Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on the first Saturday of the month, we celebrated National Trail Day.

In recognizing our local, State, and national trails, we can bring attention to the importance of our trails, build a world where everyone feels welcome to enjoy the great outdoors, and provide the perfect opportunity to set off on a hike.

I am proud to represent the only national forest in Pennsylvania, the Allegheny National Forest. This multiuse forest is a staple in our region, providing recreation as well as employment opportunities.

The ANF has more than 200 miles of hiking trails, 53 miles of cross- country skiing trails, and 18 miles of interpretive trails, offering a variety of hiking experiences for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.

My district is also home to Marion E. Brooks Natural Area trails in Elk County, the Mid State Trail in Tioga County, and the North Country National Scenic Trail, which spans from New York to North Dakota.

Mr. Speaker, these hiking trails provide an opportunity to experience the beauty of our land. As the weather warms up, I encourage all my colleagues to get outdoors and explore their hometown hiking trails.

Mr. Speaker, in light of Memorial Day, I rise today to recognize three Falls Creek natives, which are Jefferson and Clearfield Counties, for founding the first of its kind tea company with a focus on giving back to veteran and first responder organizations.

Mike, Chris, and Joey Britton founded Artillery Tea Co. with veterans and first responders in mind. The youngest brother, Joey, is a 9-year Army veteran, giving the brothers firsthand access to these organizations.

The company launched on July Fourth last year and is now spreading the word and their mission to ``be able to support vets the best we can.''

One of the groups they donate to is Gold Star Families. This group supports families of fallen soldiers. They also work with Project Lakeview, a group out of Delaware focused on supporting families of fallen first responders.

Mr. Speaker, the brothers work with a partner in Pennsylvania to manufacture the product, allowing them to keep everything as local as possible. Tea can be ordered from artilleryteaco.com and can be shipped anywhere.

On Memorial Day and every day, we should remember the great sacrifice our men and women make to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. Artillery Tea Co. focuses on continuing to support the families of those whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Memorial Day.

Our Nation's greatness was earned by the sacrifices of a few so that freedom and liberty would come to all.

This weekend, we remember their sacrifices and their service. Every year on the last Monday of May, people across this Nation gather in town squares, at memorials, and in cemeteries of our fallen heroes to pay tribute to those who gave it all. This Nation is united by our liberties and freedoms that our men and women in uniform take an oath to protect and defend.

We will always honor our brothers and sisters who fought in battle to uphold our way of life, and we will never stop searching for those who are missing.

May God always carry them and all our servicemembers in the palm of His hand.

This Memorial Day, as we raise the Stars and Stripes, as we lay wreaths at monuments, memorials, and cemeteries, let us remember that our freedom is thanks to those who served and those who died in sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization near and dear to my heart, Special Olympics.

In April, I attended the Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run in State College, Centre County. The 5K run/walk raises money for the Pennsylvania chapter of the Special Olympics organization.

I fueled up at a pre-race breakfast and kicked off the opening ceremonies before cheering on the participants and meeting with the Centre County Special Olympics chapter.

Mr. Speaker, Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit and human potential through the transformative power and joy of sport every day around the world.

Through programming in sports, health, education, and community building, they change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics began in 1962 as a day camp in the back yard of Eunice and Sargent Shriver with the first international games taking place in 1968. Today, the movement thrives in more than 172 countries throughout the world.

Pennsylvania formed their own State chapter in May of 1970 when 135 brave athletes participated in a small track and field competition at West Chester University.

Today, our State chapter has nearly 13,000 athletes competing across nine local regions in more than 300 annual competitions in 22 different Olympic-type sports.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

Mr. Speaker, the Special Olympics program is more than an athletic competition. The program, when offered in schools known as Unified Champion Schools, reduces bullying, teasing, and the use of offensive language to those with intellectual disabilities.

Graduation rates of high schools that implemented USC increased 1.1 percent for students without disabilities and increased 1.4 percent for students living with disabilities.

The work Special Olympics is doing results in an average of four and a half more inclusive experiences for each student who participates.

In Pennsylvania alone, there are more than 720 USC partnered schools in more than 50 counties. In fact, at St. Mary's Area High School in Elk County, Pennsylvania, PA-15, the Flying Dutchmen unified sports teams completed an undefeated inaugural season and became the 2023 Interscholastic Unified Bocce PIAA State champs at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The unified program truly changes lives. One of the families participating summed up the program best in saying, ``Unified sports really does unify a school, a community, and most of all, gives families like myself a lot of joy and for a moment to forget about a diagnosis.''

Special Olympics also focuses on the long-term health of their athletes. People with intellectual disabilities lack equitable access to health services and die, on average, 20 years earlier than the general population in the United States.

