Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of today's waters of the United States, WOTUS, joint resolution of disapproval, and I stand in opposition to the Biden WOTUS, which is an attack on the Clean Water Act, an attack on States' rights to have oversight over non-navigable waters, and an attack on private property rights.

As the chairman and former ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have spent the last 2 years traveling to more than 40 States to hear directly from producers about the challenges they face. I was proud to be with Chairman Graves in his district, where we had a gathering and a hearing, a listening session on this very topic-- burdensome regulations, record inflation, high input costs, the politicization of crop protection tools, supply chain disruptions, and now you can add an egregious government land grab to the list.

Make no mistake about it, this rule isn't about clean water. It is about the Biden EPA's appetite for power.

America's farmers, ranchers, and landowners deserve a WOTUS definition that is fair to agriculture and maintains the historical reach of the Clean Water Act, neither of which is accomplished by the Biden administration's flawed rule.

Simply recognizing longstanding agriculture exemptions that have been too narrowly applied for decades does not make up for once again plunging our rural communities into regulatory ambiguity.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer for leading this important effort, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding management of Straub Brewery in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, whose vice president, Cathy Lenze, recently earned the Patriot Award for her exceptional support of military employees.

The Patriot Award is awarded by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize supervisors with outstanding commitment to support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence, if needed.

Cathy Lenze was nominated for the award by Straub employee Sergeant First Class Wendy Traynor.

Since 1872, Straub Brewery has had a long tradition of excellence in brewing and operations. Now in its seventh generation of family ownership, Straub has endured over a century and a half of changes, including Prohibition, and remains a proud part of life and history for western Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, as the proud father of a U.S. Army soldier, I commend Straub Brewery and its vice president, Cathy Lenze, for their example to businesses throughout our community for their commitment to our Nation's heroes.

Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 134.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Ola Cox.

Ola is a lifelong resident of Venango County, Pennsylvania, where she continues to make history in her own right over the last century. She has broken gender barriers, supported community endeavors, and brought a global perspective home.

Born in Pittsville, Pennsylvania, Ola graduated high school at 16 years old and enlisted in the Navy WAVES. After returning from naval service during World War II, she married Lester ``Boone'' Cox and started a family.

Ola continued to break gender barriers as a working mom beside her husband at their Franklin Print Shop. In Ola's 100 years of life, she has countless stories, from their working farm to raising four children.

Following her time in the print shop, she worked at Oakwood Rose Gardens, served as the township tax collector, and frequently volunteered in her community and with her church, the Rockland Methodist Church. She also traveled the world.

Mr. Speaker, Ola is a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. She cared for her dear husband and spent countless hours with her children and great-grandchildren so they could learn and understand the importance of family, community, and the world.

I thank Ola for her service to our country and her dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, thank, and express my sincerest gratitude for an incredible group of students at Penn State University.

This group of students have spent the last year dedicating countless hours to support a fantastic cause benefiting pediatric cancer patients. I am talking about THON.

This year-long fundraising effort culminates in an annual 46-hour dance marathon to support more than 4,500 families financially and emotionally with children who are battling cancer.

On February 17, Penn State students, staff, family, friends, volunteers, and spectators filled the Bryce Jordan Center for the 51st Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, more widely known as THON, to raise money for the Four Diamonds Foundation.

THON was founded in 1973 by Penn State fraternities and sororities. What began as a small fundraiser bringing in $2,000 in its inaugural year has flourished into a campus-wide effort with more than 16,000 student volunteers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In 1977, THON partnered with the Four Diamonds Foundation, and since then, not a single Four Diamonds family has received a medical bill thanks to the tireless work and dedication of Penn State students.

The Four Diamonds Foundation was founded by Charles and Irma Millard in 1972 after their son, Christopher, lost his battle with cancer at 11 years old. Before Christopher passed away, he wrote a story about a great knight who sought out the four diamonds of courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength to be saved from the evil sorceress. His parents realized those four qualities were all necessary to overcome cancer, and they created the Four Diamonds Foundation in his memory.

Over the past 50 years, THON has grown into the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

Students stood from 6 p.m. on Friday, February 17 until 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 19. While it was an impressive feat to hold, what is even more incredible is the drive, fortitude, and flexibility these students showed in their commitment to this cause.

This year, Penn State students raised a record $15,006,132.46, and to date, students have shattered records and raised more than $200 million, making THON the largest student-run philanthropic effort in the world.

