Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Charles Cauvel, a lifelong resident of Cranberry Township in Venango County.

Charles was born on March 24, 1924. He is the oldest of four children. He left high school in 10th grade when he was offered a job driving a truck. A year later, he started working on the railroad.

A few years later, in May 1943, he was drafted into the United States Army at 19 years of age, where he served until 1946. Charles spent 3 years overseas in the Pacific theater and was even part of the division sent to clean up Hiroshima after the atomic bomb was dropped.

Following his discharge in 1946, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars.

After the war, Charles returned to Cranberry Township, working as a pumper on an oil lease.

Today, Charles has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he continues to share stories of his time in the Army and growing up in Venango County.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Charles a happy birthday, and I thank him for his service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Assistive Technology Day.

Assistive Technology, or AT, is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals living with disabilities and older adults.

Having spent nearly three decades as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager, and licensed nursing home administrator before coming to Congress, I have a personal understanding of the challenges faced with those who require assistive technology. Whether it is a veteran dealing with service-connected injuries, children with autism, an individual diagnosed with debilitating cancer, or adults with cerebral palsy, the bottom line is that these technologies make people's lives better.

Mr. Speaker, not only do I want to celebrate and recognize the critical role AT plays in the lives of those who need it, but I also want to recognize and thank all the AT specialists, programs, professional organizations, and researchers who are dedicated to facilitating the access to and acquisition of assistive technology.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, and the Optimist organization, who are on Capitol Hill today.

Volunteer service is a cornerstone of a successful, strong, and healthy community. It is also an important staple of American life. I am a member of my hometown organization, the Howard Area Lions Club, so I know firsthand the good this club does around the world.

To share the impactful work of service clubs and our volunteers, Congressman Jimmy Panetta of California, who is a Rotarian, and I founded the Congressional Service Organization Caucus in 2019.

Later today, the Congressional Service Organization Caucus will host a Member and staff briefing. Speakers from Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Optimist clubs will share how their members strive to make the world a better place, one community at a time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join the Congressional Service Organization Caucus to ensure service to others remains a viable part of American life for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize students from Keystone Central Career and Technology Center who recently attended the SkillsUSA State competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The SkillsUSA State competition, which took place from April 3 to April 5, is an annual competition that allows high school students to demonstrate their skills in a variety of competitions. Students have the opportunity to compete both individually and as a team.

Keystone Central had 25 students participate in the event. The students represented different programs, including childcare, drafting and design, health assisting, and precision machining.

Twelve students won awards, with four coming in first place for Community Service and Related Technical Math, one coming in second place for CTE Demonstration, and seven coming in third place for Architectural Drafting, Career Pathways, Industrial and Engineering Technology, and Career Pathways for Human Services.

The students who came in first will advance to the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia, in June. I am proud of these Keystone Central students for their hard work and dedication to learning. I wish them the best of luck in their future career paths.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April as the Month of the Military Child. This month, we focus on the children whose parents are defending our freedom at home and abroad.

These children are resilient. These children have courage. These children have strength. While they wake up, go to school, complete their homework, and participate in after-school activities like other children, they are also missing their mom or dad who may be deployed or away for training, yet they keep going.

Mr. Speaker, military children's strength and sacrifice does not go unnoticed. That is why, for the entire month of April, we raise awareness and give special recognition to military children.

Military children, youth, and teens deal with difficult emotions as they face concerns of their parents' safety along with a strong sense of pride for their parents' service.

Mr. Speaker, we must recognize the service and sacrifice our military children face. We thank them for their service, for their sacrifice, and for their bravery.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of the National Community Action Foundation as they celebrate 60 years of community action.

Virtually every county throughout the country has a community action agency, which is an organization charged with fighting poverty at the local level. Today, I want to recognize

some of the incredible work these agencies do at the local level to create opportunities for people to move from poverty to financial independence.

Community action agencies administer Federal funds from the community services block grant, which continues to be the only Federal program with the explicit and overarching goal of reducing poverty regardless of its cause.

The vast majority of CSBG funds, no less than 90 percent of each State's allotment, go directly to local agencies that can use these flexible funds to tailor a unique response to poverty in their communities.

Community action agencies are highly successful at leveraging their CSBG allotments to obtain a wide array of other public and private dollars, showing the immense benefits of supporting successful public- private partnerships. These agencies often help administer a wide array of programs, including Head Start, USDA food programs, LIHEAP, Federal homelessness programs, workforce funding, and much more.

For more than 60 years, the Community Action Network has inspired a spirit of hope. It has helped millions of people each year change their lives and has improved communities all across America.

I want to highlight one of the successful agencies in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District: the Northern Tier Community Action Corporation.

Northern Tier Community Action has served a four-county region in my district since 1966, covering more than 3,000 square miles and serving thousands of individuals annually. They operate a highly successful Head Start program, providing education, health, nutrition, and social services to families with young children who otherwise may not be able to access these services in these rural communities.

