Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize members of the McKean County 4-H Club who participated and excelled at the Pennsylvania 4-H State Horse Show in Harrisburg, from October 26 to 29.

Congratulations to Reese Kinney for winning grand champion in pole bending ponies and also finishing third place in cutback ponies in the 14- to 18-year-old age group.

Congratulations to Adrianna Keesler and Jesse Gould, who collected reserve champion trophies.

Congratulations to Charlie Aiello, who finished 10th in western horsemanship, and Claire Storer, who finished ninth in western grooming and showmanship and eighth in beginner western pleasure for the 12- to 14-year-old age group.

Congratulations to Georgia Barth, who finished sixth in low equitation over fences, and Madelyn McKean, who finished seventh in cutback horses and ninth in barrel horses for the 8- to 13-year-old age group.

Congratulations to Melissa Burton, who finished eighth in hunt seat equitation for the 15- to 18-year-old age group and eighth in the breed type hunter under saddle for the 14- to 18-year-old age group.

Congratulations to Addyson Storts, who finished third in the EWD independent WT showmanship, fourth in EWD minimum assistance equitation, and seventh in EWD minimum assistance obstacle trail.

Also representing McKean County at the event were Mason Reed, Sarah Long, and Braelyn Taylor.

I am so proud of all their hard work.

Madam Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize the men and women who have served our country valiantly.

This Saturday, November 11, we will celebrate Veterans Day. I would take this time to honor the men and women who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, as well as the Reserves.

I would also recognize the more than 800,000 veterans from my home State of Pennsylvania.

We owe a sincere debt of gratitude to all those who have served. Your sacrifice, dedication, and courage are the reasons we are able to live our lives in safety and freedom today.

Words cannot describe the level of respect and admiration we have for all of our Nation's heroes. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank them for their service.

God bless the military. God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, last week, I introduced the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act with Congresswoman and co- chair of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, Suzanne Bonamici.

In high-risk critical infrastructure sectors, like telecommunications, agriculture, or healthcare, a workforce with basic cyber skills is essential to our public safety. Unfortunately, many skilled workers lack any cybersecurity training specific to the systems they work on daily.

Our society is increasingly reliant on cyber technologies for our most critical infrastructure. As bad actors increase cyberattacks, we must ensure we are protecting our most sensitive data. This legislation empowers the next generation of learners to have the most sophisticated and comprehensive education to better protect our essential systems and assets for years to come.

The bipartisan Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act would fund the development of critical infrastructure CTE programs that integrate cybersecurity. This is a bipartisan issue that both the Trump and Biden administrations have placed increased focus on.

This legislation would align CTE programs with industry needs by giving businesses a seat at the table with postsecondary institutions crafting programs that ensure students are learning relevant skills, including cybersecurity competencies.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Keystone Central Career and Technology Center in Clinton County, Pennsylvania.

Keystone Central Career and Technology Center was named a semifinalist and received $10,000 as part of the Career Z Challenge.

The Career Z Challenge, run through the Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, aims to expand work- based learning opportunities for Gen Z students.

Schools, nonprofit organizations, and local educational agencies in urban and rural communities across 35 States submitted entries describing their plans to create collaborative and sustainable work- based learning ecosystems to provide students with interconnected and expansive career development opportunities from grades 9 through 12.

Semifinalists will be eligible to move on to phase three, and during the 2023-2024 school year, semifinalists will receive technical assistance to support the refinement and implementation of their proposed WBL ecosystem plans.

They are also participating in a community of practice and have access to learning workshops, peer collaboration opportunities, and other resources.

Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the Bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am pleased to see the next generation of learning of the many job opportunities CTE provides.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Keystone Central Career and Technology Center and wish them good luck in phase three.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Travis Crate for being named the 2023

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize For Teaching Excellence.

Mr. Crate is one of 25 public high school skilled trade teachers across the country to receive this award. He has been a welding instructor at Venango Technology Center for more than 25 years.

This prize was created to recognize high school skilled trade teachers for their work to inspire the next generation.

Mr. Crate's welding program is dynamic and collaborative, incorporating industry-based skills to prepare students for life beyond high school. As students progress through Crate's program, they have the opportunity to mentor first-year students, providing one-on-one instruction that reinforces their learning and helps beginner students grasp welding more easily.

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I applaud the work of Mr. Crate and other CTE teachers who continue to help students find their passions.

Congratulations, Mr. Crate, on this remarkable recognition.

Mr. Speaker, today, I stand to applaud the Clinton County Solid Waste Authority and their Wayne Township Landfill, which has been an essential contributor to our community for half a century.

