Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Allen ``Al'' Pingee of Lewis Run. Al passed away on Tuesday, April 23, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Al was a McKean County commissioner at the time of his death, and I flew a flag over the United States Capitol to be presented to Al's family and his colleagues.

Prior to becoming a commissioner, Al was a member of the city of Bradford professional firefighters and retired as a captain in 1988. He then served as Bradford Township supervisor for 14 years, 11 of those years as chairman.

Al was a proud Vietnam veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a corporal in September 1970.

Mr. Speaker, Al Pingee has served his Nation and his community.

Above all else, he was a family man, a loving husband of 36 years to his wife, Deborah, and father to his four children, Andy, Scott, Jeff, and Jodie. He was a grandfather, a brother, and a friend to many.

We remember Al Pingee for his exceptional service to others.

May he rest in peace.

Recognizing National Dairy Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize June as National Dairy Month.

Dairy products like milk contain nine essential nutrients that may help reduce the risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Whether it is a protein to help build and repair the muscle tissue of active bodies or Vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin, dairy products are a natural nutrient powerhouse.

National Dairy Month started out as National Milk Month in 1937 to stabilize the dairy demand when the production was at a surplus. Now, it has developed into an annual tradition that celebrates the contributions the dairy industry has made to the world.

Proudly, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is one of the largest milk- producing States in the Nation. I have a bill called the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow for whole milk, both flavored and nonflavored, to be offered in school cafeterias.

Just last week, I introduced the School Milk Nutrition Act with Congressman Joe Courtney to expand milk options for students and reverse the decline of milk consumption in our schools. Our bill reaffirms recent regulation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture by providing schools with the option to serve low-fat milk with flavor and requires that the milk offered is consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

In November 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced regulatory changes for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, including a provision that provides schools with the option to serve low-fat 1 percent flavored milk.

The School Milk Nutrition Act for 2019 will codify this milk provision and will maintain the option for schools to offer low-fat 1 percent flavored milk if it is consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

I urge my colleagues to sign on to these bills during National Dairy Month and allow our students the option of consuming the type of milk that they love and to receive the nutrition that they need.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to being, a week from today, in our State capital of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at 11 a.m. for a rally with all the advocates for nutrition for children and certainly for dairy farming, as we rally for whole milk for healthy kids.

Mr. Speaker, June is National Homeownership Month, and it is the time when we celebrate and recognize the many benefits of owning a home.

For generations of Americans, owning a home has been an essential element in achieving the American Dream. But since the Great Recession, we have seen homeownership rates dip to historic lows.

Young families often find themselves unable to save for a down payment or gain access to adequate credit, and that is especially true for those living in rural areas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture places emphasis on helping rural Americans buy homes. USDA provides mortgage loan guarantees through partnerships with private-sector lenders to help low- to moderate- income rural home buyers. USDA has helped more than 4.4 million rural residents buy homes since the National Housing Act was passed 70 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, homeownership has widespread benefits: It fortifies communities, creates jobs, and strengthens the local businesses that support our towns.

I thank USDA for its commitment to providing affordable housing for rural Americans. By helping hardworking Americans achieve this dream, it provides a strong foundation for more prosperous rural communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Allied D-Day invasion of France, to honor the bravery of our Armed Forces who served in that operation.

On June 6, 1944, 73,000 Americans took part in Operation Overlord to storm the beaches of Normandy. Sadly, the United States suffered more than 6,000 casualties in this operation. Ultimately, thousands more U.S. servicemembers would fall in the coming weeks and months liberating the rest of Western Europe from German control.

Madam Speaker, last year I attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France. Looking out among the white crosses, one could see fathers buried next to sons and brothers next to brothers. The average age of those who perished was just 19 years old.

This memorial serves as a constant reminder that the United States will fight and die to protect the freedoms of not just American citizens, but for those around the globe. We are eternally grateful for this devotion to duty and devotion to country.

Mr. Speaker, last week I was honored to attend the Showcase for Commerce in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Cambria County.

For nearly 30 years, the annual Showcase for Commerce has highlighted the exceptional work happening in Cambria County.

Established by the late Congressman Jack Murtha, the event brings together Federal, State and local leaders, as well as major defense corporations and subcontractors and regional, national, and international business leaders.

With more than 100 exhibitors and more than 2,000 attendees, the Showcase for Commerce has grown into a nationally recognized business and industry trade show and defense contracting exhibition.

