Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week.

This week, we thank extraordinary educators who shape the next generation. Across America, communities are celebrating teachers not just as instructors but as mentors, leaders, and role models.

Every one of us can recall a teacher who made a lasting impact. For many, it was someone who believed in us before we believed in ourselves. Teachers inspire curiosity, nurture dreams, and help students persevere through challenges, both academic and personal. Their work is vital, and their influence extends beyond the classroom.

This year, Pennsylvania has special reason to celebrate. Ashlie Crosson, an English teacher of Mifflin County High School, has been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year. A first-generation college student, Ms. Crosson earned degrees from Susquehanna University and Penn State and previously taught in Bellefonte, near my hometown.

Her dedication, especially through her journalism program, has shaped students into future writers, editors, and leaders.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Ms. Crosson and thank all educators for their dedication to helping our students succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Correctional Officers Week.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated the first full week of May to honor correctional officers, calling them ``a vital component of the field of corrections.''

Correctional officers carry out one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in public service: maintaining the custody, safety, and well-being of inmates in our prisons and jails.

Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District is home to three such Bureau of Prisons facilities: FCI McKean, FCI Allenwood, and USP Lewisburg.

Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked closely with the correctional officers at these facilities to find solutions in addressing the BOP's biggest obstacles, including addressing chronic staffing shortages plaguing these and other facilities nationwide.

Mr. Speaker, correctional officers serve with professionalism and courage. As we recognize these important law enforcement officers this week, I remain committed to resolving these challenges to protect those who protect our communities. They deserve our full support, and I thank all correctional officers for their service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the men and women in the nursing profession.

This week is National Nurses Week. Every year, from May 6 through 12, we celebrate the work and the contributions that nurses make in the healthcare field.

National Nurses Week ends on Florence Nightingale's birthday, the founder of modern-day nursing.

Prior to serving in Congress, I spent nearly three decades in the healthcare profession. There, I worked closely with nurses and saw firsthand the care and compassion that they showed their patients.

Nursing is a science and an art reserved for those who are the most caring, giving, and passionate about helping others. Nurses provide their patients and families with comfort, compassion, guidance, and care.

Mr. Speaker, we should always thank our nurses for their hard work and dedication. Please join me in recognizing the nursing community this week. We should all be grateful for their commitment to caring for others, especially during these trying times.

A special shout-out to my Aunt Jessie, who is retired now as a nurse but cared for so many and made her way to the point where she was the executive director of the Pennsylvania Nurses Association. We are very proud of the difference that she has made.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Astronaut Day.

It was 64 years ago today when a brave American, Commander Alan B. Shepard, sat in the cockpit of the Mercury rocket ready to face the unknown. With three simple words, ``light this candle,'' he launched into the vast expanse of space, becoming the first American to break the bounds of Earth.

His spacecraft, Freedom 7, was a tribute to the seven Project Mercury astronauts and to one of our Nation's founding principles: freedom.

That mission marked not just a milestone in science, but a defining moment of national pride in American leadership.

Just 8 years later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planted the Stars and Stripes on the Moon.

When we think of the astronauts, we often picture rocket launches, moonwalks, and zero gravity. Yet, what we don't always see is the years of rigorous training, the risks they accept, and the teamwork behind every mission.

Mr. Speaker, on National Astronaut Day, we honor the pioneers who have blazed a trail into the final frontier. They remind us that boundaries are meant to the pushed and discovery is a never-ending journey.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend the vote due to an unforseen conflict. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 112.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Junior R. ``Skip'' Baker for an incredible 70 years of service to the Genesee Township Volunteer Fire Department.

In 1955, Skip joined the Genesee Township Volunteer Fire Department and has been a steady presence through decades of change. He served as fire police, EMT, and fire warden for 25 years. He even completed EMT training alongside his late wife, Dorothy, and son Bill.

His sons, Bill and Steve, have both held leadership roles, and now his grandson, Christopher, continues the Baker legacy. Skip has driven nearly every apparatus the department has owned and still runs the pumper and tanker with skill.

Skip played a major role in planning the current fire station, saving the department tens of thousands of dollars through smart cost cutting.

Skip has been on the front lines of major incidents, from the Kane tornado to floods, barn fires, and even a military plane crash.

At age 94, he remains calm, capable, and committed.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Skip for his lifetime of service and the integral role he has played in ensuring his community's safety.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Apprenticeship Day and highlight the vital role apprenticeships play in shaping our workforce and expanding opportunity.

For thousands of years, apprenticeships have helped people learn valuable skills and secure meaningful careers, from blacksmiths of the past to today's electricians, software developers, and healthcare technicians.

Today, too many good-paying jobs go unfilled because workers lack the proper training. Apprenticeships help close that gap by combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience while participants earn a paycheck. They offer a debt-free, practical alternative to college that leads directly to stable, in-demand careers.

