Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4763, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, or FIT21, which establishes a regulatory framework for digital assets while protecting consumers and fostering innovation within the United States.

This legislation has been a long time coming. Since 2018, the House Committee on Agriculture has held numerous hearings, roundtables, and meetings and introduced multiple pieces of legislation to bring certainty and clarity to the digital asset markets.

For Congress to establish a comprehensive digital assets market framework, it was clear the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Financial Services needed to work in a collaborative manner.

Chairman McHenry and I first met nearly 2 years ago to discuss this ambitious plan, and together, we aimed to develop the best policies possible.

Over this Congress, members of both committees have engaged in robust and collaborative debates and educational sessions on current securities and commodities laws and regulations, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the digital asset ecosystem.

Through this process, we learned several key points, including: that the current process to determine if a digital asset is a security or not is unclear, unworkable, and impractical; the Commodity Futures Trading Commission lacks essential regulatory authority over retail- serving intermediaries in the digital commodity spot market; and the treatment of customer assets held by intermediaries needs to be strengthened.

Mr. Chairman, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have claimed that this bill will allow a substantial portion of crypto and some traditional securities to escape nearly all laws and regulations, operating without any primary regulator. That is far from the truth. The legislation before us today enhances existing securities and commodities regulations to create an appropriate framework for digital assets.

For example, a registered digital commodity exchange would follow regulations similar to those of the CFTC for derivatives exchanges, including monitoring trading activity, prohibiting abusive practices, reporting trading information, managing conflicts of interest, ensuring governance standards, upholding cybersecurity, and more.

Mr. Chairman, Congress has a historic opportunity to enact legislation that not only protects consumers but also ensures that the United States remains at the forefront of technical innovation.

By supporting FIT21, we can foster and create a safer, more transparent, and more competitive environment for digital assets.

Let us seize this moment to provide clear guidelines and robust protections,

fostering a future where innovation can thrive responsibly within our borders.

Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I understand that the gentlewoman from Washington State, the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, has a few questions for clarification.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentlewoman for the purpose of a colloquy.

Mr. Chairman, the gentlewoman's understanding of the legislation is correct.

The intent of FIT21 is to draw jurisdictional lines between the SEC and the CFTC as it relates to certain spot digital asset transactions.

FIT21 provides the CFTC with exclusive jurisdiction over digital commodity spot market transactions that occur on or through entities registered with CFTC. FIT21 does not provide CFTC with the authority to directly regulate any transaction between two people which is not intermediated by an entity registered with the

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Applewold, Pennsylvania, a tiny borough located along the Allegheny River across from Kittanning in Armstrong County.

Applewold is celebrating 125 years of being incorporated on Saturday, June 1.

While Applewold has officially been a borough for 125 years, it has had a front row seat for American history: playing a pivotal role in the Battle of Kittanning during the French and Indian War, witnessing the Pennsylvania Canal Kittanning Extension, and welcoming the railroad years later.

To celebrate this momentous anniversary, Applewold is celebrating in style with a parade and various speakers to mark the occasion.

Mr. Speaker, Applewold is a small but mighty municipality. In fact, based upon the last Census, the population is 344 people residing in 219 houses. It is our small boroughs like Applewold that make our district, our Commonwealth, and our country so great. Their enthusiasm to share their history allows us to keep telling stories of our past.

Congratulations to Applewold Borough on this anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize May as National Foster Care Month and to thank every parent, volunteer, and mentor who works with our foster children.

I am a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. When I was an 11-year-old, a foster child, Bob, came into our family, and he continues to be my brother today.

During this month, we renew our commitment to ensure that every child has a safe and loving family. I know firsthand how a supportive and loving home can make all the difference in a young person's life.

Madam Speaker, there are more than 460,000 children and youth in foster care. These children and youth range from infants to 18 years old when they age out. Foster youth who transition out of the foster care system without a permanent home are at high risk for unemployment, poor educational outcomes, health issues, early parenthood, long-term dependency on public assistance, increased rates of incarceration, and homelessness.

Madam Speaker, every child deserves a safe, supportive, and permanent family. We have the responsibility to continue to create policies that will improve outcomes and the overall well-being of foster youth and their families.

Madam Speaker, since its inception 56 years ago, Head Start has improved the lives of more than 32 million children and their families.

Proudly, we continue to raise awareness about Head Start and the benefits it brings to America's children. Head Start gives every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, a chance to succeed in school and in life.

