Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, who has dedicated himself to public service for more than 40 years. Tom retired on Friday, September 1.

Over the last four decades, Chief Tidwell climbed the ranks, starting as a firefighter and becoming a district ranger, then forest supervisor, before leading more than 30,000 employees of the U.S. Forest Service.

Chief Tidwell worked on collaborative approaches to combat wildfires, maintain support for forests and grasslands, and support community- based partnerships to reduce appeals and increase work.

Since Tom was named chief in 2009, the Forest Service has enhanced treatments to improve and protect the health and strength of our forests and grasslands. Because of Chief Tidwell's vision, we have seen an emphasis on active management, forest products, and clean water.

Under Tom's leadership, the agency has made strides in helping the ecosystem remain sustainable while addressing the many challenges threatening America's forests, grasslands, and rural communities.

We are deeply grateful for Tom's 40 years of commitment and service. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Tidwell for his friendship and his service, and I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as flags throughout the Commonwealth are lowered to half-staff in honor of Clinton County Sheriff's Deputy Sheriff Stephen Herrold who died unexpectedly on Thursday, July 20.

Stephen was 30 years old and had served as a sheriff's deputy for the last year and a

half. He and his wife, Kelly, had just welcomed Brock--their first child 10 days before his death.

On Wednesday, more than 100 members of law enforcement from near and far lined the auditorium at Central Mountain High School to say goodbye to Stephen.

Clinton County Sheriff Kerry Stover said Stephen was the first deputy he'd hired after being elected sheriff. At Stephen's service, he said:

He was outstanding. He took his job seriously. . . He

served his community. He helped people. He confided in

people. He was polite and courteous. He projected law

enforcement in a positive way. . . He trusted his heart and

he did it right.

Mr. Speaker, Stephen's sendoff was awe-inspiring, which was a fitting goodbye for a man who served his community with distinction and honor. Stephen will be missed, but his memory will live on forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to call upon the House leadership to not adjourn until we have a healthcare bill.

Respective committees need to meet and walk a new product through regular order. We know what will and will not work, given the voting prerogatives of the Members of this body and the Senate.

We understand the needs of our constituents, regardless of their voter registration.

We understand it is our job to navigate the complexities of this issue on behalf of the American people and come up with a product that makes good on promises that have been made to improve our healthcare system. This will take Republicans and Democrats.

Later this morning, I will be proud to once again gather with my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike, who are members of the Problem Solvers Caucus, part of no labels, to continue our work seeking a bipartisan solution to what has become, unfortunately, a partisan issue.

I stand ready to make good on these promises and suggest that we remain in Washington until that work is complete.

Mr. Speaker, as we prepare the next farm bill, I rise today to speak about the impact that agriculture has on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, our farmers, our economy, and our communities.

Agriculture is the number one industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We proudly boast 58,200 farms, totaling more than 7.7 million acres of farmland. These farms contribute to a total economic impact of $45 billion from production, food processing, marketing, transportation, and manufacturing.

Mr. Speaker, the farm bill affects everyone in Pennsylvania in various ways, just as it does families throughout the United States of America.

It provides a safety net for farmers and ranchers during difficult times. It supports infrastructure and economic development in rural communities. It incentivizes good conservation practices to protect our farmland and our environment. It helps provide access to nutritious, quality food for the least fortunate among us, as well as breakfasts and lunches for our schoolchildren.

The farm bill's effects can be felt beyond the ag industry. In 2015, the USDA rated the market value of all agricultural production in Pennsylvania at $8.7 billion, and agricultural exports contributed $2 billion to the State economy.

The strengthening impact that agriculture has on the Pennsylvania economy is significant and undeniable, yet it is only one example of agriculture's vast influence on the lives of everyone in the Commonwealth. Agriculture employs our residents, provides better health for our communities, and promotes agricultural exports.

Agriculture touches the lives of millions of Americans, and not just those who work as farmers or ranchers.

Pennsylvania's farmers look to the farm bill to protect their livelihood from weather disasters, to provide them a safety net when times are hard, and to ensure their ability to support their families and their communities.

Over 6 years, the USDA has invested more than $1.4 billion in Pennsylvania for programs that promote new markets for farm and ranch products. These programs provide revenue and price loss payments to eligible producers.

This legislation ensures that eligible acres are afforded disaster assistance in light of natural disasters and droughts, providing our farmers with a safeguard against the unpredictable elements of weather.

Beyond supporting our farmers, the farm bill fortifies Pennsylvania's infrastructure. The bill provides funding for the expansion of telecommunications, the improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure, and the construction of community facilities like fire stations, hospitals, and libraries.

It promotes growth in the community, the health of our children, and the well-being of Pennsylvania families. In 2016, more than 65 million breakfasts were served to more than 386,000 children in the School Breakfast Program. Last year, the State served more than 173 million lunches to 1 million students who participate in the program.

