Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize ``a date which will live in infamy,'' the words President Franklin Roosevelt used in this very Chamber following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

On December 7, 1941, our great Nation was suddenly attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy, leading to the deaths of 2,043 American servicemembers and civilians. Mr. Speaker, 83 years later, we remember these brave souls who lost their lives that day defending our very freedoms.

On August 23, 1994, Congress created the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor the lives lost each year. We once again recognize and remember every man and woman who laid down their life for the United States that day.

We are forever indebted to their sacrifices. In a time of war, our great Nation was able to preserve. Let this day be a reminder to us that our freedoms should never be taken for granted. God bless those who lost their lives that day, and God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, tonight is the beloved annual tradition of the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and I rise to recognize the Austin Area School District's contributions to this display.

The Austin Area School District in Potter County, Pennsylvania, is the smallest public school in Pennsylvania. The school serves approximately 180 prekindergarten through 12th grade students from the surrounding communities and excels in creating innovative, personalized one-on-one experiences for their students.

This year, the Austin Area School District was selected to decorate the Pennsylvania tree, which is part of the Pathway of Peace, a display of 58 smaller trees representing each State, territory, and the District of Columbia.

The National Park Foundation and the National Park Service annually present the National Christmas Tree lighting on the Ellipse at the White House and President's Park.

This celebration began in 1923 and brings together families, friends, and communities to celebrate the holidays in one of America's national parks.

With collaboration from the National Park Service, Department of Education, and National Park Foundation, local schools from each State decorate their trees with ornaments honoring their unique traditions and heritage.

When tasked with creating ornaments for the trees, students were asked: ``What makes your State beautiful?'' Pennsylvania is rich in history and natural beauty, and Potter County has a distinctive lifestyle.

Austin Area School District's art teacher, Mrs. Bethany Brown, and English teacher, Mrs. Megan Walck, had students create a list of what makes our region feel like home. Students considered Pennsylvania's outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, kayaking, camping, and stargazing, as well as historic events significant to Potter County.

This attraction is open December 7 through January 1, and visitors viewing the Pennsylvania tree will see that our students showcase many unique attributes of Potter County.

The ornaments highlight a variety of experiences unique to Pennsylvania, such as our number one industry, agriculture, and Potter County's rich history of potato farming. Local farms in Potter County supply potatoes nationwide. Maple syrup production thrives in our region thanks to the abundance of forests and maple trees. Each year, at the annual Maple Festival, the county celebrates the maple season with pancake breakfasts and open houses at maple producers' facilities. There are many more ornaments that showcase Pennsylvania's natural beauty.

The Pennsylvania Wilds region is a remarkable resource for those eager to explore Pennsylvania's natural wonders. Unique attractions like the Coudersport Ice Mine, which produces ice even during the summer heat, add to the area's charm and are reflected in the students' ornament designs.

Potter County serves as the source of major river systems, including the Allegheny River, which is also represented on the Pennsylvania State tree.

Visitors will see that students also incorporated our State tree, flower, and various native animals into their design. The ornaments made by the Austin Area School District students promote some of Potter County's and Pennsylvania's proudest attractions.

When reflecting on this experience, Austin Area School District student Breanna G. said: ``Having the opportunity to create a design that not only symbolizes me but my school and the area around me is so special. I feel so proud to have been given this chance, and I hope that someone will see this ornament and agree with the beauty of Pennsylvania's land. I am also thankful to my teacher, Mrs. Brown, for introducing us to this idea and letting us be as creative as we want. This is a project that I will remember for a very long time.''

Participation in the arts is wonderful for a young person's development. It can inspire confidence that often extends far beyond the classroom. Teachers like Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Walck nurture creativity and play a valuable role in shaping curious minds.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Austin Area School District students, staff, and faculty for bringing Pennsylvania's Christmas spirit to our Nation's Capital and highlighting what makes Potter County such a special place to live and visit.

Mr. Speaker, as Breanna G. so nicely quoted, it is an experience we will all remember for a very long time. I am incredibly proud of our students and their contributions to this cherished national tradition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the importance of our Nation's correctional officers.

The correctional officers at the Bureau of Prisons facilities across my district and nationwide are the backbone of our correctional systems. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly and are critical to maintaining safety and security within our Federal correctional facilities and detention centers.

Unfortunately, the Bureau of Prisons has faced unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining correctional staff. Multiple BOP facilities in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District are understaffed by at least 20 percent of their authorized levels.

