Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, over the weekend, we celebrated National K9 Veterans Day. This day is set to honor the service and sacrifice of American military and working dogs throughout history.

Military working dogs are vital to our military missions. Dogs can help sense incoming artillery, locate wounded soldiers, deliver messages between troops, and provide a much-needed morale boost on the front line.

The original war dog is Sergeant Stubby, the most decorated war dog of World War I. He saw four offensives and 17 battles. Despite numerous injuries, he always returned to his regiment.

Stubby's ability to warn of poison gas attacks, locate wounded soldiers, and alert his unit to incoming artillery shells ultimately earned him the rank of sergeant.

Madam Speaker, we recognize our military working dogs on March 13 because on that day in 1942, the U.S. K9 Corps was officially created.

Today, there are more than 3,000 military working dogs deployed around the globe. They are trained to perform a wide variety of critical and often dangerous tasks.

Their work to support our servicemembers and service to our country should not go unrecognized.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate William Westrick of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

William recently accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

William is the son of Ryan and Carissa Westrick and the grandson of Bill Itle of Loretto, Joyce Itle of Ebensburg, Barbara Westrick of Bakerton, and Albert Westrick of Ebensburg. He has a younger sister, Sophie Westrick.

As a student at Central Cambria High School, William is active in the classroom and on the athletic field. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the 4-H Dairy Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Outside of school, William is a member of the Ebensburg Borough Junior Council and is employed by Vale Wood Farms.

I would like to thank William for his commitment to service and wish him the very best of luck as he embarks on this exciting new phase of life in Annapolis.

Recognizing Joshua Hershbine Upon His Appointment to the United States

Military Academy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Joshua Hershbine of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania.

Joshua recently accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Joshua is a senior at State College Area High School, where he has excelled in and out of the classroom. He is a member of the student council as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

He is an active member in his church community, spending time as an altar server, videographer, and supporting the Toys for Tots Christmas campaign.

Joshua is the son of Todd and Julie Hershbine and the grandson of the late Clarence and Dolores Farabaugh of Carrolltown and John and Kathleen Hershbine of Sanibel, Florida. He has two sisters, Brynn and Tara Hershbine.

Joshua has a clear passion for service and is a great example of what leadership looks like.

Best wishes in West Point, Joshua, and I look forward to seeing all that you achieve.

Recognizing William Rishel Upon His Appointment to the United States

Air Force Academy

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate William Rishel of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania.

William accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

William is a graduate of Philipsburg-Osceola High School and currently a first-year student at Penn State University. He is the son of Jason and Ann Rishel.

In high school, William was a 4-year varsity athlete as well as a member of the National Honor Society and the Mountie Nation Service Organization. By the time he graduated high school, he had accumulated over 260 community hours of service.

As a first year at Penn State, William is an active member of the Air Force ROTC Detachment 720, and he also earned his private pilot license from University Park Airport.

I am confident William's experience in and out of the classroom will serve him well as he looks forward to this exciting new phase of life. I thank William for his commitment to our Nation and wish him the best of luck in Colorado Springs.

Mr. Speaker, it was an honor to nominate these young men. Their dedication to serving our country is inspirational. I look forward to seeing their successes in the years to come. I thank all the appointees for their commitment to our great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address Pennsylvanians' pain at the pump.

AAA reported Saturday that the average price for gas in Pennsylvania had reached $4.08 a gallon, an all-time high. Gas in Pennsylvania was $3.75 just a week ago and $3.60 a month ago.

The most recent spike could be attributed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but we know the cost of gas has continued to increase since President Biden's inauguration.

From day one, President Biden has stifled domestic energy production. His policies established new regulations governing methane emissions, overturned resolutions to reform EPA oil and gas rules, and halted new oil and gas leases on Federal lands and waters. These actions have resulted in energy poverty for many Americans across the United States.

When this administration chose to shut down domestic energy production, it opened the United States and our allies to energy instability and insecurity. Instead of reversing course, President Biden is emboldening dictators around the world by relying on their energy reserves.

A ban on Russian oil is a step in the right direction, but it is incomplete if we do not reopen the United States for domestic energy production.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kenneth Burkett, a Jefferson County resident, for receiving the Crabtree Award from the Society for American Archaeology.

This award is given annually to an outstanding avocational archaeologist in remembrance of Don Crabtree. Mr. Crabtree brought experimental archaeology to prominence.