Programs such as WIC, the Women, Infants, and Children program; and SNAP, the Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program, help people in need put food on their tables. The farm bill truly impacts the lives of so many.

Mr. Speaker, as vice chairman of the Agriculture Committee and chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee, I look forward to producing a strong farm bill that will promote sound policies for agriculture in Pennsylvania and throughout the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Marienville Volunteer Fire Company as it celebrates 125 years of service on Saturday, August 19. The

Marienville Volunteer Fire Company began in 1892 at the home of Dan Moriarty as a small group of men with a wagon, a pump, and a determination to keep their community safe.

In 1902, a great fire ripped through the area, destroying a substantial section of Marienville. In response, the company came together to raise money for better equipment, and soon became a well- organized department with official uniforms, its first fire truck, and a firehouse on North Forest Street.

As the team grew, a new building was built on North Forest Street that still houses the company today. Today there are about 40 active members under the direction of President Randall Parrett and Fire Chief Greg Geyer.

As a state-certified firefighter, EMT, and rescue technician myself, I know these firefighters are always ready to answer the call.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly congratulate the Marienville Volunteer Fire Company on this outstanding milestone, and I thank each member of the company for their service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the National Council on Independent Living for celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Their persistent advocacy has had a tremendous impact on the disability community and has not gone unnoticed.

Mr. Speaker, as you may know, before I was elected to serve in Congress, I worked for many years as a therapist, a rehab services manager, and worked in the community with individuals living with intellectual disabilities and as a licensed nursing home administrator.

Working with individuals facing life-changing diseases and disabilities has been one of the greatest joys of my life, after my wife and children and two grandsons. There is something extraordinary about supporting an individual as they set out on challenging journeys toward rehabilitation and autonomy.

My passion for improving the quality of care for my patients and helping them achieve independence is what brought me here to Congress.

Last year, I was proud to turn my experience into advocacy by guiding the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act through the legislative process. This commonsense bill empowered those living with disabilities to set up their own special needs trusts, an action which was barred by previous law. After receiving overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, language from the bill was included in the 21st Century Cures Act, which was signed into law on December 13, 2016.

Mr. Speaker, safeguarding the rights of Americans living with disabilities is a cause I am honored to fight for, and I look forward to continuing my efforts.

Honoring the Life of Dr. Howard Kirtland

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a member of the medical community whom we recently lost.

Today, I honor the life and memory of Dr. Howard Kirtland, who passed away last week after years of selfless service to his community and employees through his practice, Venango Hematology and Oncology, as well as the Kirtland Cancer Foundation.

Dr. Kirtland was well-known for his kindness and generosity throughout the community. Those closest to him will be deeply impacted by the loss of a man who was loved for his mentorship, selflessness, and incredible work ethic.

Dr. Kirtland founded the Kirtland Cancer Foundation with his personal resources to financially assist cancer patients and their families, as well as providing scholarship money to students affected by the disease.

Dr. Kirtland was born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York. During his residency at the University of Virginia, he left school to enlist in the Army. He served in Vietnam before moving to Franklin, Pennsylvania, in the Pennsylvania Fifth Congressional District, to start his practice.

On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania, I recognize and honor Dr. Kirtland for his incredible life of service to those around him. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Mrs. Louise Johnson, this year's recipient of the Friends of the Fair Award from the Clinton County Fair.

Mrs. Johnson has dedicated herself to the people and organizations of Clinton County for many years, particularly the Clinton County Fair.

She served as chair of the Hershey Baking Contest for 22 years, as co-chair for Open Show for 19 years, and created the Sizzling Senior Talent Show in 2010.

Beyond her involvement at the fair, Mrs. Johnson has served at the Monument Church of Christ for more than six decades, teaching Sunday school, playing the piano, and serving as treasurer.

She has further enriched the community by teaching crochet classes, serving residents at Haven Skilled Rehabilitation and Nursing, and assisting at Lock Haven Hospital.

Mr. Speaker, the time and dedication Mrs. Johnson has given to her community is truly inspiring. I am so proud to congratulate her on this well-deserved award.

I congratulate Mrs. Johnson, and I thank her for all that she has given in services to the communities of both Centre and Clinton Counties.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I had the privilege of touring Pennsylvania's only State-owned 2-year technical college, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, named after an individual, a former Member of Congress that served in the era of Abraham Lincoln in this Chamber. I was pleased to be in Lancaster with my colleague, Representative Smucker.

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology provides a bridge out of poverty for some of the poorest citizens of Pennsylvania through a high-skill, high-wage technical education. Graduates are filling the skills gap in America, as there is a 99 percent placement for graduates of its high-demand programs.

