Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Public Schools Week.

Approximately 9 out of 10 American students receive their education from a public school. Our public school system, envisioned by our Founding Fathers, is meant to give every child, regardless of ZIP Code, background, or ability, access to a quality education.

These schools provide knowledge and skills that allow our young people to thrive and contribute to our communities.

As a senior member of the Education and Workforce Committee, a former school board member, and having attended public schools growing up, I understand the vital role our school system plays in the success of not only the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania but also our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, as part of Public Schools Week, I also want to acknowledge and recognize the tireless efforts of educators and staff who work each day to inspire and to support our students.

Every child deserves access to a high-quality education which helps foster growth and encourages students to achieve their great potential.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and celebrate National FFA Week, an annual tradition that highlights the contributions of one of our Nation's most impactful youth organizations.

Last week, from February 15 to 22, we honored the FFA's mission, achievements, and ongoing work in preparing future generations of agricultural leaders.

Founded in 1928, the National FFA Organization has grown into a dynamic force in agriculture, education, leadership development, and career preparedness.

With over 1 million members and chapters in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, FFA stands as a pillar of strength for young men and women pursuing careers in agriculture, agribusiness, and related fields.

FFA is a transformative experience that instills a sense of responsibility, leadership, and service in its members. The agricultural education programs offered through FFA equip students with the technical skills, scientific knowledge, and problem-solving abilities necessary to meet the challenges of feeding, clothing, and fueling our Nation.

Access to agricultural education is critical not only for our rural communities but for the entire country.

Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. As I often say, food security is national security, and investing in the next generation of producers ensures that there is food on our tables, clothes on our backs, and fuel in our vehicles. However, beyond that, agriculture is science, technology, and innovation. Its cutting-edge advancements will drive the future of food production and environmental stewardship.

The blue FFA jacket is more than just a uniform. It symbolizes hard work, commitment, and leadership. The young men and women who wear it today are tomorrow's farmers, veterinarians, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders.

Their dedication to agricultural excellence and community service exemplifies the very best of American values. The impact of FFA extends far beyond agriculture. The leadership training, teamwork, and problem- solving skills that members develop prepare them for a wide range of careers and civic responsibilities.

Many former FFA members have gone on to serve in Congress, lead Fortune 500 companies, and contribute meaningfully to their local communities, including the recently confirmed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, the first Secretary of Agriculture to have served as a State FFA officer.

As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I understand the vital importance of shaping the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and producers. Through education and hands-on experiences, FFA continues to make a lasting impact on the agriculture industry.

National FFA Week is also an opportunity to recognize the educators, advisers, and mentors who guide these young leaders, as well as the families and communities that support them. Their investment in agricultural education ensures that future generations will continue to innovate, adapt, and lead.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to celebrate the past successes of FFA while also looking ahead to the incredible contributions that future FFA leaders will make. Their passion, knowledge, and dedication give us confidence in the future of American agriculture and the prosperity of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Wellsboro Rotary Club's centennial anniversary.

For a century, the Wellsboro Rotary Club provided unwavering, dedicated service to the community.

The men and women of the Wellsboro Rotary are guided by The Four-Way Test, which is as follows: Of the things we think, say, or do:

Is it the truth?

Is it fair to all concerned?

Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

These guiding principles are the foundation of the Wellsboro Rotary Club's work, shaping a century of service that has left a mark on Wellsboro and the surrounding communities.

Their impact is evident, from recognizing outstanding students and supporting local charities to installing bicycle service stations and funding scholarships.

At its core, Rotary is about service above self. It is about bringing people together, regardless of background, to make the world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Wellsboro Rotary Club for its contributions to the community and congratulate these volunteers on 100 years of making a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, the Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act. We all know that orphaned wells, either unplugged or improperly plugged, can pose serious environmental health risks to surrounding communities.

In Pennsylvania alone, there are more than 27,000 documented abandoned and orphan oil gas wells across the State. This is not just a Pennsylvania issue, however, as abandoned wells are found across the country.

The Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act, which I introduced alongside my colleague, Congressman Deluzio from Pennsylvania, will empower States to maximize their flexibility when plugging abandoned oil wells and cut red tape to accelerate environmental rehabilitation.