Of course, their dedication is to be applauded, but ask any Penn State student, and they will agree: THON isn't about them. It is about the children and the families fighting cancer.

THON is for the kids, and it is for the families to focus on celebrating more birthdays, piano recitals, science fairs, graduations, and every other milestone a child should celebrate without fear.

THON exists so one day parents never have to hear the words: ``Your child has cancer.''

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of these students, but more importantly, I am proud of the children and the families who have the courage to fight back against pediatric cancer.

Congratulations once again to everyone involved in this year's THON. We are.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Read Across America Day.

Tomorrow, classrooms across the country will celebrate the Nation's largest celebration of reading. On this day, we celebrate the joy reading brings to children and families, caregivers, educators, and adults alike. Reading unlocks new adventures and new ideas and brings about a world of imagination.

The day was established by the National Education Association in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading.

Madam Speaker, I want to highlight one celebration in PA-15. Students at Howard Elementary School in Centre County kicked off this celebration with the Pennsylvania State Grange.

This celebration started with an assembly to get the kids excited and will consist of a variety of events focused on reading. Perhaps the most exciting event taking place is ``Drop Everything and Read Day.'' Throughout the day, a sound will play randomly and students will be expected to drop whatever they are working on and pick up a book.

Madam Speaker, as a former Howard Elementary School student and now a senior member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I am always happy to see our students eager to learn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission on winning the 2022 John W. Britt Community Service Award.

The John W. Britt Community Service Award is given to a non-law enforcement agency or entity that makes a significant contribution to the efforts of liquor and/or tobacco enforcement and demonstrates program effectiveness through underlying efforts and practices.

Mr. Speaker, the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission provides alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and problem gambling prevention services within the three-county region to schools, universities, businesses, organizations, and other entities.

In 2021-2022, AICDAC partnered with Pennsylvania's Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement on several underage drinking prevention activities, a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder campaign, awareness presentations around prom season, and small games of chance trainings.

The AICDAC is a model example of programming and partnerships that have made and continue to make contributions to enhance the efforts of liquor enforcement and raise awareness in

the prevention of underage drinking through environmental strategies.

Congratulations to the AICDAC on this recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I bring to the floor today my most recent copy of the ``Boy Scout Handbook.'' I would say this: After the Bible, it is one of the most influential books in my life.

I rise today to recognize the 113th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the Nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.

On February 8, 1910, Chicago businessman William Boyce, who grew up in western Pennsylvania, incorporated the Boy Scouts of America.

Since that time, millions of young men and women have joined the Scouts and learned the values of patriotism, courage, and self- reliance. There are more than 1 million youth currently enrolled in Scouting who contributed more than 17.7 million community service hours in 2022, helping to advance important projects, from conserving local waterways to constructing accessible parks, in nearly every congressional district across the country.

I spent more than 50 years in Scouting, including serving as a Scoutmaster and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1977. It was these experiences that first sparked my interest in public service. The Boy Scouts oath, in part, urges us to perform our duty to our country.

As co-chair of Congressional Scouting Caucus, I am proud to introduce a resolution alongside my good friend from Georgia (Mr. Bishop) designating today as Boy Scouts of America Day to honor the tireless service of Scout volunteers and participants in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, the Boy Scouts of America has played a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow, and I look forward to seeing their continued contributions to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the CBYX program.

This unique program has had more than 26,000 American and German participants contributing to the cultural and political exchange among the citizens of our countries, tying us ever closer together.

As co-chair of the German-American Caucus, my office is proud to host Pau Drexler. He is 23 years old and hails from the southwestern part of Germany.

On August 9 of last year, Pau and 74 other young professionals from Germany landed in Washington, D.C., to start an exchange year as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. As the word ``exchange'' implies, 75 young Americans landed during that same time in Frankfurt, Germany.

As part of the program, participants aged between 18 and 25 are placed from Alaska to Texas and New York City to Los Angeles. This diversity is reflected in the great variety of jobs that they are trained in. Whether bakers, mechanics, or tailors, the CBYX program is an ideal occasion to exchange knowledge, skills, and experience on a professional level, but there are personal connections that emerge from the participants' immersion into daily life of their host communities, as well.

Many of Pau's fellows have already formed great bonds with their host families and classmates. Consequently, Clara, a participant of the 35th CBYX cohort who also interned on the Hill, visited her initial and Pau's current host family last weekend in D.C.

