Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the upcoming National Trails Day, a celebration of America's vast and scenic trail system.

June 7 is National Trails Day, a call to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.

I am especially proud to highlight a true gem in my district, the Trails at Jakes Rocks, located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

This stunning trail system was named Pennsylvania's 2024 Trail of the Year and for good reason. It offers world-class mountain biking and breathtaking views across the Allegheny National Forest, welcoming everyone from beginners to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

In today's digital world, our trails remind us of the value of unplugging and reconnecting with nature, with one another, and with ourselves.

Trails like Jakes Rocks are more than just pathways. They are investments in public health, economic development, and quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the volunteers, local leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts who have made this trail possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize

the 81st anniversary of the Allied D-Day invasion of France. Tomorrow, we solemnly commemorate this momentous day and honor the extraordinary bravery of our Armed Forces who took part in that historic operation.

On June 6, 1944, 81 years ago, thousands of America's finest stormed the beaches of Normandy to defend the freedoms and liberties that we hold dear. They faced insurmountable odds yet pushed forward with courage, conviction, and an unwavering sense of duty.

On that day, the United States lost more than 6,000 soldiers. In the weeks and months that followed, countless more gave their lives liberating Western Europe from tyranny. Their sacrifice turned the tide of World War II and reshaped the course of history.

The D-Day invasion marked a critical turning point. Allied forces banded together in one of the most ambitious military operations ever attempted. Our troops faced the terrifying unknown and prevailed. They left lasting impressions, not only on the war-torn landscapes that they crossed but on the hearts of a grateful Nation.

In 2018, I had the honor of attending the wreath-laying ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery in France. Standing on those hallowed grounds gazing upon the white crosses, many marking brothers buried beside brothers, fathers beside sons, I was reminded that freedom really is never free.

That cemetery is more than a memorial. It is a symbol of American resolve, our willingness to stand for liberty not just at home but for people across the globe.

Today, I recognize heroes from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District who stormed the beaches on D-Day.

One such hero was Elmer DeLucia of Bradford, McKean County. He served with the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion and landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. He went on to fight in four major campaigns: Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe.

Mr. DeLucia passed away in 2022 at the age of 99. After the war, he spent years sharing his experiences with students and community members, ensuring that the lessons of history were never forgotten.

We also honor the 347 Pennsylvanians who gave their lives on D-Day, including 31 from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. Their sacrifices are woven into the fabric of our communities and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, let us pause to remember and honor those who gave so much for the cause of freedom. Let us celebrate the heroism of all our servicemembers, past and present. For the good of the many, a courageous few gave everything.

Today, we speak their names with pride, remember their sacrifices with reverence, and celebrate their legacy with gratitude. May we always honor their heroism.

God bless our troops, and God bless our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Bradford Area High School in Bradford, Pennsylvania, a century of shaping minds, building character, and strengthening community.

Since its founding, BAHS has educated generations of families-- grandparents, parents, and now children walking in the same halls, learning from the same dedicated teachers who often return to serve their own alma mater.

It is not just a school. It is a legacy. Recently, the community came together to celebrate this proud history. Alumni joined current students in the auditorium to perform the school's fight song, bridging the past and present in harmony.

Displays throughout the school showcased 100 years of photos, uniforms, and memories, alongside a 1926 time capsule containing a Bible, a local newspaper, and a silver peace dollar.

Mr. Speaker, Bradford Area High School is more than just a structure. It is a pillar of the community, and it will continue to shape future generations for the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize United Way of the Bradford Area as they celebrate 100 years of dedicated service to our community.

Since 1925, the United Way chapter has been a driving force in improving lives across McKean and Potter Counties.

From supporting food pantries and emergency shelters to investing in youth mentorship, mental health resources, and financial literacy programs, they have touched every corner of our community. Their commitment to education, health, and financial stability ensures that families in need are never alone.

The United Way brings people together, nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and donors, with the common goal to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities worldwide to advance a common good.

They have proven time and time again that when a community unites, anything is possible.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the staff; the board members; the partner agencies; and countless volunteers for their compassion, leadership, and hard work

which have made our region a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Congratulations to the United Way of the Bradford Area on a century of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate several military academy appointments.