Special Olympics creates a healthier world for individuals with intellectual disabilities through initiatives that reduce health disparities and instead, works toward equitable access to quality health service for people living with intellectual disabilities.

To date, Special Olympics Health has provided more than 1 million health screenings to Special Olympic athletes to identify unmet health needs, refer them to appropriate care, and allow

them to succeed on the field and in their communities.

In fact, from 2011-2012, Special Olympics of Pennsylvania conducted more than 9,000 screenings. For some, these screenings are the first time they have seen a doctor.

The programs build on the success of the PATH program to further improve the health status and increase access to community health resources.

Mr. Speaker, Special Olympics and the Special Olympics Pennsylvania chapter wouldn't be possible without community volunteers.

The PA chapter has more than 30,000 coaches and volunteers assisting athletes during all levels of competition.

This program touches countless people in numerous ways, and its impact reaches far beyond the sphere of sports.

It was a privilege to work with the State College chapter, and I am proud to share the 2023 Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run was the most successful run ever, that day raising more than $448,000 for Special Olympics of Pennsylvania athletes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National EMS Week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Clarion County 911 and recognize its founder, Jim Cumberland.

Clarion County's 911 was the very first 911 center in Pennsylvania when it opened in 1973. Founded as the Clarion County Communications Center, the 911 center was housed in the historic Clarion County Jail, built in 1875. Jim Cumberland established the center following his experience as the East Brady Police Chief and the Clarion County Sheriff. He also served honorably in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Fifty years later, Clarion County 911 remains one of the most advanced 911 centers in the State and is one of ten northern tier 911 centers using Next Generation 911.

In April, Mr. Cumberland's contributions were celebrated at an anniversary event at the new Clarion County complex, which houses state-of-the-art public safety and emergency management departments.

As a former healthcare worker and firefighter, I understand the critical importance of the 911 system. For this reason, I congratulate and thank Jim Cumberland and the Clarion County 911 on this special 50th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Centre County's own Marisa Vicere who was named the Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor of the Year, an award that she received for her efforts to support mental health and well-being in her home State of Pennsylvania.

Each May, we observe Mental Health Awareness Month to acknowledge the mental health challenges faced by millions of Americans.

For Marisa, every day is committed to mental health awareness and support. In 2012, Marisa founded the Jana Marie Foundation and has ``devoted its energy to opening minds and saving lives through educational programming and community mobilization to empower young people in the Centre County region.''

Marisa started the foundation after her sister, Jana Marie Vicere, tragically lost her life in a battle against depression at the young age of 30.

Marisa honors her memory by continuing her sister's commitment to helping others and through creative expression in the arts.

In addition to her national award, she will soon be inducted as one of this year's outstanding State College alumni.

I commend Marisa Vicere for winning the 2023 Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor of the Year and for her selfless service to the Centre County community through the Jana Marie Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the need for further transparency and accountability in military housing.

The most critical asset in the defense of our Nation are the men and women who choose to serve. Therefore, our personnel and families deserve to have their most basic needs addressed, and this starts with housing.

For several years now, military housing has been plagued with widespread complaints of neglect, unsafe conditions, and careless repairs.

Recently, I introduced the Military Housing Transparency and Accountability Act, which would expand the assessment tool created in the 2020 NDAA to include all military housing, as well as enhancing the reporting requirements to ensure accountability.

As an Army dad, I know firsthand the challenges our servicemen and women

face when finding safe and comfortable housing.

They should feel confident if an issue arises it will be resolved and in a timely manner. This bipartisan bill is a step in the right direction and will improve transparency and oversight with the goal of fixing a system that has serious issues.

Given the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges in our Armed Forces, ensuring adequate housing for servicemembers and their families is an important and necessary part of the solution.

Mr. Speaker, the Endangered Species Act was drafted with the best of intentions, but it has simply failed to live up to its noble mission.

Since the ESA was passed in 1973, only 3 percent of species protected by the law have recovered to the point where they can be delisted. This is an abysmal recovery rate.

Burdensome and outdated regulations like the Endangered Species Act negatively impact our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and foresters, create frivolous lawsuits, halt critical infrastructure projects, stifle economic growth, and do not help the species in question. It fails to do that.

Just consider the northern long-eared bat. It is declining due to a disease with no cure, and the ESA will only further restrict our ability to help the species recover. It is an inflexible and outdated approach to species conservation.

America's working lands play a vital role in protecting threatened and endangered species, Mr. Speaker.

Voluntary, locally led conservation programs should be a model for the Federal Government rather than a top-down sledgehammer of red tape, or what I prefer to call, green tape.

