Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize February as Career and Technical Education Month. In recognizing this month, we are highlighting the value that career and technical education has not just for our students but for our country.

As the co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am proud to be an advocate for CTE and the work that we do to support job training, apprenticeships, and CTE programs.

Skills-based education provides learners of all ages with career- ready skills, giving individuals the tools to succeed and restore the rungs on the ladder of opportunity. A highly skilled workforce is important to the success of our American workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have the co-chair of the bipartisan CTE Caucus, Congresswoman Bonamici join me in introducing a resolution to recognize the importance of career and technical education.

In Congress, I will continue to work feverishly to close our Nation's skills gap and provide our next generation of workers with the tools needed to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today ahead of a very special day back in my district.

This Friday, February 2, is Groundhog Day.

This annual event takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, located in southern Jefferson County. For years, crowds have flocked to Gobbler's Knob on the evening of February 1 to see our weather predictor extraordinaire and hear his weather prediction firsthand.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize and thank one of the most productive, job- producing constituents in my district, Punxsutawney Phil. His hard work every year predicting the end of winter brings so much joy to Pennsylvania 15th and across the Nation.

For more than 120 years, our furry friend has been predicting our winter weather. This tradition stems from Pennsylvania's strong German heritage. Legend has it if Phil sees his shadow, it is an omen of 6 more weeks of winter. If not, we know spring is just around the corner.

Crowds begin to gather the night before and wake Phil up by chanting his name in the early hours of the morning on February 2. As our seer of sees emerges from his burrow, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle president translates Phil's prediction and relays the message to the crowd.

Despite naysayers trying to replace him with an animatronic groundhog or a gold coin, Phil continues to bring a smile to so many faces. I believe in creating jobs, not eliminating them, and Punxsutawney Phil is no exception. I will always stand up for the hardworking men, women, and rodents in the 15th District of Pennsylvania.

In all seriousness, Groundhog Day brings together people of all backgrounds and reminds us of the importance of tradition. It is not only an economic stimulus in the district, but it is also a great source of pride.

Be sure to tune in on Friday morning to see Phil share his weather predictions. We could either have an earlier spring or 6 more weeks of winter. I have been told he is never wrong.

Thank you, Phil, for sharing your wisdom and weather predictions with all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Knights of Columbus Council 403 as they celebrate their 125th anniversary.

The Knights of Columbus Council 403 is located in Bradford, Pennsylvania, in McKean County, and this chapter has been instrumental in the history and growth of the city of Bradford. This anniversary is commemorated with a marker that was commissioned by Wright Monuments, and it was placed outside the St. Bernard Church.

To celebrate this anniversary, members gathered on church grounds before dinner and before socializing at the Bradford Club. The Catholic fraternal organization was founded January 29, 1899, and the council continues its deep history in the Bradford Catholic community today.

As members of the council, they aspire to live by four principles: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

I congratulate the council on this historical anniversary, and I am grateful for all the work they do within the Bradford community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Allegheny River as Pennsylvania's 2024 River of the Year.

The historic Allegheny River starts as a stream in Potter County, meandering through a field of wildflowers before crossing briefly through New York and then through six counties in western Pennsylvania. The 325-mile river ends in Pittsburgh where it meets two other rivers.

The Allegheny River provides a fertile valley and abundant biodiversity leading to many calling this place home. The U.S. Forest Service has documented more than 50 mammals, 200 birds, 25 amphibians, 20 reptiles, 80 fish, and 25 freshwater mussels in and around the Allegheny.

A series of locks and dams were constructed in the early 20th century to make the Allegheny River navigable for barges to transport goods, and now swimming, boating, and fishing are enjoyed by residents and visitors. Whether bird-watching, island camping, or traveling through the locks, you are sure to find that the Allegheny River is rich with life, history, and beauty.

Mr. Speaker, I remain committed to keeping the Allegheny River a key piece of western Pennsylvania's economy.

I congratulate the Allegheny River on this spectacular achievement.

Mr. Speaker, the Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Bash Saturday evening, where outstanding organizations and individuals were recognized.

The 2023 Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Penn Central Door, the premier provider of exceptional garage door solutions in the DuBois, Pennsylvania, area and beyond.