We have many of the resources we need to plug these wells. It is our job to ensure they are able to be used for their intended purpose. I thank Congressman Deluzio for joining me in leading this critical effort. I encourage all my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the release of Pennsylvania schoolteacher Marc Fogel from Russian custody.

For more than 3\1/2\ years, Marc, a dedicated teacher, loving husband, and an American citizen, was unjustly detained in a Russian penal colony.

His punishment of 14 years of hard labor was an excessive and politically motivated sentence.

Despite years of bipartisan pleading with the Biden administration to bring Marc home, or at the very least designate him as wrongfully detained, there was no progress.

Enter Donald J. Trump.

In just 22 days, President Trump, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and a team of advisers successfully negotiated Marc's release.

Mr. Speaker, Marc Fogel is now back on American soil and reunited with his family.

Promises made, promises kept.

I thank all of those involved in bringing Marc home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 115th anniversary of Scouting America.

On February 8, 1910, Chicago businessman William D. Boyce, who grew up in western Pennsylvania, incorporated the Boy Scouts of America, now known today also as Scouting America.

For more than a century, Scouting has built character, fostered leadership, and instilled in young people the values that strengthen families, communities, and our Nation.

Generations of Scouts have learned that leadership is not about titles but about action. It is about stepping up when others step back and about lending a hand when it is needed most.

Time and time again, Scouts have answered the call, whether responding to natural disasters, local emergencies, assisting veterans, or leading conservation efforts in their communities.

Even in my current role as U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I use the lessons and values learned in Scouting to ease and to guide my decisionmaking.

The Scout Oath tells us that we have a duty to God, country, others, and self. This is a checklist that I use when voting on the House floor.

The first question I ask myself is how this affects my duty to God. Is the bill righteous according to God's Word, according to my faith?

If the bill passes this test, I ask myself whether this fulfills my duty to country. Will this benefit the country and my constituents? What does the Constitution have to say about the decision I am making?

If the bill passes this step, I will move on and ask myself how this fulfills my duty to others. For me, as Representative of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, that is more than 780,000 citizens in 18 counties, a third of the land mass of Pennsylvania. In my role as chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, that is being accountable to every individual in this Nation when it comes to food, fiber, and energy.

If the bill passes that step, I will move on and ask myself how this fulfills my duty to self. While this may sound selfish, it represents the duty I have to myself really based on another principle of Scouting: Am I prepared to do my best?

The Scout Law, Motto, and Oath are moral benchmarks for serving others, our community, and ourselves. Scouting enables the next generation of youth to develop leadership skills, connect with their community, build self-confidence, and gain numerous other benefits for themselves and their country.

The Scouting program is one of the best youth organizations for cultivating a sense of responsibility and leadership development, allowing them to become engaged citizens who care and respect their communities.

I will always cherish the time I spent in Scouting and value its role in shaping me into whom I am today.

I have been involved in Scouting for more than 50 years, including serving as a Scoutmaster and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1977. Scouting helped me discover my life purpose: helping others.

I take the lessons learned throughout my young Scouting career and apply them at every aspect of my life today, including at my job serving as a United States Congressman.

As co-chair of the Congressional Scouting Caucus, I was proud to introduce a resolution, alongside my fellow Eagle Scout from Georgia, Mr. Sanford Bishop, designating Saturday, February 8, as Scouts of America Day to honor the tireless service of Scouts, volunteers, and participants in our communities.

The Scouts have a slogan: ``Do a Good Turn Daily.'' I hope everyone sees the value in helping those around them and continues to pursue kindness.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Scouts, leaders, volunteers, and families who have helped keep this movement strong. Their dedication ensures that Scouting will continue to inspire and guide future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize crucial legislation that protects farm families. Farming tends to be an asset-rich but cash-poor industry, and America's hardworking farm families should not be unfairly burdened when it comes to accessing higher education.

For generations, these families have contributed to our Nation's food security and economy. Yet, their eligibility

for Federal student aid has been hindered by policies that count their land and equipment as financial assets, despite the fact that these are essential for their livelihoods and not readily available for educational expenses.

