Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairwoman for her leadership and support.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of my legislation, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, that supports students and dairy farmers across America.

Milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, offering 13 essential nutrients and numerous health benefits.

Out-of-touch Federal regulations have imposed dietary restrictions on the types of milk students have access to in school meals.

Our ranking member is a dear friend of mine, and we have worked together. I have been here for 15 years and him a little longer. We have a great relationship and have had a lot of bipartisan bills together, like we marked up yesterday.

Mr. Chair, I have to say, the only special interest here is our kids. It is our kids who have been cheated out of the nutrition that they need. Case studies have shown that the rate of obesity and being overweight increased dramatically after access to whole milk and flavor was taken out of the schools in 2007-2008, which was a baseline. In 2010, a Democrat-led initiative demonized milk fat. In 2020-2021, there was a study of that same cohort, and obesity has gone up without this beverage.

Mr. Chairman, regarding my good friend from Louisiana, who just spoke, everybody is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts. The facts are that it is the underlying law that was passed back in 2010 by a Democratic House and signed by a Democratic President that, quite frankly, required a physician prescription for health reasons.

That is a good part of the law, and we didn't touch that. We didn't address that in this bill, so I am not sure why he is talking about it. It is not germane to the topic we are talking about today. That is the underlying law.

The bottom line is that students and parents do have choice. There is a mechanism to honor that. The only choice they don't have, though, is access to the most nutritious beverage, which is whole milk-- specifically, whole milk and flavor.

Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentleman from Louisiana sharing how much waste there was and what that amounts to in cartons and half pints and what it amounts to in dollars. That is because of the taste experience. It is not that these kids are throwing the milk away because it is unhealthy for them. It is just a terrible taste experience when you are drinking low-fat or nonfat milk.

Students have been limited to fat-free or reduced-fat milk since the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act was enacted in 2010.

While some of my friends on the other side of the aisle have argued that we should not reform individual aspects of child nutrition, it was that legislation more than a decade ago that singled out milk for regulation, which is why we are here today.

There are several reasons why these top-down regulations are harmful to students and school districts that are forced to comply with them.

First, we have seen students opt out of consuming milk altogether if they don't have access to a variety that they enjoy. According to the ``Scientific Report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee,'' more than two-thirds of school-age children failed to meet the recommended levels of dairy. No kidding. We took out most nutrition and most taste and made it inaccessible to them.

Let's face it, the only way to benefit from milk's essential nutrients is to consume it. We are not force-feeding anybody anything. This is about choice. When students turn away from milk, they often opt for far less healthy alternatives that are highly caffeinated, sugar- sweetened, or lack key nutrients.

These regulations also perpetuate baseless claims that milk is bad for our kids. Research has shown time and time again that whole and 2 percent milk are not responsible for childhood obesity and other health concerns. In fact, these beverages are so nutritious that research shows positive health outcomes for kids who consume whole milk.

Mr. Chairman, I include in the Record academic studies from researchers around the world, including from top institutions such as Boston University and Tufts, who have studied the health effects of full-fat dairy.

[From the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition]

Whole Milk Compared With Reduced-Fat Milk and Childhood Overweight: a

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Childhood obesity has tripled in the past 40 y, with nearly

1 in 3 North American children now overweight or obese (1-3).

Over the

same period, consumption of whole-fat cow-milk has halved

(4). The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian

Paediatric Society recommend that children switch from whole-

fat cow-milk (3.25%) to reduced-fat cow-milk (0.1 to 2%) at 2

y of age to limit fat intake and minimize the risk of

childhood obesity (5, 6). European (7), British (8), and

Australian (9) health authorities have provided similar

recommendations. Healthcare providers (10) and families (11)

frequently follow this guideline, and school and child-care

nutrition policies (12-14) often reflect them. Since 1970

whole-cow-milk availability has dropped by 80% in North

America, whereas reduced-fat milk purchases have tripled (15,

16).

Given that cow-milk is consumed daily by 88% of children

aged 1 to 3 y and by 76% of children aged 4 to 8 y in Canada

(17) and is a major dietary source of energy, protein, and

fat for children in North America (17, 18), understanding the

relation between cow-milk fat and risk of overweight or

obesity is important. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on

the relation between total dairy consumption and child

adiposity have had conflicting findings. According to these

studies, higher cow-milk intake in children is associated

with taller height and better bone and dental health (19-21).