Under current law, these essential workers may not receive pay during a government shutdown. Uncertainty over when the next paycheck will arrive should not exacerbate the staffing shortages and difficult conditions of working in a prison environment.

Yesterday, I introduced the Keep our Correctional Officers Paid Act, which would guarantee that correctional officers who are required to show up to work every day of the year continue to receive a paycheck in the event of a government shutdown.

Mr. Speaker, this crucial legislation recognizes the unwavering, dedicated work of correction officers in ensuring public safety and provides the Bureau of Prisons' staff with certainty. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hardworking entrepreneurs of Pennsylvania in celebration of Small Business Saturday.

Small businesses across our Nation are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our communities. Now, more than ever, they need our support. For small business owners, their shops are more than just a business, it is an extension of who they are.

When you think about the places that give our neighborhoods their unique character, we think about the coffee shop on the corner, the boutique where you find the perfect gift, or the family-owned diner that feels like home.

Small Business Saturday is about recognizing the value of our small businesses and showing them the support that they deeply deserve. Since its inception in 2010, the total reported U.S. spending on small businesses during Small Business Saturday is an estimated $201 billion according to data from the Small Business Administration.

SBA's data for 2023 shows the reported projected spending in the United States from those who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday fell to around $17 billion. This support is crucial to small businesses across the Nation and in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Small businesses play a vital role in Pennsylvania's economy. Pennsylvania is home to 1.1 million small businesses that employ 2.5 million individuals, about half of the State's private workforce.

Behind every small business is a story. It is a story of risk and resilience, of people who took a leap of faith to turn their dreams into reality, and of neighbors who refuse to give up even when the times are tough.

Small Business Saturday isn't just about shopping. It is about appreciation. It is about recognizing that when we support small businesses, we invest in the people who invest in the United States and invest in us.

It is about thanking those who contribute so much to our communities. Our entrepreneurs are leaders. They support our schools, sponsor sports teams, and give us spaces to gather, connect, and grow.

As we progress in this season of gratitude and giving, let's pause and choose small. Whether it is picking up a holiday gift from a local shop, dining at a family-owned restaurant, or simply spreading the word about a business you love, every action counts.

Mr. Speaker, supporting the local businesses within our communities not only keeps those businesses alive, but it also keeps the communities they serve thriving for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Special Education Day.

Special education is about more than academics. It is about opening doors, tearing down barriers, and empowering every child to reach their fullest potential.

It is about recognizing that our differences are strengths and that diversity in learning enriches us all.

In the 1970s, Congress made a commitment to provide a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities. Through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, we made strides in inclusion in education.

While we have made tremendous progress, more work remains to be done.

Congress promised to cover 40 percent of the extra cost of special education, but we have never come close to fulfilling that promise. In fact, the current funding remains at only 14 percent of the targeted amount.

This means our students and schools suffer, and students with disabilities will not be able to succeed--not without the appropriate, high-quality services that they deserve.

For many years I have been proud to help introduce the IDEA Full Funding Act, which would gradually increase IDEA funding to reach that full commitment.

Mr. Speaker, National Special Education Day is not just a moment to reflect on how far we have come. It is a call to action for how far we still need to go.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Cadet Colonel Cory Matejovich on earning the General Carl A. Spaatz Award.

The Spaatz award is Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet honor. Since 1964, the Spaatz award has been presented to

cadets who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace education.

Cadets qualify for this prestigious award after progressing through 16 achievements in the CAP Cadet Program. Along the way, they develop self-discipline, leadership abilities, and the foundations necessary for pursuing a career in aviation, space, or technology.

Recently, Howard native Cadet Colonel Cory Matejovich earned his Spaatz award. He is among only 2,559 individuals to have achieved this honor.

Along with the Spaatz award, Colonel Matejovich is an exceptional student and athlete, ranking in the top percent of his class and competing in three varsity sports.

Mr. Speaker, through the years of hard work, discipline, and leadership, Colonel Matejovich has exemplified the core values of the Civil Air Patrol and inspired those around him.

Receiving the Spaatz award is no small feat. I commend Colonel Matejovich for his dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Rural Health Day. Every third Thursday in November, we observe National Rural Health Day.

Nearly 60 million Americans live in rural areas, and too often, they encounter limited access to primary care, specialists, and mental health services. These gaps are worsened by transportation barriers and hospital closures. These challenges don't just affect individuals. They impact entire families and communities.