The 2023 Community Cup Award was presented to the DuBois Central Catholic School, DuBois Central Catholic, since DCC has emerged as a leader in academic excellence and character formation.

The 2023 DuBois Area Jaycees Distinguished Service Award was presented to Libby Gray. Known for more than 50 years of service to the DuBois area, Mrs. Gray has served on the board and as president of many groups, including the DuBois Regional Medical Center, YMCA, United Way, Public Broadcasting, the American Red Cross, the Catholic Social Services, and the Catholic Charities of the diocese of Erie.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to offer my congratulations and thanks to all of those recognized for their impactful contribution to the DuBois area community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, the Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act.

We all know that abandoned wells, either unplugged or improperly plugged, can pose serious environmental and health risks to surrounding communities. In Pennsylvania alone, there are more than 27,000 documented abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells across the State.

It is not just a Pennsylvania issue, however, as abandoned wells are found across the country. The Orphan Well Grant Flexibility Act, which I introduced alongside my colleague Congressman Deluzio from Pennsylvania, will empower States to maximize their flexibility when plugging abandoned oil wells and cut red tape to accelerate environmental rehabilitation.

We have many of the resources we need to plug these wells, and now it is our job to ensure that they are able to be used for their intended purpose.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Deluzio for joining me in leading this critical effort, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II veteran John Ward of Oil City, Pennsylvania, on his 100th birthday.

Mr. Ward enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and participated in campaigns in Europe with the 405th Antiaircraft Gun Battalion. He saw time in Normandy and northern France, Germany, Belgium, and England, where he received numerous citations for his service to this Nation.

Mr. Ward said he has fond memories of his time in the Army, especially the people he met and the friendships he made. For a number of years, John and his late wife, Betty, enjoyed reunions of the 405th Battalion.

After he concluded his military service, John returned to Oil City and worked in the local steel plant for 39 years. He is a longtime devoted member of the Oil City Wesleyan Methodist Church. He was married to Betty for 72 years until her passing in 2019. They raised three children.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Mr. John Ward of Oil City a very happy 100th birthday and thank him for his service during World War II.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon on Tuesday next for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania kicked off one of my favorite events: The Pennsylvania Farm Show.

For more than a century, farmers have gathered each January at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

This weeklong event is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the Nation, showcasing more than 6,000 animals, nearly 12,000 exhibits, and more than half a million visits.

Each year, I host a listening session at the farm show, and we cover a range of topics during the public forum.

This year, I held my listening session on January 6, the same day the farm show kicked off. I was joined by my fellow Pennsylvania Congressman, Dan Meuser, and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding.

Mr. Speaker, I thank them both for being there as we heard directly from Pennsylvania's farmers and producers.

I have been hosting this listening session as the Representative for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District for 14 years. Like every year, I look forward to hearing directly from the backbone of our Nation, the hardworking men and women of American agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize a special day for our dairy farmers, National Milk Day.

National Milk Day originates back to January 11, 1878, when milk was first delivered in glass bottles in the United States.

Milk is consumed by millions of Americans every year because not only is it delicious but also provides key nutrients like calcium, potassium, and other vitamins.

This is one of the reasons why I am so thankful for the passing of my bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, which will provide these key nutrients to children and schools nationwide.

Milk is also very important to my home State of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania dairy industry alone generates 52,000 jobs and $14.7 billion in revenue in the State.

Furthermore, Pennsylvania is ranked second nationally in the number of dairy farms. I am so proud of all that they have accomplished.

As a descendant of a long line of dairy farmers, let's raise a glass of milk in honor of these dairy farmers who work around the clock to bring fresh, nutritious, and delicious milk to our tables every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 100 years of the Kane Veterans of Foreign Wars charter located in McKean County.

The Kane VFW post is a top-tier post in the State. In 2023, they qualified and were awarded All State status for the second time and were also awarded the coveted All American Post award for the first time.

The post will mark this anniversary with a celebration at the end of January with numerous guest speakers, camaraderie, and friendship.

The Kane VFW post's first meeting to establish their charter was held on December 11, 1923, in the Eagle Hall, and they were granted their charter on January 29, 1924, with just 79 founding members. Over the years, the club grew in size, serving as a place for veterans and community members alike to gather in fellowship.

