Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.

As co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, it takes a lot for me to oppose legislation like this, which should be and always has been bipartisan. But my friends across the aisle have included measures that just are not good for America, and not bipartisan.

The National Apprenticeship Act, which was originally passed in 1937, established the registered apprenticeship system we see today. This system has provided many Americans with the opportunities to learn tangible skills they need for high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand jobs that will lead to fulfilling careers.

More recently, we have seen interest for apprenticeships rise as more employers and small businesses are recognizing the vital role they play in the development of a skilled workforce. This law is in desperate need of reforms that will both strengthen and expand this traditional system, while empowering employers and others to pursue work-based learning innovation.

As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have always supported and will continue to support legislation that promotes skills-based education for a 21st century economy.

With that being said, we must acknowledge that the registered apprenticeship system created during the Great Depression will never be suitable by itself for a modern workforce.

While this bill codifies several Federal regulations for the registered apprenticeship model, the underlying bill ignores the needs of our workers and our economy.

Previous administrations have taken tremendous steps to grow the number of high-quality apprenticeships and modernize work-based learning programs, especially through the Department of Labor's Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, or IRAPS.

This program is aimed to help foster continued innovation that recognizes the dignity of all work and provides another tool for apprentices to move into meaningful work in our rapidly evolving economy.

However, the current legislation does not provide the needed flexibility for innovation of these programs, the necessary funding to carry out these programs, or change the current status quo.

By prohibiting these innovative programs, this bill assumes that a registered program that works for one employer will meet the various needs of every business across the country, regardless of size or industry. We need to listen to what businesses are telling us.

For this reason, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ethan Knarr of DuBois, Pennsylvania. Ethan recently accepted a fully qualified appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Ethan is the son of Christopher and Danielle Knarr and the grandson of Daniel and Linda Schaffer of DuBois, Leona Knarr of Troutville, and Doug Grube and the late Elizabeth Ann Grube of DuBois.

As a student at DuBois Area High School, Ethan has been an active member of the National Honor Society and the cross-country team, and he served as captain of the tennis team.

Outside of school, Ethan has been heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America, having served as historian, assistant senior patrol leader, and eventually senior patrol leader of his troop. Ethan became an Eagle Scout in March 2020.

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

Recognizing Pete Rickard

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pete Rickard of Strattanville, Pennsylvania, for accepting a fully qualified appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Pete is a student at Clarion-Limestone High School. During his time at Clarion-Limestone, Pete has been a member of the Academic Decathlon team, lettered in basketball, and active in FFA, or Future Farmers of America.

He is now a senior member of the Civil Air Patrol Clarion Composite Squadron 504 and is active in the Greater Pennsylvania American Red Cross.

Pete credits his success to the love and support he has received from family and friends, including Rod and Debbie Frampton, as well as his four sisters, Lucy, Ann, Katie, and Bonnie.

Undoubtedly, Pete's academic success and experience with the Civil Air Patrol will serve him well as he starts this exciting new chapter at the Air Force Academy.

Best wishes to Pete, and I look forward to seeing all that he achieves.

Recognizing Lisa Winger

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lisa Winger of Oil City. Lisa was recently recognized by the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce as the 2020 Citizen of the Year.

According to the chamber, nominees are those who, ``in the face of danger, combat adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage, or strength, and those who perform great deeds or selfless acts for the common good.''

Susan Williams, executive director of the chamber, noted nominations for Lisa mentioned her impeccable character and that she was highly respected, a leader, and selfless.

Lisa works at the AseraCare Hospice, where she counsels residents and their families by providing compassion, comfort, and advice.

She truly lives a life of service. Outside of her work with AseraCare, Lisa has also established an Alzheimer's support group at the Oil City YMCA, and she leads the county's Toys for Tots program.

A friend of Lisa's said in her nomination that Lisa ``works tirelessly for Venango County and dedicates herself to everything she does.''

I would like to congratulate Lisa on this much-deserved recognition and thank her for her commitment to serving her community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Meals on Wheels Program in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, who recently celebrated a 50-year milestone of helping neighbors in need.