Although these studies evaluated total dairy consumption,

they did not consider cow-milk fat specifically. The

objectives of this study were to systematically review and

meta-analyze the relation between whole-fat (3.25%) relative

to reduced-fat (0.1 to 2%) cow-milk and adiposity in

children.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was

conducted. The study was designed according to the Preferred

Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

guidelines (PRISMA-P) (22) and registered as a PROSPERO

systematic review and meta-analysis (registration number:

Mr. Chairman, these studies show, among other things, that full-fat dairy foods have little to no association with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, blood pressure, or cholesterol.

In fact, several of these studies show that full-fat foods help improve or lower negative health outcomes for children who drink more full-fat dairy beverages.

Mr. Chairman, additionally, since whole milk was removed from school lunchrooms, the childhood obesity rate has increased, according to the CDC and several case studies. Whole milk is not the problem.

For our children to excel in the classroom and beyond, they must have access to more nutritious options, not fewer.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will allow schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to serve all varieties of flavored and unflavored milk, including whole milk.

It is important to remember that this legislation does not require any student to drink, or any school to serve, whole milk. Rather, this legislation simply gives schools the flexibility to serve a broader variety of milk in the school lunchroom.

Additionally, if students have a documented medical condition or disability that prohibits them from safely or comfortably consuming milk, schools are required to offer them an alternative beverage. This legislation would not change that standard.

Mr. Chair, I am proud to have 134 bipartisan cosponsors from 44 States.

The bottom line is the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is about ensuring students have the necessary nutrients to learn and grow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special tradition taking place this Saturday, December 16.

Every year on the third Saturday of December, thousands of volunteers set out across the country and the world in a coordinated wreath-laying ceremony.

This ceremony is known as National Wreaths Across America Day.

In 1992, Morrill Worcester from Harrington, Maine, noticed he had an abundance of holiday wreaths and decided to take the opportunity to honor our country's fallen soldiers.

After contacting his Senator, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in an older section of the cemetery. This tradition would quietly continue until 2005 when a photo of the tombstones decorated with wreaths and covered with snow went viral.

From there, this quiet annual tribute to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice transformed into a mission to remember, honor, and teach.

Since the viral photo, Wreaths Across America continues to grow. This Saturday volunteers will lay wreaths at more than 2,500 locations in the United States, abroad, and at sea. This simple gesture is a way for all of us to express our appreciation during the holiday season.

Earlier this week, what has become known as the country's longest veteran's parade, Wreaths Across America's annual Escort to Arlington kicked off.

The official route will travel down the East Coast, stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to remember the fallen, honor those that serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Stops with public events will be held in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, December 16, National Wreaths Across America Day.

This pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery represents the very best of our Nation. Tractor trailers will haul more than 250,000 wreaths to their destination.

Mr. Speaker, as many Americans will volunteer this weekend, it is a reminder that our freedom is not free. These men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice, and this small gesture is one of the many ways we are able to thank them for their service.

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit wreathsacrossAmerica.org.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hayley and Stephanie Painter of Tioga County. The Painter sisters are fourth-generation farmers who started an organic skyr yogurt brand to preserve their family's Pennsylvania farm in 2020.

Painterland Sisters Yogurt now sells across nearly 2,000 locations at grocery stores, including Giant, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Gristedes.

They also sell the cream left over when making yogurt to make ice cream.

Earlier this year, Painterland Sisters was named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Food and Drink List. The Painter sisters, like many younger- generation farmers, were looking for a way to carry on their family's agricultural legacy while making it their own.

Their family's farm is home to 400 cows who graze all over the property. The Painter sisters' dedication and passion for the family farm and business have led to tremendous success.

I congratulate the Painter sisters on this magnificent accomplishment. Keep making delicious and nutritious yogurt.

Farmers feed. Nutrition matters. Whole milk heals.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize the A&B Heating and Sheet Metal Company from Warren County. Originally founded in 1953 by World War II veteran, Carl Papalia, the family-owned small business continues to provide excellent services to those in the Warren area for the last 70 years.