Originally permitted in 1973 and developed in 1990, this landfill now boasts a state-of-the-art subtitle D facility and recently received approval for a 75-acre expansion, providing an additional 23 years of disposal capacity.

The Wayne Township Landfill is not just a waste management site. It is a beacon of responsible waste disposal, recycling, and community preservation. They are dedicated to ensuring the quality and longevity of Clinton County.

This remarkable institution has been a substantial force for good in our community, providing financial support to local fire companies, offering scholarships, and reducing tipping fees to ease the burden on our citizens.

They actively participate in environmental conservation; contribute to local sports, educational programs, and community events; and have played a crucial role in industrial park expansion and flood cleanup efforts.

The Wayne Township Landfill is a lifeline for our community, employing 81 individuals, stimulating local economic growth, and investing in our community infrastructure.

As they celebrate their 50th anniversary of waste acceptance, it is evident that they are more than a landfill. They are dedicated stewards of our community's well-being, economic prosperity, and environmental health.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the remarkable history of the Nittany Valley Volunteer Fire Company located in Clinton County. Their story is one of courage, dedication, and community spirit.

Their story begins in 1948 as a group led by Jim Wolfe made history by bidding $300.01 to purchase a retired 1916 Ahrens Fox Pumper from the Citizens Hose Company in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Over the years, they acquired essential equipment, including a tank truck with a mounted pump and a 1952 International truck.

Their commitment to the community has never wavered, and they are always ready to respond to emergencies. The volunteer firefighter department has evolved over time. Today, residents only have one number to call, but in the beginning, calls were directed to the Mabus home, which was directly next to the fire station.

The Nittany Valley Volunteer Fire Company stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of its members, past and present, to safeguarding their community. Their history is one of resilience and community support.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Nittany Valley Volunteer Fire Company, upon their 75th anniversary, for their enduring commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alpha Fire Company of Centre County.

Recently, the Alpha Fire Company made history when an all-women crew took on the initial attack line in a three-alarm fire. Lieutenant Claudia Rudisill, firefighter Talia Cholach, and firefighter Kara Stover answered the call to protect and serve.

Claudia is a recent Penn State graduate, and Talia and Kara are current students at the university. All three come from a long line of firefighters.

Madam Speaker, they made history and they made a difference. They have put in the time and dedication to train, so when the call for help comes, they are able to respond and perform professionally. I know firsthand the dedication and passion volunteer firefighters have when it comes to protecting their communities.

Madam Speaker, I thank Claudia, Talia, and Kara for their bravery and dedication to the State College community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Mifflinburg Hose Company No. 1 for their 125 years of service. Over the weekend, the community gathered to celebrate this monumental anniversary.

The fire company was established in 1898 with 40 members. David L. Grover was the first president and H.O. Bower was the first fire chief.

For generations, these firefighters have protected the community and provided essential services. Since its founding in 1898 with 40 members, the company has grown to 125 members and 75 active firefighters.

The Mifflinburg Hose Company's coverage area includes parts of the Bald Eagle State Forest, Raymond B. Winter State Park and numerous other smaller State parks and natural areas, and parts of the Appalachian Mountains. This is some of the roughest terrain in the Mid- Atlantic area. The department responds to structure fires, silo fires, vehicle accidents, farm accidents, search and rescue, wildfires, and more.

As a former volunteer firefighter, I know firsthand the value that they play in our community. I thank all the members of the Mifflinburg Hose Company No. 1 for their service and congratulations on this significant achievement.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Corporal Francis James Jury of Clearfield, Pennsylvania.

Corporal Francis Jury was reported missing on December 2, 1950, at 23 years old. Corporal Jury was deemed missing during the battle with enemy forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea.

On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea returned the remains of 55 American servicemembers killed during the Korean war. Following DNA testing, Corporal Jury was identified as one of those 55 members.

Madam Speaker, we still feel the pain of those missing from conflicts fought generations ago, and we are forever indebted to their service.

My prayers are with Corporal Jury's family during this solemn time.

It is my hope with his return his family is able to find peace and solace in knowing their loved one died a hero in service to the Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Sergeant Richard Sharrow of Marienville, Pennsylvania.

Army Sergeant Richard M. Sharrow was reported missing on July 25, 1950, at the age of 22. Sergeant Sharrow was deemed missing after his unit sustained heavy casualties while defending against the North Korean army's advance near Yongdong, South Korea.

Last week, Sergeant Sharrow's remains were returned home. On Monday, with full military honors, he was laid to rest in Marienville.

Madam Speaker, we still feel the pain of those missing from conflicts fought generations ago, and we are forever indebted to their service. My prayers are with Sergeant Sharrow's family during this solemn time. It is my hope with his return his family is able to find peace and solace in knowing their loved one died a hero in service to the Nation.