Northern Tier also provides housing assistance to families facing imminent loss of their existing housing or who are currently homeless, and they help connect low-income individuals to everything from food to energy assistance.

While agencies like Northern Tier are successful at leveraging CSBG dollars, we can and must do more to make these dollars go even further. Unfortunately, the CSBG program has not been reauthorized in nearly three decades. The program, while successful, needs some modernization to allow agencies the ability to tap their full potential and better serve families and communities.

This program has a strong history of bipartisan support because of the great work it enables, which is why I continue to be a proud partner with my friend, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, on championing recent reauthorization efforts. Several provisions would make the program significantly stronger, including expanded eligibility and an increased authorization to make sure these funds can serve those most in need. It is also critical that community action agencies maintain local control over planning and activities and avoid a top-down, one- size-fits-all approach.

I am also excited about the possibility of a new broadband navigator program within CSBG to respond to the broadband and digital needs of low-income families and communities.

It is time for Congress to renew our Nation's commitment to reducing poverty by reauthorizing the community services block grant program.

I am grateful for the National Community Action Foundation and the community action agencies across the country that serve those most in need every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two robotics teams from North Clarion High School which is located in Clarion County.

The Western Pennsylvania Robotics championships took place in March at the PennWest Clarion University. During this competition, two teams, the Ineffable Inventors and the Ambiguous Case, finished in first and second place, respectively.

The Ineffable Inventors, who were the champions of the event, also earned the Amaze Award, which is given to the most consistent high- performing and competitive robot.

The Ambiguous Case, finishing in second place, received the Excellence Award, which is given to overall excellence in robotic performance.

Both of these teams will be advancing to the world championships, which will be held at the end of April in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I enjoy seeing our youth engaging in these competitions to develop important computer science skills that will help them in their future endeavors.

I wish both teams the best of luck as they advance to the world championships.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for her leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today in strong support of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which will strengthen the Federal workforce system and increase access to high-quality and in-demand jobs nationwide.

WIOA was successful in many respects, including supporting educational services to help adults develop basic skills and providing funding for vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities. However, additional reforms are needed to respond to the challenges employers face in filling millions of open jobs nationwide.

I am particularly pleased to see additional funding directed toward upskilling incumbent workers, including giving States new tools through the critical industry skills fund to help employers upskill, hire, and retain workers in critical industries.

I am also pleased to see additional emphasis on digital literacy within this legislation, as we all know that these skills are necessary to succeed today.

Together, these reforms will ensure workers remain relevant for the rapidly changing 21st century economy.

As the co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am grateful to see better alignment for State activities authorized through Perkins. This coordination will allow for expanded integrated education and training programs, assistance to providers in reporting participant outcomes, and additional materials to meet the needs of adult and English learners.

Additionally, local workforce development agencies will now be able to relocate one-stop centers to CTE schools, creating a true hub for skills development.

Finally, I am pleased to see my bipartisan legislation, the Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance Act, included in this legislation. This will bolster career counseling programs and allow for public outreach to educate Americans on the many opportunities the workforce system can provide them. Together, these provisions fuel innovation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gold Star Spouses Day.

On April 5, we honored the spouses of military servicemembers who died while defending our freedom and serving our country. This day offers remembrance for the spouses while also acting as a time of recognition for their sacrifices.

As an Army dad, I am blessed my son has returned home from his deployments. I am aware that this is not the case for all families, and we must take the time to remember, respect, and honor the spouses of our fallen servicemembers.

Gold Star Spouses Day brings awareness of the sacrifices and the grief these spouses have faced in the name of our country.

Mr. Speaker, let us all take a moment to remember that our freedom is not free. Gold Star families have lost a loved one in the name of protecting our

freedom, and they deserve our gratitude today and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Order of the Eastern Star State College Chapter 388.

On April 5, this group will celebrate 100 years of service and renew their commitment to the principles of freemasonry.

State College Chapter 388 is a Masonic appendant body, part of the Pennsylvania Order of the Eastern Star, which is part of the General Grand Chapter, the international order that stretches around the world and makes up the largest coed fraternal organization in the world.

The Order of the Eastern Star has a strong bond of friendship and support for each other based on shared values and respect. Their members are service-minded individuals organizing and participating in service projects supporting our youth, veterans, and greater community.

Mr. Speaker, the State College Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star works closely with other Pennsylvania chapters that support charitable endeavors such as Shriners Hospitals for Children. They are also proud to support individuals with disabilities of all ages.

I congratulate them on this magnificent milestone. May they continue to celebrate years of fellowship and community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Energy Week and how House Republicans are fighting back against the antienergy policies of the Biden administration. These policies threaten to undo years of innovation making our domestic production of natural resources the cleanest in the world.

It is clear the United States has an abundance of clean-burning natural gas, especially in Pennsylvania, which is the second largest producer of natural gas in the country.