The Head Start model, developed over the decades, has been built on evidence-based practices and is constantly evolving, using the best available science and teaching techniques to meet the needs of local communities.

Head Start focuses on the whole child and the whole family. Head Start and Early Start programs are in small towns and big cities alike. It brings together parents, teachers, volunteers, and community leaders to create a quality program that truly gives lower income children a head start in life.

Madam Speaker, I applaud Head Start programs in the 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania and throughout the Nation for helping so many Americans from all walks of life have a fair start in life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 193rd Air Operations Group in State College, Pennsylvania, who celebrated their 75th anniversary on May 2, 2024.

Established in April of 1949, the unit was initially named the 112th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. The unit was Federally recognized as part of the Nation's reserve defenses.

A notable alumnus of the squadron is the Honorable Dr. John L. McLucas who served in State College during the 1950s prior to becoming the Secretary of the Air Force in 1973.

In January 2016, the 112th Air Operations Squadron was designated the 193rd Air Operations Group with three subordinate squadrons: the 193rd Air Communication Squadron, the 193rd Air Intelligence Squadron, and the 193rd Combat Operations Squadron. The three squadrons operate under the Air Combat Command.

Since the redesignation, the unit has sent members to more places around the globe than ever before to project

American air power and to support operations worldwide.

Since 2010, the Air Operations Group took on its current role supporting the U.S. Air Force's central theater as they have completed nine deployments in Doha, Qatar.

During these deployments, the 193rd supported the 609th Air Operations Center, conducting operations vital to the global war on terror and thwarting al-Qaida, ISIS, and Iranian-aligned aggressors in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

Additionally, the unit assisted in sustaining military operations throughout the U.S. Central Command area of operations, including 21 Nations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.

Mr. Speaker, as the national strategy has begun to focus on defending against near-peer adversaries, the 193rd AOG has excelled at staying agile, informed, and at the tip of the spear for providing combat mission-ready warriors to support operations worldwide.

The members of the 193rd have most recently supported U.S. Indo- Pacific Command exercises in line with the national strategy to train and meet the increasing threat posed by China.

Additionally, the 193rd has participated in the Pennsylvania National Guard State partnership program with Lithuania, conducting military training and readiness with a strategic military ally.

Mr. Speaker, I personally thank those who previously and currently serve the 193rd AOG for their dedication and service to our great Nation, and I congratulate them on 75 years of operations.

Mr. Speaker, this week, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country will arrive in Washington for National Police Week.

Created in 1962 through a joint resolution by Congress, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

National Police Week is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and supported by a variety of organizations to honor the law enforcement community. This week honors the men and women in blue who gave everything to protect their country and their communities.

At a time when our Nation is facing a rise in crime and attacks on police officers, we need to support our law enforcement more than ever. This is why I am proud to cosponsor legislation that memorializes law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and also proudly cosponsored H.R. 354, the LEOSA Reform Act, to expand carrying privileges for off-duty and retired law enforcement officers.

Our officers put on their uniforms each day knowing that they can be in harm's way at any moment. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank all of our officers who serve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 50 years of the Centre Area Transportation Authority, or CATA.

For the last 50 years, CATA has connected the borough of State College and surrounding townships with reliable transportation. Whether you are a college student looking to run errands or a full-time resident relying on CATA to help you get to your job, you can count on the bus to get you where you need to go.

Mr. Speaker, as State College continued to grow, so did CATA's services, originally starting out as Nittany Transit Company and growing to CATA in 1974. Today, CATA continues to develop and provide for residents.

CATA remains a premier small transit system and is continually recognized for its growth, service, and ingenuity. I congratulate CATA on 50 years of dedicated service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions.

By breaking the stigma and talking about depression, anxiety, and other conditions, we can help those affected to seek the quality care that they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, by bringing attention to mental health, we can elevate the conversations surrounding mental health. We are focusing on prioritizing mental health and acknowledging it is okay to not be okay.

If you are suffering or feel alone, please reach out for help. It is important to remember that you are not alone.

This month, reach out to your loved ones and check in. By starting the conversation, we are one step closer to ending the stigma surrounding mental health.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of music education. We

recognized Music In Our Schools Month last month, but today, I want to recognize the 10 school districts and 2 schools in my district that were named for outstanding support of music education.