Marty Yachisko is the lifeblood of this operation. Marty has been running the Meals on Wheels Program in Indiana County out of the local American Legion kitchen since 1981. Five days a week, Marty and his volunteers gather at the Legion to prepare meals for local senior citizens. Currently, Meals on Wheels of Indiana County is serving 35 seniors but, in the past, volunteers have served up to 70 individuals daily.

Before COVID-19, almost 10 million seniors were facing hunger threats. Meals on Wheels provides an incredibly valuable service. It is not just hot meals. For many seniors, their only social interaction of the day may be their visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer. That connection is invaluable.

Meals on Wheels Indiana is always looking for more volunteers looking to help seniors in their community.

Thank you to Marty and the team at Meals on Wheels Indiana County for their dedication.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, Bill Cline, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 95.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Joyce, who he spent nearly 50 years with; and by daughters Terri Anne, Susan, and Mary Jo; and sons Willard and Mark.

After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Bill returned home to chase his dream of one day owning his own oil production company. He would go on to serve as the sole proprietor of Cline Oil, Incorporated for more than 60 years and remained the president of the company until his death.

In 1859, Edwin Drake drilled the world's first commercial oil well in my district, making history in the energy industry. About 7 years ago, I had the pleasure of presenting Bill with the Colonel Edwin L. Drake Legendary Oilman Award to celebrate his contributions to the industry as well.

Bill will be missed, and Penny and I wish his family the very best as they honor his life while mourning his loss.

Rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise to support the objection.

Madam Speaker, I rise this evening with a heavy heart. The violence that occurred today at the U.S. Capitol was senseless, destructive, and counter to our American values.

This past Sunday, each Member of this body took an oath to uphold the United States Constitution. And while the path of least resistance, particularly following today's events, would be to remain silent, my oath to uphold the Constitution does not permit me to maintain silence.

While systemic voter fraud was not something proven, we witnessed a systemic failure in the application of Pennsylvania's voting law when it comes to the 2020 general election.

In late 2019, the Commonwealth revisited and modernized its election law with the bipartisan Act 77. Granted, in late 2019, the Commonwealth's legislature did not have the foresight to anticipate how COVID-19 would present challenges to voting. Despite that, it is not up to the Governor, the secretary of the Commonwealth, nor the State supreme court to unilaterally create law.

The election abuses to Pennsylvania Act 77 taken by the Pennsylvania executive branch and upheld by the Pennsylvania judicial branch were clearly unconstitutional and had an obvious, if not major, impact on the 2020 election, particularly when it comes to the citizens' faith in the electoral process.

Irregularities in Pennsylvania included: Uneven application of the law; ballot curing; ignoring signature validation requirements; using unsecured drop boxes; accepting ballots beyond the deadlines; and interfering with certified poll watcher access, among others.

These actions were taken by the Commonwealth's Governor and secretary of state where the Pennsylvania Supreme Court circumvented the authority of the State legislature. Furthermore, the chief law officer of the Commonwealth sat idly while this process unfolded.

Now, I joined many of my colleagues in Pennsylvania requesting the legislators in Harrisburg conduct an investigation and audit to ensure such negligence will be prevented in future elections.

I have serious concerns about how these irregularities in the application of the Commonwealth's election laws will play in future elections. Only with equal application of law will the voters of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have certainty in their election processes.

Now, I remain committed to ensuring the voters receive an electoral system they deserve and where equal application of law is guaranteed. If our election integrity is compromised, we have failed the very voters who have sent us here to defend the Constitution.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the impressive career and technical education students in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

Career and technical education helps learners of all ages gain valuable skills that have the potential to lead to good-paying jobs and rewarding careers. It all starts with our Nation's most valuable resource: our people. Hardworking men and women and the dedicated students who have chosen to pursue a technical career are the backbone of our economy.

As co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus, I couldn't be happier to congratulate Jakob Dixon of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, on recently winning a gold medal for his work with sheet metal at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. The 56th annual event took place in Louisville, Kentucky, and hosted upwards of 6,500 students to compete in more than 100 different skills-based competitions. Jakob will be a senior this fall in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program at the Indiana Career Technology Center.