Cambria County has a skilled workforce that makes considerable contributions to our national security. We saw more than $180 million in new defense contracts announced at this year's showcase. Because America can't merely remain competitive in a global economy, but we must lead the way with the most sophisticated technology.

As a Member of the House of Representatives and the father of an Active-Duty soldier and a Purple Heart wounded warrior, I am not interested in a fair fight. Our United States military members deserve our best, that includes the resources to be optimally safe, effective, and lethal.

There is no better means to a peaceful world or a deterrent to would- be dictators and terrorists than a well-equipped, robustly trained, and properly funded United States military.

Generations of workers in Cambria County and southwestern Pennsylvania have been dedicated to our national security through service overseas and service here at home.

They ensure that we send our servicemen and women into combat with the most advanced state-of-the-art equipment available.

Here in Washington, the Army's modernization efforts include a request of $12.2 billion in research, development, tests, and evaluation funding, and $21.8 billion in procurement, which will begin to address the Army's identified top six modernization priorities: Long-Range Precision Fires Missile, next-generation combat vehicles, Future Vertical Lift, tactical network, air-and-missile defense, and soldier lethality.

Now, I support this request because we need to be ready to answer the threats that are before us, whether they come from Iran, North Korea, Russia, or elsewhere, we must be able to counter and mitigate such threats swiftly and deliberately.

Career and technical education play a role in our readiness. Right now, there are more than 7 million job openings in the United States, and it is one of the greatest challenges we face--the skills gap.

Thanks to the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, we were able to completely overhaul the Perkins Act and invest the resources necessary to have a dominant and prosperous workforce.

We can secure the future, and help more Americans climb the rungs on the ladder of opportunity through career and technical education programs.

Mr. Speaker, the Showcase for Commerce puts Cambria County workforce on display. Those of us in Pennsylvania already knew this, and the showcase lets us share it with the rest of the Nation.

Madam Speaker, today, I have Jeremy Collier with me as part of the National Foster Youth Institute Shadow Day.

Jeremy and his wife, Ashley, live in Cincinnati with their 2-year-old son, Payton. Jeremy recently completed his MBA studies at Western Governors University.

Life wasn't always easy for Jeremy. Jeremy aged out of the foster care system at age 18 when he was still in high school. Jeremy was virtually homeless, yet he graduated and went on to complete a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati. Jeremy majored in business with a concentration in finance.

Today, Jeremy works as a senior insurance auditor, focusing on risk- related audits. I thank Jeremy for being here today, sharing his story and helping so many children overcome similar obstacles.

Jeremy went through tough times and persevered. He came to Washington to share his experiences in the hope of strengthening the system for foster youth.

Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly congratulate Jeremy on all that he has achieved in life. Madam Speaker, I am proud of Jeremy's success and wish him and his family the best moving forward.

Madam Speaker, as a public servant, Fred Keller has built a reputation for being hardworking, sincere, and dedicated. He has worked passionately for everything he has achieved.

Things weren't always easy for Fred. In fact, he grew up in a house where he had no running water or electricity. And he went straight from high school to work in a factory and became the manager of that great forest products manufacturer. He then served honorably for 8 years in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives.

Fred Keller's life is reflective of the American Dream, and it is my privilege to welcome him to the House of Representatives today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 45th annual National EMS Week. During this week, we celebrate emergency medical services personnel and the important work that they do in our Nation's communities.

The EMS professionals provide constant services to people in need. From illness to injury, whenever the world

seems to be ending, society counts on EMS personnel to be there. They are expected to work hard and be strong, especially in times of trouble.

Madam Speaker, as a former EMT rescue technician and firefighter with more than three decades of experience being on the front lines with my fellow EMS professionals, I can personally attest to their dedication to saving lives.

The job of an EMS professional is not easy. It requires just as much compassion as it does courage. These men and women are committed to making the world better.

EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who are on the front line providing day- to-day lifesaving services.

A thank-you to the EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and supervisors across the country. Every American is grateful for their service.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend marks one of our most solemn occasions, Memorial Day, where we mourn those we have lost in the defense of this Nation.

Many in this House will attend ceremonies throughout the weekend and on Memorial Day, which is observed annually on the last Monday of May.

The traditional Memorial Day dates back to 1864 in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, my home county, where three ladies decorated the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers. The custom has continued every year since then. Boalsburg still puts on a traditional Memorial Day celebration, complete with a parade, a community walk to the cemetery, speeches, military reenactments, and much more.

We must never forget the unthinkable pain for the families whose loved ones have not returned home, and this includes those missing in action and prisoners of war. Currently, there are more than 83,000 American servicemembers who remain unaccounted for from World War II, the Korean war, and Vietnam.