Before I was elected to serve in the House of Representatives, I spent nearly 30 years in the nonprofit healthcare field, assisting those with life-changing diseases and disabilities.

It can be challenging to obtain reasonably priced healthcare, and this is especially true in rural America, like much of the 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. As the Member of Congress representing nearly one-third of the landmass of Pennsylvania, one of the most rural districts east of the Mississippi, I am keenly aware of the problems my constituents face when accessing medical services.

We are facing a healthcare crisis in our Nation's rural areas. These often disadvantaged populations are still struggling to access affordable, quality care.

While these challenges are great, there have been a few positive developments in recent years that stand to greatly benefit these communities. For one, I commend the work being done at the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health. This office has stepped up on a number of occasions to assist distressed healthcare facilities throughout the Commonwealth and continues to work on policies that will bolster rural healthcare for years to come.

Additionally, I cannot overstate the impact and importance of expanded telehealth services. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth added tremendous reach and value to communities across the country, especially in rural America. Many of my constituents were able to access regular care without having to drive nearly an hour, in some instances, ensuring they could get diagnosed and treated in an efficient manner.

To ensure this success continues, I reintroduced the HEALTH Act, which will allow community health centers and rural health clinics to continue providing telehealth services and receive fair reimbursement for doing so.

I also continue to support efforts to bolster our healthcare workforce in rural areas. One of the driving forces behind many shuttered hospitals, healthcare facilities, and other services in these communities is a lack of staff, whether it be physicians, surgeons, OB/ GYNs, technicians, nurses, or any other folks critical to providing care.

As providers struggle to attract and retain a talented workforce in our rural communities, we must think outside the box to resolve these issues. For example, I support efforts to encourage medical programs to place residents in rural communities as part of their education, training, and rotations. We know that people are far more likely to remain in communities where they train and serve, and we must continue to build this pipeline and solidify our rural health workforce.

These policies promote access to care for all Americans, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure equitable care in our rural communities.

Mr. Speaker, in rural communities, healthcare costs have gone up and premiums have skyrocketed, but choices have decreased. That is not right. It is not fair and not feasible. There must be a better way.

I know that together we will work to find a stable transition to a 21st century healthcare system that works for everyone in America, especially rural America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Williamsport Salvation Army on a record-breaking Red Kettle Kickoff.

As the holiday season unfolds, a sound fills the air, not just the laughter of children or the joyful notes of carolers, but the familiar ring of the Salvation Army's red kettle bells.

Since 1897, the Salvation Army's iconic Red Kettle Campaign has become synonymous with Christmas. This year, at the sixth annual Red Kettle Kickoff breakfast, the Williamsport Salvation Army exceeded its goal, bringing in $52,000 to start their holiday bell-ringing season.

This money, as well as future funds, will assist local underserved populations during the holiday season. The Salvation Army in Williamsport helps residents with rental and utility assistance, food donations, hygiene supplies, and toys and blankets for children, and much more.

Mr. Speaker, this time of year can bring challenges for low-income families. The Williamsport Salvation Army's Red Kettle fundraiser ensures that the families in our community wake up to the magic of Christmas morning knowing that they haven't been forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National American Education Week.

National American Education Week is a time to acknowledge the vital role education plays in shaping not just individual lives but the future of our great Nation.

Education is the foundation upon which our Nation was built, communities thrive, and progress is made. Every child who walks through the doors of a classroom carries with them the potential to lead, innovate, and inspire.

It is our collective responsibility as educators, parents, and community members to ensure that students have every tool and every opportunity to succeed. Every student across our Nation has the right to an education.

As a senior member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I have advocated for commonsense legislation that uplifts our students and educators nationwide. Chief among these is the All Children Are Equal Act, or the ACE Act. This bipartisan legislation would reform the discriminatory title I formula to ensure equity and fairness for school districts with high concentrations of poverty. School funding should never be based on a child's ZIP Code, and I will continue to work to ensure that Federal funding is fairly and equitably distributed across our country.

Additionally, as co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am proud to continue my longstanding support and commitment to advancing CTE and investing additional resources in these highly successful programs that create rungs on a ladder of opportunity. CTE provides students with the skills they need to succeed in life, and I will continue to support efforts that help students and families of all ages make the right decisions for their careers.

