Floor Statements

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.

Mr. Speaker, for more than 75 years, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has welcomed hundreds of baseball players and spectators across the world to participate in the Little League World Series.

Founded by Carl Stotz, this event has long been a direct reflection of the American spirit and love for the game.

During the inaugural game in 1947, only teams from Pennsylvania and New Jersey competed, and a local team from Williamsport won.

Today, Little League participation has expanded both in the United States and across the globe. Approximately 2 million boys and girls play Little League worldwide, representing more than 80 countries and all 50 States.

While the game has not changed, participation has. Since 1947, more than 20 girls have played in the series.

Mr. Speaker, children who participate in Little League learn about sportsmanship, responsibility, hard work, and, of course, build friendships that last a lifetime.

Former players have gone on to play baseball and softball in college, been drafted into professional teams, become coaches, and often serve as leaders in their communities.

Every year, the Little League World Series welcomes more than 300,000 fans. This event brings communities together and would not be successful without the hard work of volunteers who help support the teams, the fans, and the coaches.

This annual event is a great way to continue celebrating our Nation's founding and reveling in our shared love for baseball.

For many years, I have attended the games and loved seeing the teams, fans, and volunteers supporting one another.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all the teams that competed and thank all the volunteers, umpires, and officials who make this annual event possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Penn State's National Security Institute, which advances national security solutions through research and partnerships with Federal agencies and industry.

For decades, Penn State has remained focused on addressing the challenges facing our Nation's security.

The launch of the National Security Institute is proof that the university is a trusted adviser for keeping the United States safe and secure.

Penn State's commitment to innovation allows us to increase the capabilities of our military and improve critical technologies.

The research conducted at the institute provides educational opportunities

for younger generations and expands workforce development for businesses across our Commonwealth.

This institute doesn't just impact Penn State. It reaches people across the State, the country, and the military personnel who rely on these technologies.

The university's continued leadership serves our Commonwealth now and for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the leading engineers, scientists, Federal officials, and businessowners who are dedicated to improving our country's national defense.

I congratulate Penn State on this historic achievement.

Mr. Speaker, today I highlight Penn State University, which delivered its 1-millionth degree earlier this summer.

This historic milestone reflects the university's commitment to excellent innovation and student success.

Since the university's founding more than 170 years ago, graduates have become leaders in their communities. Penn State alumni are dedicated to serving others.

The 1 million degrees is more than just a statistic. This is an achievement that reflects 1 million dreams of attending university, 1 million new opportunities, and 1 million graduates who have impacted the world.

As a graduate of Penn State, I am proud to be a part of the 1 million students who have earned a degree from this remarkable institution.

Penn State, the Commonwealth's only land-grant university, has its eyes on the next goal. Students are always pushing boundaries, and I am excited to see the next milestone that this great university reaches.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Purple Heart Month, a dedicated time to express our gratitude to the brave men and women who have sacrificed blood, body, and mind.

This month serves as a reminder that our freedom is thanks to those who served and those who died in uniform.

Earlier this month, on August 7, which is Purple Heart Day, I attended a memorial in Union County to recognize our wounded warriors who have received the Purple Heart.

The Purple Heart, inscribed with the phrase ``For Military Merit'' represents the courage of these servicemembers and is a direct reflection of the bravery of an estimated 1.8 million men and women who have received this distinction.

As a proud Army dad of a former soldier who has a Purple Heart, I know the sacrifices our military members and their families make to protect our flag. This is why I am proud to support the Purple Heart Foundation, an incredible organization that puts our veterans first.

Mr. Speaker, I thank our Nation's veterans for the commitment to country. God bless our veterans, and God bless the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Intern Day, celebrated this year on July 30. This day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the future leaders of the world: interns.

This day serves as an opportunity for thousands of employers to commemorate and thank their hardworking interns. I take this time to recognize and thank the interns who joined me this summer--both in my personal office and on the Agriculture Committee--for their efforts.

Chloe, a Pennsylvanian and descendant of dairy farmers, worked in my personal office and was instrumental in helping the people of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

Jimmy, Katelyn, Harper, Raymond, and Madison supported the Agriculture Committee staff through dozens of hearings, roundtables, and other committee events as we work on behalf of farmers and ranchers across all 50 States.

From leading tours, helping constituents, drafting speeches, and attending briefings, these interns were a fantastic addition to my offices this summer.

Mr. Speaker, our interns are some of the best and brightest across our Nation. They should be proud of all that they have accomplished this summer.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to recognize my amendment No. 297 in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2027, which ensures the Department of War and Scouting America remains in a partnership.

For more than 116 years, Scouting America has endeavored to develop young Americans into leaders of tomorrow through service, physical activities, and community projects.

Scouting helps instill a drive in young people to carry out their duty to God and country, understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems, and take pride in their American heritage, while being prepared to lead their communities.

