Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary artistic ability of Emma Zacherl, a freshman at Clarion-Limestone High School and winner of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District Art Competition.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents.

Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition. This year my office received a record 125 submissions for the competition.

Ms. Zacherl's artwork will be displayed in a special exhibit in the U.S. Capitol for 1 year with winners from each congressional district in the Nation. Thousands of visitors, guests, and Members of Congress will have the opportunity to see her artwork every day.

Emma won for her water-mixable oil painting of her dog, titled: Good Boy, Archie. Her artwork blew me away, and I am glad that I can welcome her to Washington, D.C., to celebrate this accomplishment today.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate all the students that participated in this year's Congressional Art Competition and to Emma for being an amazing example of the talent in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for his leadership with this bill.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this en bloc, which includes an amendment that I was proud to introduce.

Amendment No. 168 will restore funding for the APEX Accelerator program to the fiscal year `24 enacted level.

APEX accelerators provide individualized, no-cost assistance and training for businesses to identify and compete for defense and other government contracts. With 97 APEX accelerators across all 50 States, this program serves as the access for existing and new businesses to strengthen the defense industrial base by accelerating innovation, fostering ingenuity, and bolstering supply chains.

The success of the APEX Accelerator program speaks for itself. In 2023 alone, APEX accelerators counseled more than 62,000 businesses that received more than $28 billion in contracts.

Our Nation faces unprecedented national security challenges. We must continue to invest in our small businesses to spur innovation, strengthen a resilient supply chain, and diversify our industrial base.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud descendant of dairy farmers to honor National Dairy Month.

As the first chairman of the House Agriculture Committee from Pennsylvania in nearly 170 years, I know the importance of America's dairy industry.

Our Commonwealth is home to more than 5,000 dairy farms with more than 470,000 cows. We produce nearly 10 billion pounds of milk each year and for every cow, we generate $24,000 in economic revenue.

The American dairy industry is an economic powerhouse, home to nearly 10 million dairy cows, supporting over 3 million jobs, and generating nearly $42 billion in direct wages.

America's dairy farmers produce more than 200 billion pounds of milk each year, ensuring that there is a consistent and reliable supply of essential nutrients.

However, the story of American dairy goes deeper than just statistics and numbers. It is a story of family farms and hardworking producers. Dairy producers work tirelessly every day of the year to provide nutritious products for consumers here and around the world.

American dairy is a robust and dynamic sector that supports our economy, nourishes our population, and embodies the values of hard work and determination.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all of our dairy farmers and producers across the Commonwealth and around the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today and am incredibly proud to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Bald Eagle Area High School baseball team.

On June 13 at Penn State's Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, this team recaptured the PIAA crown after defeating Tri-Valley 11-3. BEA completed its season with an impressive 25-2 record.

Before the State tournament, BEA was ranked as the Commonwealth's top high school baseball team, regardless of classification.

After a rough first inning, BEA, led by star pitcher Weston McClain, shifted the momentum in their favor. Third baseman Carson Nagle was able to capitalize on the momentum shift with two hits, two runs, and an RBI.

Mr. Speaker, as a graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School, I congratulate the team and Coach Gardner on their hard work and impressive season. The team exceeded lofty expectations while proudly representing the 15th District of Pennsylvania.

Congratulations, again, on this outstanding season. Go Eagles.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susquehanna Regional EMS/UPMC in north central Pennsylvania's prehospital team, on being selected as the 2024 Pennsylvania Agency of the Year by the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council.

In their tireless efforts, Susquehanna Regional EMS responded to a staggering number of approximately 20,000 calls in 2023, including 911 emergencies and nonemergent interfacility transfers. Their commitment to community benefit support was equally impressive, with over 13,000 hours dedicated to events such as the Little League World Series, Williamsport's Fourth of July celebration, and Lycoming County Fair.

Susquehanna Regional EMS educates providers and the public with programs like UPMC's Minutes Matter and Stop the Bleed. Through a partnership with Susquehanna Health Foundation, 100 AEDs, 100 bleed- control kits, and 100 packages of Narcan have been donated to our community.

Every minute counts in a medical emergency.

Susquehanna Regional EMS' daily work has saved countless lives throughout Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. On behalf of a grateful community, I thank them for their service to our community, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th anniversary of the Allied D-Day invasion of France.

Last week, we recognized the solemn anniversary and honored the bravery of our Armed Forces who served in that operation. On June 6, 80 years ago, thousands of America's bravest soldiers fought to protect the freedoms, liberties, and rights of those back home.

Sadly, the United States lost more than 6,000 soldiers that day. Ultimately, we would lose thousands of brave servicemembers in the coming weeks and months liberating the rest of Western Europe from German control. Marking a crucial turning point in World War II, the Allied forces joined together to storm the beaches of Normandy. These patriots conquered their fears of what lie ahead in battle, showcasing sheer bravery while facing the dangerous unknown.