It is high past time to modernize the Endangered Species Act to better protect species and to treat property owners, farmers, ranchers, and States as partners rather than obstacles.

The ESA should be amended to empower local stakeholders, incentivize voluntary conservation programs, and should emphasize actually recovering species, not simply leaving them on life support for years to come.

The simple truth is the programs that we have in the Agriculture Committee under a conservation title which are locally led, voluntary conservation programs, have led to the delisting of far more species that were either listed originally as endangered or threatened.

We know that works, and we know the Endangered Species Act in its current form does not.

Well, that and the fact I like to eat.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a beloved community member, a man of faith, a brave veteran, and valued friend, Donny Fleming.

Characterized by his grace and gratitude, Donny was a lifelong resident of St. Marys, Pennsylvania. Earlier this month, Donny peacefully passed away, surrounded by family. He was a staple of his community and dedicated to uplifting those around him, whether it be family, friends, or those in need, Donny ingrained himself in his community as a civil servant and business leader.

He was a powerful force among local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, United Way, the Cleveland Clinic, and Christ the King Manor. Donny exemplified what it means to devote oneself not only to his community but to his country. He was a recipient of both the Purple Heart and the Silver Star medals. I thank him for his committed service and sacrifice, not only to his community but to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my condolences to Donny's wife, Elaine, and family, and hope that his profound impact instills the importance of kindness and generosity for us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Eric's Law, a piece of legislation I introduced with my Pennsylvanian colleague, Congressman Matt Cartwright.

Eric's Law is named for Eric Williams, a Federal correctional officer who was brutally murdered by an inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Canaan in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. His murderer's crime largely went unpunished, even though 11 out of 12 jurors voted for the death penalty because he was already serving a life sentence.

Current law requires a unanimous decision by the jury to impose the death penalty.

Our legislation permits prosecutors to impanel a second jury for sentencing if the first jury in a Federal death penalty case fails to reach a unanimous decision on a sentence. This allows for a final, definitive decision in death penalty cases that our victims and families deserve.

I thank Eric's father, Don, as well as the Council of Prison Locals for their support and endorsement of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, we must do everything in our power to prevent this kind of tragedy from reoccurring. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John A. Freeman, a 50-year member of the Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company in Ulysses, Pennsylvania.

The Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company No. 47 is an all-volunteer fire and ambulance department serving Ulysses Borough and the Potter County townships of Allegheny, Bingham, Hector, and Ulysses. Since 1972, John has volunteered with Tri-Town where he quickly established himself as an important and reliable member of the company. As a truck captain and driver, John has served as an integral part of countless emergency responses throughout north central Pennsylvania.

As a longtime firefighter and EMS volunteer, I understand the courage, commitment, and determination it takes to serve your community as a first responder. First responders miss many important moments with their loved ones to answer the call whenever and wherever it occurs. Their service is even more critical in rural areas like Potter County, where volunteer numbers are falling and placing a strain on those who do answer the call.

For this reason, I commend John A. Freeman for his 50 years of service to the Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company and for the example he sets for volunteers in Potter County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ken Starr of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, who was recently named as the Western Pennsylvania Veteran-Owned Small Businessperson of the Year by the Small Business Administration.

Ken Starr got his start as an entrepreneur in 2005 making wine from just 12 grapevines on his Allegheny mountain property, aptly named Starr Hill. His winery, the 100th licensed winery in Pennsylvania, soon had over 3,000 grapevines making up 40 varieties of wine.

All his fruit and grapes are sourced from Pennsylvania farms and are now carried by major grocery and convenience stores across the State.

Beyond wine, Ken Starr is known for his support for local charities, giving regularly to the Pennsylvania Wilds and the State National Guard Foundation, among many more. However, his lifetime of service began long ago when he completed a tour of duty in the United States Air Force. Now at the age of 82, many have pointed out, like fine wine, Ken Starr seems to be improving with age.

I commend Ken Starr for being named the Veteran-Owned Small Businessperson of the Year, and for his many contributions to communities and grocery stores across Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement and longtime service of Patton Township Manager Douglas J. Erickson, who has served the Centre County community for over 25 years.

Douglas Erickson began as township engineer and director of public works in 1998 before becoming township manager in 2006. While 18 township supervisors have come and gone since his first day as a township employee, Erickson has remained committed to public service.

In his time, Doug oversaw the rapid expansion and development of the State College suburb and left a long legacy of accomplishments.

Under his leadership, Patton Township has seen unprecedented growth, including adding thousands of new residents and the construction of nearly 3,000 new homes.

