Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Easterseals on its 100th anniversary.

Easterseals is a network of more than 70 leading nonprofit organizations that provide local services and support to children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and older adults.

Founded in 1919 in Ohio, Easterseals works nationwide, in almost every State, to help Americans achieve milestones, live independently, and be active members of their communities.

Easterseals employs more than 30,000 professional staff across the country, including therapists, nurses, employment specialists, and direct support professionals who deliver high-quality services.

Over the past century, Easterseals has helped millions of individuals and families by assisting children who have disabilities; helping them access early intervention, including physical and speech therapies, to help prepare them for successful learning; providing in-home and community adult day services for seniors and people with disabilities; helping individuals with disabilities, veterans, and seniors find meaningful employment; and providing camping and recreational opportunities to youth and adults with disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, Easterseals provides autistic individuals early education, employment, camping, caregiving, transportation, and other services to support Americans of all ages.

The number of children in the U.S. with developmental delays is on the rise. A recent study found that approximately 13 percent of infants and toddlers have a developmental delay. Research has also shown that one in

three children who receive early intervention services will not require special education in preschool.

Mr. Speaker, we know that the first few years of a child's life will lay the foundation for his or her long-term well-being and overall success. That is why I am a strong proponent of Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

We can't guarantee that every child will be successful in life, but we can give them the same access to early educational opportunities. This is just one of many reasons why I introduced H.R. 1695, the Community Services Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2019. This legislation renews our Nation's commitment to reducing poverty through locally driven comprehensive approaches.

Head Start and early education programs are operated through community action agencies and promote school readiness through enhancing the cognitive, physical, behavorial, and social-emotional development of children from low-income families. Easterseals specializes in early childhood development where children with and without disabilities can learn together.

Another piece of legislation I am cosponsoring is H.R. 1878, the IDEA Full Funding Act. This would ensure that individuals with disabilities are receiving an appropriate education.

In the 1970s, Congress promised to cover 40 percent of the extra cost of special education, but we never come close to fulfilling that promise. In fact, current funding remains only at 14 percent of the targeted amount. This bill would mandate gradual increases in IDEA funding to reach the full commitment--40 percent, a commitment made by Congress--by fiscal year 2029 and each subsequent fiscal year after that. Easterseals is also supportive of this legislation.

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, three Easterseals affiliates serve 67 counties. They employ almost 700 people, and they serve nearly 27,900 individuals. Mr. Speaker, these are just some of the incredible services Easterseals works to provide to American families.

For the past 100 years, it has leveraged its network of nonprofits to improve the lives of others. In schools, workplaces, and communities, Easterseals has fostered environments where everyone is included and valued, regardless of age or ability.

I congratulate Easterseals for its contributions to improving so many lives over the past 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on World Autism Day, to recognize and support all children or adults with autism spectrum disorder.

In 2018, an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States was diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorder. Notwithstanding these diagnoses, Americans with autism make exceptional contributions across our Nation and around the world.

Each April Autism Speaks celebrates the start of its signature campaign, Light It Up Blue. Light It Up Blue is a unique global campaign to increase understanding and acceptance for people with autism.

Today we celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, and this month is World Autism Month.

Mr. Speaker, let's renew our commitment to support the entire international autism community, including children and adults with autism, their families, and caregivers.

Together, we can increase access to information, encourage heightened understanding of autism, promote respect and dignity, and support the services that assist people with autism to reach their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Alzheimer's ambassadors to Washington, D.C., for the Alzheimer's Impact Movement Advocacy Forum.

Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and it has reached crisis proportions. There is no effective treatment, no means of prevention, and no method for slowing the progression of the disease. Sadly, one in three seniors will die with the disease.

But this week, more than 1,000 advocates from across the country will gather for the 3-day event to help advance policies to improve the lives of all individuals affected by dementia.

Alzheimer's has a devastating impact upon those who are diagnosed with the disease, their caregivers, and their loved ones. More than 60 million Americans provide unpaid care to family and friends living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to meeting with Alzheimer's ambassadors from my district this week. I admire their advocacy and commitment to raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and their determination to never stop searching for a cure.

Mr. Speaker, in the 1970s, Congress made a commitment to provide a free and appropriate education to students with disabilities.

While we have made tremendous progress, thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, we have also failed to fully fund the cost of special education that was promised by Congress at that point in time.

Congress promised to cover 40 percent of the extra cost of special education, but we have never come close to fulfilling that promise. In fact, current funding remains only at 14 percent of the targeted amount.

Mr. Speaker, that is shameful.

This means our students and schools suffer, it means that the programs will be cut, it means schools won't be able to recruit and retain qualified teachers, and above all else, it means that students with disabilities will not be able to succeed, not without the appropriate high-quality services they deserve.

