Glenn Thompson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of Betts Industries, a trusted manufacturer in Pennsylvania and across the world. The group, best known for its specialized valves, fittings, and components for tankers and trucks, has been family-owned for more than 100 years.

Since its founding, Betts Industries has been committed to meeting the needs of the local community. During its earliest years, the company built equipment to transport petroleum across the state. For 125 years, Betts Industries has centered its mission around being American-made and locally manufactured. While the company has maintained roots within the family, they have continued its legacy by adapting to the newest industrial technologies.

Mr. Speaker, Betts is a pioneer in automation, robotics, and high technology manufacturing. The Betts family and its employees showcase the best and brightest across Pennsylvania. I congratulate Betts Industries on this historic milestone.

Mr. Speaker, September is Suicide Prevention Month, and I rise today to raise awareness and promote hope.

Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Suicidal thoughts can effect anyone, regardless of age, and is among the leading causes of death in the United States.

This month, health professionals, organizations, and communities across the United States are helping reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

Far too often, people struggle alone. However, this month, people are working together to connect people with resources and professionals that can help them.

Silence can cost lives, and conversations can save them.

Mr. Speaker, suicide is preventable. Increasing access to crisis resources saves lives. Mental and behavioral health research saves lives, and ending the stigma surrounding suicide saves lives.

While September is designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, we must continue this unified effort throughout the year and into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the 25th anniversary, this month, of the September 11 terrorist attacks to remember the lives of innocent Americans who we lost.

That morning, in 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 flew into Tower One of the World Trade Center. Not long after, Flight 175 struck Tower Two. While this news was breaking, a third plane, Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon.

In my home State of Pennsylvania, a fourth flight was hijacked and was on

path toward our Nation's Capital. However, because of the courageous passengers and crew, this plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Since these evil attacks, our country has joined together to commemorate the countless lives that were lost that day. We come together to remember the men, women, and children who died that day, and the many first responders who were there to help others, many of whom never came home that evening.

While today's world has grown no less dangerous and we continue to grapple with evil, Americans are resilient.

Mr. Speaker, may God continue to watch over our first responders, members of our military, their families, and all those who lost loved ones during 9/11.