While several nations have worked to assist the United States in search and recovery efforts, many challenges still exist when it comes to negotiations and operations. That is why today I will introduce the Keeping Our Promise to MIAs/POWs resolution that expresses a sense of Congress that any nation seeking to potentially enter into a mutually beneficial trade agreement with the United States should provide reasonable access and cooperation to help us recover our unaccounted- for servicemembers.

This resolution sends a message that this Nation will uphold its eternal promise to our Armed Forces to always work to bring our men and women home, no matter the circumstances we face, no matter the time that has passed.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, especially in advance of Memorial Day weekend. Mr. Speaker, America will gather this weekend with family members, friends, and neighbors to remember those whom we have lost. As we raise the Stars and Stripes, as we lay wreaths at monuments and memorials and cemeteries, as we march in parades and attend services, let us remember that our freedom is thanks to those who died in sacrifice.

May God bless them, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brad Farmer, who has spent the last 38 years of his life in service to the Boy Scouts of America, and to congratulate him on his retirement. It is because of people like Brad that Scouting has been able to positively influence the lives of millions of young American men and women.

Brad began his service in 1981 as a district executive in Wood River, Illinois, and has served Scouting in several local and national roles since then. Brad most recently served in the National Office of the Boy Scouts, where he was Assistant Chief Scout Executive for Development from 2009 until earlier this year. Brad was also charged with overseeing the Boy Scouts of America sustainability and outdoor stewardship efforts.

Mr. Speaker, over the last 10 years, Brad has provided incredible service and leadership. Brad leaves tremendous shoes to fill, but I congratulate him on a well deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Brad for his contributions to the Boy Scouts of America and our Nation's youth.

Madam Speaker, exactly 100 years ago today, this House passed the 19th Amendment. On June 4, 1919, the Senate approved it.

The women's right to vote began the race to ratification, requiring three-fourths of the 48 States to ratify it before it was added to the Constitution. That happened on August 26, 1920.

Madam Speaker, a woman having the right to vote is not at all controversial today. However, in 1848, when the first women's rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York, the issue was so contentious that the group of mostly women only narrowly passed including voting rights in their Declaration of Sentiments.

We know some of the leaders of the movement, like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Ida B. Wells, but there are thousands of other women whose names will never be known. They also gave heart and courage to ensuring equality for women.

The passage of the 19th Amendment ensured that all Americans were included in steering our Nation toward the future. One hundred years later, it remains just as important.

Madam Speaker, tomorrow, May 18, our Nation celebrates Armed Forces Day.

Recognized the third Saturday in May since President Truman, Armed Forces Day is a time for us to pay special tribute to the brave men and women serving in all areas of the military.

It is also a time to educate the public on the impacts that our servicemembers have on communities across the country.

As the proud father of a soldier, I am endlessly grateful for the selfless actions of our servicemembers and their devotion to country.

Our servicemen and -women serve throughout the world as a beacon of light, carrying with them our values of liberty and justice. This service is often done on foreign lands and away from family and friends, but their willingness to defeat any threat that seeks to harm American values and interests never wavers.

Madam Speaker, with this day, we hope to show our appreciation so those honored are aware of how much we think of them and their sacrifices.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Community Action Month.

This year marks the 55th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty. There are more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies across the country that reach children and families in 99 percent of America's counties to help provide life-changing services that create pathways out of poverty.

Every year, these agencies help tens of thousands of children and youth with before- and after-school programs; more than 165,000 unemployed people get a job; almost 220,000 families find safe and affordable housing; and about 6.5 million people, including seniors, make their homes more energy efficient and lower their utility bills.

Earlier this spring, I was proud to introduce H.R. 1695, the Community Services Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2019, with Congresswoman Betty McCollum.

This bill renews our Nation's commitment to reducing poverty through locally driven, comprehensive approaches.

Madam Speaker, the Community Services Block Grant traces its roots back more than 50 years ago to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. This act established local Community Action Agencies to help identify why people were in poverty and how to address it using public and private resources, a great public-private partnership.

These agencies act as a safety net for low-income individuals and families. Even more importantly, they help create opportunities for people to move from poverty to independence. That is the true measure of success as we look at these Community Action Agencies.

The Community Services Block Grant is the only Federal program with the explicit goal of reducing poverty, regardless of the cause. Unfortunately, this program has not been reauthorized in more than 20 years.