As co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have long championed career-focused pathways that connect Americans to opportunity. Apprenticeships are among the best tools to prepare people of all ages and backgrounds for success.

With greater Federal support and public-private partnerships, we can expand access and modernize our apprenticeship system. I commend President Trump's commitment to this goal, including his executive order aiming for 1 million new apprenticeships.

Mr. Speaker, let us celebrate National Apprenticeship Day and ensure that the future is brighter for all those who are climbing the ladder of opportunity and that every American knows that there is more than one path to success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as the Month of the Military Child. While we rightly honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women in our military, April reminds us that service comes in many forms.

We are celebrating the more than 1.6 million children whose parents serve in the Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve Components of the United States military.

Our troops answer the call to defend our Nation. Yet, when they do, their children are quietly called to service, too.

These young people grow up in a world defined by constant change, showing remarkable resilience, patriotism, and adaptability. They move from base to base, often starting over time and time again. They say good-bye to friends more times than they can remember.

They celebrate birthdays and holidays with one parent thousands of miles away. They carry worry, pride, hope, and responsibility, sometimes all at once.

This month, we pause to recognize that while our servicemembers protect our freedoms, their children carry the emotional weight of that commitment. They sacrifice stability, time with their parents, and the comfort of staying in one place, and they do it all with a resilience that is nothing short of remarkable.

This month is a special time to recognize and uplift a group of young people whose strength and sacrifice often go unnoticed.

This is personal for me, not only as an American who deeply respects our Armed Forces but also as a parent of a servicemember.

I have watched firsthand what it means to serve, not just for the person in uniform but for the entire family. I have seen how military children shoulder more than many adults will ever have to.

As a parent, I know how hard it is to be away from your child, but I also know the pride that comes with seeing them live with purpose, discipline, and honor.

Our military families, especially the children, live those values every single day. That is why we celebrate them throughout April. During this month, one of the most meaningful days we observe is Purple Up! Day. On Purple Up! Day, people are encouraged to wear purple as a visible show of support for military-connected youth.

Why purple? Because purple is the combined color of all the military branches. It blends each branch's colors: the Air Force, Navy, Space Force, and Coast Guard's blues, the Army's green, and the Marines' red. Together, they create purple, symbolizing the unity and strength of our military families.

Military children may not enlist, but they endure the impact of service. Through it all, they develop strength, compassion, and character that make them leaders in their own right.

Mr. Speaker, let's honor not just the men and women who serve but the families behind them, especially the children who carry this unique burden with incredible grace. They, too, are part of what keeps this Nation strong.

I thank every military child--past, present, and future--for their strength, sacrifice, and spirit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of St. Mary's Rotary Club, a cornerstone of service in our community since 1950.

For 75 years, the St. Mary's Rotary Club has exemplified the Rotary motto

of Service Above Self through countless projects supporting local schools, awarding scholarships, and promoting youth leadership.

Their commitment to bettering our community is unwavering, and to mark this milestone, the club has launched a project to construct new, modern facilities at Shawmut Park.

With the growing popularity of Fall Fest and other local events, the current facilities can no longer meet community needs. This upgrade will improve accessibility and enhance the park experience for all residents. Earlier this year, construction was completed, and new facilities were officially opened to the public.

Volunteer service is the cornerstone of a successful, strong, and healthy community, and the St. Mary's Rotary Club fills this vital need by supporting our neighbors and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the St. Mary's Rotary Club for 75 years of service, and I thank its members for their continued leadership in strengthening our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the musical talents of Sorren Morelli. Sorren, a Brookville Area High School junior, has once again earned the prestigious opportunity to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

The Student Side-By-Side program is highly competitive, selecting only the most dedicated and talented student musicians from across the region. Sorren's invitation back for a second year is a testament to his exceptional talent on the violin and unwavering commitment to his craft.

This opportunity is more than just a performance. It is a glimpse into the life of a professional musician. Over 8 weeks, Sorren rehearsed and performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, gaining valuable experience. This, no doubt, will shape his bright future in music education and conducting.

Through his dedication to the Brookfield orchestra, the PMEA festivals, and the Venango Symphony, Sorren has set an example of what passion, discipline, and perseverance can achieve.

We congratulate Sorren on this proud accomplishment, and we look forward to everything his future holds.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of crucial, bipartisan legislation that will support our Nation's most vulnerable. The IDEA Full Funding Act is a bipartisan, commonsense commitment to our Nation's children who are living with disabilities.

This is not just about dollars and cents. It is about fulfilling a promise made 50 years ago to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has access to a quality education that prepares them for a full and productive life.

When Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975, it was a landmark step toward educational equity. The Federal Government pledged to cover 40 percent of the excess costs of special education services.

Yet, for decades we have fallen short of promised funding levels, which have hovered around 13 to 15 percent, leaving States and local school districts struggling to make up the difference.

