a net loss of employer-based insurance coverage for between three and five million people each year between the years of 2019 and 2022, with as many as 20 million Americans losing their current insurance plans. Now, as we approach the second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, the full impact of this law remains unknown. However, a few things are quite clear. Supporters said it would lower costs. It hasn't. They said it would improve quality. It hasn't. The President said you can keep your current plan if you like it. This clearly is not the case. By the administration's own estimates, the new health care regulations will force most firms, and up to 80 percent of small businesses, to give up their current plans by 2013. Mr. Speaker, the American people can't afford another year of the so- called Affordable Care Act.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, otherwise known affectionately as ``THON.'' THON's goal every year is to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The fund was established to support children's cancer by assisting patients and their families through treatment. The fund has helped thousands of families by offsetting medical expenses incurred during cancer treatment. This year, THON broke the previous record and raised $10,698,924. They raised over $10.6 million. That's amazing work. Congratulations. Penn State's THON has grown to become one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the world, and their efforts have helped improve the lives of so many. As a proud Penn State alum and Member representing the university here in Washington, I want to congratulate Penn State, the students, the donors, and all of the organizations involved in the THON for another amazing year in support of a truly important cause.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, today, right now in America, around the dining room tables at home, there are two topics of discussion that I have to think are most pressing during that dinner conversation, and that is unemployment and price at the pumps; and, frankly, they're both related, very closely. Madam Speaker, before being appointed to office, President Obama's Energy Secretary Steven Chu stated: ``Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.'' Well, Madam Speaker, at the time of that statement, gasoline prices in Europe were $8 to $10 a gallon. Last week, the Energy Secretary made headlines when he seemed to say the administration's goal was not to lower gas prices. Considering the goal is not to lower gas prices, this may be the first time that the administration's energy policies match its rhetoric. Now, despite the President's rhetoric about the need for increased domestic production of fossil fuels, to date, this administration has seemingly done everything it can to block production. But the purpose of these remarks is to highlight not the administration's statements but, instead, their policies. Let's look at the record, starting with some positive things that happened just before President Obama took office and continuing through 2012 to present day, as shown on this graph. First of all, July of 2008, at the peak of the 2008 gas price spike, President George Bush removed 18 years of Presidential Executive Orders restricting offshore oil and gas energy development. Prices began to fall immediately, almost overnight. Given the fact that not one additional barrel of oil was drilled, it was a message to the market, a strong message to the market that America finally recognized that the American taxpayers owned assets in oil and were willing to use them. What a message to the market it would be today, a similar message. But back in 2008, that's where we saw this drop begin to start. Now, in September of 2008, just a couple of months later, Congress finally followed, after its 26-year ban on offshore drilling, to allow that to expire. Prices at the pump, as you can see, Madam Speaker, dropped dramatically, even more. Then President Obama took office. February 2009, soon after, not long after inauguration, the administration rescinded oil shale lease plans put in place during the Bush administration to aid the production of oil in U.S. Government lands. These are lands that are owned by Federal taxpayers. President Obama's actions reduced production of oil in the United States Government lands, and we see what continues to happen with prices. In June of 2010, the House Democrats passed a cap-and-trade national energy tax, which would have dramatically increased gasoline prices. In November of 2009, the administration unilaterally shortened lease terms on some Outer Continental Shelf leases. Well, this policy not only discouraged oil and natural gas production, but also decreased much needed government revenues. In March of 2010, the administration canceled the remaining lease sales in seas off the Alaska coast, eliminating development of reserves that the government estimates could be as large as 65 billion barrels of oil. In May of 2010, the administration canceled the Virginia offshore lease sale, which had bipartisan support from the Virginia Governor and the Virginia congressional delegation. The administration also canceled the remaining 2010 Gulf of Mexico lease sales. In December of 2010, the administration extended the moratorium on leasing off the Atlantic and eastern Gulf of Mexico through 2017. In January 2012, President Obama rejected the Keystone XL pipeline. Estimates show that the Keystone XL pipeline would add 1.1 million barrels a day of friendly Canadian oil to our Gulf of Mexico refineries. Madam Speaker, moving forward with a credible energy policy can only be achieved if we all have a shared understanding of the facts. Global demand for oil is increasingly driven by developing economies such as China and India. In the U.S., our demand is down 6 percent year after year, and prices are still skyrocketing. And it's going to stay that way. Eighty-five percent of the world's energy consumption comes from hydrocarbons--oil, coal, and natural gas. While renewable energy is needed and new consumption efficiencies should be encouraged to meet future energy demands, hydrocarbons will be the dominant source of fuel for the world's economy for many decades to come. No one can deny that before we can create an energy supply that is substantially more diversified, we are going to need more fossil fuels to get us there. We're not running out of Natural Gas. In 2000, shale gas represented just 1 percent of American natural gas supplies. Today, it is 30 percent and rising. We are not running out of oil. Former CEO of Shell, John Hoffmeister, stated last week on State of the Union, ``We use 20 million barrels a day every day in a full economy in this country. We only produce 7. We used to produce 10. Let's go back to 10. We know how to produce 10. We have the oil to produce 10 for decades to come.'' Unfortunately, this Administration is preventing the U.S. from developing additional energy supplies to meet our demand. As a result, families are struggling with rising energy costs and higher gas prices at the pump. Madam Speaker, these are the facts and the solutions are within our reach.