Floor Statements

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

Today, millions of adults and an estimated 1 out of every 68 children in the United States have been 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, along with the international autism community, in recognition of United Nations-designated World Autism Awareness Day, which was celebrated on April 2, and April as World Autism Month. Light It Up Blue is a unique global campaign to increase understanding and acceptance for people living with autism.

Mr. Speaker, during World Autism Month, let us 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, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Boy Scout Troop 14 of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on its centennial celebration.

Troop 14 is the oldest consecutively chartered troop in the Susquehanna Council Boy Scouts of America. Saint John's-Newberry United Methodist Church has been its sponsor for these 100 years.

Troop 14 has provided scouting to boys in Newberry and the surrounding area. Impressively, the troop has produced 127 Eagle Scouts during that time. It has been through the efforts of many that the troop has been and continues to be an active and strong unit. For 100 years, Troop 14 has helped scores of Boy Scouts build a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the Nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations, providing programs for young people that build character, train them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develop personal fitness.

Mr. Speaker, along with my colleague, Tom Marino, I commend Troop 14 on its centennial celebration for building so many future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. I wish them the very best on this milestone occasion and look forward to another 100 years of excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on World Down Syndrome Day, to celebrate the many individuals living with Down syndrome who are changing the world.

People with Down syndrome can and do make meaningful contributions throughout their lives, in schools, in workplaces, their communities, public and political life, culture, media, and more.

Take Gerber's adorable spokesbaby, Lucas Warren, a 1-year-old from Dalton, Georgia, whose infectious smile set him apart from the 140,000 entries that Gerber received for the competition. After Lucas made his big debut in February on the TODAY show, the world fell in love with him, too.

Lucas is the first child with Down syndrome to win the title since Gerber began the competition. His parents, Cortney and Jason Warren, said they hope that Lucas' story will shed light on the special needs community and help more individuals with special needs be accepted, and I certainly agree.

Another incredible person living and thriving with Down syndrome is Kayla McKeon. Kayla is the manager of grassroots advocacy for the National Down Syndrome Society. She is the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome.

I met Kayla not too long ago when she interviewed me for her podcast, Kayla's Corner. She is upbeat and outgoing, and that is just part of what makes Kayla so special.

A native of Syracuse, New York, Kayla is also a motivational speaker who draws on her experiences as an individual with a disability whose positive attitude inspires others to reach their highest potential.

Kayla is also a Special Olympian who competes in floor hockey and bowling tournaments. But in many ways, Kayla is living a life like any other young person. She lives in Washington, D.C., and rides the Metro. She has a busy social life. She likes sporting events and motorcycle rides, but she is extraordinary and she is a role model for others.

Kayla told the Auburn Citizen newspaper that she is committed to showing how much people with Down syndrome can achieve. She said: ``We are most definitely ready, willing, and able to do anything we set our minds to, getting a job, driving a car, going to college. We want to showcase our abilities, not our disabilities.''

Well, I couldn't agree more with Kayla. After meeting this enthusiastic young woman, I am certain that she is able to do anything that she puts her mind to, and she is an outstanding ambassador for the Down syndrome community.

Mr. Speaker, all people with Down syndrome must have opportunities to contribute to the community and live valued lives on a full and equal basis with others in all aspects of society.

People with Down syndrome can and do bring so much to the community wherever they live, around the world, when given the opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day, where we not only celebrate all the achievements of those living with Down syndrome, but we double down in our commitment to ensure that no one with Down syndrome is prevented from making meaningful contributions to society. They have so much to give and make this world a brighter place.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Penn State wrestling team on winning this year's NCAA Division I National Championship.

The Penn State Nittany Lions are a force to be reckoned with and they proved it again last weekend in Cleveland, Ohio, when they brought home their seventh team title in 8 years. The team went 4-and-1 in the finals, coming back from a 6-point deficit heading into the final round to clinch the title on a pin by junior Bo Nickal in Penn State's final match of the night.

Penn State won the team title with 141.5 points, while Ohio State was in second with 134.5. Iowa took third with 97.

Head coach Cael Sanderson now has 22 national champions as a head coach, 20 at Penn State, and 7 NCAA titles.

I could not be more proud of my alma mater or this team that gave us yet another season to remember. Many college athletes dream about participating at the NCAA championships.

This team truly is the pride of Happy Valley, and I congratulate Coach Sanderson and every wrestler on the team.

