Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the landscaping students at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology for their fourth consecutive first- place win at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

CPI students again took home the top prize this year in the agricultural education landscape exhibits. In total, eight schools entered this competition at the Farm Show, which is the Nation's largest indoor agricultural event.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the following students who are a part of the winning team: Charlee Marshall, Alexis Witherite, Landon Wagner, Jarod Williams, Robert Ficarro, and Calen McCool.

The students have learned from CPI's horticulture and landscaping instructor Joe Luther. Just a couple of weeks ago, Mr. Luther was named the National Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am most proud of these CPI students and Mr. Luther for being four-time first-place champions at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

I congratulate them, and I know that they will continue this fine tradition of being the team to beat at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania kicked off one of my favorite events, the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

For more than a century, farmers have gathered each January at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This week, we are having the 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show. This weeklong event is the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the Nation, showcasing over 6,000 animals, featuring nearly 12,000 exhibits, and more than half a million visitors.

Each year, I host a listening session at the Farm Show and we cover a range of topics during the public forum, from raising awareness about agriculture education to hearing very real concerns from our dairy farmers and more. As we embark on crafting the next farm bill, the 2018 listening session was extremely important.

I want to thank the following Members who were able to join this year's Farm Show: Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson, Congressman Dwight Evans, Congressman Tom Marino, Congressman Roger Marshall, and Congressman Lloyd Smucker. I also want to thank USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach for coming up to join us. I was honored to be joined by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show truly does bring together so many different people in the ag community and it is an event like none other. As vice chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I am very proud of this fine event that takes place in the Commonwealth.

The Farm Show complex houses 24 acres under one roof, spreading throughout 11 buildings, including three arenas. There is no admission fee and it is a great event for the entire family. There are numerous educational shows that are all free of charge.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show provides an atmosphere for everyone to walk through, observe, and educate themselves about different areas of agriculture, the Commonwealth's largest industry, which brings in nearly $6.9 billion annually in agricultural cash receipts. Almost half a million jobs are tied to the industry, which positively impacts all Pennsylvanians.

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular attractions at the Pennsylvania Farm Show is the Food Court. Located in the Expo Hall and Main Hall of the complex, the Food Court offers visitors a variety of Pennsylvania products--PA Preferred products--and it generates income to support the nonprofit Pennsylvania Agricultural Commodity Organizations.

Mr. Speaker, over a century ago, the first Pennsylvania Farm Show was a 3-day exhibit. Today, the event is a weeklong, 8-day celebration of how the agricultural industry touches our everyday lives. Proudly, this event draws visitors from across the country to highlight everything our State has to offer when it comes to ag.

Numerous students participate in the event as well from 4-H clubs and FAA organizations.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show truly showcases our Nation's farmers and landowners, and I was thrilled to again take part in the best agricultural expo in the country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, to commend law enforcement officers throughout our Nation who answer the call to serve their communities.

Law enforcement officers face increasingly difficult circumstances while working to serve and protect the public. It is a dangerous job, and often it is a thankless job.

Our officers put on their uniform each day knowing that they can be in harm's way at any moment. They answer the call in times of distress. They follow the rules, and they wear the badges proudly.

This day is designated annually, on January 9, to show support to our law enforcement leaders in every community, including the Capitol Police, who are with us here today.

Madam Speaker, we must remember that our officers are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives. They are human, and they, arguably, have one of the most difficult jobs in America.

So today, and each day, let's honor our brothers and sisters in blue. Let's thank them for the important work that they do to keep us all safe.

Mr. Speaker, last month, Congress passed the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Tax relief is upon us for American workers, families, and job creators. Come February, there will be more money in your paycheck.

Workers are already seeing the benefits of this historic tax cuts bill. Businesses across the country are now giving bonuses, pay raises, and making new investments that will get our economy back on track.

Pennsylvania's own AccuWeather provided a year-end bonus to all employees due to the strong confidence in the United States and global economy now that tax reform passed.

And AccuWeather isn't alone. Thanks to tax reform, Wells Fargo boosted its minimum wage for employees to $15 an hour and targeted $400 million in nonprofit donations this year. AT&T paid more than 200,000 U.S. employees $1,000 each and increased its capital spending budget by $1 billion. Sinclair Broadcast Group paid $1,000 bonuses to nearly 9,000 employees.