Mr. Chair, I rise to claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, during this Congress, the House Committee on Agriculture has had one overarching goal: to empower our farm families and invigorate our rural economies.

A central focus of our efforts has been to ensure that rural economies gain access to affordable, high-speed internet.

Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Nunn for his tireless work on behalf of his constituents to develop smart policy ideas to bring broadband internet to every corner of America.

Over the past several years, the House Committee on Agriculture has worked hard on a bipartisan basis to close the connectivity gap. The gentleman from Iowa has been a welcome addition to those conversations.

Every Member of this House is committed to using taxpayer funds wisely, and the House Agriculture Committee will report a farm bill that does just that.

We will ensure that broadband networks financed through USDA's broadband programs will offer fast, reliable service far into the future.

Now, I firmly believe that the best policies emerge through discussions and collaboration. That is what we are doing as we craft the next farm bill.

With the leadership of Members like Mr. Nunn, we will ensure USDA's broadband programs can meet both the current and the future connectivity needs of rural America.

Mr. Chair, I appreciate Mr. Nunn taking the time tonight to raise these important issues. I am equally appreciative of his willingness to withdraw his amendment and continue this conversation through the farm bill process.

Mr. Chair, I look forward to working with the gentleman on our shared priorities as we advance the 2023 farm bill through the House and ultimately to the President's desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the offered amendment.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. I appreciate the gentleman taking a bite at fiscal responsibility, but this bite actually will create fiscal irresponsibility and create harm.

The CFTC is one of our two financial market regulators acting as a cop on the beat for commodity derivatives markets. The Commission's work is essential to ensure that commodity markets are fair for all participants, from the largest financial institutions to the smallest businesses.

Robust, fair, well-policed derivative markets allow for the accurate risk control and price discovery for essential economic inputs, like agricultural and energy products. Domestic derivatives markets enable U.S. producers and consumers of commodities to effectively manage their risk, making American businesses more competitive around the world.

The Commission's work is also essential to protecting the public from financial frauds and scams, including those targeting the elderly, immigrants, and Americans seeking to participate in the digital assets market.

CFTC is already one of the most cost-effective financial regulators we have, its markets as complex and important as securities markets with a budget that is just a slice, a sixth, of the SEC's $2 billion budget.

Now, this bill, the underlying bill, already reduces the CFTC's funding $296 million, which is less than FY 2021. Enacting this amendment on top of the current reductions in the bill would reduce the CFTC's funding to $219 million, which is a cut $49 million greater than the sponsor's intent.

Instead of bringing the CFTC back to 2019 funding levels, this amendment would bring the CFTC back to its 2014 funding levels. If enacted into law, this amendment would result in a 40 percent reduction in funding for the Commission and would jeopardize the critical work the agency does to support the economy and protect Americans from financial fraud.

Mr. Chair, I strongly oppose this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment

Mr. Chairman, it is a good thing I represent Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, because it feels like Groundhog Day all over again.

I don't see the point of defunding the police further than what the underlying bill has done to police. It really provides safeguards for those who are involved in the derivative market, those small businesses, those farmers, those Americans.

As I have mentioned before, the CFTC is one of our two financial market regulators. They are the police within this area, acting as a cop on the beat for the commodity derivatives market.

The Commission's work is essential to ensure that commodity markets are fair for all participants, from the largest financial institutions to the smallest businesses. Robust, fair, well-policed derivative markets allow for accurate risk control and price discovery for essential economic inputs like agricultural and energy products.

Domestic derivative markets enable the United States producers and consumers of commodities to effectively manage their risk, making American businesses more competitive around the world.

Now, this Commission's work is also essential to protecting the public from financial frauds and scams, including those targeting the elderly, immigrants, and Americans seeking to participate in the digital asset markets, which, quite frankly, is an increasing number given the state of digital assets in the derivatives market.

The CFTC is already one of the most cost-effective financial regulators we have. It polices markets as complex and important as securities markets, with a budget that--once again I have to state--is less than a fifth of the SEC's $2 billion budget.

The bill already reduces CFTC's funding to $296 million, which is less than FY 2021.

Enacting this amendment on top of the current reductions in the bill would reduce, quite frankly, this police force from protecting those investing through the derivatives market, their funding to $200 million, which is a cut $49 million greater than the sponsor's intent.

Instead of bringing the CFTC back to 2018 funding levels, this amendment would bring the CFTC back to 2011 funding levels.

If enacted into law, this amendment would result in a 45-percent reduction in funding for the Commission and jeopardize the critical work that the agency does to support the economy and protect Americans from financial fraud.