Before creating the company, Carl served his company honorably as a flight engineer on B-24 bombers in the South Pacific.

Carl and his brothers, Ralph and Joe, were first-generation Americans who together paved the way for the success of the business for more than 40 years.

Following Carl and Ralph's passing, Carl's son, David, took over the ownership of the company, leading to substantial growth.

Today, the company has 20 employees specialized to assist customers in a 60-mile radius. Seventy years later, the company's mission statement, ``The satisfaction of helping the community is not about what you do, it is about who you are,'' remains the same.

I am so proud of the A&B Heating and Sheet Metal Company and all the work that they have done for those in Warren County and across the Northern Tier.

God bless them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize an important day in American history.

On December 7, 1941, our great Nation was suddenly attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy, leading to the death of 2,043 American servicemembers and civilians.

Mr. Speaker, 82 years later, we remember these brave souls who lost their lives that day defending our very freedoms. On August 23, 1994, Congress created National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to honor the lives lost each year.

Now, on December 7, 2023, we once again recognize and remember every man and woman who laid down their life for the United States that day. We are forever indebted for their sacrifices.

In the time of war, our great Nation was able to persevere. Let this day be a reminder to us that our freedom should never be taken for granted.

God bless those who lost their lives that day, and God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 10 school districts across the 15th District who are recognized as ``Best Communities for Music Education'' and received the SupportMusic Merit Award from the National Association of Music Manufacturers Foundation.

This recognition is given to schools who continue to provide all children with the opportunity to learn and to grow with music.

The award program acknowledges and celebrates innovative schools and districts that have developed a stronger presence for music education on campus and in the lives of the students.

Congratulations to St. Francis School in Clearfield County, Tidioute Community Charter School in Warren County, Bald Eagle Area School District in Centre County, Armstrong School District in Armstrong County, DuBois Area School District in Clearfield and Jefferson Counties, State College Area School District in Centre County, Bellefonte Area School District in Centre County, Clearfield Area School District in Clearfield County, Lewisburg Area School District in Union County, and Port Allegany School District in McKean and Potter Counties.

We congratulate these school districts on this recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Special Education Day.

In the 1970s, Congress made a commitment to provide a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities.

While we have made tremendous progress thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, we have also failed to fully fund the cost of special education.

Congress promised at that point to cover 40 percent of the extra cost of special education, but we have never come close to fulfilling that promise. In fact, the current funding remains at only 14 percent of the targeted amount.

Mr. Speaker, that is shameful. This means our students and schools suffer. It means that programs will be cut. It means that schools won't be able to recruit and retain qualified teachers.

Above all else, it means that students with disabilities will not be able to succeed, not without appropriate, high-quality services that they deserve.

That is why I proudly cosponsored the bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act, which would mandate gradual increases in IDEA to reach that full commitment--40 percent by fiscal year 2029 and each subsequent fiscal year.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill and uphold the promise to provide students and schools with the resources that they need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Warren County native Kit Sekelsky for her success on ``Jeopardy!.'' In 2021, Kit won three games, taking home nearly $40,000.

Earlier this month, she had the opportunity to compete again as part of the Second Chance Tournament. The Second Chance Tournament gives champions from past seasons an opportunity to qualify for this season's Tournament of Champions. Kit was able to make it out of the quarterfinal before finishing second in the semifinal match.

While she was unable to move forward in the competition, Kit earned the elusive ``Jeopardy!'' champion title.

Congratulations, Kit, on this special achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the critical point that we, as Americans, stand at with our domestic energy supply. We are living in a self-created energy crisis because of bad energy policy. It is unacceptable that many hardworking Americans are struggling to make ends meet because this administration refuses to utilize the abundant resources that we, as a Nation, are blessed with.

Pennsylvania is key to restoring American energy independence. Before President Biden took office, America was the largest energy producer in the world. In just over 3 years, the Biden administration has effectively waged war on our domestic energy production and kneecapped innovation in our oil and gas industries. As a result, American consumers are seeing increased demand and higher prices for conventional fuels.

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. Thankfully, my colleagues and I in the House have passed several bills that will put America back on top as the global leader in energy production.