Additionally, in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Northern Cambria Middle School celebrated its back-to-back national championships in the 41st annual Technology Student Association national conference in Washington, D.C., just earlier this month.

More than 8,500 students from across the country competed in 70 different events, including woodworking, programming robots, debate, and more. Every student from Northern Cambria Middle School who competed in the contest achieved national recognition as a top 10 finalist.

Mikey Konitsky, Chris Yahner, Peyton Myers, and Braden Moriconi became national champions in the mechanical engineering competition, a category they have also won in the Commonwealth State of Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Chris Yahner and his classmate Caleb Born placed third in the Nation in structural design and engineering, and Garret Link placed ninth in the Nation for flight endurance.

I am proud of Jakob Dixon and the students of Northern Cambria Middle School and the many students like them across the Commonwealth and the country who have chosen to pursue a skills-based career in such a competitive workforce.

Students like these are in high demand. More than 80 percent of manufacturers claim talent shortages prevent them from keeping up with customer demand, and 46 percent of employers say they have difficulty finding talent, particularly in the skilled trades.

Career and technical education prepare students to be career ready by providing core academic skills, employability skills, and technical job-specific skills through hands-on learning opportunities.

We need more students like Jakob, Mikey, Chris, Peyton, Braden, John, Caleb, and Garret. The value they will add to the American workforce one day cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, on June 28, I had the privilege of attending the fourth annual Frank Varischetti All-Star Football Game in Brockway, Pennsylvania.

The Frank Varischetti Foundation hosts this annual event with support from the Brockway Gridiron Association and the Brockway Area School District. The event brings the region together for a great gridiron game in support of the academic futures of local students.

In addition to showcasing the best football talent in the region, $1,000 scholarships are awarded by game sponsors. This year, I was proud to represent many players from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District in awarding 20 scholarships.

The event also recognized the late coach Andy Evanko, who passed away last month from ALS, with a moment of silence. Coach Evanko was a staple in his community and coached the Curwensville Golden Tide football team from 2000 to 2018 with an impressive career record, winning more than 70 percent of his games as head coach.

These young men and their coaches truly exhibited the value of hard work and the importance of good sportsmanship.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, I had the privilege of returning to Blairsville, Pennsylvania, and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining site in my district.

Founded in 2003, NCDMM is committed to driving innovation throughout the defense manufacturing industry. They are helping revitalize our Nation's manufacturing industry by implementing solutions, cutting commercial and defense customer costs, increasing productivity, improving quality, decreasing lead times, and reducing waste. NCDMM works to leverage the expertise of their team to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions that produce real results.

My recent visit highlighted their efforts to create a 2-year curriculum, partnering with local institutions to train veterans for additive manufacturing placement following their service. This project addresses two critical issues: opportunities for veterans and strategic workforce shortages.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the leadership and the work of the dedicated staff at the NCDMM site. I wish them all the best as they continue to bring innovation and efficiency to our Nation's manufacturing industries.

Madam Speaker, last week, my wife, Penny, and I honored those who make Independence Day possible by attending our son Logan's reenlistment and promotion to Army sergeant first class at Fort Drum, New York.

This occasion reminded me that our independence relies upon the vigilance of our citizens and those who have fought to defend our freedoms.

Regarding Independence Day, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail: ``It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end

of this continent to the other from this time forward forevermore.''

Following the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked what sort of government the delegates had created. Without hesitation, he responded, ``A republic, if you can keep it.''

President Reagan aptly stated that freedom isn't something passed to our children in the bloodstream.

Preserving our freedom is certainly a responsibility of this generation as any past.

Madam Speaker, I commend those who continue to make these freedoms possible, and I look forward to a future where these freedoms will be defended for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 8, I had the privilege of hosting the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council Executive Director, Mr. Scott Turner, in Bellefonte in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

Mr. Turner shared his insight, his expertise, and, I will say, his passion for serving economically distressed communities, regarding the recently designated opportunity zone in Bellefonte, with myself and members of the community. It was a productive and engaging discussion hosted by the American Philatelic Society at its headquarters.