By utilizing the Commonwealth's resources, we can provide jobs and invest directly into our communities that have suffered at the hand of the Biden administration's antienergy policies.

By revoking new oil and gas leases on Federal lands, canceling vital pipeline permits, and imposing politically motivated regulations on our energy producers, this administration is jeopardizing American jobs and risking our energy and national security.

Thankfully, House Republicans have not ignored the devastating impact these policies have on hardworking Americans.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I know energy security is national security, and we have had enough of Biden's failed far-left anti- American energy agenda.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on National Agriculture Day to highlight bipartisan legislation I introduced with five of my colleagues to invest in our food and national security.

The Growing Opportunities in Agriculture, or the GO Ag Act, will improve agriculture educational opportunities in our schools.

Mr. Speaker, the most recent Census of Agriculture showed the average age of the U.S. farmer is over 58 years old, underscoring the importance of investing in programs to promote agriculture at an early age.

The GO Ag Act would create a $5 million grant program to help high schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. Schools can apply for competitive grants to cover classroom and laboratory instruction, teacher salaries, and curriculum development.

I have seen firsthand the impact agricultural education has on our communities. In my district, FAA and 4-H programs provide students with the opportunity to discover different careers across the agricultural industry. I hear directly from these students and educators how valuable these programs are and the role they play in shaping our next generation of leaders.

Mr. Speaker, investing in education is the most commonsense way to prepare individuals who are passionate about a career in agriculture, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Agriculture Day. Today is a day for Congress to come together to share their appreciation.

This day serves to highlight the vital work our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and farmworkers do in providing the safest, highest quality supply of food, fiber, and fuel in human history.

Agriculture touches our lives daily. If you have eaten today, thank a farmer. If you have clothes on your back, thank a farmer. Agriculture also provides the foundation upon which the entire American economy rests.

It is more important than ever to ensure our farmers, ranchers, and foresters have their voices heard in the Halls of Congress. That is why it is my honor to represent farm families in rural America as the chairman of the Committee on Agriculture.

Rural America deserves policies that help, not hinder, economic vitality and global competitiveness. Consumers deserve affordable and abundant food, fiber, and fuel. Every farmer I have met across nearly 40 States says the same thing: They want a government to work for them, not against them.

Getting a farm bill across the finish line is a tall task, and each reauthorization has its own unique set of challenges. This year's farm bill can show the best of America--farmers--that we have their backs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jaylene Everhart of Centre County, Pennsylvania. I had the privilege of meeting with Jaylene last week while she was in Washington, D.C., for the national Agriculture's Promise forum.

Jaylene is a junior at State College Area High School and currently representing Pennsylvania for the National Young Farmers Education Association. Her passion for agriculture started at a young age as she grew up going to her grandparents' farm for chores before heading to school.

As a member of the Little Lions FFA Chapter and 4-H, she advocates for agricultural education on a wider level, encouraging educators to include agricultural education in classrooms.

In December, Jaylene was one of two high school students from Pennsylvania selected to compete at the National Young Farmers Education Association Institute and Agriculture Communications competition in College Station, Texas, at Texas A&M University.

The association works with local FFA chapters and 4-H organizations to help raise the next generation of agricultural leaders and advocates.

During the event, Jaylene attended educational tours to learn about the variety of agricultural opportunities and what Texas agriculture is all about and competed in a variety of agriculture advocacy and communication competitions against college- and high-school-age students from across the country.

Jaylene placed first in the Agriculture Expressions contest, which consisted of a 500-word essay on a current agricultural topic, a personal biography, and a release statement for publication. She also participated in the Agriculture Communications contest, where she created social media posts, radio, TV, and newsprint submissions throughout the week to exemplify the impact and education of the institute.

Madam Speaker, as chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, I take great pride in meeting with our next generation of agricultural leaders. Jaylene has an incredibly bright future ahead of her, and she is an inspiration to other young farmers looking to get involved with the industry.

Without students like Jaylene, who have such a passion for the agricultural field, we risk our future food supply. I am also looking for ways to lift the voices of her generation in Congress and encourage our next agricultural leaders. We must encourage their participation in the agriculture industry.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Jaylene on her accomplishments. They are truly outstanding. She is a talented young lady, and I look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish for the agricultural community and beyond.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Keystone Central School District students for their accomplishments earlier this year.

This group of talented young students demonstrated exceptional talent during the SkillsUSA district competition, which was held at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on January 26.

I am proud of the 25 students who achieved first place finishes, granting them a spot in the next round in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This next round will take place in early April.

The SkillsUSA program is designed to educate students ranging from middle school to college in order to prepare them for trade, technical, and skilled service jobs. Thanks to programs like these, our Nation will have a very successful future workforce.

Congratulations again to all the students for their hard work and dedication to learning. Good luck in the next round.