Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the student-run cafe at Clearfield County Career & Technology Center. The cafe opened last week and gives students the opportunity to serve food to their peers.

The program allows 18 students to participate in morning class and an additional 15 students to participate in the afternoon. High school students from Clearfield, Curwensville, West Branch, Philipsburg- Osceola, and Moshannon Valley are eligible to enroll in the program.

The cafe operates as a training lab, giving students the opportunity to apply skills they have learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios.

Students help prepare ingredients, set up workstations, and create menus. Those who work the afternoon shift are responsible for making and serving food.

The students develop leadership skills and professionalism, assets that

are needed for a successful career in the hospitality and culinary industries.

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, programs like this one at Clearfield County Technical School are vital for helping students be prepared for the workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Penn State University wrestling team which set a new NCAA record on Saturday.

The Nittany Lions won 78 consecutive dual matches. This record surpasses the NCAA Division II record previously held by St. Cloud State.

The Nittany Lions' current winning streak began in February 2020 when they defeated the University of Maryland. Since 2020, the team has won five consecutive Big Ten regular season titles, three Big Ten championships, and four NCAA championships.

This past weekend marked the team's first Big Ten conference match of the 2025-2026 season. The Nittany Lions won 46-0, performing in front of a sellout crowd of more than 6,000 fans.

The team broke the NCAA Division I record in December, which had been held by Oklahoma State University since 1951. The Nittany Lions are led by Coach Cael Sanderson, who has been with the team since 2009.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the Penn State wrestling team on this historic achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the Pennsylvania Farm Show which kicked off this past weekend.

For 110 years, farmers have met each January at the Farm Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The event is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the country, featuring nearly 5,000 animals, more than 250 commercial exhibits, and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors each year.

The Farm Show is a great event for all ages and features many educational booths, helping children learn about the ag industry. One of the most popular attractions at the Pennsylvania Farm Show is the food court. Here, visitors can enjoy various food that features commodities grown in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This year's Farm Show theme, ``Growing a Nation,'' is particularly fitting as we celebrate 250 years since our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.

For generations, American farmers have not only fed this country, they have helped to feed the world, and they have done so by continuously adapting and embracing new tools, technologies, and practices.

The success of U.S. agriculture has been built through the ingenuity, hard work, and the strategic application of science and technology.

I was proud to help open the 110th Farm Show on Saturday. It is always an honor to meet farmers from across the Commonwealth and learn about how they continue to ensure agriculture remains Pennsylvania's number one industry. It was particularly encouraging to see many young and aspiring farmers, making it clear that the next generation is ready to take charge and lead the industry.

I hosted my annual listening session, where I was able to take questions directly from producers and consumers. The crowd also included county commissioners, Farm Bureau leaders, State senators, representatives from Penn State, Delaware Valley, as well as lots of 4- H'ers, dairy princesses, and FFA members.

As the House Committee on Agriculture prepares to craft the farm bill 2.0, it is crucial to hear directly from the men and women who feed their communities and this Nation.

I was glad to be joined by my fellow Pennsylvania Congressmen, Ron Bresnahan and Dan Meuser. I was also proud to have Russell Redding, Pennsylvania's Secretary of Agriculture, and Dr. Troy Ott, dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Science, on the panel.

This year, we celebrated passage of my bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which will be soon signed into law and brings back the option of whole milk and 2 percent milk, including flavored, to our schools' meal programs. Dairy farmers from across the Commonwealth championed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, and I thank them for their support for this commonsense bill.

Mr. Speaker, the Pennsylvania Farm Show has grown exponentially since it began over 100 years ago, a direct reflection of how our country's ag industry has grown. It was an honor to attend the Farm Show this year, and I thank all of those who worked tirelessly to make this incredible event possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize eight students from the Central Middle School and High School who performed in December at the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa Bay, Florida.

The Central Mountain Middle School and High School twirlers were among the 481 performers present during the pregame show and joined other high school bands during the halftime performance. The students performed in front of an estimated 35,000 fans in Raymond James Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The twirlers were invited to participate in the game day programming through the National Youth Dance and Twirling Program. Stephanie Ford, the Central Mountain High School twirling coach, provided choreography for the twirlers. Stephanie has been the high school and middle school coach for 11 years and was pivotal in making and helping the students learn the choreography ahead of the performance.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Central Mountain Middle School and High School twirlers on this fantastic achievement. I thank them for representing Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District on a national stage.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 26, NO on Roll Call No. 27, and YEA on Roll Call No. 28.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kendra Aucker, president and CEO of the WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Kendra retired earlier this month after 30 years of dedicated service.

Kendra began her career at Evangelical Community Hospital in the early 1990s. Kendra left the hospital for a position at Capital Blue Cross, but returned in 1999, and stayed there ever since. She was appointed president and CEO of the hospital in 2015.

Throughout her career, Kendra has worked to grow Evangelical Community Hospital. Some of her achievements include the opening of the ambulatory surgical center and urgent care, the expansion of specialty care units, and a cardiovascular expansion project.

Kendra is the fourth president and CEO in the hospital's 100 years. Throughout her career, she has seen many changes and was pivotal in helping the hospital successfully navigate the COVID-19 virus.