I am proud to lead on the Counseling for Career Choice Act, which provides additional resources to school counselors so that they can better equip students with the knowledge and the information necessary to make informed decisions about their educational journeys and future careers. Students are our future, and the commonsense legislation I have supported uplifts students to create a skilled workforce.

National American Education Week is a celebration of everyone who makes education possible. First, we honor our teachers, the unsung heroes who dedicate themselves to the mission of shaping minds. Their passion, patience, and perseverance are the lifeblood of our schools. A great teacher does more

than deliver lessons. They ignite curiosity, build confidence, and cultivate a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

We also recognize the students who are the heart of the education system. Each one brings unique talents, challenges, and aspirations. It is their drive and determination that remind us of why this work is so important. They are the leaders of tomorrow, and investing in them today is the wisest decision that we can make.

Let us not forget the support staff, the counselors, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, and administrators. They create the environments in which learning can flourish. Their contributions, often behind the scenes, are essential in holding our schools together. Of course, we celebrate the families who support their children's education at home. Their encouragement and involvement play a crucial role in the student's academic success.

Mr. Speaker, National American Education Week is not just about education. It is about our Nation's values. It is about our belief in the promise of every child and the power of a community united behind them. Together, we can ensure that the doors of opportunity remain open to all, and in doing so, secure a brighter future for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Adoption Month.

Adoption is all around us, even if we don't see it. Every day, there are children adopted into loving families across the country. Each year, more than 100,000 children in the United States foster care system wait for permanent homes. They wait for parents who will cheer them on at soccer games, comfort them through tough days, and celebrate their successes.

Although it is estimated that between 2 to 4 percent of Americans have adopted, more than one-third have considered it.

National Adoption Month is our opportunity to raise awareness, break down barriers, and encourage more families to consider opening their hearts and homes to these children.

Mr. Speaker, adoption is more than a legal process. It is an act of love and commitment that changes lives forever. For children, it means stability, safety, and belonging. For parents, adoption means fulfilling a calling to nurture, guide, and unconditionally love a child. Together, adoption creates families built not by blood but by heart.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.

Each year, industry, labor, workforce, education, and government leaders come together to showcase the successes of apprenticeship programs.

This week is a time to highlight apprenticeship programs, which offer earn-and-learn opportunities that are proven to build careers. It is a time to celebrate the power of learning through hands-on experience and the vital role that apprenticeships play in strengthening our Nation's workforce and economy.

Apprenticeships are more than just a job training program. They represent opportunity. They are pathways that open doors for individuals from all walks of life, allowing them to earn while they learn and develop the skills they need to thrive in their chosen careers.

Whether it is in manufacturing, healthcare, technology, or the skilled trades, apprenticeships bridge the gap between education and employment in ways that benefit workers, employers, and communities alike.

For individuals, apprenticeships provide a foundation for success. They are not just about acquiring technical skills. They are about gaining confidence, building networks, and setting a course for long- term career growth.

In today's rapidly changing economy, having a trade or skill you can rely on is invaluable. For many, the apprenticeship model, where learning happens in a real-world environment, is far more impactful than sitting in a traditional classroom.

For employers, apprenticeships are a game changer. They offer a direct pipeline to a highly skilled workforce tailored specifically to the needs of their industry.

By investing in apprentices, companies aren't just filling jobs. They are building their future. They are fostering loyalty, reducing turnover, and ensuring their teams are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus and a senior member on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, I will continue to support policies that promote work-based learning and equip Americans of all ages with the skills necessary to climb the next rung on the ladder of opportunity.

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, let's also look ahead. Our challenge is to expand access to these programs and ensure that they are as inclusive and diverse as the workforce that we envision for our Nation's future.

We must break down barriers, from lack of awareness to outdated perceptions, and create opportunities for everyone, from young people exploring their first career options to midcareer workers seeking to re-skill and adapt.

Mr. Speaker, often students graduate high school unaware of their educational options and potential career paths. By highlighting skills- based education and recognizing apprenticeship programs, we are putting our students in a position of success.

These programs put our workforce back in the driver's seat of careers. By participating in apprenticeship programs and other skills- based training, our workforce develops knowledge and skills for long- term, family-sustaining jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lions Clubs International for its historic year of service.

Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. More than 1.4 million members and over 48,000 clubs serve in 200 countries and geographic areas worldwide.