Recipients of the Crabtree Award are archaeologists who have contributed to advance the understanding of local, regional, and national archaeology

through excavation, research, publication, site preservation, or collections preservation, all in collaboration with the professional community or public outreach.

This award is well deserved for Kenneth, as he has spent his career conducting archaeological research and excavations in western Pennsylvania, focusing on the lifeways of prehistoric Native Americans who once lived in the Redbank Creek watershed.

Kenneth is currently the executive director of the Jefferson County History Center as well as a field associate with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. He spends time working closely with the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology 29th Chapter, located in North Fork.

Kenneth has a true passion for bringing our history to life and sharing the artifacts of the people who walked this Earth before us.

Once again, I want to congratulate Kenneth on this well-deserved accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Brubaker family from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, owners and operators of Brubaker Farms, as they celebrate the notable Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.

This award is given in honor of the world-renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, who many consider being the father of wildlife ecology and a devout conservationist.

The Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award recognizes Pennsylvania farmers, ranchers, and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat resources in their care.

America's farmers, ranchers, and foresters are the original conservationists, and the Brubaker family is no exception.

The Brubaker Farm is a 1,200-cow dairy run by Luke Brubaker and his sons, Mike and Tony. They use an assortment of conservation practices to farm the acres, to feed their herd, including no-till farming and cover crops.

Additionally, the Brubakers fenced cattle away from streams and planted trees in 15 acres of riparian buffers, allowing deer, turtles, and waterfowl in the area to thrive.

Mr. Speaker, the Brubaker family has a longstanding history of being true stewards of the earth, and their continual commitment and dedication to conservation while remaining competitive in the dairy industry is a noteworthy feat.

Once again, I want to congratulate the Brubaker family on this well- deserved accomplishment, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this family-owned farm.

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

On February 18 at 4 p.m., Penn State students, staff, family, friends, volunteers, and spectators filled the Bryce Jordan Center for the 50th Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, more widely known as THON, to raise money for the Four Diamonds Foundation.

Since 1973, student volunteers have come together at Penn State to raise money for the Penn State Health Children's Hospital. 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 was founded by Charles and Irma Millard in 1972 after their son, Christopher, lost his battle with cancer at age 11. 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 an evil sorceress. His parents realized those four qualities were all necessary to overcome cancer, and they created the Four Diamonds Fund in his memory.

Mr. Millard passed away in November of 2021 at the age of 93, but his legacy through THON and his foundation will no doubt live on forever.

Over the past 50 years, THON has grown into the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. In the first year, 78 students danced for 30 hours straight and raised just over $2,000. Today, THON is a 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon celebrating nearly 17,000 students' yearlong fundraising efforts to help end childhood cancer.

Thankfully, after a virtual event last year, 667 dancers and tens of thousands of student volunteers and supporters attended the event in- person. Students stood from 6 p.m. on Friday, February 18, until 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 20. 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 past year, the pandemic prohibited students from hosting many of their traditional bake sales, ribbon sales, or other fundraisers that Pennsylvanians have been accustomed to seeing throughout the Commonwealth. Despite this, THON shattered previous fundraising records by bringing in more than $13.7 million for the kids.

Over the last 50 years, THON has now donated more than $200 million to Four Diamonds Fund, undoubtedly saving hundreds of lives.

While it is no easy feat to stand for 46 hours, the real highlight of this event comes on Sunday afternoon, shortly before the event concludes. During what is known as Family Hour, THON invites Four Diamonds families onto the stage to share their experiences with the Children's Hospital, Four Diamonds, and THON.

This year, Jacquie Homan shared the story of how her son was diagnosed with synovial cell sarcoma at age 2. Thanks to Penn State Children's Hospital, Declan is officially 5 years cancer-free, and Jacquie said that the support from the THON community had an immeasurable impact on helping their family cope with and move forward from this diagnosis.

I am inspired by Declan and every other child and family who find themselves battling cancer and am in awe of their strength and their spirit as they keep fighting.

I am also proud of the Penn State students who continue to be so committed to this cause. And I am incredibly proud of the work done by the Four Diamonds Foundation and Penn State Children's Hospital as they conduct lifesaving research and ensure no family ever receives a bill.

Congratulations, once again, to everyone involved in this year's

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the distinguished career of Penn State University President Eric Barron.

President Barron assumed office in 2014 after leaving his post as president at the Florida State University. But his service to the university began when Dr. Barron served as dean of the College of Earth and Minerals Sciences and founding director of the Earth System Science Center in Penn State.