Mr. Speaker, Kendra has dedicated her career to growing the WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital and helping others. I wish Kendra the best and thank her for her years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Milk Day, which we celebrated yesterday.

National Milk Day dates back to January 11, 1878, to commemorate when milk was first delivered in glass bottles.

Millions of Americans drink milk. It is a delicious and refreshing beverage that provides key nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and D in every glass. Milk provides 13 essential nutrients, which is especially important for growing children.

This is one of the reasons why my Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is so important. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will soon be signed into law this week. It allows schools to offer flavored and unflavored whole and 2 percent milk options.

National Milk Day allows us to recognize the many dairy farms across the country. In my home State of Pennsylvania, the dairy industry contributes $14.7 billion to the State's economy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank our American dairy farmers who work around the clock to provide nutritious and delicious milk to all Americans.

Happy National Milk Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which is observed annually on January 9.

Established in 2015, this day allows us to recognize the brave men and women who serve and protect in the line of duty.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the more than 900,000 sworn officers serving across the United States, who dedicate their lives to keep our communities safe.

I thank the Capitol Police, the Secret Service, and the Metropolitan Police Department for their continuous efforts to keep us safe here in our Nation's Capital. I am grateful for the law enforcement officers in my home State of Pennsylvania and the local officers who safeguard the communities across Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

Our officers know that they can be in harm's way at any moment. They answer the calls in times of distress. They follow rules, and they wear the badge proudly.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all our law enforcement officers for answering the call to serve our communities.

Mr. Speaker, before I get into my primary remarks, for which I was going to rise, I reflect on 18 years ago when I came into the House of Representatives.

Some of my staff had been on the Hill for, actually, a couple of decades at that point.

My chief of staff said: If there was ever a Democratic Member of Congress who literally represents the term ``statesman,'' it is Steny Hoyer.

He truly is. He has not failed at that task, and so I offer my congratulations on his announced retirement and my thanks for his service as a statesman, especially at a time of what we have been living through, of growing divisiveness.

Year in Review

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight some of the great work that my office delivered in 2025 that was reflected in my year-end report.

Last year was full of legislative victories. From ensuring more milk options in public schools to making certain that rural schools receive the funding that they need, we continue to deliver for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

I was proud to lead the charge to bring whole milk back into our schools, push for the largest investment in American agriculture in a generation, advocate for career and technical education, and establish a Federal regulatory framework for digital assets like cryptocurrency.

On the policy front, I helped to ensure the passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act. I secured numerous provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which benefited American agriculture, as well as a provision authorizing Workforce Pell Grants.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will soon be signed into law, and the House approved both my Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 and the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025.

At home, I was honored to nominate seven exceptional students to our Nation's service academies, celebrated a talented young artist, and delivered more than $6.1 million in Federal funding for nine excellent community projects.

My office responded to more than 81,000 constituent letters, answered nearly 8,000 phone calls, and closed nearly 1,600 constituent cases, helping folks navigate the Federal agencies and Federal bureaucracy.

The most rewarding part of being a Representative is helping individuals and families get the assistance that they need. Throughout the year, my staff hosts office hours across the 18 counties in the 15th Congressional District to assist constituents with issues related to the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, and other Federal agencies. Appointments are not necessary, and I am pleased that we are available to help those in need. Personally, I hosted over 1,200 meetings in 2025 and sponsored and cosponsored 183 bills.

Mr. Speaker, as many around the Capitol complex know, I often come to this floor to share good news from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. I spoke 91 days on the House floor in 2025, delivering 120 speeches. I am glad to have had the ability to communicate with my constituents in this way and to recognize their achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the people of the 15th Congressional District for allowing me the privilege to be their voice in Congress, and I firmly believe that our best days lie ahead. I look forward to working hard in 2026 to continue to earn their support.

Mr. Speaker, we rise today in memory of Congressman Richard T. ``Dick'' Schulze, who died on December 23 at the age of 96.

Congressman Schulze represented the Philadelphia suburbs from 1975 to 1993 in the people's House. He was the driving force behind designating historic Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, a national park.

Dick was the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee and twice chaired the Republican Study Committee. He also served as chairman of the National Prayer Breakfast. President Ronald Reagan appointed Congressman Schulze to the Presidential Advisory Committee on Federalism, an honor that Dick deeply valued.

Dick's lifelong interest in conservation and wildlife issues led him to found the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and Foundation in 1989. President George H.W. Bush would later appoint him to serve on the National Fish and Wildlife Board.

Mr. Speaker, for 18 distinguished years, Congressman Schulze served in the House of Representatives. He was known for being a fair-minded, commonsense legislator who worked with Members on both sides of the aisle.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Our thoughts are with his wife of 33 years, Nancy, his four children, and all of his family.

May God bless Congressman Dick Schulze.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize January as National Blood Donor Month.

Since its inception in 1970, National Blood Donor Month recognizes the millions of Americans who help save lives by donating blood. Statistics show that every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood.

On average, one in seven hospital patients need blood, and approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the United States.