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Mr. Speaker, today is Brain Injury Awareness Day, and I welcome those who are in Washington today to share their stories.

This issue is near and dear to my heart. For nearly 30 years, this was my area of practice and expertise as a therapist and rehabilitation services manager. I served as a board member for the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania and helped form a brain injury support group.

The theme for this year's campaign is Change Your Mind. This public awareness campaign strives to destigmatize brain injury; empower those who have survived, as well as their caregivers; and promote the many types of support available.

The need to raise awareness is great. More than 2.8 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries in the United States each year.

The 13 million Americans living with brain injuries want what we all want: to be defined by who they are as people, not by their injury.

Mr. Speaker, everyone recovers at a different pace, and we should do everything in our power to support and encourage brain injury survivors. They deserve no less.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Youngsville High School Marching Band for winning the 48th annual Limerick International Band Championship in Ireland.

The Youngsville Marching Eagles stole the show as they were crowned the overall winners in the band competition. The Warren County students braved blizzard-like conditions to bring home the top prize. Snow was piled high on umbrellas, hats; and even big brass instruments were coated in snowflakes. But the weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the musicians or the spectators. Spirits are also flying high for the proud parents, friends, and supporters in Youngsville, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, the Youngsville Marching Eagles worked hard to fundraise to make this international trip possible. For many, it was the first time they traveled outside the Commonwealth, let alone the country. The band also performed in Dublin at the St. Patrick's Festival Parade, where they were named ``Best Small Band.''

These Youngsville teens really dazzled the crowd, and I am so proud of their incredible international achievement. Congratulations to the band and Band Director Cindy Scheid

Mr. Speaker, today in Franklin, Pennsylvania, an American hero will be laid to rest. Mr. Andrew A. Kistler, past commander of the Disabled American Veterans, died on March 9 in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was 88 years old.

Andy Kistler was a tireless advocate for disabled veterans not only in Pennsylvania, but nationally. A Korean war veteran who was almost mortally wounded Christmas week in 1952, he lost both of his legs, a finger, and a concussion put him into a deep coma.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with you the words of the late Korean war medic and journalist Chris Farlekas. He helped save Andy Kistler, a 21-year-old baseball player from Franklin who arrived at the 11th Evacuation Hospital for care. I quote from this letter:

``The ward was crammed with casualties, and every helicopter that landed outside the tent brought even more. The doctor said Andy was too far gone, that he would die.

``But something inside me said no.

``I still don't completely understand my ferocity in needing Andy to live. Maybe it was because I'd seen so much death already in the 4 months that I'd been in the war, holding frightened, dying young men as they talked about home. Andy was my test case with God. If he lived, I'd believe. If not, tough.

``So for 3 days I sat with Andy, willing him to live.

``On Christmas Eve, several of the nurses, doctors, and corpsmen went through the 11th Evac, singing Christmas carols. At exactly midnight, they came to the shock ward and sang `Silent Night.' It may have sounded a little ragged, off-pitch, but to me it was absolutely beautiful, angelic.

``As I listened, Andy came out of the coma, opened his eyes, grabbed my hand, and softly sang, `All is calm, all is bright.' The doctors said it was a miracle.''

Andy and Chris spoke about that glorious moment in the PBS documentary, ``Korean War Stories,'' produced in 2002.

Andy, a double amputee, went on to be a major force for the American veterans as head of the Disabled American Veterans, a nonprofit that provides a lifetime of support for veterans and their families. With almost 1,300 chapters and more than a million members across the country, DAV empowers our Nation's heroes and their families by helping to provide the resources they need and ensuring our Nation keeps the promises that were made to them.

Mr. Speaker, Andy said he sometimes found himself humming or singing ``Silent Night'' in odd moments, ``like when I'm shaving,'' he told Chris. I know that as friends and family say good-bye to a true American hero today in Franklin, all is calm, all is bright.

May God bless Andy Kistler, whose service to this Nation will be long remembered, and may he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Penn State students for their fight against pediatric cancer.

THON, a 46-hour dance marathon, took place February 16 through 18, and students raised $10,151,663 for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children's Hospital. Four Diamonds ensures that families that are battling pediatric cancer are not faced with any costs, allowing them to fully focus on the needs of their child.

THON is the largest student-run student philanthropy in the world, but it all began in 1973 by a group of students looking to add excitement to a dreary February in central Pennsylvania and for a way to give back to the community. Today, THON engages more than 15,000 students each year and has inspired other university, high school, middle school, and elementary school students across the Nation to start dance marathons of their own, all in hopes of conquering pediatric cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I am in awe of the power of our Penn State students and their care and concern for others, and I thank them for this outstanding contribution to the community.