In his tenure as president of Penn State University, President Barron elevated Penn State as a leader in higher education. President Barron has also worked to support State funding, increase access and affordability to students through scholarship programs, and prepare students graduating from Penn State for success after college.

In my time working with President Barron, he has always made it a point to meet with the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation regularly and share Penn State's vision, work, and culture. He took the time to build meaningful relationships which ultimately benefited the university and the Commonwealth as a whole. I am happy to call him my friend and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, Penn State remains one of the top institutions in the country in part because of the work of President Barron. He leaves a great legacy behind.

I thank President Barron for his service, and I wish him joy in his retirement.

I thank the gentleman for his leadership in this Special Order hour and for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today during this Special Order to offer thoughts on the real state of our Union. Last night, President Biden addressed the Nation and attempted to rewrite the history of his first year in office.

His speech included a lot of Washington-speak and was short on solutions to our everyday challenges: Record-high inflation, the skyrocketing cost of gas, and supply chain disruptions affecting everything from food to consumer goods.

President Biden owns this energy crisis, which is the direct result of his administration crippling domestic production: Ending the issuing of permits, the production on Federal lands, the

stopping of pipelines, the list goes on and on and on.

When we don't produce our own energy, it makes us more vulnerable to global market fluctuations such as those caused by Russian aggressions in Ukraine. You heard my good friend talk about how America under President Biden is buying over half a million barrels of oil a day. In some small part or large part, America is funding, through that, the Russian aggression into Ukraine.

President Biden continues to ignore the national emergency at our southern border. I was just there last week, and it was incredible. We have unprecedented illegal migration, we have millions of apprehensions and limited deportations. This is a serious situation that continues to threaten our national security.

Madam Speaker, actions speak louder than words, and no amount of grandstanding is going to change the fact that the American people have a starkly different view from the President on the direction of our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Representative Jim Hagedorn. I had the privilege of working with Jim in D.C., and the opportunity to spend time with him in his district where I know he was well-loved.

Jim was a tireless advocate on behalf of our Nation's farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters, and he never wavered in his commitment to serving the great people of Minnesota's First District.

Jim was a warrior on the Ag Committee questioning and confronting the administration when he perceived policies were hurting those families that work hard every day to provide us food and fiber. I consider Jim a dear friend and his passing a tragic loss.

His contagious personality and cheerful sense of humor will be missed on the committee and in the Halls of Congress for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, scripture in Thessalonians 4:13-18 instructs us with these words, ``Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.''

Jim Hagedorn lived his life dedicated in service to this Nation in a manner that brought hope to so many. Let us find hope having known Jim Hagedorn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize February as Career and Technical Education Month.

During this month, we celebrate and highlight the value career and technical education, or CTE, which restores the rungs on the ladder of opportunity for many individuals and gives them the tools to succeed.

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

Our students should be aware of their educational options and understand a bachelor's degree is not the only path to a meaningful, family-sustaining career.

A highly skilled workforce is important to the success of America's economic growth and competitiveness.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Congressman Jim Langevin from Rhode Island, for joining me and introducing this resolution to recognize the importance of career and technical education.

We will continue to work hard to close the Nation's skills gap.

Madam Speaker, the transatlantic relationships between the United States

and European democracies are some of our most important. It is important we work together, try to understand each other, and communicate--not only on a political but on a personal level--through our citizens.

For nearly 40 years, a cultural and political exchange has occurred between the United States and Germany through young members of society. In fact, my office is currently participating.

Maja Sondermann is a 21-year-old from a town close to Frankfurt, Germany, a young professional and student studying marketing and advertisement and currently interning for my office. She is a participant in the 39th year of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange, CBYX, a program jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, and one of five CBYX participants currently interning on the Hill.

Initiated in 1983, the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange offers young Americans and Germans the opportunity to explore each other's culture. This cultural exchange program involves participants moving to the U.S. or Germany for 1 year and strengthens the ties of our American-German relationship through citizen diplomacy.

Over 26,000 American and German high school students, vocational students, and young professionals have thus far participated in and benefited from this incredible experience.

Even through the pandemic the participants remained resilient and joined the cultural exchange virtually. This year, the CBYX was able to return to an in-person exchange in August of 2021. For the duration of the program, the participants live with host families, immersing themselves in the daily life of a different culture, and attend classes, and the young professionals even work in the foreign country. They form bonds and friendships with people whom they meet during the year abroad and learn about a different culture while fully immersing in it and building strong personal and professional connections.