That is why I proudly cosponsored the bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act, which would mandate gradual increases in IDEA funding to reach that full commitment made by Congress of 40 percent by fiscal year 2029 and each subsequent fiscal year.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and uphold the promise to provide students and schools with the resources they need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 28th Infantry Division of the United States Army National Guard as it recently celebrated the anniversary of its 140th year of serving this Nation.

Its roots in American history were planted long before our Nation's founding. The 28th Infantry's lineage traces all the way back to when Benjamin Franklin formed a militia known as the Pennsylvania Associators. The first meeting of the Associators occurred on November 21, 1747. Franklin organized units to defend the city of Philadelphia against the French and Spanish privateers.

The 28th Infantry Division is the oldest continuously serving division in the United States Army. It wasn't until 1879 when the 28th ID was officially established by Governor Henry Hoyt and designated a red keystone as its symbol.

Throughout history, the 28th Infantry Division has answered our country's call to serve in nearly every war. The 28th ID soldiers fought side by side in the Spanish-American War. They earned the nickname ``Iron Division'' in the First World War by General John Pershing after a chivalrous stand in France. This decorated division still goes by this storied nickname.

The infantrymen stepped ashore at Omaha Beach and were the first American division to parade through Paris

after its liberation. They were also deployed for duty during the Korean war. In present day, its operations have continued in places like Bosnia, Kosovo, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting these members of the 28th Division last November in Kuwait, joining them in the mess hall for Thanksgiving dinner. The division stationed in Kuwait was part of Operation Spartan Shield. This operation sought to strengthen U.S. partnerships in the Middle East and support ongoing operations to defeat ISIS.

Just a few weeks ago, I got to reunite with the 28th ID in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to celebrate the 140th anniversary. The dinner and ceremonies were a fitting tribute for a historic part of the United States military.

Madam Speaker, these men and women continue to build upon the Iron Division legacy. They are brave, resilient, and well-trained to support each other in combat and defend our great Nation.

So I say to the men and women of the 28th Infantry Division: Roll on, 28th. Roll on.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the 28th Infantry Division for 140 years of service, sacrifice, and valor.

Madam Speaker, tomorrow is National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Madam Speaker, 46 years ago, March 29, 1973, the last combat troops were ordered out of Vietnam; and just 2 years ago, we designated March 29 as a national day to honor our Vietnam veterans.

Madam Speaker, in many instances, our Vietnam veterans often did not receive a warm welcome home when they returned from war. There were no parades, no welcome back ceremonies.

Our Vietnam veterans, many of whom were drafted, answered the Nation's call and served with honor and distinction.

Vietnam veterans constructed their own memorial here in Washington, built entirely by private donations and dedicated to the 2.7 million servicemembers who served during the Vietnam war.

Madam Speaker, we all know someone who served in Vietnam. These veterans are our friends, our family, and neighbors. It is long overdue to salute them for their service, but it is not too late. This weekend, I will proudly be at the Cambria County War Memorial to mark this special day.

May God bless our Vietnam war veterans today, tomorrow, and every day.

Welcome home.

Mr. Speaker, this week, our Nation celebrates Public Schools Week. It is a time when we acknowledge the diversity and success of our public schools and the sound education that they provide. Strengthening America's public schools is the best way to ensure our children's future success and our country's prosperity.

Ninety percent of American children attend public schools. This week, supporters across the country will share stories of the many schools, students, and professionals who make public schools such vital components of our communities. This includes parents who are working hard to improve educational outcomes for children. Advocates nationwide will share scores of stories about public school students and their successes.

Mr. Speaker, public school teachers truly make a difference in the lives of our students. They prepare them for bright and successful futures. It is

their dedication to our students that builds strong public schools and, therefore, strong communities.

As a senior member of the Education and Labor Committee and a product of public schools, I know the incredible role our schools play in communities across the Nation.

Public schools today have much good news to share, from increasing graduation rates and reduced dropout rates, to improved ratings given by communities on school performance.

Public schools welcome every child, regardless of ability, race, wealth, language, country of origin, or needs. By strengthening the public school system, we strengthen the democracy of our country.

Supporting public schools today will build a stronger workforce for tomorrow. The future of our Nation to produce in the manufacturing industry, the farm, and the information age will be based on the investment we make today in supporting public schools. Schools today are integrating the new ideas that are being explored by businesses and industry.

Strong public schools are vital to our national security. Our military's success is dependent on members who can apply their knowledge and skills to navigate the increasingly complex tools that keep our country safe.

In many communities, the school district is the largest employer. Teachers, bus drivers, administrators, cafeteria workers, coaches, and facilities management all depend on the school district, and all these jobs contribute to the fabric of a community. Communities are stronger and schools are better when we all work together to support public education.