Over the last 50 years, public awareness for blood donation has increased. Now approximately 13.6 million volunteers donate blood annually.

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, more than 5,000 blood drives were held in 2025, according to the Red Cross. I am encouraged to see constituents ready to roll up their sleeves and help those in need. In fact, one of the most challenging times of the year to collect blood donations is in the winter months.

Mr. Speaker, I hope all Americans will take the time to consider donating blood this month. It is important to know that one blood donation can save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share a few words about my dear friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

Doug was a husband, a father, and a fourth-generation rice farmer. He dedicated more than 20 years to public service, both in this House and in the California State Legislature.

Doug was a giant in both stature and character. After meeting Doug, you couldn't help being struck by his kindness and gentle manner. He had a reputation as an affable colleague, a principled legislator, a fierce advocate for

rural America, and one heck of a muscle car driver, which I experienced firsthand. All of them rang true.

Doug was an expert on farming, forestry, and water issues. He chaired the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture, and he was chairman of the Western Caucus.

We traveled the country together, coast to coast, north to south, meeting with men and women who feed this great country. They are memories I will always treasure. He was supposed to be with me in Pennsylvania this weekend. His presence will be sorely missed.

In a town full of self-important figures, Doug was authentically normal. I will certainly miss his wisdom, his sense of humor, and incredible friendship. I turned the tables on Doug when it came to nicknames. I affectionately named him the ``Governor of Jefferson,'' and he eagerly accepted that.

Doug was a man of great faith, and I find comfort in knowing he was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rest easy, Brother. We will take it from here.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the end of an era. The oldest newspaper in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, ceased operations on December 31.

After 154 years of delivering the news, the weekly Clinton County Record, formerly known as the Renovo Record, has stopped publishing due to escalating costs, a declining subscription base, and a lack of advertisers.

Despite these challenges, it has a long and storied history that began in 1871 when Renovo businessman John Upton Shaffer founded the Renovo Daily Record and published its first edition.

The first issue of The Record noted that the letters for the printing press had not been delivered in their entirety until the previous day. The first half of the alphabet, from A through M, had arrived in the previous week. The first issue nearly had to go to press without the second half of the alphabet. Fortunately, the rest of the letters were delivered in time for publication.

Back then, it was a daily paper, except Sunday, bringing the news to those who lived in the railroad town.

In 1887, Shaffer was elected to the Pennsylvania State legislature. His son, John Shaffer, Jr., took over the management of the newspaper. The elder Shaffer died in 1902, and his sons continued publishing.

Since 1871, The Record has been 100 percent independently owned and operated with notable local names publishing the paper after the Shaffers, including Ron Dremel, John Lipez, and, most recently, Michael Frank.

The newspaper covered local news, education, government, sports, and more. This is a devastating loss to the community that has relied on this paper since 1871.

In 2021, on its 150th anniversary, The Record had a special print edition. This year, on its final publication, I was pleased and honored to have it reported that Bucktail Medical Center in Renovo would receive more than $260,000 in Federal funding to bring important upgrades to the facility. I was honored to secure that funding.

Mr. Speaker, it is never easy when we see our local institutions close, especially those that have played such an important role in our communities like The Record has over the past 154 years.

My heartfelt thanks go out to the staff who have worked diligently over the years to deliver the news to the people of Clinton County. For 154 years, through generations of change, The Record has been there. We are all grateful for that.

Honoring Doug LaMalfa

Mr. Speaker, for those who are in the Chamber or perhaps viewing online, this morning they will see we are missing an individual who has always been here at morning session, at noon for 1 minutes, and maybe after votes for 1 minutes. I am speaking of Doug LaMalfa, a dear friend from California.

Doug passed away yesterday. In honor of him, as is tradition, we have reserved a memorial seat in the first speaking position on the Republican side.

Doug was a great friend and a great agricultural leader. He was a champion for forestry and rural communities. We traveled the country, preparing for the farm bill that we had been working on. Half of it has been accomplished with the other half still to go.

Mr. Speaker, he was a rice farmer. I have been on his farm in northern California. I can tell you he was kind of a crazy muscle car driver. I hung on tight riding with Doug.

Doug has left his mark. Our prayers go out to Jill and his family. Later this week, we will have other opportunities for Members on both sides of the aisle to offer their tributes and memories to Doug.

Mr. Speaker, we want to let Doug know that he can rest easy in the arms of God. We have got this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lycoming County Sheriff Mark Lusk, who retired Monday after 50 years of outstanding community service.

Mark was elected as Lycoming County sheriff in 2009 and served in this role for four consecutive terms. Over his 50-year career, Mark has held a variety of positions, including patrolman, criminal investigator, corporal, chief of police, and deputy coroner.

Mark's leadership has been pivotal, and he was responsible for many rescue operations when the county experienced major floods.

Beyond his role as sheriff, Mark has volunteered for the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company for 45 years. He has also worked alongside the local VFW and American Legion.

Mark has received various awards for his leadership over his career. In 2007, he was recognized by the Lycoming County Department of Public Safety and the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, Mark has dedicated his career to serving the community and answering the call of those in need. I thank him for his service, and I wish him the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.