Over the past 25 years, the National Best Communities for Music Education Award has honored more than 1,000 schools and districts in 43 States for their unwavering commitment to music education as an integral part of a well-rounded education for all students.

Every year, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation recognizes school districts across the country that are among the best communities in the Nation for music education. The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.

This year, they recognized 975 school districts, with 10 across the 15th Congressional District. Whether it be music class, choir, concert band, marching band, or the school musical, having music access and education is important for students' development.

Music is an incredibly important component of a well-rounded education--support access to music education and inspire the next generation.

I congratulate Armstrong County School District, Bald Eagle Area School District, Bellefonte Area School District, Clearfield Area School District, Curwensville Area School District, DuBois Area School District, Lewisburg Area School District, Port Allegany Area School District, State College Area School District, and West Branch Area School District on this distinguished award.

The NAMM Foundation also recognizes individual school districts with the Support Music Merit Award. This award is an opportunity for an individual school--public, private, parochial, or charter--to be acknowledged for its commitment to music education. I congratulate the Saint Francis School and the Tidioute Community Charter School.

This recognition continues to highlight the hard work our educators do to provide a comprehensive education that includes the arts. I congratulate all the schools in our region that have been recognized for their efforts to promote a well-rounded education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. This week honors America's hardworking, dedicated, and passionate teachers.

The National Education Association and the National PTA team up each year to recognize the contributions our teachers make every day to shape the minds of their students. Our teachers push students to achieve their best. They nurture and motivate them and show students how to realize their full potential.

Teachers are some of the most powerful professionals in the entire world. They lend a caring hand and extend a loving heart. They make differences in the lives of our students academically, emotionally, and physically.

I thank every teacher in America for the job they do, the hours they work, the patience they show, and for the impact they have on so many lives. A special thank you and congratulations to my sister, Sherri, who will be retiring in just a few weeks after 30 years of service as a teacher.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the men and women in the nursing profession. This week is National Nurses Week, and every year from May 6 through May 12, we celebrate the work and contributions nurses make in the healthcare field. National Nurses Week ends on Florence Nightingale's birthday, the founder of modern-day nursing.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate our small businesses across the Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District, the Commonwealth, and the country. This week we recognize the importance of our small businesses and the role that they play in our communities as part of National Small Business Week.

Small businesses are the cornerstone of communities. They are often the first place you go to for local support. From asking for donations for fundraisers to sponsoring your youth sports teams, it is the local small businesses that answer the call.

More than half of Americans either work for or own a small business, and they create nearly two out of every three jobs in the United States every year. Our small businesses play a central role in building a strong country, and we are so grateful for their contributions to our communities.

Now small businesses need our support. There are many ways you can show your support: by writing a review, telling friends and family about your favorite shop, or interacting with the business on social media.

Mr. Speaker, this week I encourage you all to make the effort to shop small and shop local at your favorite small businesses.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for H.R. 6090, the Antisemitism Awareness Act. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 172.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as National Welding Month. Welding careers are fundamental to safety and advancing the quality of life worldwide. This month, we raise awareness about the welding industry and its career paths.

The welding industry is a foundation of manufacturing. Skilled welders not only keep products rolling off an assembly line and buildings rising into the skyline, but they also keep the economy booming.

As co-chair of the Bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, recognizing National Welding Month is especially important. Welding is a trade-based education, and students who choose to enter a career in welding can graduate high school with a diploma and certifications in one hand and multiple job offers in the other.

Mr. Speaker, a great example are the 12 high school students from Venago County who recently received their welding certificates through the Community College of Allegheny County at Venago Technology Center.

Students in the program were all juniors and seniors from Titusville, Cranberry, Oil City, or Franklin High Schools. Upon graduating from high school, the students will also have earned 18 full credits through CCAC for their work.

Mr. Speaker, this is what a career in technical education provides. It teaches learners of all ages skills to help them succeed in the workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as Autism Acceptance Month. This April, we chose to celebrate differences that make us stronger.

Today, millions of adults and an estimated 1 out of every 68 children in the United States have been diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorder. Notwithstanding these diagnoses, Americans with autism make exceptional contributions across our Nation and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, during Autism Acceptance Month, let us renew our commitment to support the entire international autism community, including children and adults with autism, their families, and caregivers.

Together, we can increase access to information, encourage heightened understanding of autism, promote respect and dignity, and support the services that assist people with autism to reach their full potential.