For example H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, will allow our energy producers to remain market-responsive by removing bureaucratic red tape and streamline the production of our critical energy resources. We also updated the flexible air permitting rule, a Federal air emissions permit, by ensuring that operators can have changes made to their production approved up front, without having to wait for subsequent reviews of the changes. This flexibility allows owners and operators to act quickly and without government regulation slowing down the production of critical energy resources.

In my fight to restore energy independence, I was proud to cosponsor the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act which will eliminate President Biden's plan to increase burdensome fees and taxes on energy companies. This bill will prevent further cost increases for consumers, a burden that falls most heavily on lower-income Americans.

House Republicans also led on a number of permitting reforms that were included in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Most notably, we passed the first significant reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act, NEPA, that removed burdensome environmental consideration requirements and reduced redundancies within Federal agencies to end the delays to critical energy infrastructure projects.

Mr. Speaker, another key aspect of unleashing American domestic energy is that we need to invest in renewable energy to counteract high gas prices and global volatility. No amount of talk of electric vehicles or speaking in platitudes about a green economy will change the fact that everyday Americans are paying an unnecessary price at the pump. We cannot go electric overnight. However, we can unleash American energy production in the short term and allow our producers to fill both domestic and global demand. 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 United States. Unleashing domestic production of energy can only add certainty to the United States energy supply.

It is my hope that with our continued work here in the House, we can ultimately return to our status as a leading producer of energy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Emma Zacherl, a student at Clarion-Limestone, for her award-winning artwork.

Emma is a talented artist who continues to wow teachers and professionals alike. At the Laurel Festival in Brookville this past summer, she earned the best of show for her watercolor of Till Lindemann, a German singer and songwriter.

During Clarion's Autumn Leaf Festival this year, the teenager earned third place in the professional category. Zacherl competed in that division because she was commissioned to do illustrations in ``The Iron Furnaces of the Cove!'' That is a book by her relative, Byron Smail.

Earlier this year in Clarion, during Summerfest, Zacherl won in her age group with her chalk drawing of Batman. She has also received recognition for her work of the Juniata furnace.

Mr. Speaker, Emma continues to pursue her passion while also maintaining straight A's, being a member of her local Girl Scout troop, playing on her high school volleyball team, and being a member of a band.

I congratulate Emma on her art awards. I wish her the best of luck as she continues to pursue her dreams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of our strong partnership with Germany. Our partnership runs deep, with Germany being the third largest foreign employer in the United States and Germans investing more than $1.8 trillion in the U.S. from 2020 to 2022.

Today, there are more than 40 million Americans of German descent living in the United States, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania boasts one of the largest German populations in the country.

As co-chairman of the Congressional German American Caucus, I was proud to be joined today by my colleague, Congressman Keating, in introducing the resolution on reaffirming German-American friendship and cooperation initiative. This resolution reaffirms the importance of the alliance between the United States and Germany, underscoring our shared commitment to democracy and freedom.

In addition, this resolution highlights the great connections between the United States and Germany. Our bond is based on friendship, historical ties, and shared values. These historical ties include the Wunderbar Together program as well as the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Earlier this month, we celebrated the 34th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Let's continue our strong bilateral ties and close cooperation on the global stage.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership with this bipartisan Rural Healthcare Caucus.

It is incredibly important and really defines my life. Prior to coming to Congress 15 years ago, I spent 28 years working in rural healthcare as a nonprofit community healthcare therapist, rehab service manager, a manager within rural hospitals, and a licensed nursing home administrator. I witnessed firsthand the challenges that individuals that live in rural America, rural communities face when it comes to healthcare.

I am acutely aware of the challenges many face when it comes to obtaining reasonably priced healthcare. It is especially critical for rural America, much like the 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania that I have the privilege of serving today.

As a Member of Congress representing nearly one-third of the land mass of Pennsylvania, one of the most rural districts east of the Mississippi, I am keenly aware of the problems my constituents face when accessing medical services.

I always say that when I see rural hospitals in dire challenges, and we are struggling with some of that right now in our district, that the end results in a commute that can mean the difference between life and death to be able to get the services they need within the time frame that is required.