In an operation that would quickly turn the tide of the war and rally men across nations, American soldiers made sacrifices, leaving permanent marks on the war-torn terrain, on their families, and on our hearts.

Mr. Speaker, in 2018, I had the privilege of attending the wreath- laying ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery in France. I am forever humbled and grateful for the opportunity to travel to those beaches that our brave men stormed so many years ago. Looking out and seeing the white crosses, brothers buried next to brothers, fathers buried next to sons, it is a reminder that our freedom isn't free.

The memorial serves as a constant reminder that the United States will fight and die to protect the freedoms of not just American citizens, but for those around the globe. We are eternally grateful for this devotion to duty and devotion to country.

I recognize members of the Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District who stormed the beaches of Normandy. Our community has a long history of strong military service across many years of service, and, today, I name just a few.

From Bradford, McKean County, Elmer DeLucia, who served in the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and was involved in four more battles in northern France, the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland, and Central Europe.

Mr. DeLucia passed away at the age of 99 in 2022. He spent the years after returning home speaking often about his service, wanting to share his firsthand knowledge, especially with school children.

Mr. Speaker, I also recognize the members of our community who gave their lives during the D-Day battle. There were 347 Pennsylvanians who were killed in action. They gave their lives defending our freedoms. Of those men, 31 grew up across the 15th Congressional District. May we always remember their sacrifices.

Mr. Speaker, let us take a moment to remember and honor those who sacrificed so much for so many and celebrate the heroism of the servicemembers nationwide.

For the good of the many, so gave the few. It is these few we acknowledge today, and let us honor their heroism. Let us always speak with pride of D-Day, of our troops, and of our victory.

God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chris and Jenni McCracken from Clinton County, as their business, Pine Creek Seed Farm, was honored as the Eastern Pennsylvania Family-Owned Small Business of the Year for 2024 by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Eastern Pennsylvania District Office.

Pine Creek Seed Farm stands out with its comprehensive range of seed processing, mixing and blending, and distribution services. These services are uniquely tailored to customer specifications to ensure the delivery of high-quality seed at every stage in the distribution chain.

Family-owned small businesses like Pine Creek Seed Farm are the cornerstone of communities throughout Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and play a central role in building a strong community, Commonwealth, and country.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Pine Creek Seed Farm on receiving this well-deserved award and thank them for their contribution to our community and to rural America.

It is my honor to represent family-owned small businesses such as Pine Creek Seed Farm in the Halls of Congress as the chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Madam Speaker, I rise today ahead of June 14 to celebrate the United States Army's 249th birthday. Every year, just a few days after Memorial Day, our country celebrates the Army's birthday. This marks the anniversary in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized the enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for 1 year.

The Army is the oldest and largest branch of the U.S. military and has played a vital role in the country's development since its establishment. Without the brave men who enlisted 249 years ago, we would not be the great Nation that we are today.

I will also say, without the great men and women who enlist today in the United States Army, we would not continue to be a great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I am a proud Army dad, and, in Congress, I continue to support legislation that bolsters our Nation's defense and invests in our military members and their families.

Happy birthday, Army.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10 Pennsylvania 4-H members who recently participated in the 4-H National Conference.

I am especially proud to say that, out of the 10 students from Pennsylvania, 2 of them were from my district, PA-15. I congratulate Mara Ours of McKean County and Jaylene Everhart of Centre County for participating in this national conference.

4-H is a youth development program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program's main goal is to educate our Nation's youth and to help them develop knowledge and skills to be caring and contributing citizens. As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I am thrilled to see USDA's effort to bring youth voice to a high-level government discussions.

During the national conference, 4-H members ages 15 to 19 participated in roundtable discussions on pressing national topics. After a few days of brainstorming and preparation, the youth presented their ideas to the USDA. I congratulate all of them on their hard work, and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Trail Day and the amazing trails across my district.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail, located in Lycoming and Tioga Counties, is held as one of the 10 best places to take a bike tour.

The Allegheny River and Samuel Justus Trails pass through Clarion and Venango Counties and run through the heart of the Oil Heritage Region.

The Great Shamokin Path was once the route used by Native American Tribes and is in Armstrong County.

The Redbank Valley Rail Trail was named the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year in 2020 and crosses through Armstrong, Clarion, and Jefferson Counties.

Traversing Clarion, Elk, Forest, and McKean Counties is the Knox and Kane Rail Trail. This 74-mile trail is full of scenic trailways in and around the Kinzua Bridge State Park to Clarion Junction.

In McKean County, part of the Knox and Kane Rail Trail is the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail, which was recently awarded Pennsylvania Trail of the Year in 2023.

Mr. Speaker, this National Trail Day, I encourage you to get outside and explore the trails in your area.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable life of Patrick Gottsch, the founder of the Rural Media Group, Inc., the parent company to RFD-TV and a fixture in rural America. The programs broadcast are an essential tool to all who work in agriculture and live in rural America.