Public schools also make sure kids receive at least one nutritious meal a day. More than 30 million school lunches are served each day, including 20 million free and 2 million reduced priced lunches. For some students, the only meal that they receive will be the one that they get at school.

Mr. Speaker, a child's opportunity for success should not be left to chance. Every child needs a quality, well-equipped school right in their neighborhood, where they can learn, be inspired, and thrive.

Public education has always been the great equalizer in the United States. I am grateful for the contribution of our public schools, and I know that, together, we will continue to work to strengthen them for our most precious resource: our children.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the essential role community health centers play in neighborhoods throughout the Nation.

America's health centers serve 28 million patients who have the greatest difficulty accessing healthcare. This includes 24.9 million low-income patients; 3.5 million patients in or near public housing; 1.4 million homeless patients; nearly 1 million patients who work in agriculture; and 6.2 million uninsured patients.

Madam Speaker, community health centers are located in areas of high need and are open to everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Congress recently made historic investments to the Health Center Program, which increased access, expanded services, and improved quality.

Health centers also play an important role in rural America where the need is great, but services are often scarce.

And, each year, community health centers generate approximately $54 billion in economic activity and save the healthcare system an estimated $24 billion within our most underserved communities.

Madam Speaker, we must ensure that all Americans receive the services they need, regardless of where they live, and community health centers do that.

Mr. Speaker, today is National Medal of Honor Day, when this Nation recalls the sacrifice and heroics of all Medal of Honor recipients.

Over 150 years ago, on March 25, 1863, the first Medals of Honor were presented. In 1990, Congress designated March 25 as National Medal of Honor Day. The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor our Nation can bestow.

In 2016, I was able to recognize one of Pennsylvania's very own Medal of

Honor recipients, the late Army Specialist Ross McGinnis. The post office in Knox, Clarion County, is named for Specialist McGinnis, who died in December 2006 in Iraq.

While on patrol in eastern Baghdad on December 4, 2006, an unidentified insurgent positioned on a nearby rooftop threw a grenade into a Humvee carrying McGinnis and other troops. Specialist McGinnis threw his body on top of the grenade, saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.

He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, I salute all our Medal of Honor recipients.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1695, the Community Services Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2019.

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

I am proud to lead this legislation with Congresswoman Betty McCollum.

Mr. 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 committee action agencies to help people identify why people were in poverty and how to address it using public and private resources and partnerships.

Virtually every county in America has a community action agency. They act as a safety net for low-income individuals and families, but, more importantly, they help to create opportunities to raise people out of poverty--from poverty to independence.

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

It is time to reauthorize the Community Services Block Grant, and I urge all my colleagues to cosponsor and support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, Scouting organizations are pivotal in the lives of so many American youth, and this week there has been much to celebrate. Yesterday, the Girl Scouts of the USA marked its 107th birthday, and tonight the Boy Scouts of America will conclude its annual report to the Nation.

Girl Scouts help girls develop into the future leaders of our economy, our communities, our country, and the world by encouraging them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. In fact, many Congresswomen have been Girl Scouts, and we saw some Congresswomen deliver speeches on this floor yesterday in honor of the Girl Scouts building girls of courage, confidence, and character for 107 years.

Mr. Speaker, I know firsthand the positive impact that Scouting can have on the life of a young person. I have been actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America since I was 11 years old.

On May 17, 1977, I became an Eagle Scout myself, as a member of Boy Scout Troop 52 in Walker Township, Pennsylvania. Over the years, I have proudly held various leadership roles with Boy Scout troops in Pennsylvania, including two separate stints as Scoutmaster for Troop 353 and president of the Juniata Valley Boy Scout Council. One of my greatest honors was to witness 29 young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout during my tenure as Scoutmaster.

Many Eagle Scouts will gather tonight in the Capitol to conclude the annual Report to the Nation delegation trip. I am proud to be a part of the Eagles on the Hill reception, and I look forward to hearing from the Scouts.

Members of Congress and I will speak about how Scouting positively impacted our lives. And after the speeches, the Scouts will have a chance to discuss their experience in Scouting as a whole, as well as their time in the Report to the Nation delegation.

Report to the Nation is an annual event meant to connect some of Scouting's best and brightest with government officials and elected representatives. Each year, 6 to 10 representatives of the Boy Scouts meet with senior government officials, including the President and key congressional leaders, with the goal of providing an update of what Scouts have achieved over the past year. This also allows members of the Federal Government an opportunity to meet some of the Nation's brightest young Scouts. The delegation spends between a week and 10 days in Washington, D.C., conducting meetings and touring the city.

The Report to the Nation delegation stems from the congressional charter of the Boy Scouts of America, dating back to June 15, 1916, and represents millions of Boy Scouts.