Lucas Gaston of Brookville, Pennsylvania, has recently accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Lucas is the son of Becky and Mike Gaston and the grandson of Hazel and Joe Gaston, as well as Nancy and Ted Fox of Brookville.

As a student of Brookville Area High School, Lucas is active in the classroom and on the athletic field and throughout his community.

Lucas is serving as the secretary of his class. He is a track and field and golf athlete. He participates in concert and marching band, and he is a Special Olympics volunteer and a member of the National Honor Society.

I thank Lucas for his commitment to service and wish him the very best of luck as he embarks on this exciting new phase of life at West Point.

Congratulating Bryony Shipe

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bryony Shipe of Ford City, Pennsylvania. Bryony recently accepted a fully qualified appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

She is the daughter of Amanda and Lucas Shipe and the granddaughter of Kathie and Dave Olinger, as well as Patty and Larry Shipe.

Bryony is a senior at Commonwealth Charter Academy and is an excellent example of a well-rounded student and active community member. Bryony is an active volunteer and tutors at a local education center. She is a varsity athlete in cross-country and swimming, and she is co-captain of the varsity swimming and diving team.

Her focus on service to others is an extremely valuable attribute that will contribute to her military career at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

I offer Bryony best wishes at Kings Point, and I look forward to seeing all that she achieves.

Congratulating Archie Walker

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Archie Walker of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Archie accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Archie is a senior at Central Mountain High School. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Greg Walker. Archie is an accomplished young woman, striving to make a difference in her country.

Walker is currently serving as the vice president of the Rotary Club. She is a 3-year varsity athlete in soccer, a dual-enrollment student at Commonwealth University, and a member of the National Honor Society.

Walker has proven herself on the field and in the classroom. I have no doubt that her determination will serve her well at the military academy, and I wish her the very best in this next chapter.

Congratulating Adam Bell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Adam Bell of State College, Pennsylvania.

Adam accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Adam is the son of Elizabeth and Jayce Bell, the grandson of E. Ann Wortman and the late Jerry Wortman, as well as Janie and Roy Bell.

As a student at State College Area High School, Bell is involved in his high school's culinary program and has represented his school in competitions. He is a varsity athlete in three sports, diving, wrestling, and track, and participates in Model U.N.

Whether in the kitchen, on the field, or in the classroom, Adam excels in every area.

Bell will continue his athletic pursuits while at the Naval Academy as a pole vaulter for USNA's track and field team. His drive for success will help him excel at the Naval Academy. I wish Adam good luck as he begins the next chapter of his life as a midshipman and student athlete in Annapolis.

Mr. Speaker, it was an honor to nominate these young students. Their dedication to serving our country is inspirational. I look forward to seeing their successes in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank them all again for their commitment to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Corporal Glenn Hodak of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania.

Corporal Hodak served as a tail gunner with the 93rd Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group during World War II. On March 10, 1945, his B-29 Superfortress was shot down during a mission to Tokyo.

Initially reported missing in action, he was later found to have been captured and tragically perished in the Tokyo prison fire on May 26, 1945. His remains were not identified after the war and were interred as an unknown in the Manila American Cemetery.

In 2022, Corporal Hodak and 38 others who died in the prison fire were disinterred and transferred to the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

On September 25, 2024, Corporal Hodak was positively identified through dental and anthropological analysis.

On May 16, his remains were finally returned home and laid to rest in Youngsville with full military honors.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to mourn those lost in past conflicts and remain forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. My prayers are with Corporal Hodak's family during this solemn time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National EMS Week.

Since 1974, we have set time aside each year to honor the critical work of our Nation's emergency medical services professionals. These brave men and women are often the first line of defense in moments of crisis, responding to emergencies with speed, skill, and selflessness.

Whether it is an accident on a rural road or a medical emergency in a busy town center, EMS professionals are there to ensure that help arrives when it is needed most.

These individuals provide more than just medical assistance. They offer calm in chaos, hope in despair, and lifesaving care under pressure. They work long hours, often in physically and emotionally demanding environments, yet continue to serve with unwavering dedication.