Our bill makes important updates that will strengthen the Community Services Block Grant and the network it supports, including:

A new federally administered Community Action Opioid Response Grant that will enable Community Action Agencies to fill service gaps and respond to unmet needs of low-income individuals, families, and communities affected by the opioid or substance abuse crisis;

A provision requiring Federal approval of State applications and plans, with provisions to allow direct Federal funding of local agencies if a State plan fails to meet Federal requirements; and

A renewed commitment to streamlining the program's stated purpose to reduce poverty through support for Community Action Agencies that improve economic security for low-income individuals and families and create new opportunities in the communities where they live.

This bill will help more than 15 million low-income Americans and provide resources necessary to help lift individuals and families out of poverty.

Madam Speaker, it is time to reauthorize the Community Services Block Grant, and I urge all my colleagues to support this bill, especially during Community Action Month.

Mr. Speaker, May is Mental Health Month, a time when we are encouraged to break down the stigmas that surround mental health.

Normalizing conversations about depression, anxiety, and other conditions will help those affected by mental illness seek the quality care that they need and deserve.

One group that is overwhelmingly impacted by mental health disorders is veterans.

Unfortunately, we know that about 22 veterans commit suicide each and every day.

Congress understands how dire the situation has become and is working diligently to find a solution. Fortunately, we have made progress over the past few years.

Last year's passage of the VA Mission Act significantly increased the care available to our veterans, ensuring they have access to a medical professional before resorting to suicide.

This is a step in the right direction, but more can certainly be done.

These men and women answer the call of duty, and as a Nation, we must care for them when they return home.

Until veteran suicide rates dwindle to zero, I will continue to work with my colleagues to support veterans' mental health programs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak

about an organization that is near and dear to my heart: the Lions Clubs International.

I am a member of my hometown organization, the Howard Area Lions Club. The Howard Area Lions Club has consistently earned the recognition as the largest Lions Club in Pennsylvania.

There are probably many factors that have led them to this, but none more significant than their commitment to the Lions Club motto, ``We Serve.''

The members of my club served as the chartering organization for the Howard Boy Scout Troop 353; and, in the past, I was proud to serve as Scoutmaster of that unit.

Simply put, service is of the utmost importance to the Lions. The clubs are places where individuals can join together to give their valuable time and effort to improving their communities and the world.

Where there is a need, there is a Lion. There are 1.4 million Lions around the world, 47,000 Lions Clubs in more than 200 countries. For more than 100 years, Lions have been serving humanity.

The idea of the Lions Club began in 1917. A 38-year-old Chicago business leader named Melvin Jones told members of his local business club that they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. They agreed.

Three years later, Lions Clubs became an international organization. Melvin Jones inspired generations of people to become civic-minded individuals, dedicated to using their talents and ambitions to improve their communities without financial reward.

Melvin Jones had a personal code: ``You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else.''

Madam Speaker, service to others is what makes the Lions Clubs International such a powerful force for good in the world.

There are nearly 70 Members of Congress who are involved in service organizations, and that is why I am proud to be working with my colleague Congressman Jimmy Panetta to establish the Congressional Service Organization Caucus. We plan to launch the caucus soon.

It will support the many operations that are dedicated to giving back to their communities. I encourage my colleagues to join because there are few gifts greater than the gift of time and service to others.

Madam Speaker, Lions Clubs International is on Capitol Hill today to raise awareness about how helpful service organizations are to communities across the Nation.

I am grateful that Lions Clubs around the globe serve millions annually, and I am so proud to be a member of an organization that not only lives up to its remarkable ideals but exceeds them time and time again.

Madam Speaker, today is Peace Officers Memorial Day, when we pay tribute to local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers who serve and protect our communities.

Today is an extra special day for one of my constituents and his family: Sugarcreek Police Sergeant Anthony Gorman, who was shot April 4, 1997, while investigating a suspicious car in a parking lot in Franklin, Pennsylvania. He never fully recovered from his injuries.

In October of 2014, Sergeant Gorman died at the age of 72, more than 17 years after that initial gunshot. While his death was a direct consequence of the 1997 shooting, a doctor listed his cause of death as natural, which prevented him from being honored at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington, D.C.

His son, Christopher, then embarked on a mission to have his dad's name

memorialized. After years of research, petitions, and advocacy, it is now engraved at the East Pathway of Remembrance at section 25, line 31.

Sergeant Gorman's family was here this week for the candlelight vigil held Monday on The Mall, and thanks to Christopher Gorman's determination, his dad's name is finally where he belongs.