Mr. Speaker, I know that the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA both contribute to the spirit of this Nation and play an essential role in educating our youth. These organizations build character; they help young people become actively engaged in their communities; and they promote serving others in ways big and small. And that is something we can all respect and admire.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The American Legion on its centennial anniversary.

On Friday, March 15, The American Legion will celebrate 100 years since it was formed in Paris, France, after World War I. More than 1,000 people gathered for The American Legion's first caucus at the American Club in Paris on March 15, 1919.

Since then, The American Legion has grown to be the Nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, boasting more than 2 million members and 13,000 posts across all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Its dedication to veterans, servicemembers, and their families extends from local community programs to State and Federal policy initiatives, including the establishment of the Veterans Administration in 1930 and the GI Bill in 1944. Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the Nation one community at a time.

Madam Speaker, I thank The American Legion for its service and wish its members a happy 100th birthday this Friday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, during National Agriculture Week, to celebrate American farmers and farm families.

This nationwide effort recognizes and celebrates the abundance provided by American agriculture. It also reminds citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us and plays a critical economic and food security role.

Thursday is National Ag Day, which began in 1973 as a way to increase public awareness of agriculture's role in society. National Ag Day encourages every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; and acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industries.

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to have more than 58,000 farmers. These men and women are the lifeline of the Commonwealth, as agriculture is our number one industry.

Our farmers produce a safe and abundant food supply, including our dairy farmers, who produce the milk that is stocked in the cases of our supermarkets and in lunchrooms across America.

My bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, would further expand milk choices in our schools. It would allow for whole milk, both flavored and unflavored, to be offered in school cafeterias.

Mr. Speaker, milk was once a staple in the diets of our students, but consumption in schools has dramatically decreased since the Healthy, Hunger-Free Act of 2010--which demonized milk fat, which is where nutrition and flavor is--was implemented.

Milk is the number one source of nine essential nutrients in the diets of many young Americans. We can provide the foundation for a solid, healthy lunch in our schools that also tastes great and students will want to drink.

When students don't consume milk, they are not getting nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.

I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, and National Agriculture Week is the perfect time to sign on to this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, we know that farmers feed; nutrition matters; and agriculture plays a critical role in modern society. I would like to thank all Americans who work tirelessly in the ag sector. On behalf of a grateful Nation, we thank you.

Cybersecurity Skills Integration

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1592, the Cybersecurity Skills Integration Act.

As co-chair of the House Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am proud that we continue to provide the resources necessary to have a dominant and prosperous workforce. For instance, this past July, we authorized the Carl D. Perkins Act to advance career and technical education.

We must continue developing a 21st century workforce to meet the technical demands our country is facing now and into the future. That is why, together with my friend, Congressman Jim Langevin, we have introduced a bill to help protect our sensitive data and critical infrastructure from bad actors.

Our legislation directs the Department of Education to create a comprehensive grant program that integrates cybersecurity education into new and established postsecondary CTE programs.

With more than 16 critical infrastructure sectors in our country, we must prepare our next generation of learners to have the most sophisticated and comprehensive educational programs to protect our Nation's most dire assets, systems, and networks.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I thank Mr. Langevin for his work and leadership on this issue.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight a fatal disorder that has been impacting deer populations in 24 States, including Pennsylvania, chronic wasting disease.

Chronic wasting disease is progressive and always fatal. Deer, elk, mules, and moose are impacted by this disease. First, they have difficulty moving, and the most obvious and consistent sign is significant weight loss over time.

Madam Speaker, I made an amendment to the 2018 farm bill that gives priority status to chronic wasting disease under the research portion of the bill, and I will be introducing legislation to help identify and address the root causes of chronic wasting disease.

This past Saturday, my colleague and friend, Congressman John Joyce, and I were at the East Freedom Fire Hall with 300 hunters. At this event, chronic wasting disease was at the forefront.

While the science is developing, a cure is still years away and needs considerable funding to make it a reality. It is my hope that, through research, we can successfully cure chronic wasting disease.

Madam Speaker, 58 years ago this week, President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order establishing the United States Peace Corps. Since then, more than 200,000 Americans have participated in international service opportunities through the Peace Corps.

International service organizations like the Peace Corps and student exchange programs operated by the Department of State play an important role in promoting the image of America around the world. These programs provide American volunteers with a chance to learn about their host country's society and values, and, in turn, volunteers share American culture and values with the people of their host country. This fosters a great understanding of and strong friendship between our country and those around the world.

The Peace Corps was created with the strong belief that Americans are willing to contribute part of their life to the country. President Kennedy said that we must not merely aim to have an economic advantage in life, but we must strive for a greater purpose. Madam Speaker, for 58 years, the United States Peace Corps has provided thousands of Americans with that greater purpose.