The job requires technical skills, physical strength, deep compassion, and a calling to serve others.

EMS providers are vital to maintaining the health and safety of the public, especially in rural communities like my district, where resources can be limited and the stakes are high.

As someone who has spent more than three decades on the front lines as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary courage and commitment of EMS personnel. I have been privileged to work alongside them during some of the most challenging moments a person or community can face. I can say with certainty that these professionals are heroes in every sense of the word.

Here in Pennsylvania, we are especially proud to recognize one of our own. Chief Fred Ferguson of Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services was recently named the recipient of the 2025 Pennsylvania EMS Educator of the Year Award. This prestigious honor is awarded to an EMS educator who has demonstrated excellence in preparing the next generation of emergency responders.

Chief Ferguson has more than 30 years of experience as a paramedic. He holds multiple instructor certifications, including basic life support, pediatric advanced life support, advanced cardiac life support, Stop the Bleed, and first aid.

Throughout his career, Chief Ferguson has trained thousands of students, instilling in them the knowledge, skill, and integrity that the profession demands.

Chief Ferguson's impact extends beyond the classroom. He was recently appointed EMS Chief at Moshannon Valley EMS, where he continues to lead with distinction.

In 2019, he was also honored with the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health Community Star Award, recognizing his contributions to improving rural healthcare.

Chief Ferguson holds a bachelor's of science in microbiology from Penn State University and multiple degrees in emergency medicine, underscoring his deep commitment to both science and service.

Mr. Speaker, National EMS Week is about more than recognition. It is about gratitude. It is about coming together as a nation to thank the EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, trainers, and supervisors who stand ready every day and every night and in every corner of this country.

I congratulate Chief Ferguson and thank every EMS professional for their courage, care, and commitment to saving lives. America is stronger, safer, and more resilient because of them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of American Red Cross Founder's Day. Today, we recognize an institution that has been a pillar of compassion and service for over 140 years.

Founded by Clara Barton in 1881, the American Red Cross has answered the call to serve on battlefields, after natural disasters, and in our local communities. From its earliest days, it has brought comfort and relief to those facing life's most difficult moments.

Today, the Red Cross continues that legacy by delivering disaster relief, supporting military families, and offering health and safety training. They run one of the world's largest blood donation networks, supplying more than 40 percent of our Nation's blood products.

Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Yet only a small percentage of eligible donors give. That is why on this founder's day, I encourage every eligible American to consider donating blood or plasma. That generosity could mean a second chance at life for someone.

Mr. Speaker, we honor the Red Cross' enduring mission today and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that will halt the largest tax increase on American families, bolster our hardworking farmers and rural communities, and give President Trump the tools he needs to make America safe again.

The Agriculture Committee was tasked with $230 billion in net deficit reduction. I am proud to say that we exceeded that instruction. We achieved these savings for America's taxpayers by restoring integrity to the SNAP program, reinforcing work, rooting out waste, and ending the unchecked overreach by States and the executive branch that has driven costs through the roof.

SNAP is the only State-administered welfare program that does not have a cost-share component. While the Federal Government funds 100 percent of the benefit, States are tasked with operating it. The only problem is that they aren't operating it well.

In 2023 alone, over $13 billion in improper payments were made. That is not just a slap in the face of taxpayers but of the needy families who rely on SNAP, as well.

We don't just stop at restoring the SNAP program to its original intent. We are also delivering big wins for rural America by shoring up the safety net for farmers and ranchers and providing critical tax relief.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes permanent and expands the Trump tax cuts. It also prevents the death tax from hitting over 2 million family farms.

It locks in the small business deduction, helping 98 percent of American farms stay afloat. It expands immediate expensing so farmers can expense the tools that they use today to secure the harvests of tomorrow. It protects domestic biofuels from being crowded out by Chinese imports. It lowers the cost of borrowing for our farmers hit by Biden's sky-high interest rates. It reduces regulatory burdens on small farmers hiring seasonal workers.

In short, this bill secures the safety net our farmers deserve and delivers to SNAP the accountability taxpayers demand.

America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities sent us here to fight for them, and the one big, beautiful bill delivers on that mandate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Wildfire Awareness Month.