I am proud to cosponsor the Farm Family and Small Business Exemption Act, which would ensure that farm families and small business owners are no longer penalized for owning the tools and property that sustain their work.

By preventing these assets from being counted against financial aid eligibility, we are leveling the playing field and assuring that the children of farmers and small business owners have the same opportunities to pursue higher education as their peers.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Mann and Panetta for leading this commonsense solution. Investing in the future of farm families strengthens rural communities and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Women and Girls in Sports Day.

Sports have the power to break barriers, inspire change, and create opportunities. For generations, women and girls have fought for their place on the field, the court, and the track. Thanks to their resilience, we now see more female athletes excelling, competing, and leading in sports than ever before.

I am appreciative of the work President Trump has done to empower girls and women across the Nation. Mr. Speaker, let's continue to uplift and empower women and girls in sports every day because when we invest in them, we invest in the future of strength, leadership, and limitless potential. Together, we create a world where every girl can play, compete, and lead.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time.

Absolutely, living in the heart of Marcellus and Utica shale, I have seen hydrofracking actually evolve and improve with the technology becoming environmentally friendly. My friends who would argue against it obviously have not had the opportunity to spend any time with it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 26, the Protecting American Energy Production Act. This legislation will ensure that we deliver on our promise to Americans to lower energy costs and end the war that the previous administration waged on our domestic energy production.

I have witnessed firsthand how fracking or hydrofracking has revitalized communities, created countless jobs, and strengthened our energy independence since the discovery of the Marcellus shale and the Utica shale in Pennsylvania. Across my district, this industry has been a lifeline, bringing economic prosperity where it once was scarce.

Fracking has transformed Pennsylvania into a national leader in energy production, unlocking vast reserves of natural gas that power our homes, fuel our businesses, and drive down our energy costs. Across the Commonwealth, once struggling communities are thriving again.

Small businesses flourish as demand for goods and services surges, and thousands of hardworking men and women who depend on energy production for family-sustaining wages are planting roots and investing in these communities.

Beyond local benefits, the energy boom we will experience under the Trump administration's America First policies will strengthen our position on the world stage. By tapping into our domestic resources, we reduce reliance on foreign energy, bolstering national security and stabilizing global markets. American natural gas significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to foreign production, proving that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Despite these undeniable benefits, out-of-touch politicians have sought to ban or heavily restrict this essential industry.

A prohibition on fracking would devastate rural America, wiping out jobs, reducing tax revenues, and driving up energy costs for working families.

Madam Speaker, we cannot allow misguided policies to erase the progress we have made. That is why I urge my colleagues to support the Protecting American Energy Production Act before us today which will ensure the long-term stability of fracking for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise to discuss a topic fundamental to the strength of our workforce and the future of our economy: career and technical education, otherwise known as CTE.

Yesterday, I introduced a resolution celebrating CTE month and highlighting these programs' vital role in preparing students for high- skill, high-wage careers. The reach of CTE programs is vast. They shape industries that are the backbone of our economy, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and the skilled trades, just to name a few.

With a record number of learners enrolled in CTE programs nationwide, more than 12 million, it is clear that these initiatives are making a difference. However, we still face a major challenge: a skills gap.

Today, there are approximately 8 million job openings in this country. Businesses, both large and small, are struggling to find qualified workers with specialized skills needed to compete in an ever- evolving job market.

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and automation are reshaping our economy, demanding higher levels of expertise, problem-solving, and adaptability from our workforce. The solution is clear: We must continue to invest in CTE programs.

These programs bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that students and workers of all ages have the tools that they need to succeed. CTE is a powerful pathway to success.

By providing hands-on experience, industry certifications, and real- world knowledge applications, CTE empowers individuals to secure high- quality jobs and build prosperous careers.

I have long recognized the importance of CTE through legislation like the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This investment modernizes Federal support for CTE programs and provides greater flexibility for States and local communities to tailor education to workforce needs.

A practical outcome of this that I have seen is we were under- enrolled, and, today, as a result of that legislation, we now have waiting lists of individuals, both youth and adults, seeking this pathway to success in life.