I strongly oppose this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Madam Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this amendment. Research and promotion programs, commonly referred to as checkoffs, are time-tested programs that expand markets, increase consumer demand, develop new uses for those covered commodities, and, quite frankly, helps to fund the research that is needed to be able to deal with issues related to those crops or those commodities.

These programs are voluntarily created by producers for producers, and they receive no taxpayer dollars for any of their activities or for USDA oversight of their activities.

I am a strong supporter of research and promotion programs and will wholeheartedly advocate for their continued existence. I believe any debate surrounding the integrity of these programs should be reserved for farm bill deliberations due to the fact that no dollars from the bill that is up for consideration that we are talking about funds these programs.

I look forward to engaging with my colleagues to explain the merits and the mechanics of checkoffs and encourage anyone who has questions about these programs to engage with their producers to hear firsthand about the

benefits of these programs. I specifically look forward to continuing conversations about these programs with the gentlewoman from Indiana.

I urge my colleagues to stand with producers and join me in voting against this amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Baird), the Agriculture Committee's Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee chairman.

Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Chair, I claim time in opposition to the amendment.

Madam Chair, American agriculture really can be defined very simply by three words: science, technology, and innovation.

We should utilize that to our advantage, obviously, going forward. It really has been a defining nature of American agriculture.

Quite frankly, traceability resources are paramount when dealing with an animal disease outbreak. We have seen that this year with poultry. We had threats on swine.

We obviously invested, as of the last farm bill, a significant amount of money to have a vaccine for foot and mouth. Should that ever impact our livestock industry here, it would be devastating.

APHIS' proposed rule on electronic identification would reduce the overall quarantine times, limit the number of animals that get sick, and allow farmers and ranchers to resume normal operations in a timely manner.

Producers recognize that animal disease traceability is an essential component of protecting livestock during an animal disease outbreak, and that is whether they are the size of herds in Wyoming or, quite frankly, in Kentucky or Pennsylvania, where they are much smaller.

Animal health is incredibly important, and the ability to recognize animal disease traceability is, as well.

We should not allow ourselves to be in a position where efforts to improve animal disease traceability are hampered, and for this reason, I will oppose Ms. Hageman's amendment.

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, once again, traceability resources really are incredibly important when dealing with an animal disease outbreak.

We need to do our best to be prepared to deal with these. Otherwise, it compromises our ability to export overseas. Our trade partners could shut off markets in the United States, and it would have a decimating impact on the livestock industry in the United States.

There are moneys in the underlying bill in order to do this. Quite frankly, a more appropriate amendment might have been to make sure the money lines up with the need. I would agree that what is in the bill is not adequate for the full implementation of this, but that is another issue.

Madam Chair, I remain in opposition to the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Teach Ag Day.

National Teach Ag Day is for anyone who wants to celebrate school- based agricultural education, share the story of agriculture education's importance and effectiveness in the United States, and encourage students to consider careers as agricultural educators.

This year, we are celebrating 75 years of the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

Madam Speaker, our agricultural educators are responsible for cultivating and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. This happens in the classroom with extension programs or groups like FFA and 4-H. By recognizing our agricultural educators, we can ensure our students have knowledge and exposure to all the opportunities the agricultural industry and sector have to offer.

Madam Speaker, I thank all the ag teachers and volunteers across the country who help support our Nation's farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers.

Madam Speaker, this week is Gold Star Family Remembrance Week. Every September, Gold Star Family Remembrance Week takes place on the week leading up to Gold Star Mother's Day, which has been observed by Presidential proclamation since 1936 on the last Sunday of September.

The Gold Star symbol first originated in 1917 when the United States began its involvement in World War I. Families would hang banners to represent a family member in the armed services. If the family member died in combat, the family would change the banner from a blue star to a gold star.

We will never know the exact number of Gold Star families. However, accordingly to the National Gold Star Family Registry, at least 472,251 fallen military members are registered by loved ones. At least 36,548 of those servicemembers have been registered in my home State of Pennsylvania.

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

To honor and remember our fallen servicemembers and their families, I look forward to supporting efforts such as the Gold Star Family Remembrance Week. This week recognizes the loss and sacrifices of families in support of fallen members of the Armed Forces, as well as veterans.

I look forward to supporting legislative efforts to honor this occasion and encourage fellow Americans to perform acts of community service and goodwill to honor these families.

Our servicemembers are the bravest among us. They answer the call to protect and defend our Nation in times of war and in times of peace.

This important week is a time to remember the families of the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our freedom.

Madam Speaker, let us take a moment to remember that our freedom is not free. We cannot begin to imagine the loss and pain that these families have experienced.

Gold Star families have lost a loved one in the name of protecting our freedom, and they deserve our gratitude every day.