With more than one million participants who have contributed more than seven million service hours in 2024 alone, Scouts know how to build stronger communities and how to lead people.

Scouting America believes--and through over a century of experience, knows--that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

I am grateful for the longstanding partnership between Scouting America and the Department of War. I can think of no better recruitment tool for our military than the lessons learned through Scouting.

Scouts are known as leaders within their communities, and approximately 15 percent of all military academy cadets and midshipmen across U.S. service academies are Eagle Scouts.

Mr. Chair, this historic partnership between Scouting America and the Department of War is a relationship that strengthens our country and ensures our best and brightest become leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the budget resolution.

This resolution includes $12 billion for our agricultural producers. As chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, I know exactly how vital the health of farm country is to our rural communities and our national food security.

The provisions in last summer's Working Families Tax Cut Act provide a much-needed, long-term solution by bolstering the farm safety net, but until those provisions are fully implemented, we will need to help those who feed and clothe us with short-term assistance.

Additionally, producers across the country have fallen to the whims of the weather and will need assistance until they can get back on their feet.

Just as one example, specialty crop producers in my home State of Pennsylvania are experiencing never-before-seen losses due to a late season freeze that wiped out almost entire fruit crops. These sustained losses have plagued producers across the country.

American producers are currently staring down the barrel of $80 billion in uncovered farm losses since 2023. That is even with the commodity program payments and the Farmer Bridge Assistance program that President Trump initiated last fall. In total, American producers have seen $119 billion in farm losses since 2023.

Additional aid is needed to bring our farm economy back to an equilibrium until the updates from the Working Families Tax Cut Act kick in. Policies put forth in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which the House of Representatives passed in April, will also restore certainty to the farm economy, but our producers need relief now.

President Trump answered the call with his recent supplemental request, and I look forward to working with my committee members and the Conference to hear their priorities as we move through the budget reconciliation process.

I appreciate Chairman Arrington for hearing the needs of farmers, ranchers, and foresters in rural America, actually hearing the needs of our great country. When it comes to the agriculture space, if you vote against this bill, you are really voting for food insecurity which leads to national insecurity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Rose Smith's 102nd birthday on July 19 of this year.

Rose is a longtime resident of Clearfield, Pennsylvania. She is a valued community member, accomplished veteran, and a devoted mother.

In 1946, 4 years after graduating from high school, Rose enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve as a member of the United States Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, more commonly known as WAVES. This program enlisted women to serve in communications, intelligence, and administrative roles.

During this time, Rose worked at a naval hospital in Maryland and later transferred to the United States Naval Hospital in San Diego. After 2 years in San Diego, she achieved the rank of hospital apprentice first class.

Rose returned to Pennsylvania and married the late Edward Smith in 1950, and they welcomed six children. Today, she is a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Rose on this magnificent milestone, and I pray that God will continue to bless her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Denise Minderler for her commitment to the Special Olympics.

Denise, a longtime resident of Potter County, Pennsylvania, has participated in the Special Olympics for 47 years. This incredible organization provides children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in sports.

Denise's first competition was in 1978. She competed in bowling, which remains one of her favorite sports.

During my time in Congress, I have had the distinct honor of meeting Denise and hearing stories about the annual event.

Since her first competition in 1978, Denise has collected 142 medals, a remarkable achievement and reflection of her hard work and talent.

She also serves as a global messenger for Potter County. This position allows athletes to share their personal stories and highlight the positive impact the Special Olympics has on participants.

Mr. Speaker, Denise is a phenomenal representative for the Special Olympics and a mentor to athletes across Pennsylvania. I congratulate Denise on this incredible milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Lee Kump who recently completed

an outstanding 9-year tenure as dean of the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

Since 1986, Dr. Kump has been an integral part of the Penn State community and has served as the college's dean since 2017. Throughout his career, he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in geochemistry, astrobiology, and mathematical modeling, helping students understand our Earth.

Dr. Kump is a true champion of science, research, and innovation. He has collaborated with NASA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and his work has been featured by outlets like National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.

Under his leadership, the college has reached new heights. The establishment of the Center for Critical Minerals and the Center for Energy Law and Policy has driven innovation across Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dr. Kump's tenure as dean, and I wish him the best as he continues teaching at Penn State.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a historic ceremony at Independence Hall earlier this month celebrating America's semiquincentennial.

On July 2, a group of Representatives traveled to Philadelphia, the birthplace of our country, to commemorate the exact date when the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain.

Mr. Speaker, the origins of our Republic trace back to Pennsylvania, and Independence Hall has served as a physical representation of the birthplace of the United States.

Within those hallowed Halls, delegates from the original Thirteen Colonies debated in good faith and voted for independence. This building has long been the symbol of freedom and democracy around the world.

Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania has always been my home, and the Keystone State, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has stood firm in its commitment to freedom and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the 37 Members of Congress for traveling to Philadelphia and for their efforts to preserve our legacy for future generations, just as the Founding Fathers intended it.