The results speak for themselves. According to a recent analysis, CTE students in secondary programs have a 4-year graduation rate of over 96 percent. This is significantly higher than the national average.

According to the CTE Research Network, which conducts analyses of CTE in coordination with the Institute of Education Sciences at the Department of Education, CTE has significant, positive impacts on several high school outcomes, including academic achievement, employability skills, and post-secondary readiness.

Employers also report that CTE graduates are better prepared for the workforce, stating they possess the necessary technical skills and work readiness to excel in their roles. None of this would be possible without the dedicated educators, administrators, and support staff who work tirelessly to promote and expand CTE programs.

Their commitment to student success is invaluable, and we owe them our deepest gratitude for preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.

I thank my partner on this legislation here in the House, Representative Bonamici, as well as my counterparts across the Capitol, Senators Baldwin, Budd, Kaine, and Young, for joining me in introducing this commonsense effort.

Madam Speaker, as we look ahead, we must remain committed to strengthening CTE, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to these opportunities. By doing so, we close the skills gap and build a more competitive and resilient economy that benefits all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the birthday of one of America's most outstanding leaders, Ronald Reagan.

More than just our 40th President, Reagan was a champion of freedom, prosperity, and American exceptionalism. His leadership restored confidence in our Nation, revived our economy, and helped bring an end to the Cold War without firing a shot.

Through progrowth policies like tax cuts and deregulation, Reagan ushered in an era of economic expansion that lifted millions of Americans into prosperity. His belief in limited government and individual liberty reshaped our political landscape and continues to inspire conservative leadership today.

Beyond policy, Reagan reminded us that America's best days are always ahead. His unwavering optimism and steadfast commitment to our founding principles resonate as strongly in 2025 as they did in his time. His legacy lives on in every effort to lower taxes, strengthen our military, and uphold the values that make this Nation exceptional.

Today, as we remember President Reagan, let's recommit ourselves to his vision of a strong, prosperous, and free America. As he so often reminded us, freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is up to us to preserve it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National School Counseling Week.

Since its establishment by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week has highlighted these professionals' essential role in shaping the future. From helping students navigate academic challenges to providing critical support for their mental well-being, school counselors are instrumental in ensuring that every child has the tools they need to thrive.

We all know that a student's success isn't just measured in grades or test scores. It is also reflected in their confidence, resilience, and ability to handle life's challenges. Additionally, school counselors provide critical information to students on all options available to them for their careers, including successful pathways through career and technical education.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the school counselors who dedicate their lives to this mission. They are a steady source of guidance for students who need it most. Because of their dedication, we are building stronger schools, healthier communities, and a brighter future for the next generation.

Mr. Speaker, let's continue to invest in our students' well-being and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Groundhog Day, a special tradition spearheaded in my district and celebrated not just nationwide but worldwide, having folks who attended from over 120 different countries and every State in the Nation.

This past Sunday, February 2, I was proud to join over 50,000 people, families from across the country, as we eagerly waited to see if spring was on the way or if 6 more weeks of winter awaited. Each year, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, crowds gather at Gobbler's Knob on the night of February 1 awaiting the appearance of our famed weather predictor, Punxsutawney Phil.

I recognize and thank one of the hardest-working, most reliable job producers in my district, Phil himself. Year after year, his dedication to forecasting the end of winter brings joy not just to the Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District but to people across the country.

For more than 130 years, this beloved tradition, rooted in Pennsylvania's strong German heritage, has captured our imagination. As the legend goes, if Phil sees his shadow, we are in for 6 more weeks of winter. If not, spring is right around the corner.

The excitement begins the night before, as visitors gather to wake Phil with chants of his name in the early morning hours of February 2. When our esteemed seer of seers emerges, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle President interprets Phil's forecast and shares the news with the eager crowd. Despite some naysayers who suggest replacing Phil with an animatronic groundhog, a gold coin, or even worse, a cake, he remains a cherished figure.

Phil actually has a condominium, so to speak, in the Punxsutawney Library where he lives with his wife, Phyllis, and their two children, now teenagers, who were born earlier this year.