Mr. Speaker, VFW posts are so important to our communities because they offer veterans a place to gather together and connect. From hosting local Scout troops to important community meetings, the Kane VFW post has seen it all over the last 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Kane VFW and their dedicated members on this monumental anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I would take this time to honor the more than 800,000 sworn officers currently serving in the U.S. for their continued dedication to upholding the law and ensuring our safety. Words cannot describe how difficult and how important your jobs are.

Established in 2015, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day takes place annually on January 9. It is a special time in our country because it allows us to truly recognize the brave men and women of this country who serve in law enforcement.

Thank you to the Capitol Police, the Secret Service, and the Metropolitan Police Department for keeping us continually safe here in our Nation's Capital.

Thank you to the law enforcement in my home State of Pennsylvania, the State troopers, as well as the local police forces across the 15th District for their unwavering commitment to protecting so many communities.

Thank you again to all law enforcement across United States for your admirable service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, last night, in a bipartisan manner, the House passed my legislation, Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This bill addresses the importance of providing whole milk in school cafeterias.

It is proven that milk is the number one provider of 13 essential nutrients, as well as a great deal of long-term health benefits, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. These benefits are crucial for the healthy development of our Nation's youth.

Over the years, milk has been unfairly demonized, leading to the loss of nearly an entire generation of milk drinkers. This bill will give children a wide variety of milk options and bolster milk consumption, a win-win for growing children and America's dairy farmers.

Mr. Speaker, farmers feed, nutrition matters, and whole milk heals. It is time to follow the science and allow whole milk back into school cafeterias. I call on my Senate colleagues to bring this bill to the floor and pass this critical legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 10 outstanding students across Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District who have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

The Gilman program is named after former Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, who served in Congress from 1973 to 2003. He was chair of the House International Relations Committee and represented Upstate New York.

Established in 2001, the Gilman program is part of the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This scholarship sponsors students to study or intern abroad during the academic year.

This program is an important part of the Federal Government's effort to expand and diversify U.S. study abroad and allows Americans to gain the global competencies that are crucial to our national security and our economic prosperity.

Since 2001, this program has allowed more than 41,000 Americans from 1,350 U.S. colleges and universities to study or intern in more than 160 countries. The Gilman program advances people-to-people diplomacy and strengthens America's role in the global marketplace.

The Gilman program continues to expand the American student population that studies abroad with nearly 70 percent of Gilman scholars identifying as students of color, 60 percent from small towns or rural parts of the United States, and nearly 50 percent are first- generation college students.

Congratulations to Rik Bhattacharyya, a student from Penn State University studying in India; Ashlyn Bird of Lycoming County, a student at Drexel University studying in the United Kingdom; Deven Dancy of Union County, a student at Susquehanna University studying in Ghana; Hannah Dees of Centre County, a student at Juniata College studying in the United Kingdom; Shawnee Geletka of Venango County, a student at College for Creative Studies studying in Italy; Saoirse Hopp of Centre County, a student at University of Pittsburgh studying in Spain; Kimberly Johnson of Potter County, a student at Drexel University studying in Italy; Luke Kantz of Snyder County, a student at University of Pittsburgh studying in India; Rute Pires of Union County, a student at Bucknell studying in Ireland; and Casey Sennett of Centre County, a student at Penn State University studying in Italy.

These students are currently studying or interning across the world.

Good luck in your studies, and enjoy your time abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross.

Clara is one of the most honored women in American history. From a young age, she was dedicated to service and helping others.

Clara started her career in Washington, D.C., working in the Federal Government. She was in D.C. at the start of the Civil War. Clara recognized the immediate need to help these newly recruited troops.

Clara spent the early days of the war collecting food and supplies for the Union Army. She would later risk her life heading to the field hospitals to volunteer and deliver medical services.

More than 140 years later, the Red Cross continues its service through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners. They continue to serve those in need by mobilizing the power of volunteers in times of emergencies.

Mr. Speaker, Clara Barton's birthday is on December 25. Her passion for service is an example to all of us. Her selflessness and determination to help others continues to inspire us to this day.