Since 1917, Lions have strengthened local communities through hands- on service and humanitarian projects. They focus on supporting vision, the environment, childhood cancer, hunger, diabetes, and other pressing humanitarian needs to help address some of humanity's biggest challenges.

From July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, Lions helped more than 420 million people worldwide. Over the past year, Lions engaged in more than 1.6 million service projects, a 4 percent increase over the year prior; inducted nearly 150,000 new members, an 8 percent increase from the previous year; and awarded more than 1,500 grants totaling $46.4 million, helping millions of people in need globally.

As co-chair of the Congressional Service Organization Caucus, I applaud Lions Clubs International's commitment to making our communities better and brighter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize November as National Family Caregiver Month.

Every day, more than 48 million family caregivers provide essential care to loved ones who are aging, ill, or living with a disability.

As a former healthcare professional, I have seen these caregivers often go above and beyond to support their families, sacrificing their own time, energy, and well-being to ensure that those that they care for receive the support and the love that they need.

Family caregivers are often the unsung heroes of our communities. Many

balance caregiving with full-time jobs, raising children, and managing their own health.

They deserve our support and recognition, which is why I am proud to support legislation like the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act to help ensure these caregivers have the financial resources to continue providing care for their loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, let this month be a reminder of our shared responsibility to support these caregivers who give so much to others. By showing our appreciation and lending a hand where we can, we can honor the work that they do every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the National Boy Scout Memorial in our Nation's Capital.

The Boy Scouts of America aims to prepare young people for lives of impact and purpose.

Since the Boy Scouts' founding in 1910 here in Washington, D.C., the organization has grown to become one of the largest youth organizations in the United States with over 1 million Scouts.

The United States Congress passed a congressional charter in 1916, officially establishing the Boy Scouts of America. The mission remains steadfast: ``to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.''

In 1959, the 50th anniversary year of Scouting, Lyndon Baines Johnson, then-Senate majority leader, introduced a measure to establish the memorial. Scouts from across the Nation displayed their dedication and passion for Scouting by raising 100 percent of the funding needed to complete the statue.

Scouts who were able to collect $5 in dimes sent in their collections and had their names printed on special scrolls.

The legacies of these Scouts and their dedication lives on, with all the scrolls still residing inside the boxes at the statue's base.

The sculpture sits at the location of the 1937 National Scout Jamboree, the very first jamboree. It was dedicated on November 7, 1964, and over 1,000 Scouts, leaders, family members, military personnel, members of government, and guests were present.

This weekend I was proud to attend the 60th anniversary ceremony.

Officially named the ``Boy Scout Commemorative Tribute,'' it was the very first statue or memorial in D.C. dedicated to a living or ongoing cause, not a past leader or event.

The three statues represent the fundamental principles of Scouting. The young Scout in the middle symbolizes all Scouts past, present, and future, and is a beacon for good. The male and female figures symbolize the strength for both manhood and womanhood.

The male represents ideals of physical, mental, and moral fitness, citizenship, honor, and courage, while the female represents enlightenment, love of fellow man, justice, and freedom.

As a proud Eagle Scout and a Scout Master for over 30 years, Scouting has been an essential part of my young and adult life. Even in my current role as U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, I use the lessons and values learned in Scouting to guide my decisionmaking.

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

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 allows youth 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 who I am today.

Mr. Speaker, for more than 100 years, Scouting has instilled essential values into our young people. This organization has helped develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, and citizenship skills that continue influencing these Scouts' adult lives.

The impact of Scouting cannot be measured. This monument stands as a powerful tribute, not just to the Boy Scouts themselves, but to the values they carry and their positive impact on our communities, Nation, and the world.

Let this memorial remind us of our responsibility to support and inspire the next generation to dedicate themselves to a lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as Military Families Month.

With more than 5.2 million military families in the United States, this month is necessary to acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices our military families make.

These families are the unseen strength behind our Nation's military. While the focus is often on those in uniform, we must never overlook loved ones who carry the weight of their absence, move wherever duty calls, and keep life steady even when things around them feel uncertain.

In times of peace and conflict, these families stand as pillars of strength embodying the values of courage, dedication, and selflessness. Let's recognize the sacrifices they make--the birthdays, the holidays, and the milestones missed.

Let's thank them for their support and commitment to our country, and let's promise them our own support in return.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking our veterans, servicemembers, and military families for their service and sacrifice to our country.

May God bless our military families, our servicemembers, and our great country.