For many States and regions around the Nation, our forests play a critical role in supporting communities and the rural economy. Our Nation's forests provide us with homegrown timber, essential for wood products, such as lumber, flooring, furniture, pulp and paper, biomass, and so much more.

The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 Americans, generating a payroll of nearly $80 billion nationwide.

Harvest on national forestland is also critical for supporting rural school districts through county payments derived from timber sales.

Our forests also provide countless recreational opportunities, such as camping, hiking, fishing, and many other activities available in the great outdoors.

However, many of our Federal forestlands remain unhealthy and continue to be at risk of catastrophic wildfire due to severe overgrowth and decades of mismanagement. Consequently, the United States has continued to see some of the largest and most intense wildfires in history over the past few decades.

During that time, these incredibly destructive wildfires have led to significant property loss; recovery costs; and, in some cases, the loss of human life.

I visited some of the afflicted areas, including Paradise, California, where the devastating Camp fire occurred in 2018. It is our responsibility as elected officials to do everything that we can to make sure that tragedies like this do not occur again.

Wildfires are truly an urgent crisis that must be immediately addressed, and Congress must do more to better support the Forest Service, our firefighters, and rural communities in forested areas.

Between 2013 and 2022, we saw an average of 61,000 wildfires annually with an average of 7.2 million acres impacted each year.

So far this year, we have seen more than 25,000 wildfire incidents with more than 1 million acres burned before fire season ever began.

The wildfires we witnessed in Los Angeles this year were just the latest reminder of the devastation that can occur when we don't proactively manage our forests and do everything possible to prevent them from breaking out in the first place.

Make no mistake that the wildfire crisis is just that, a crisis that must urgently be addressed. The good news is that, with the right management, we can do so much more to improve the health of our forests and combat the wildfire and forest health crisis head-on.

This means using all of the tools in the toolbox. That includes mechanical thinning, prescribed fire, and cross-boundary authorities. That also includes expanded use of good neighbor agreements, stewardship contracts, and other innovative agreements to maximize management possibilities through partnerships between stakeholders, private forest owners, Tribes, and local, State, and Federal Government.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the forestry title that passed out of the Agriculture Committee last year which was crafted to expand those tools and authorities and encourage the Forest Service to do more productive management. Such reforms will enable the agency to improve forest health, reduce the threat of wildfire, increase the pace and scale of restoration, and ultimately protect communities, property, and lives.

Many of these concepts can be found in the Fix Our Forests Act, which was passed on a bipartisan basis this past January.

Additionally, I applaud the recent actions by the Trump administration to dramatically scale up the management across the National Forest System.

Encouraging this ramp-up will enable the Forest Service to better manage, support local counties and economies through increased sustainable harvest levels, address invasive species and forest health, and ultimately reduce the severity and instances of wildfires.

During this Wildfire Awareness Month, it is important that Members understand the great challenges that our Nation has with wildfire and that there are many steps that the Federal Government can take to proactively mitigate it.

Perhaps most importantly, we must also recognize the dedication and sacrifices of our wildland firefighters to act when disaster strikes and keep communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, I thank our firefighters, first responders, and all who are working to confront this crisis as we recognize Wildfire Awareness Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Military Appreciation Month.

This month, we pause to honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present, who have worn the uniform of the United States of America.

Our military has stood for freedom throughout our history in times of peace and peril. They do not ask for recognition. They do not serve for applause. They serve because they believe in something bigger than themselves. They serve out of duty, honor, and love of country.

This month is to remember our POWs and MIAs, to support our Gold Star families, to stand with our veterans, and to thank those currently serving.

Mr. Speaker, we stand by our veterans, and we reaffirm our duty to provide our servicemembers with the support they have earned, both in uniform and after.

May God protect our servicemembers and their families this month and every month. We honor and thank them. We will never forget their service and their sacrifice.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the reconciliation measure favorably reported by the House Committee on Agriculture.

This legislation is critical. It prevents the largest tax increase in American history from hitting our families, farmers, and small businesses. It also provides essential funding for the Trump administration to continue its work to keep our Nation safe.

This bill addresses two major responsibilities: Restoring integrity to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, and making meaningful investments in American agriculture.