This shortfall forces schools to stretch their already limited resources, meaning fewer special education teachers, outdated instructional materials, and less support for students who need it most.

The burden does not just fall on the schools. It affects families, educators, and, ultimately, the success of our communities. At the Education and Workforce Committee last week, we just heard about the exciting new opportunities artificial intelligence presents to advance education for students with special needs. However, many of those opportunities will not be realized if Congress does not live up to its commitment.

The IDEA Full Funding Act ensures that we meet that commitment, gradually increasing Federal support until we reach the promised 40 percent. It is not just good policy to invest in our Nation's future and ensure students with disabilities have access to a high-quality education. It is the right thing to do.

Full funding will provide critical resources to schools, enabling students with disabilities to receive services and support that they need. It will reduce financial strain on States and local districts, preventing them from having to cut other essential programs. This legislation supports teachers and staff, ensuring that they have the tools and the training to deliver high-quality special education.

Lastly, and most importantly, it gives families peace of mind, knowing their children will receive the education they deserve without unnecessary hurdles.

Investing in special education is an investment in future taxpayers, workers, and independent citizens who contribute to society. By fully funding IDEA, we alleviate the pressure on States and local governments thereby strengthening our education system.

Mr. Speaker, we have an obligation to every student in this country. When we fail to meet our commitment under IDEA, we fail millions of children who deserve a fair shot at success. Passing the IDEA Full Funding Act is a step toward fairness, responsibility, and a brighter future for all.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this essential legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gold Star Spouses Day.

On April 5, we honored the spouses of military servicemembers who died while defending our freedom and serving our country.

This day serves not only as a moment of remembrance but also a tribute to the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of these courageous individuals.

As an Army dad, I consider myself profoundly blessed that my son returned home. I recognize that not all families share that same blessing. That truth weighs heavily on my heart and should remind us all of the price that has been paid.

Gold Star Spouses Day brings much-needed awareness to the grief and enduring strength of these spouses. Their sacrifice did not end with their loved one's passing. It continues every day as they carry forward the legacy of their fallen heroes.

Mr. Speaker, let us all take a moment to remember that our freedom is not free.

Gold Star families have lost a loved one in the name of protecting our freedom, and they deserve our gratitude today and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize April as National Volunteer Month.

Volunteering is more than an act of service. It is a testament to the power of community, kindness, and shared responsibility. Across our Nation, volunteers serve in countless ways: mentoring young people, supporting food banks, rebuilding homes after natural disasters, and lending a hand to those in need.

Their work is not just about addressing immediate challenges but about creating lasting change and hope.

As co-chair of the Congressional Service Organization Caucus, it is a privilege to celebrate National Volunteer Month, recognizing and honoring the millions of individuals who dedicate their time and talents to making our communities stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate.

When we give our time and our efforts to others, we foster a sense of unity and purpose. We bridge divides, strengthen neighborhoods, and inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of service.

From local charities to national organizations, volunteers are the heartbeat of our communities, demonstrating that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, making a lasting difference in the world. Throughout my district, there are many great volunteers.

From Penn State THON raising a record-breaking $17 million this year alone to aid families affected by childhood cancer to the Wellsboro Rotary Club, which just celebrated its centennial year of service, our communities are filled with neighbors helping neighbors.

These few examples remind us that acts of service have a profound impact, strengthening the fabric of our society and inspiring others to step forward.

Volunteering doesn't just help those whom we serve, it enriches our own lives. Studies show that service fosters personal growth, reduces stress, and even enhances our overall well-being. Beyond the data, we know firsthand that giving back fills our hearts with meaning and our communities with hope.

Mr. Speaker, as we observe National Volunteer Month, I encourage each of us to find new ways to give back.

Whether through a local nonprofit, a school, a faith-based group, or a simple act of kindness in our daily lives, we all have something valuable to contribute. Let us celebrate those who give their time and let us recommit to the values of service and generosity.

Together, through volunteering, we can build a better, stronger, and more connected world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Armstrong County Community Action Partnership.

For six decades, ACCAP has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to empowering individuals and families, promoting self- sufficiency, and improving the quality of life for so many.

Since its founding, ACCAP has provided essential services, ranging from housing assistance and food programs to transportation and early childhood literacy initiatives, such as Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. These programs create pathways to brighter, more stable futures.

This anniversary is not just a reflection on the past but a celebration of what is to come.

As part of this milestone, ACCAP is launching a monthlong celebration, including the placement of donation boxes throughout Armstrong County. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to give back and to ensure that ACCAP's vital work continues for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Armstrong County Community Action Partnership for their unwavering commitment to our community and wish them many more years of service, support, and success.

Mr. Speaker, due to unforseen scheduling complications, I was unable to attend the first vote in the series. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 77.