Founded in 1905, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology educates Pennsylvania's economically and socially disadvantaged students as well as other qualified students for skilled employment in a diverse and ever-changing workforce. It offers 22 innovative technical-based majors that educate students for numerous job opportunities. From architecture to automotive studies and from masonry to mechanical engineering, there are many career paths for students to pursue.

The hands-on nature of the program allows students exposure to the experience, problem-solving ability, and skills that will be used throughout their careers. Many students enter the workforce after their studies, while others may choose to pursue higher level degrees at 4- year colleges and universities.

Thaddeus Stevens College is also aware that the cost of education often places a financial strain on both the student and their family. Grant programs are offered to assist students who are financially disadvantaged to serve a rich diversity of students.

Last month, I was proud this House unanimously approved my bill, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The legislation aims to restore rungs on the ladder of opportunity because all Americans deserve a good-paying, family-sustaining job.

CTE has established itself as a path that many high-achieving students choose in pursuit of industry certification and hands-on skills that they can use right out of high school in skills-based education programs or in colleges like Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. By modernizing the Federal investment in CTE programs, we will be able to connect more educators with industry stakeholders and close the skills gap that is in this country. There are good jobs out there, but people need to be qualified to get them.

I have proudly championed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act because it puts emphasis on advancing policies and promotes good-paying jobs, and it works to see that everyone from all walks of life can have the opportunity to succeed. Mr. Speaker, I witnessed this firsthand at Thaddeus Stevens College.

This school is an outstanding example of the transformative power of education. The college is a national leader in technical workforce development, and it works to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty for millions of students through career and technical education.

For the fourth consecutive time, The Aspen Institute has named Thaddeus Stevens as the top 2-year technical college in Pennsylvania. I congratulate the school and all of its students. It is truly a shining example of strong career and technical education programs at work, and its graduates enter the workforce armed with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and pursue the American Dream. They are learning to earn.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of the treasures of the Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, the Crary Art Gallery. The Crary Art Gallery was established in 1977 in Warren, Pennsylvania, by painter Gene Crary, and featured works by her late husband, the photographer, Clare J. Crary.

In 1988, the gallery expanded to include the Oriental Room and the Fountain Room. Its reopening in 2000 brought the addition of the Sculpture Court, featuring works by Marion Sanford.

Today, the Crary Art Gallery is dedicated to enriching the region's cultural offerings through noteworthy temporary exhibitions and the display of historical works.

Beginning August 18, the gallery will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the Ruby Exhibition, which will fill the entire museum with the finest works from its Permanent Collection, much of which has not been seen in many years.

I wish the Crary Art Gallery the best as it celebrates 40 incredible years of enriching the lives of those in the community with its invaluable cultural impact.

Mr. Speaker, last week the Nutrition Subcommittee hosted a hearing on how eligible SNAP participants can improve their education and labor force involvement as they aim for independence.

Over the past 2\1/2\ years, the House Agriculture Committee has done a comprehensive review of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. We have looked at how it is administered and how it can be improved. We have also looked at how we can help Americans climb the ladder of opportunity and get out of poverty.

The subcommittee hearing looked at ways to sync employers with work- capable SNAP participants whose education, skill set, and backgrounds match their needs. This comprehensive approach brings together resources, funding, data, policies, partnerships, and, perhaps most importantly, shared performance measures that continue to allow the development, scaling, and sustainability of these pathway programs.

Stable employment that provides a living wage is essential to helping individuals and families rise out of poverty. As chairman of the subcommittee, I am committed to exploring ways to couple services with employment and education to empower work-capable recipients and help them achieve self-reliance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about American craftsmanship as the White House celebrates ``Made in America Week.''

American entrepreneurs, workers, farmers, and innovators have built this country and drive our country. They are the heart of this Nation, and they ensure that the ``Made in the USA'' label means quality and value, which is something we treasure.

Pennsylvania has a rich history of being a manufacturing leader, especially our storied Pennsylvania steel. The Commonwealth has been an important cog in the wheel of this country's industrial revolution, thanks to industries like iron, coal, and lumber, in addition to steel.

Our Pennsylvania farmers have fed, and continue to feed, generations of Americans, providing safe, nutritious food for all of our neighbors. This rich history continues today.

The Fifth Congressional District is home to numerous producers that have made vital contributions to our prosperity. They have employed American workers, produced American products, and grown American crops. From heritage companies to newer, rising stars, we have a wide cross- section of products produced in the Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District.

Brookville Equipment Corporation in Jefferson County is the leading American manufacturer of diesel locomotive engines, street trolleys, and mining machinery. Brookville's mass transit resume includes fully refurbishing streetcars for New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.

