Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alpha Fire Company of Centre County, Pennsylvania.

This year, the Alpha Fire Company is celebrating 125 years of dedicated emergency services to the State College community.

In 1899, a group of volunteers recognized the need within their community to establish a fire company to protect and to serve the region. For the last 125 years, the Alpha Fire Company has remained steadfast in this commitment.

In its early years, the Alpha Fire Company, originally Union Fire Company, used hand-drawn hose carts to fight fires in the few blocks of homes and buildings that surrounded the Pennsylvania State College campus, which had its own student-run volunteer fire company.

Since its founding, the Alpha Fire Company has seen many changes as the community continues to grow. Still, they have continued to provide dedicated emergency services for the past 125 years. This fire company is entirely volunteer based and often includes multiple generations of firefighters. Mr. Speaker, this dedication is what keeps the Alpha Fire Company topnotch.

Currently, there are 100 volunteers, and they handle the four primary municipalities it covers: State College Borough, College Township, Ferguson Township, and Patton Township. It also provides automatic aid to Halfmoon and Harris Townships.

The men and women of Alpha Fire Company are more than just firefighters. They are our neighbors, our friends, and family members. These dedicated volunteers give their time and energy, often balancing demanding jobs and personal responsibilities, to ensure our safety. Their commitment to protecting lives and property is inspiring and deserves our deepest gratitude.

The Alpha Fire Company is more than just a group of fire stations that protect and serve the State College region. It is truly an integral part of the community.

Aside from their lifesaving efforts, these volunteer firefighters make the Centre Region a better place. Whether it be a Fourth of July carnival, a school demonstration, or aiding in a fundraiser, the men and women of the Alpha Fire Company embody the spirit of community service.

Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time I have recognized the Alpha Fire Company on the House floor. In the fall of 2023, an all-woman crew bravely led the initial attack line in a three-alarm fire, making a historic milestone in our journey of service and dedication.

Throughout its 125 years of dedicated service, the Alpha Fire Company has lost three brave men in the line of duty. Philip Foster, Larry Oberle, and Charles Zeigler selflessly laid down their lives to protect the community they called home.

These heroes are not forgotten. The memorial honoring these fallen firefighters in the borough station will forever preserve their memory.

In a time when resources are often stretched thin, volunteer firefighters fill the gap, ensuring that no call for help goes unanswered.

They are trained professionals who bring their skills, courage, and compassion to the front lines, whether it is battling blazes, responding to accidents, or providing essential assistance for medical emergencies.

Over the past 125 years, the Alpha Fire Company has grown and evolved, continually adapting to meet the needs of our community. They have embraced advancements in technology and training, ensuring their brave men and women are prepared to handle any emergency with professionalism and expertise.

I know firsthand the dedication and passion volunteer firefighters have for protecting their communities. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication and passion of the Alpha Fire Company's volunteer firefighters in protecting our neighborhoods.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Alpha Fire Company for their bravery, their service, and their commitment to our community and congratulate them on 125 years of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Mansfield area Girl Scouts' centennial year. The first Mansfield area Girl Scout troop was founded 100 years ago in September of 1924.

For the past century, the Mansfield Girl Scouts have played an instrumental role in the development of young women. The Girl Scouts are known for their emphasis on important values such as teamwork, integrity, and respect for others. These values foster an environment where girls can grow into strong, compassionate citizens.

As co-chair of the Congressional Scouting Caucus and a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts, I deeply respect the Girl Scouts organization.

The Mansfield area Girl Scouts have a rich history of accomplishments and service. In recent years these young women have raised thousands by selling their infamous Girl Scout cookies.

Over the past 100 years, many Scouts from Mansfield have received a Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts.

Madam Speaker, I am confident that the Mansfield Girl Scouts are guiding these girls to become confident young women, and I congratulate them on 100 years of scouting.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pennsylvania State Representative Donna Oberlander's advocacy for the 63rd District and to congratulate her on her retirement.

For the past 16 years, Rep. Oberlander has served Clarion and Armstrong Counties, advanced economic opportunities and preserved traditional values.

Throughout her time in public service, Donna has made a lasting impact on our commonwealth. Her legislation, Act 130 of 2022, permitted pilot driverless testing programs, which have created thousands of jobs and contributed billions in investments.