I saw that firsthand, quite frankly, as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for several decades. The importance of being able to get from that accident scene or from their home to a healthcare setting, a hospital setting in a timely manner, especially for those eventually requiring some type of surgery.

We talk about the golden hour. It is not an hour in many parts of rural America. We are facing a healthcare crisis in our Nation's rural areas. These often disadvantaged populations are still struggling to access affordable, quality care. Many remain uninsured. Most are underinsured. However, access to quality care remains the largest challenge.

Even if it is not the bricks and mortar, and we have seen so many of those closed over the past 15 years, it is the talent, the skill, the expertise within that bricks and mortar, the physicians, the nurses, the technicians. It is difficult.

As someone who used to participate in recruiting this talent into our rural hospitals, it is very challenging to get that, to be able to be successful with that. That is why I am a big fan of telemedicine.

I am really excited about the advances that we have made in telemedicine over the past decade or so. There is more that needs to be done.

Even when people gain access to health insurance, it does not equal access to healthcare. Rural hospitals across the country are closing, leaving patients without access to the emergency rooms and long-term care facilities. Quite frankly, where they are not closing, they are always struggling for staff. If you don't have access to qualified healthcare professionals, I don't care how we pay for healthcare, what kind of shiny package, what ribbon we put on it, there is no access to healthcare without those qualified, highly skilled providers.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to work with the gentlewoman as a part of this caucus, and proud to be a founding member of the Rural Health Caucus. I am proud to work with the gentlewoman as a great member of the House Agriculture Committee, where under the Rural Development title, we support facilities like nursing homes and rehabilitation centers and hospitals and provide communities reasonable funding to be able to address that need.

This is a problem. It is a multidimensional problem that requires multidimensional solutions. I think that the formation of this caucus is one of the first best starts to address this.

This bipartisan group will bring awareness to these unique challenges, to other members, and actively work to find solutions to these problems.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished World War II veteran, Judd Burchfield of Rockland Township in Venango County.

Mr. Burchfield celebrated his 102nd birthday on Sunday, November 19. Mr. Burchfield is believed to be the oldest veteran in Venango County. He grew up in Mt. Joy, and later returned to the area following his service in World War II.

Over the course of the war, Mr. Burchfield was an auto equipment mechanic as part of the Army Air Corps. He spent time in both North Africa and Italy, and eventually rose to the rank of staff sergeant. Because of his courage, he was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with a Bronze Star, a Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

After returning home to Venango County, Mr. Burchfield started his own farm, raising just about every farm animal. He started his own business, B&M Farm Supply, and worked for Richland Township running a road grader and a backhoe.

We thank Mr. Burchfield for his gallant service to our country and wish him the happiest birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as National Career Development Month.

Along with my colleague and co-chair of the Bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, today we introduced a resolution recognizing November as National Career Development Month.

National Career Development Month marks an important time for our students and workers of all ages to consider and explore future career opportunities. It is also a time to recognize the professionals who guide learners to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Throughout the month, schools and businesses will have the chance to showcase different career paths that align with various interests and skills. These opportunities will better prepare students as they begin to enter the workforce.

National Career Development Month raises awareness of future career opportunities and development programs for all individuals.

A highly skilled workforce is a business' number one asset and provides a competitive edge. This month, I encourage individuals of all ages to take advantage of career development and put themselves in the driver's seat of their futures.

Career practitioners and educators are a vital resource for the livelihood of our Nation's workforce and economic health and well-being of U.S. workers. We look forward to advancing career development for all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martene Firestine and her outstanding work with the Pennsylvania Livestock Association.

For more than 18 years, Martene has worked tirelessly to raise money to support youth education scholarships. Her efforts have led to the awarding of 106 scholarships totaling more than $111,000.

These scholarships are given to young individuals who have outstanding leadership skills and a keen interest in the livestock industry and who are involved in the Keystone International Livestock Expo, known as the KILE farm show, among other traits.

Students who receive the scholarships use the funds to further their education in any degree or field.

Mr. Speaker, Martene's efforts to support the next generation of leaders are impressive. She remains dedicated to helping others, and it is an honor to recognize her important work.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Martene on this much-deserved recognition. The Pennsylvania Livestock Association is blessed to have such a dedicated member.