I believe in creating jobs, not eliminating them, and that includes our most famous furry forecaster. I will always stand up for the hardworking men and women, and, yes, rodents, of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

Beyond the fun and folklore, Groundhog Day is an event that brings people together, strengthens community spirit, and serves as an economic boost for the region. It is a celebration of tradition and a source of great pride.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Phil for sharing his wisdom and bringing smiles to so many. However, standing on stage with the inner circle and looking out over the 50,000 people when he announced 6 more weeks of winter, maybe people weren't smiling quite as much this year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize World Cancer Day.

Today, on World Cancer Day, we unite to raise awareness, show support, and reaffirm our commitment to the fight against cancer.

This disease knows no boundaries. It touches every community, every family, and too many lives, including my own.

Today is not just about recognizing the challenge but strengthening our resolve. It is about honoring the fighters, survivors, and those that we have lost. It is about supporting researchers, doctors, caregivers, and advocates who work tirelessly to improve treatments, find cures, and bring hope.

Cancer may be a formidable opponent, but we are not powerless. Early detection, better treatments, and continuous advancements are saving lives. Awareness leads to action, and action leads to progress.

Whether it is through fundraising, supporting a loved one, or promoting healthy lifestyles, each of us has a role to play.

Mr. Speaker, let's commit to stand together as we move closer to a world where cancer is no longer a devastating diagnosis but a challenge that we overcome.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a critical gap in school nutrition affecting students across this great Nation.

Today, I will introduce the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a much- needed win for students, parents, schools, and dairy farmers across America.

This bipartisan legislation expands milk options in school milk programs to include whole and 2 percent milk. It addresses a critical gap in child nutrition. We all know that milk is an essential source of 13 vital nutrients, including several underconsumed nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. These are foundational for building strong bones, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and supporting overall development.

However, in order for kids to benefit from these nutrients, they need to actually consume the milk. As we all know, kids deserve options and choice when it comes to choosing milk at lunchtime. Unfortunately, thanks to a flawed Federal policy based on outdated science, since 2012 schools have been prohibited from serving whole or reduced fat milk in school lunchrooms.

We all know whole milk tastes the best because it is the best. It is long overdue that kids in our Nation's schools have access to the most naturally nutritious beverage available to them. According to the dietary guidelines for Americans, nearly 90 percent of Americans including our children fail to meet their daily dairy intake recommendations.

Thanks to the Federal ban on whole milk, we have lost an entire generation of milk drinkers. Along with them, hardworking dairy farmers across this country have suffered. When students are presented with limited, unpopular milk options, they drink less milk and are more likely to turn to sugary, caffeinated alternatives that offer little nutritional value.

Research has repeatedly shown that whole and 2 percent milk are not only not responsible for childhood obesity, but several studies show that children who consume whole milk are less likely to experience obesity and have healthier levels of body fat. Since whole milk was banned from school lunches, body mass index scores, rates of obesity, and the prevalence of diabetes among young people have increased significantly. According to one case study, childhood obesity rates climbed 13 percentage points between 2008 and 2020.

Clearly, whole milk was not the problem when it came to childhood obesity. Emerging science supports what many parents already know. Whole milk is a nutritious and satisfying option for their children. Whole milk for healthy kids doesn't mandate schools to serve whole milk or for any student to drink milk but, rather, gives them the flexibility to meet the preferences and nutritional needs of their students.

Importantly, this bill aligns with parental choice, empowering schools to offer a wider range of milk options that mirror what kids enjoy at home. This is not just about nutrition, it is about practicality. Low-income children who rely on school meals for a majority of their daily dairy intake deserve access to nutritious and appealing options.

By reintroducing whole and reduced fat milk to school lunchrooms, we can combat food waste, support local dairy farmers, and ensure that our children are well-fed and ready to learn. This crucial legislation already has broad support from the farming community, school groups, Members across the aisle, and Senators across the Capitol.

I especially thank my partner on this legislation here in the House, Dr. Kim Schrier, as well as my Senate counterparts, Roger Marshall, Peter Welch, David McCormick, and John Fetterman, for joining me in introducing this commonsense effort.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce this commonsense solution that provides essential nutrients to our Nation's youth and supports America's dairy farmers. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.