Patrick dedicated his life to building an ever-present rural television network, one that made sure that the countryside was informed and one that could showcase the best of American agriculture.

As a lifelong supporter of cowboys and cowgirls, he brought the sport to households all over the world through The Cowboy Channel.

Reading the memories put forth by Patrick's family, colleagues, and friends shows just how much he was cherished and just how much he loved what he did.

I join all in the agriculture and cowboy community in wishing peace to all who knew Patrick. I am honored to have met him and to have spent time with him at The Cowboy Channel, and I am honored today to spend time talking about him this morning.

May we always remember Patrick and his zest for life. Madam Speaker, please join me in keeping Patrick's family and friends in your prayers.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Fishing and Boating Week. As an avid outdoorsman, this week recognizes a favorite pastime of so many: fishing and boating.

Pennsylvania, and specifically Pennsylvania's 15th District, is blessed with hundreds of rivers and lakes and streams for any angler or boater to enjoy. Whether you are casting a line in hopes of landing a brook trout or enjoying a sunset cruise, our navigable waterways have so much to offer.

During this week, let us ensure our future generations can experience the joy of fishing and boating. Let us also recognize the economic impact of this industry, supporting local businesses and communities that rely on them for their livelihoods.

Madam Speaker, as the warm weather continues to drive us to our waterways, it is also important to remember the necessary safety tips when enjoying a day on the water. Always remember to wear your life jacket and be sure to monitor the weather and water conditions. Enjoy all our waterways have to offer this National Fishing and Boating Week.

Madam Speaker, America's farm families work around the clock to feed, fuel, and clothe our Nation and the world, yet their livelihoods are often at the mercy of unpredictable forces beyond their control.

Since the last farm bill was passed in 2018, producers have faced record inflation, rising input costs, fractured supply chains, labor shortages, natural disasters, and more.

Our current safety net is tattered, and our farmers have been bearing the burden of these challenges alone, risking the viability of their operations.

The 2024 farm bill is the opportunity to implement significant changes to the farm safety net, equipping our farmers to meet their needs.

A robust farm safety net provides stability to our producers to ensure farmers can continue operations in uncertain times.

A stable, reliable food supply is essential for ensuring national security. The importance of our agriculture industry cannot be overstated. By investing in our farmers and strengthening the safety net, we can ensure that America and American families remain food secure.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Memorial Day. Our Nation's greatness was earned by the sacrifices of a few so that freedom and liberty would come to all. This weekend, we remember their sacrifices and service.

We are very proud that the tradition of Memorial Day originated in a Pennsylvania community located in my district, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.

Dating back to 1864 in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Memorial Day, three ladies decorated the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers. They met in the graveyard and promised to come back the following year to do the same thing. From that simple beginning act of love and remembrance came the observance of Memorial Day.

Now, every year, on the last Monday of May, the people across this Nation gather in town squares, at memorials, and in the cemeteries of fallen heroes to pay tribute to those who gave their all. This includes our servicemembers who are missing in action or are prisoners of war.

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, more than 80,000 American citizens who served in the Vietnam war, Korean war, and World War II are still missing in action.

That is why I am proud to have introduced H. Con. Res. 64, which urges our mutually beneficial trade agreements to include a commitment from trading partners to continue search and recovery efforts of our Nation's missing servicemembers.

In August 2023, I was notified by the POW/MIA Accounting Agency that two MIAs from my district were identified and returning home. Army Corporal Francis James Jury of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, and Army Sergeant Richard M. Sharrow of Marienville, Pennsylvania, were deemed missing in action during the Korean war. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency, these two heroes were able to be returned home and receive the proper burial that they deserved.

This Nation is united by our liberties and freedoms that our men and women in uniform take an oath to protect and defend. We will always honor our brothers and sisters who fought in battle to uphold our way of life.

May God carry them in the palm of His hand and all of our servicemembers in the palm of His hand.

This Memorial Day, as we raise the Stars and Stripes, as we lay wreaths at monuments, memorials, and cemeteries, let us remember that our freedom is thanks to those who served and died in sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, farming is more than a profession. It is the true cornerstone of American society. Moreover, no group has had a more significant impact on the evolution of modern society than our hardworking farmers. From the earliest days of our Nation's founding, the work ethic and devotion of our producers is what pushed us forward.

Before the sun rises, our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and foresters have already been hard at work for hours tending to their fields and caring for their livestock. Providing for our families goes beyond putting food on our tables. It includes clothes on our backs, heat in our homes, and fuel for our vehicles.

With each harvest, our farm families ensure that America and the world has access to a safe and abundant food supply.

American agriculture remains America's backbone, and we must support the families who give us so much by passing an effective 5-year farm bill.