Joined by officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. General Services Administration, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Turner shared a vision behind the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, or opportunity zones, as they are more broadly known.

The Council was established to proactively address the 52 million Americans who live in economically distressed communities nationwide in urban areas, suburban areas, and, quite frankly, rural areas.

It was inspiring to hear Mr. Turner's passion when it comes to stimulating economic growth, expanding workforce development opportunities, and promoting long-term investment in distressed communities.

The opportunity zone designation was made possible by the landmark 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that I was proud to cosponsor and to support. This past April, the White House Council was formed to help align communities with a myriad of Federal agencies that can help supplement public endeavors with private investments.

Because of this, communities, and not the Federal Government, are being put in the driver's seat. The borough of Bellefonte is one of 300 opportunity zones in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, nearly 30 of which are located within Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

These opportunity zones were nominated by the Governor and are nominated by the Governors of each State and territory. The final vetting and finalization for selection are up to the United States Treasury Department.

Opportunity zones are an investment in Pennsylvania's future, our communities' futures, our businesses, and the people who call the Commonwealth home. These zones have great potential when it comes to revitalizing economically distressed communities all across the United States. It is my hope that they can become a catalyst for change and a catalyst for hope in communities across the country.

This facilitates investment by private investors who can take their capital gains that they may have realized because of business transactions that they are engaged in. Normally, these aren't the types of communities where these capital gains are invested. These are areas of higher unemployment and infrastructure issues, maybe housing issues, and a lower median income, not prime places for economic investment by the private sector.

With the incentives of opportunity zones, where these investors can invest these capital gains within those communities for causes and for needs defined by the members of the communities, they are able to realize tax savings.

It encourages them to maintain that investment for 10 years, where they would pay zero taxes on those capital gains and yield a tremendous return on investment for families, for individuals, and for communities.

Additionally, these 23 Federal agencies would provide preferences for competitive grants in these designated opportunity zones, another way of investing.

It was equally inspiring to hear local stakeholders discuss their new developments in Bellefonte, and I am looking forward to helping these communities seek these Federal opportunities.

As I mentioned that day, this is a program that was created by Congress and was signed by President Trump, who executed this with Scott Turner's leadership as Executive Director. It is one that really lies in the community, in terms of identifying what the needs are and the investors who come from the community.

I am grateful to the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council for its willingness to be on the ground and engage, in the hopes of sparking growth and development in all the designated opportunity zones. Specifically, on Monday, it was Bellefonte.

Moreover, I am grateful to the residents of Bellefonte for joining as engaged citizens who are passionate about the future of their town. By taking advantage of opportunity zones, communities like Bellefonte can play a more proactive role in the future and the destiny of their town that they call home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize July as Park and Recreation Month. It is a fitting time to celebrate our Federal, State, and local parks and recreation systems because so many Americans will visit them this summer.

As a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania, an avid outdoorsman, and spending time in my career as a recreational therapist, I strongly support our Nation's parks and recreation facilities.

Our parks provide countless recreational and educational opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors. This month recognizes the important role these parks and public facilities play in the lives of Americans and the contributions of employees who work every day to maintain public parks across the Nation.

Our parks create opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community. They contribute to local economies by attracting businesses and jobs and increasing housing values.

In the United States, public park operations and capital spending generate nearly $140 million in economic activity annually, and our National Park System receives an estimated 331 million recreation visits every year.

Ninety percent of people in the United States agree that public park recreation facilities and activities are important government services. This support spans across all people in the country regardless of race, income, or political affiliation. Nearly 75 percent of Americans agree it is important to ensure all members of their community have equitable access to public parks and recreation facilities.

The most economically sound areas are those with ample public park and recreation facilities and activities. A key factor in business expansion and location decisions is quality of life for employees, with a premium placed on adequate and accessible public parks and open space.