Her advocacy for Act 7 of 2020 has created safer outcomes for medically fragile newborns by regulating milk banks.

Outside of her numerous legislative accomplishments, Rep. Oberlander is a dependable leader. In the Pennsylvania State House, Donna has served as Chairwoman for the House Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee, Republican Whip, Republican Policy Chairman, and Caucus Secretary.

Rep. Oberlander's impressive leadership speaks volumes. She was the first Republican woman to serve as both Republican Whip and Policy Chairman.

Donna Oberlander is an impressive woman; I am fortunate to call her my friend. I thank her for her service to the people of Pennsylvania and wish her well in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor today as National Hire a Veteran Day. This day is crucial to the spirit and health of both America's veterans and our communities.

Set aside to raise awareness of the unique skills and valuable abilities of servicemembers after military service, we must use this day to recognize the sacrifice and strength of our veterans. Qualities like dedication, determination, and tenacity are highly valuable in America's private and public sectors. These features are fostered during military service and can be helpful in nonmilitary employment.

As 200,000 military members retire and become veterans each year, more and more qualified potential employees are eligible to join the greater American workforce.

As we look to hire, let us not forget the sacrifices made by our servicemembers. Each and every one of them, having defended our great country, deserve the opportunity to create a unique and positive impact in the workforce. Their dedication, determination, and tenacity are not just skills but a testament to their commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and legacy of Timothy Paul Dobos of Mill Hall, Pennsylvania.

Tim Dobos died on July 11 after a courageous 10-year battle with ALS. He was just 36.

Tim was a Marine Corps veteran. He worked as an electronic warfare analyst with the 2nd Radio Battalion, was deployed to Kuwait with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. In 2010, when earthquakes devastated Haiti, Tim assisted in relief efforts, earning him a Humanitarian Service Medal. Tim rose to the rank of lance corporal before being honorably discharged in 2012.

In April 2014, Tim was diagnosed with ALS, but that diagnosis didn't slow him down. In 2018, Tim earned a degree in applied physics from Lock Haven University.

I was fortunate enough to call Tim a friend. His contagious personality brought happiness to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He lived a life dedicated to service and caring for others.

I offer my deepest condolences to Tim's wife, Robyn, their sons, and his family. Knowing Tim was a blessing. Having him as a friend was a blessing, and may Tim's memory be a blessing to all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Central Mountain High School's wins at the National Leadership and Skills Conference.

Recently, Central Mountain High School students traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to compete at the SkillsUSA's National Leadership and Skills Conference, where they achieved remarkable success.

New alumna Sofia Dressler took home the national title in related technical math. Sofia is a gifted mathematician, already taking math courses at Commonwealth University in Lock Haven and has worked through calculus 3 up to number theory.

Additionally, three Central Mountain High School rising seniors-- Ellen Banfill, Emily Everett, and Samantha Streator--placed eighth nationally in the community service competition. Their community service project centered around the Stop the Bleed national awareness campaign, aimed to equip their community with supplies and knowledge to provide immediate emergency care for life-threatening bleeding after a traumatic injury. These four young women have already demonstrated academic excellence and a strong sense of community.

Congratulations to Sofia, Ellen, Emily, and Samantha on their achievements. Students like themselves are the future of this great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize July 20 as National Pennsylvania Day.

Pennsylvania gained the nickname the ``Keystone State'' because Thomas Jefferson referred to the Commonwealth as a keystone of the Federal Union for our role in the establishment and further success of the United States.

Our Commonwealth is where the Declaration of Independence was signed, our Constitution was written, and our flag was born. It also served as the first capital back in the early days of our Union.

Pennsylvania is the site of famous battles, such as the battle of Valley

Forge during the Revolutionary War and the battle of Gettysburg.

In Pennsylvania, we are pioneers. We are proud to be home to the first hospital, superhighway, and commercial oil well, the Drake Well in my district. We are also proud to have invented the slinky, little league baseball, the steam engine, and bubble gum.

Pennsylvania is also a beacon of education and innovation, home to prestigious universities and research institutions that drive advancements in science, medicine, and technology.

Throughout history, from our steel and coal mines to our farms and forests, Pennsylvania has led the way with an inspiring work ethic.

As a lifelong Pennsylvanian, I am proud of all that we have done and look forward to our future. I am proud to represent nearly one-third of the land mass of our great Commonwealth.

Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy Pennsylvania day to all Pennsylvanians.

Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Butler, my colleague for hosting this Special Order this evening and for recognizing me.

Tonight, we recognize Corey Comperatore's heroic actions, and we pay tribute to his lasting legacy. For three decades, Corey served the community as a Buffalo Township Fire Department firefighter. He was a brother firefighter.

I had the privilege of just a few years ago sharing representation of Butler County with my good friend Mr. Kelly, and Buffalo Township was one of my municipalities that I served.

Corey eventually rose to the rank of chief of his station. He constantly put his life on the line to protect his neighbors, responding to emergencies with courage and skill and unwavering commitment to safety.

In the final moment of his life, his selfless courage was on full display. When gunshots were heard, he shielded the most precious people in his life: his wife and daughters.

Corey Comperatore is a hero whose inspiring bravery will be remembered. Corey was a local leader, active church member, veteran, former fire chief, and most importantly a beloved father and husband. Having formerly represented parts of Butler County, it has been inspiring to hear how well-respected Corey was throughout his hometown and his home county.

To Corey's family, we offer our deepest condolences. I cannot imagine the pain you are enduring, but please know you are not alone. Our Nation stands with you, united in our love and support, ready to offer comfort and strength during this challenging time.

As we navigate the difficult days ahead, let us draw strength from each other in Corey's memory. Let us remember the importance of holding our loved ones close, telling them that we care, we love them, and living our lives with the same compassion, bravery, and warmth that Corey exhibited.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Nation's 250th anniversary, which we will celebrate in 2026.

As we prepare for this momentous occasion, I am proud to have joined more than 100 of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the America250 Caucus. This caucus has been instrumental in helping guide and shape this celebration.

As part of the work on this caucus, I was proud to recently cosponsor legislation with my Pennsylvania colleagues, Congressman Brendan Boyle and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, to authorize a joint commemorative session of Congress on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This would only be the third time since 1800 that a session of Congress would be held outside of Washington, D.C.

Now that we are officially less than 2 years away from this celebration, I urge my colleagues to join the America250 Caucus and help support these efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 28 individuals from the Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District who have received prestigious Fulbright awards during the 2022-2023 school year and the 2023-2024 school year.

Congress established the Fulbright Program in 1946. It promotes friendly and peaceful relations between Americans and people of other countries through international educational exchange. Each year, more than 3,000 U.S. students, scholars, artists, and professionals in more than 100 different fields of study are offered Fulbright Program grants to lecture, study, teach English, and conduct research.

We proudly have Fulbright participants from Bradford, Duboistown, Lewisburg, Port Matilda, Selinsgrove, and State College, Pennsylvania. These recipients have earned their national recognition with years of study, leadership, and service, and our community is proud.

Mr. Speaker, the Fulbright Program is one of the most sought-after exchange programs in the world. It encourages applications from individuals of academic and professional achievement who are current and future leaders in their respective fields. Selected through open, merit-based competition, Fulbrighters represent the excellence and diversity of their societies around the world and in the United States.

They make an impact in all areas, including the environment, public service, technology, public health, and the arts. They study and teach in high-priority areas such as mental health, opioid addiction, cybersecurity, and military preparedness.

Since 1946, more than 400,000 individuals from the United States and over 160 countries and territories have participated in the program, including 42 heads of state, 62 Nobel laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Foundation fellows, and 16 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients.

These relationships form a foundation of trust on which the United States may advance global peace and security. I know that the memorable learning experiences individuals encounter through the program will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all of our Fulbrighters, especially the 28 from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. We are grateful for their contributions and most proud of their achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three outstanding young people from Venango County, Pennsylvania, who competed in the first-ever Belted Galloway Junior Nationals event at the Medina County Fairgrounds in Medina, Ohio.

The Belted Galloway is a traditional Scottish breed of beef cattle. The Buckeye Battle of the Belts took place June 26 through June 30. I proudly recognize these livestock enthusiasts from Venango County:

Mark Snyder, 18, of Titusville, won the grand champion overall pure breed Belted Galloway bull, fourth overall intermediate sales talk, third intermediate team fitting, reserve grand champion overall purebred Belted Galloway heifer, and two class winners Belted Galloway heifer.