The participants on both sides gain a new perspective on global affairs, politics, and socioeconomic topics, as well as a new sense of empowerment, independence, and knowledge of a different culture and what it means to be a global citizen.

Their contribution to cultural exchange and the American-German friendship doesn't end with their flight back home. These young minds are positively impacted through this experience, as they share it with others after returning to their home countries.

Even beyond that, the participants stay connected with the people they meet and other participants. Many alumni of the program continue to contribute to transatlantic relations on both sides through the alumni network and their personal career paths.

With the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange in 2023, and as a member of the German-American Caucus, I want to draw attention to this important program. It continues to support both our nations' transatlantic bonds while also inspiring so many young minds to engage in a cultural and political exchange.

Madam Speaker, the CBYX program is an exceptional chance for our countries to connect and communicate on a different level and form relationships that will last and positively impact our future since the program directly impacts the foundation of our future young citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 112th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. On February 8, 1910, Chicago businessman, William D. 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.

The Scouts have helped shaped some of the most memorable figures in U.S. history: Former President George W. Bush, Martin Luther King, Jr., and even retiring Supreme Court Justice, Stephen Breyer.

Mr. Speaker, I have spent more than 50 years in scouting, including serving as Scout Master and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1977. It was these experiences that first sparked my interest in public service. The Boy Scout oath, in part, urges us to perform our duty to our country. I am proud to introduce this resolution designating today as Boy Scouts of America Day to honor the tireless service of Scout volunteers and participants in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I have witnessed firsthand the important principles, values,

and lessons that are imparted upon young people and last a lifetime. 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, after the Bible, probably this manual, the Boy Scout Handbook, has done more to shape my life and made me the person that I am today.

Madam Speaker, earlier this month I visited Butler County Community College at Armstrong campus. This community college is one of the six campuses in the BC3 community.

BC3 at Armstrong is the newest branch and opened to students in 2015. The college is currently preparing for an expansion which will spur economic growth and expand education access to underrepresented communities.

This 15,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will provide current and future students additional educational opportunities.

Students currently enrolled can take classes leading to an associate's degree in business administration, psychology, and general studies. With this expansion, BC3 at Armstrong plans to introduce noncredit workforce development opportunities as well as associate degree career programs in technical fields.

The educational paths provided by BC3 at Armstrong focus on learning to earn, ultimately equipping their students with the skills needed to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.

It is the efforts of educational institutions like Butler County Community College that provide high-quality, affordable education, giving our next generation of learners more opportunities to succeed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Martha Banda, a lifetime resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, who passed away in January surrounded by family. She was 87 years old.

One of Martha's biggest accomplishments was serving the Johnstown community as the first Democratic woman to be elected to the Johnstown City Council. From there, Martha was an elected member of the Democratic State Committee and served as an appointed member and chairperson of the Johnstown Housing Authority and secretary of the Cambria County War Memorial Authority.

Martha's role as a public servant continued when she was elected by council to serve as deputy mayor of Johnstown for 4 years.

Outside of Martha's role in politics, Martha was a faithful member of St. Benedict Parish, where she served in a variety of roles.

Martha was always giving back to the community, serving as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board as well as president of the Moxham Citizen's Association in 1979. Martha also served on the Bottle Works Board and was a member of the American Association of University Women, Quota Club, the Chrysanthemum Society, and the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.

Martha's impact on the greater Johnstown community will not be forgotten. My prayers are with Martha's family and her friends.

Madam Speaker, yesterday was a big day in the 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

Early in the morning, tens of thousands of spectators gathered at Gobbler's Knob in Jefferson County to await the weather prediction from Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil.

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

Groundhog Day is an unusual event full of traditions and celebrations. Crowds begin to gather the night before and wake Phil up by chanting his name in the early hours of the morning on February 2. As our weather predictor extraordinaire emerges from his burrow, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle president translates Phil's prediction and relays the message to the crowd.

Records of our meteorologist rodent date back to 1887, with the first story appearing in the Punxsutawney Spirit. In the years since, Phil has predicted a longer winter 105 times and an early spring only 20 times.

Our seer of seers saw his shadow, thus predicting 6 more weeks of cold and snowy weather.

Madam Speaker, let's keep those winter layers close by. Happy Groundhog Day.