Mr. Speaker, public parks and recreational facilities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier society. Americans living within a 10-minute walk of a park have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity. People who use public parks and open spaces are three times more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity than nonusers.

Recreational programs at public parks provide children with a safe place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically active, and enrichment facilities that help prevent at-risk behavior such as drug use and gang involvement.

As we head further into summer, many Americans will visit public parks and recreation facilities to spend time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors. We are blessed with beautiful outdoor facilities, and it is my hope that all Americans get out and enjoy the parks in their areas.

Minimum Wage Kills Jobs

Mr. Speaker, this morning, I rise to address a bill that my friends across the aisle, the Democrats, are going to bring to the floor next week raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

There was a score this week by the Congressional Budget Office that sheds truth and light on that proposal and what it does, and this government source has indicated it kills jobs. It harms Americans who are today struggling to make ends meet. The average family income will be reduced as a result of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is estimated by the CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, that 3.7 million jobs will be lost and that 42 percent of families who are currently at the minimum wage will see a net reduction in their family income, taking many of them, maybe for the first time, down into a poverty level of income.

There is a better way, Mr. Speaker. In the past, this body passed the Career and Technical Education Reauthorization bill, the Perkins Act. I was proud to work with Mr. Krishnamoorthi from Illinois on that bill as we led it. President Trump signed that into law last July.

We are seeing this bill restore rungs on the ladder of opportunity. A significant number of jobs--6 million jobs--are open and available today at family-sustaining wages.

There is a pathway out of minimum wage. Minimum wage should be a starting point. To me, it is not where you start in life, but it is where you end up. We have provided the tools to provide individuals better access to the type of skills-based education to improve their lot in life and to achieve higher wages and greater opportunity, which is what this country promises.

We work hard; we take risk; and we better ourselves

Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the incredible talent of the United States Women's National Soccer Team, which secured their fourth World Cup title this Sunday, July 7.

The commitment, athleticism, and drive of these women brought our Nation together to cheer them on as they truly dominated match after match.

The team scored 26 goals in their seven matches and allowed only three goals during the entire tournament, making them the highest scoring team in tournament history.

I would like to personally recognize the efforts of goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and defender Ali Krieger, both alumnae of Pennsylvania State University.

Naeher denied England a critical penalty shot in the semifinals, sending the United States to the championship round where the team outran, outshot, and outplayed the Netherlands Women's National Team to win 2-0.

Krieger said, ``We were ready for the moment.''

She, along with their 21 other teammates, delivered and brought home a hard-fought and well-deserved victory for the United States, rightfully earning the title of champions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3073, the TICK Act, which would help combat the rise of tickborne and bloodborne illnesses across the country. These diseases are rapidly becoming a serious and growing threat to public health with more than 300,000 estimated cases annually.

In my home State of Pennsylvania alone, ticks are a common threat to those who explore our vast network of trails and public lands in Pennsylvania.

While ticks carry a variety of harmful diseases, Lyme disease is one of the most prevalent. Currently, there are no uniformly accepted treatment options for patients with chronic symptoms of Lyme disease.

The TICK Act would develop a national strategy to prevent and treat Lyme and other diseases, including those spread by mosquitos and fleas. It would also authorize the Centers for Disease Control to award grants to State health departments to support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise public awareness.

I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 3073, and I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation to prevent and treat Lyme and other vector- borne diseases.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hardworking students, teachers, and staff at DuBois Area Middle School. For the fourth consecutive time, DuBois Area Middle School was one of over 465 schools from around the country named as a school to watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

The Schools to Watch recognition is based on a comprehensive 3-year review of the entire school. Only one other middle school in Pennsylvania has remained at the top with DuBois for their continuous designations.

The students, teachers, and faculty members have joined together to create a learning community where everyone is supported. Every year, the community is challenged to maintain their success by continuing to put their best foot forward. This week, they were recognized for their 12 years of excellence at the National Forum Schools to Watch Conference here in Washington, D.C.

I look forward meeting representatives from the DuBois Area Middle School later today. Madam Speaker, the entire 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania is proud of their continuous success.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and can be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.