Coltin Cross, 16, of Rockland, won Belted Galloway class winner heifer, third intermediate overall cattlemen's quiz, third immediate team fitting, and 10th overall intermediate points.

Marie Schwab, 13, of Oil City, won third junior public speaking, fifth junior sales talk, reserve team fitting, fourth junior judging contest, seventh overall junior points, champion Belted Galloway immediate heifer, champion Belted Galloway prospect steer, champion overall purebred Belted Galloway steer.

Mr. Speaker, I am so impressed with these young people. The Belted Galloway Junior Nationals provide a platform for youths aged 18 to 21 to showcase their skills, dedication, and passion for agriculture. I congratulate them all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize July as Park and Recreation Month.

It is a fitting month to celebrate, as many Americans visit our Federal, State, and local public parks and recreation systems this summer.

As a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania, an avid outdoorsman, and a former recreational therapist, I strongly support our Nation's parks and recreation facilities. Our parks provide countless recreational and educational opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors.

This month recognizes the important role these parks and public facilities play in the lives of Americans and the contributions of employees who work every day to maintain public parks across the Nation.

Our parks create opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community. They contribute to local economies by attracting businesses, jobs, and increasing housing values. Ninety percent of people in the United States agree that public park recreation facilities and activities are important government services. This support spans across all people in the

country regardless of race, income, or political affiliation.

Nearly 75 percent of Americans agree it is important to ensure all members of their community have equitable access to public parks and recreation facilities. In the United States, local public park and recreation agencies generated nearly $201 billion in economic activity and supported almost 1.1 million jobs.

The most economically sound areas are those with ample public park and recreation facilities and activities. A key factor in business expansion and location decisions is the quality of life for employees, with a premium placed on adequate and accessible public parks and open space.

Mr. Speaker, public parks and recreational facilities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier society. Americans living within a 10-minute walk of a park have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity. People who use public parks and open spaces are three times more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity than nonusers.

Recreation programs at public parks provide children with a safe place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically active, and enrichment facilities that help prevent at-risk behavior such as drug use and gang involvement.

Over the summer, many Americans will visit public parks and recreation facilities to spend time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors. We are blessed with beautiful outdoor facilities. It is my hope that all Americans get out and enjoy the parks in their areas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding performance of Central Mountain High School's David Lindsay.

He recently repeated as the State champion in the PA Class 3A tennis singles championship. It takes great skill, tenacity, and determination to be named the champion at this level 2 years in a row.

On May 26 at the Hershey Racquet Club, David completed a back-to-back sweep of the 3A singles championship bracket. He won 6-2 in the final match and remained the best singles player across the Commonwealth.

Madam Speaker, this is an incredible accomplishment for David and the Wildcats. I am proud of the team and David for their monumental season and dedication to the sport. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for David.

Congratulations to David for being the best in the Commonwealth and making the community proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Clinton County's Camp Cadet program.

Emergency first responder positions are in-demand jobs, and this camp mimics the disciplined atmosphere at a police academy. Participants are exposed to various detectives, police officers, rescuers, emergency medical technicians, and other emergency first responders. They will engage with the participants and teach them valuable skills such as CPR. The kids learn how to march in step under command and do so to and from the various venues during the week.

The Clinton County District Attorney's Office creates a mock crime scene, which is explained by detectives who also go over investigative techniques. This year, approximately 58 kids between the ages of 11 and 15 are participating in the Camp Cadet program at Commonwealth University--Lock Haven.

There will also be a 1-day program called the Lacy Day Camp, which is free to special needs kids who want to participate.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all the volunteers and departments who made this camp possible. They provide an opportunity to teach our young community members that law enforcement are their friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of DuBois Central Catholic High School's softball team on their first-ever State championship victory.

On June 13, at Penn State's Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, this team made history by winning the school's first-ever PIAA single A crown State championship, defeating Carmichaels High School 2-0. DuBois Central completed its season with an outstanding 21-2 record.

Marina Hanes put DuBois Central Catholic on the board in the fifth inning with a line double to left field. At the top of the sixth, her teammate, Melia Mitskavich, added another run to seal the deal for DCC.

Mr. Speaker, this is a historic win for the Cardinals as it is their first State championship victory in program history. I am incredibly proud of the team and Coach Heigel for their heroic season.

I congratulate the DCC Cardinals on this impressive victory.