SNAP is a vital safety net, but it must function as Congress intended, which is as a temporary bridge for those in need, not a permanent system of dependency.

Since 2019, SNAP spending has jumped from $60 billion to $110 billion a year, while enrollment has grown from 36 million to 42 million. Yet despite low unemployment and over 7 million job openings in our Nation, fewer than one-third of able-bodied adults required to work under SNAP are earning income.

Work requirements, once a bipartisan standard, have been sidestepped by executive actions and State waivers. Nearly 40 percent of recipients subject to work rules now live under waivers. That is not how the program was designed to function.

States are mismanaging the program to the tune of nearly $13 billion annually in erroneous payments. That is up nearly 100 percent since 2019. Worse yet, most States are out of compliance with basic application timelines, forcing vulnerable families to wait months for help.

Our measures correct course. It aligns SNAP with other State- administered benefit programs, requiring States to share in a minimal portion of program costs, encouraging better stewardship, fewer errors, and more timely service. Most importantly, it reinstates work as a pathway to independence and opportunity.

Madam Speaker, success should be measured by outcomes, not outlays. An efficiently delivered benefit that encourages work is a win for both the taxpayer and the recipient.

Since the 2018 farm bill, agriculture producers have faced soaring input costs, declining prices, and mounting debt. By the end of last year, the farm debt hit its highest level in over 50 years. The Agriculture and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M says the outlook for farm profitability is the worst in its 42-year history of analysis.

Our producers, from livestock to specialty crops, struggle with volatile markets, labor shortages, and growing regulatory burdens. If Congress fails to act, we risk a full-blown crisis in our food and agriculture economy.

This bill delivers targeted, meaningful investment in farm safety nets and rural development. It supports research, trade promotion, and critical infrastructure. It reflects bipartisan priorities from every corner of this Chamber.

This bill restores the integrity of SNAP, strengthens every link in the agricultural chain, and puts rural America back at the center of our policy agenda where it belongs.

Madam Speaker, I am proud of this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Centre Gives 2025.

Now in its 14th year, in a 36-hour online fundraising event, Centre Gives raised a record-breaking $2.84 million.

This giving event organized by the Centre Foundation raises money to benefit over 230 nonprofit organizations across Centre County, Pennsylvania.

This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of Centre County residents for supporting services in the arts, education, healthcare, animal welfare, and social services.

Notably, Centre Volunteers in Medicine received the highest donations at $108,374, while Centre County PAWS garnered the most unique donors, totaling 681.

The success of Centre Gives 2025 underscores the power of community- driven philanthropy and serves as an inspiring model for other regions.

Mr. Speaker, I express my heartfelt congratulations to the Centre Foundation, all participating nonprofits, and the generous donors who made this possible. Together, they have strengthened the fabric of their community and set a shining example for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., for National Police Week.

Established in 1962 through a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week is a time for our Nation to honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

These officers gave their lives to protect our families, our neighborhoods, and our way of life. Their legacy lives on in the communities they served and in the continued service of those who wear the badge today.

At a time when violent crime is rising and law enforcement officers face growing hostility, we must stand firmly behind those who risk their lives to uphold the law.

This is why I am proud to cosponsor legislation that honors fallen officers and strengthens protections for those who continue to serve. I thank every officer who puts on the uniform each day with courage and conviction. On behalf of a grateful nation, we salute them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the State College Kiwanis Club for reaching a remarkable milestone, 100 years of service to children and families in our community.

Since 1925, the club has lived out Kiwanis International's mission of improving the world one child and one community at a time.

Children are our future, and too many face challenges they cannot overcome alone. It is our responsibility as a community to step in, and the State College Kiwanis has done just that.

Through initiatives like its annual blueberry sale, the club provides over $30,000 in scholarships and grants each year. Over the past century, they have raised more than $1 million to support organizations such as Centre Volunteers in Medicine, the Tides Program, the Jana Marie Foundation, and Centre Safe.

Their impact goes far beyond fundraising. Whether promoting literacy, supporting youth mental health, or investing in dental care, their work ensures our children have the chance to thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the State College Kiwanis Club for a century of service and wish them continued success for the next 100 years.