The CBYX program is jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag. It is an extraordinary chance for young minds to learn about different perspectives and create a better understanding of these in their host and their home communities.

Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the German-American Caucus, I want to emphasize the importance of this program as it strengthens the bonds between our countries not only on a governmental but also on a civic level.

The CBYX is an unprecedented exchange program and a great example of how cultural and political exchange amongst citizens can positively impact international relations in a different, more grassroots, and hands-on way.

Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club for winning Pennsylvania Trail of the Year.

This section of the Knox and Kane Rail Trail in McKean County is a 7.8-mile-long trail. The former rail line now provides a level trail for walking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding. In winter months cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular.

The Knox and Kane Rail Trail spans four counties in Northern Pennsylvania and is a source of outdoor fun for the whole family, whether you are local or, quite frankly, a visitor passing through.

The Pennsylvania Trail of the Year Award is given by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help build enthusiasm and support for trails across the State and to raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania's land and water trail network.

Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania continues its tradition of being a leader in trail development by providing its citizens and visitors with more than 12,000 miles of trails.

Congratulations to the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club for this tremendous accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, today is a big day in the 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Specifically, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, our most famous resident had his day in the sun, literally.

To quote Bill Murray: ``It's Groundhog Day, again.''

Early this morning, Punxsutawney Phil, our weather expert groundhog, saw his shadow. For those of you who know the old German legend, this means we are in for 6 more weeks of winter.

Punxsy Phil has been forecasting the weather since the 1800s. Records going back to 1886 show that Phil has forecasted a longer winter 107 times and an early spring just 20 times.

Crowds gathered on Gobbler's Knob before sunrise today for the 137th celebration.

Phil has proven himself a devoted prognosticator year after year and is a true icon in the world of weather forecasting.

For these reasons and many more, Phil was inducted into the 2023 Meteorologists Hall of Fame by the Weather Discovery Center.

So don't pack up your winter gear just yet. Phil says we have 6 more weeks. Happy Groundhog Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on the first day of February, to recognize Career and Technical Education Month.

During this month, we highlight the impact of CTE programs, programs that can be referred to as learn-to-earn. These programs are for learners at all levels. We recognize the role of CTE in supporting industry seeking to fill positions in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage jobs and career fields.

My appreciation for CTE came at a very early age. My father, coming out of the Navy, went through a CTE program, which led him to a job as a tool and die maker. Eventually, he decided to start his own business, which became quite successful.

As co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus and a senior member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I have always supported and will continue to support CTE programs that provide learners of all ages with career-ready skills.

From agriculture to the arts, from marketing to manufacturing, CTE programs work to develop America's most valuable resource: its people.

A one-size-fits-all approach to education is not an effective way to prepare students for the workforce. We are doing students a great disservice when we only promote what is considered a traditional college experience.

CTE has established itself as a path that many high-achieving students choose in pursuit of industry certification and hands-on skills that they can use right out of high school, in skill-based education programs, or in college.

Mr. Speaker, CTE Month recognizes the benefits of a skills-based education and the valuable contributions CTE students make to the American workforce.

Congress recognized the importance of CTE when we passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which helps to close the skills gap by modernizing the Federal investment in CTE programs and connecting educators with industry stakeholders. This bill was later signed into law by President Trump in 2018.

While this is a major milestone, there is still much more work to be done. That is why I will continue to put forward commonsense pieces of legislation that update and promote workforce development throughout our Nation.

These include: The Counseling for Career Choice Act, which ensures that high school students are made fully aware of their career and educational options prior to graduation, including non-degree certificate programs, internships, apprenticeships, and 2-year and 4- year degree programs.

There is also the Skills Investment Act, which enhances tax advantaged savings accounts for educational expenses so American workers can use the accounts to pay for skills-based learning, career training, and workforce development.

Lastly, the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act, creates a $10 million pilot program within the Department of Education to award competitive grants to education-employer partnerships for the development, implementation, and/or expansion of postsecondary CTE programs that integrate cybersecurity education into curricula preparing students for careers in critical infrastructure sectors.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I encourage my fellow colleagues to join my co-chair, Ms. Bonamici of Oregon, and me on the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus as we work to restore the rungs on the ladder of opportunity for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Penn State University's World Campus on 25 years of online learning.

In 1998, Penn State World Campus launched its first online courses. Since then, those initial courses have expanded to more than 175 degrees and certificate programs, and almost 34,000 students have graduated with a Penn State degree they earned online.