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Sherry Stinebiser for decades of service to the communities of northwestern Pennsylvania. On June 25, 2011, Sherry was elected to a 1-year term as president of the ladies auxiliary to the Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars, the VFW. Like every task Sherry has taken on in her long career of service, her primary goal as president has been serving others. Joining the Ladies Auxiliary in 1996, Sherry is a life member of Cleo Bargerstock Auxiliary 1424 in Marienville, Pennsylvania, which is located within the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District. Outside of the auxiliary, Sherry has worked for more than 30 years as a licensed practical nurse. She has volunteered her spare time as an emergency medical technician and serves as a board member of a group called Experience Incorporated, a local organization in Warren and Forest Counties dedicated to providing services to elderly citizens. Albert Einstein once said: Only a life lived for others is worth living. A model citizen who has committed her life to serving others, I believe Sherry would agree. Thank you for your service, Sherry.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, recreational therapy embraces a definition of health which includes not only the absence of illness, but extends to enhancement of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure development. This caring profession touches the lives of individuals all across the Nation. I have personally witnessed how recreational therapy provides independence and dignity in the lives of those facing life-changing disease and disability. These services are provided by professionals nationally certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. Every day, countless individuals face rebuilding lives. These individuals benefit from the compassionate and cost-effective care of a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist. Recreational therapy ultimately aims to improve an individual's functioning and keep them as active, healthy, and independent as possible. In a time when we need access to cost-effective health care, I urge all my colleagues to support the recognition of recreational therapy services provided by a CTRS specifically in satisfying the inpatient rehab intensity of service requirement. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the caring professionals of the therapeutic recreational profession for the services they provide every day.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as cochair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus in order to recognize February as National Career and Technical Education Month. Career and technical education programs continue to evolve in order to ensure that workers are prepared to hold jobs in high-wage, high- skill, and high-demand career fields like engineering, information technology, health care, and advanced manufacturing for the 21st century. During this time of economic uncertainty and record high unemployment, career and technical education programs provide a lifeline for the underemployed who look to be in careers alongside young adults just starting out in the rapidly evolving job market. Career and technical education, while historically undervalued, helps tackle critical workforce shortages and provides an opportunity for America to remain globally competitive while also engaging students in practical, real-world applications of academics, coupled with hands on work experiences. Together, these programs provide for integrated learning experiences which assist students with skills that promote career readiness. Whether for high school students and adults retraining for a new field or further professional development, career and technical education programs are vital to our country's economic recovery. And while the limited Federal investment has been stagnant for almost a decade, these programs have proven effective to ensure that America can continue to be the world's leading innovator. As we move toward fiscal year 2013, I join with a bipartisan group of my colleagues in not only recognizing the importance of maintaining these Federal investments for our country's future, but also in saying thank you to the countless men and women who make these programs possible. They share a bold vision for America's future, which breaks from the cookie cutter, straight out of the box education of the past and recognizes that America can and must remain a global leader. Mr. Speaker, career and technical education serves to ensure that we continue on that path.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I thank the gentleman for his comments, for joining us and honoring and remembering a great individual in Joe Paterno. It's now my honor to recognize Mr. Gerlach, another colleague that I've had the privilege and honor to serve with since coming to Congress. I yield to Congressman Gerlach.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with colleagues from Pennsylvania to recognize the accomplishments of Joe Paterno, the longtime Penn State football coach who passed away last month. Paterno's accomplishments as a teacher and a coach rank him among the very best in the history of the country. His accomplishments were both on the field and on the campus. I'm pleased today to be joined by a number of my colleagues from Pennsylvania and pleased to yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly).

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Kelsey Lomison, 77, of Orviston, Pennsylvania, from the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District, died on Monday, February 6, of this week. Centre and Clinton Counties lost a great friend. Kelsey Lomison lived his 77 years serving and making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. He was an extraordinary caring leader in many facets of life, from singing for area churches, organizing benefits for persons and families in need, and serving Curtin Township and his home community of Orviston. As a community leader, Kelsey demonstrated a deep commitment to serving his neighbors. His leadership within the Howard Area Lions Club and the Clinton County Fair represents just two of the countless efforts he performed. He touched many lives and provided an excellent example to all who knew him. His determination, bright outlook on life, and phenomenal voice will be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Barb, sons Wes and Dave, and their entire family. Kelsey Lomison's kindness, professionalism, talent and unselfish service will be missed. Rest with the Lord, my friend.