Since 1889, W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company has been fashioning handcrafted pocketknives and sporting knives in McKean County. Zippo Manufacturing Company, makers of the world famous Zippo windproof lighter, owns Case knives today. Zippo is another family-owned business based in Bradford since 1936.

Clarion Industries has two divisions in Clarion County: Clarion Boards, which produces high-quality fiberboard used to manufacture products such as laminate flooring, furniture, fixtures, cabinetry, and moldings; and Clarion Laminates, the only ``Made in the USA'' flooring manufacturer of its kind.

Emporium Powdered Metal, Inc., in Cameron County, is a powdered metal manufacturer staffed with more than 120 years of combined experience.

Welch's, in Erie County, is particularly known for its grape juices, jams, and jellies made from dark Concord grapes and its white Niagara grape juice.

Clearfield Machine Company has been producing custom machining since 1868 in Clearfield County.

Since 1830, the Woolrich name has stood for the best in sportswear for men and women, and it continues to make outerwear that combines comfort and function in Woolrich, Pennsylvania.

GE Transportation is an American manufacturing giant. The organization manufactures equipment for the railroad, marine, mining, drilling, and energy generation industries in Erie County.

Major leaguers have been swinging our fine Pennsylvania hardwoods, thanks to Jefferson County company BWP Bats. BWP's slogan is ``Built With Pride.''

Huntingdon County's Bonney Forge has a state-of-the-art forge facility capable of manufacturing our entire line of forged steel fittings and forged steel valve products since 1875.

DiamondBack Truck Covers is a company two Penn State students started in their garage in 2003. They make heavy-duty, utility-oriented, diamond plate aluminum truck bed covers for pickup trucks in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, in Centre County.

Domtar Paper Company in Elk County is the largest integrated producer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America, and the second largest in the world, based on production and capacity.

Pul-A-Pump of PA, Inc., in Potter County, manufactures portable pump pulling machines for those in need of water well technology, with a unique dual traction belt design that is second to none.

Whirley Industries Incorporated in Warren County designs, develops, and produces products for the food and beverage industry.

Centre County also boasts many new rising stars in high-tech industries, including KCF Technologies, a dynamic technology company that develops and commercializes products for industry and the military.

Mr. Speaker, this is just a sample of the manufacturers who employ our friends, families, and neighbors in the Fifth Congressional District of Pennsylvania. These companies, and many others, produce quality, American-made products, and we could not be more proud to celebrate them during ``Made in America Week.'' Congratulations, and keep up the great work.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Nutrition Subcommittee, I rise today to speak about an important program that gives SNAP participants access to more fruits and vegetables.

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps provide low-income families with the resources they need to consume more nutritious food. The Agriculture Act of 2014 created the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive program, or FINI, which provided $100 million to support produce incentive programs around the country for SNAP participants.

This means SNAP benefits could be used at farmers' markets, grocery stores, and other farmer-to-consumer retailers serving rural and urban communities.

Mr. Speaker, the FINI program is successful in achieving the established goal of encouraging SNAP households to consume fresh, healthy produce. More than 74 percent of shoppers reported that they were eating more produce.

As the Agriculture Committee works to develop the next farm bill, I know the FINI program should be reauthorized. The benefits of this program are twofold: it supports local American farmers and provides more Americans with quality food. That is what I call made in America.

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

Mr. Speaker, Saturday marked World Youth Skills Day. The United Nations General Assembly started this initiative to raise awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development.

Young people are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. Young people around the world are exposed to lower quality jobs, greater labor market inequities, and a longer school-to-work transition period.

That is why I am pleased this House voted in favor of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act last month. Too often we have seen students pushed down the college- for-all pathway that just doesn't work for some students.

CTE has established itself as a path that many students choose in pursuit of industry certifications and hands-on skills they can use right out of high school in skills-based education programs or in college.

By modernizing the Federal investment in CTE programs, we will be able to connect more educators with industry stakeholders and close the skills gap.

On World Youth Skills Day, I encourage everyone to consider a career in technical education.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Americans observed National Ice Cream Day, which is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in July.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan made the designation and also named July National Ice Cream Month.

Our very own Penn State University is a world leader in dairy production and food science. Over the last 150 years, its Berkey Creamery has been an important Penn State landmark.

Penn State has a herd of more than 200 Holsteins that are milked twice daily, which is the start of the university's delicious ice cream. The methods developed by Penn State's food and dairy scientists have made the creamery a world authority on ice cream and dairy manufacturing.

Penn State's legendary short course, which takes participants from ``Cow to Cone,'' has attracted some of the biggest names in ice cream, from Baskin-Robbins to Ben & Jerry's, from Hershey's to Haagen-Dazs.

For 6 days a year, industry professionals head to Happy Valley for the best-known program dealing with science and the technology of ice cream.

Congratulations to Penn State for being the industry leader, and happy National Ice Cream Month.