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 students, schools, and professionals who make public schools such a vital component 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 a bright and successful future. It is their dedication to our students that builds strong public schools and, therefore, strong communities.

As a senior member of the Education and the Workforce 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.

In fact, public school graduation rates have risen from 79 percent in 2010-2011 to 83 percent in 2014-2015. This increase of the measured 5 years reflects that four out of five public school students receive a regular high school diploma within 4 years of starting ninth grade.

While the graduation rates varies among States, 34 States have reported graduation rates between 80 and 89 percent, with the highest being 91 percent in Iowa, followed by 90 percent in New Jersey. Based on data from the current population survey, the dropout rate has steadily decreased, from 10.9 percent in 2000 to 7.4 percent in 2010 and 5.9 percent in 2015.

Last year, 69 percent of recent high school graduates enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college.

We are making progress, but we can do more.

In many communities, the school district is the largest employer. Teachers, busdrivers, administrators, cafeteria workers, coaches, and facilities management all depend on the school district, and all of 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 our 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 price lunches. For some students, it may be the only meal they receive will be the one 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, and I am grateful for the contributions of our public schools. I know that, together, we will continue to work to strengthen them for our most precious resource: our children.

Happy Public Schools Week.

Mr. Speaker, March is National Athletic Training Month, and I rise today to honor these healthcare professionals who provide care for athletes and patients, soldiers, workers, and performers.

Athletic trainers are committed to providing compassionate care for all in work, life, and sport. Anyone who has been sidelined with an injury can tell you how important their athletic trainer has been in helping them make a full recovery.

Athletic trainers provide medical services to all types of patients, not just athletes participating in sports, and can work in a variety of job settings. They are instrumental in relieving widespread and future workforce shortages in primary care support and outpatient rehab professions, and they provide an unparalleled range of care for the patients. They also improve functional outcomes and specialize in patient education to prevent injury or reinjury.

As a former athlete, therapist, and rehabilitation services manager, I know just how valuable our athletic trainers are, and I thank them for the work they do to care for so many patients in various industries.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Girl Scouts of the USA as it celebrates its 106th birthday.

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 my whole life.

On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low founded the first Girl Scout troop with just 18 girls. Over a century later, more than 50 million American women are Girl Scout alums, and the Girl Scout program reaches 2.6 million members.

Girl Scouts helps girls lead in their own lives and communities. It also positions them to become tomorrow's leaders in our country and the world by encouraging them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. Girl Scouts is committed to ensuring all girls develop to their full potential.

This week, as we celebrate Girl Scouts' 106th birthday, I applaud the Girl Scout councils that serve girls in my community for building evermore girls of courage, confidence, and character.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act, also called the SENSE Act.

The SENSE Act will have a tremendous impact on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Decades of historic mining has left behind piles of coal refuse or waste coal, which is essentially a worthless material, but its presence has led to environmental degradation in many cases.

Today, the coal refuse-to-energy industry uses waste coal to generate affordable energy. This means hundreds of good-paying jobs and remediated waste coal piles across the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania is home to 14 of the 19 coal refuse-to-energy plants in the United States. And we have already seen enormous environmental and economic benefits thanks to this industry. We are keeping Pennsylvanians employed and working to restore our beautiful streams and countryside.

Mr. Speaker, one-size-fits-all government regulations do not work.

The SENSE Act crafts responsibly tailored regulations to address the application of an EPA rule for electric generating units that utilize coal refuse to generate electricity and serve critical environmental cleanup and remediation purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about an institution that influences our Nation's culture and helps our people and communities to learn, grow, and thrive.

That organization is the YMCA. The Y engages more than 10,000 neighborhoods across the United States. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the Nation's health and well-being, and supporting and serving its neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected, and secure.

The Y was founded in 1844 in London by George Williams. He organized the first Young Men's Christian Association meeting: a refuge of Bible study and prayer for young men seeking escape from the dangers of life on the streets. The fellowship and sense of community was compelling.

Years later, Thomas Valentine Sullivan was inspired by the stories of the Y and founded the first U.S. YMCA in Boston in 1851. Since then, the Y has been strengthening communities across the Nation. It brings people together, regardless of age, income, or background, and helps everyone reach their full potential. For that, Mr. Speaker, I am grateful.