The township government has grown to include more than 15 employees in police, public works, administration and finance and engineering, and planning and zoning departments. Doug has secured an incredible $30 million in grants for township projects, helping to improve the quality of life for all the township's residents.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Douglas J. Erickson for his commitment to serving his community of Patton Township, and I wish him a very happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about something near and dear to my heart: dairy.

As you may know and may have heard me say in the past, I have milk flowing through my veins. As a proud descendant of dairy farmers, I know how important this industry is to Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our country.

As a longtime supporter of dairy, I am proud to continue to use my voice to recognize our dairy farmers. Recently, I introduced the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act with 36 of my colleagues and bipartisan support. We currently have 47 cosponsors, and I encourage my colleagues to join this legislation. This bill would allow for flavored and unflavored whole milk to be offered in school cafeterias.

Whole milk is rich with health benefits and has 13 essential nutrients vital to the healthy development of our children. From better bone health to lower blood pressure, milk is a powerhouse of nutrients. In fact, according to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, milk is a source of three out of four underconsumed nutrients: calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. No other beverage comes close to this level of nutritional value.

Sadly, bad Federal policy has kept whole milk out of our school cafeterias for too long. In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act, which amended nutrition standards in the school lunch program. Among the changes, the law mandated that flavored milk must be fat-free within the program. This law, along with lower participation in the program--mostly, I would say, due to a bad milk experience--led to an alarming decline in milk consumption in schools since 2010.

From 2014 to 2016, schools served 213 million fewer half-pints of milk, even though public school enrollment was growing. Children over 4 years old are not meeting the recommended daily servings of milk in the Dietary Guidelines of America. Given the nutritional value of milk and the fact that young minds need to be well nourished to perform at their best, this is a cause for concern.

Mr. Speaker, in order for students to excel in the classroom, they must have access to proper nutrition. It is my hope the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will give children a wide variety of milk options and bolster milk consumption, a win-win for growing children and America's dairy farmers.

As I mentioned earlier, dairy is a crucial part of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am proud to represent more than 1,040 dairy farms across 18 counties. Across the Keystone State, we have 500,000 cows producing more than 10.2 billion pounds of milk annually.

This level of production puts Pennsylvania as the seventh highest in milk production across our country. We are also the second nationally in terms of the number of dairy farms, with 6,200 farms. The Pennsylvania dairy industry provides 52,000 jobs across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and generates $14.7 billion in annual revenue.

In fact, Pennsylvania is now home to a new record Holstein cow, Chrome-View Charles 3044. This 13-year-old registered Holstein cow is in her 10th lactation and broke the record with her lifetime milk production record of 478,200 pounds of milk, 14,447 pounds of fat, and 12,576 pounds of protein and counting. She is a member of the Mason's Chrome View herd, where they have 500 registered Holstein cows.

This monumental milk production record surpasses the total record of 460,720 pounds of lifetime milk set by Stone-Front Leader Hilda in 2020. Prior to Hilda, Koepke K0017229-1660 broke the record in 2003 with a lifetime milk total of 458,616 pounds. The record was

established in 1978 by Breezewood Patsy Bar Pontiac, with her final lifetime total of 425,769 pounds. Her owners say that the new record holder is your typical dairy cow, spending her time eating, chewing her cud, being milked, or resting in one of her three favorite stalls.

Mr. Speaker, 3044 is no ordinary cow. Her 478,200-pound lifetime milk production record total is equivalent to 55,605 gallons of milk, 889,674 cups of milk, 47,820 pounds of cheese--enough cheese for 127,520 12-inch pizzas--or 593,120 scoops of ice cream.

Mr. Speaker, like I said at the beginning of my time on the floor, I am proud to have milk running through my veins. Dairy is more than an industry for those in Pennsylvania. It is a way of life, and I will continue to advocate for this industry and way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my pastor, Pastor Greg Shipe, of the First Baptist Church in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, who offered today's opening prayer in the United States House of Representatives.

Pastor Shipe was ordained into ministry in 2009 and has served the congregation of First Baptist Church since 2011. I am fortunate to be a member of the First Baptist Church congregation.

When he is not behind the pulpit, Pastor Shipe serves as the chaplain to the Logan Fire Company and coaches recreational youth soccer and baseball.

Pastor Shipe and his wife, Connie, are also busy raising six children. They are active foster parents as well. They use their experience to mentor other foster parents in Centre County and beyond.

As a foster mentor, Pastor Shipe also serves on the board of Keystone Family Alliance, a bridge ministry helping to connect churches to foster agencies, to equip them in caring for children, and to provide resources to local agencies and foster families.

Mr. Speaker, Pastor Shipe and his family continue to inspire those in our congregation, as well as the entire community, and I am thankful for my pastor and this mighty man of God.