Through the past 25 years, the leadership of World Campus has remained dedicated to helping students to reach their goals. The creation of World Campus allows students to find success in a flexible way. Students who wanted a Penn State degree but could not go to a campus have access to an extensive selection of associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs.

In fact, Penn State World Campus is ranked number five on Military Times ``Best for Vets'' list and named ``Guard-Friendly'' by the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud Penn State alumnus, the World Campus gives students of all backgrounds and ages the ability to be able to find success and join the extensive Penn State community.

Congratulations, Penn State World Campus, we can't wait to see what the next 25 years have in store.

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss our national debt. In 2022, Speaker McCarthy unveiled the Commitment to America which outlines the Republican platform for governing as we took control of the House in the 118th Congress.

Through our plan, it is critical we support policies that lead to a strong, healthy economy, fight inflation, and lower the cost of living. We must rein in reckless spending here in Washington and root out waste, fraud, and abuse in government.

For the last 2 years, the Biden administration has been left unchecked. Because of their policies, we have seen record-breaking inflation, skyrocketing gas and grocery prices, and increases to daily expenses. Hard-working families are forced to decide between feeding their families or paying the heat and electric bills.

These economic hardships are brought on by unrestricted reckless spending. That irresponsible spending stops now. With $31.4 trillion in national debt, House Republicans are committed to finding a reasonable, practical, and responsible solution to raising the debt ceiling. Just like millions of Americans are forced to make difficult financial decisions to make ends meet, we must finally address out-of-control government spending if we want to put America on a better fiscal path.

Mr. Speaker, I heard from hundreds of my constituents who are concerned about America's checkbook. On December 16, 2021, Congress voted to increase the national borrowing limit to $31.4 trillion, an increase of $2.5 trillion more than the previous allowance. This bill kicked the proverbial can down the road until now when we are, once again, faced with raising the Federal debt ceiling even further.

In recent years, the Federal debt has ballooned because of many of the Biden administration's policies, including the student loan repayment pause and forgiveness, Congressional Democrats' multitrillion-dollar spending spree, and rising interest rates stemming from historic inflation.

The first step toward reducing the debt is controlling the annual deficit. To fully address the drivers of the national debt, Members of both parties and the President will have to come to an agreement in addressing unchecked mandatory spending and reckless discretionary spending priorities.

Mr. Speaker, as part of my commitment to America, I will continue to work to rein in government waste, fraud, and abuse, while limiting skyrocketing government program costs and finding solutions on reducing our national debt.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dot Monahan of Oil City and Ryan Kunselman of Clarion for their people's choice awards in the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation's 2022 photo contest.

Dot won her award in the Caught in the Rain category with a photo of a soaked bald eagle in Oil Creek State Park.

Ryan took home his award-winning photo in the Raindrop to River category while visiting Clear Creek State Park.

The 2022 photo contest had stiff competition, with nearly 600 entries. This annual contest allows both professionals and amateurs to compete in a variety of categories.

The other winning photos from all the 2022 photo contest submissions can be viewed on the Parks and Forest Foundation's Facebook page.

The Parks and Forest Foundation supports 124 State parks and 2.2 million acres of forest by coordinating volunteers, activities, and donations through its 48 chapters.

The Foundation's mission is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania State parks and forests.

Mr. Speaker, these photographs are a great reminder of the beauty that we can find in nature even on a rainy day.

Congratulations to Dot and Ryan on their awards.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alpha Fire Company in State College and the Logan Fire Company in Bellefonte as well as their volunteers who collected community donations for the YMCA of Centre County's Anti-Hunger Program.

Mr. Speaker, these volunteers collected community donations of shelf- stable food totaling more than 24,000 pounds during a 4-hour ``Canuary Food Drive'' on Saturday at four Centre County Weis Markets locations.

Neighbors helping neighbors strengthens our community. As we continue to see rising food costs and record inflation, more and more families are turning to local food banks for food assistance.

The idea of ``Canuary'' started at the Port Matilda Elementary School but quickly became a large-scale community effort as volunteers from all over the area started offering to help.

Mr. Speaker, as someone who served for decades as a volunteer firefighter, I am happy to see the support they continue to provide to the community.

The ``Canuary'' Food Drive will aid in the effort and continues through the remainder of the month, with many churches, businesses, schools, offices, and student groups participating.

Congratulations on a successful weekend food drive.