These are just some of the many businesses that are rewarding their employees, thanks to tax reform, fair and simple.

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 in memory of Penny Brammer, who passed away last week after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 59.

Penny worked for the Pennsylvania FFA Association and was affectionately known as ``Mama B'' by the Commonwealth's youth leaders of agriculture. She inspired thousands of teenagers to have the passion and drive to pursue their dreams.

Penny is survived by her loving husband, high school and FFA sweetheart, Michael Brammer; her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Jackie Brammer; her daughter and son-in-law, Sherisa and Jason Nailor; as well as her parents, George and Shirley Shaver. She also leaves her adored grandchildren: Terrin, Grace, Joleigh, Jordyn, and Jayce.

Mr. Speaker, my heart is heavy for the entire Brammer family, as well as for Penny's extended family at the Pennsylvania FFA Association and the New Kingstown Volunteer Fire Company where Penny and Michael enjoyed years of fellowship and service to the community.

Penny dedicated her life to helping others, especially our youth. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.

Mr. Speaker, as individuals across the country travel near and far to be with loved ones this holiday season, I ask that we remember our military personnel who will not be surrounded by family and friends this Christmas. Instead, our military men and women

will be stationed all over the world to protect and defend the United States of America.

There are about 1.3 million military personnel on Active Duty who serve in more than 170 countries. While it is not easy to be away from family, it is especially difficult during the holidays.

But, Mr. Speaker, events like American Red Cross' Holiday Mail for Heroes card-signing campaign lets our troops know that we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers. Since 2007, the Holiday Mail for Heroes program has provided Americans the opportunity to extend holiday greetings, expressions of gratitude, and well wishes to servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Last year, the Red Cross distributed thousands of cards to troops across the globe.

As we are extending our support to military personnel serving overseas, the Marine Corps Reserve is giving back to those who are less fortunate right here in our own backyard. Toys for Tots, which was founded in 1947 by Reservist Major Bill Hendricks, collects new, unwrapped toys each year and distributes them as Christmas gifts to children in need. As of 2016, Toys for Tots collected and distributed more than 512 million toys to less fortunate children.

That kind of selflessness truly embodies the spirit of Christmas.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot forget to honor our fallen heroes this Christmas season. One of our finest holiday traditions that honors our fallen servicemembers took place last Saturday: Wreaths Across America.

Many Americans can recall the iconic photograph of wreaths on the tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery. Snow blankets the ground. Red ribbons adorn the balsam wreaths, which lay on rows of tombstones as far as the eye can see.

This annual tribute began in 1992 by a Maine wreathmaker named Morrill Worcester, who donated 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery in honor of our fallen heroes.

Today, Wreaths Across America has grown into a national organization. A total of 1.2 million wreaths were placed on markers across the country in more than 1,200 locations, with more than 200,000 at Arlington National Cemetery alone. The mission is to remember, honor, and teach. Morrill describes the wreaths as a symbol of honor, respect, and victory.

As we celebrate with our loved ones, let us remember all of our military men and women, especially those we lost in service to this Nation. Thank you to Morrill and to all the volunteers who honor their memory.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all of our troops serving at home and overseas. I wish them a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Merry Christmas and God bless America.

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 commend Jarrod Davis, of Blossburg, Pennsylvania, for his Eagle Scout project in honor of our Nation's veterans.

Jarrod, the grandson of a World War II veteran, wanted his Eagle Scout project to benefit veterans, so he began working in the spring on a reflection project outside the Veterans Center in Charleston Township, in Tioga County.

He collected donations to assist with establishing a flagpole, black metal benches, and a monument. At the project's completion, he donated the remaining funds to the Veterans Affairs Outreach Fund.

Jarrod worked with 10 volunteers on the project for 3 months, and he spent about 80 hours working on his Eagle Scout project. The flagpole and the reflection area were finished on April 21.

Jarrod, who graduated from North Penn-Liberty High School in June, now works at Sullivan Farms in Mainesburg. His project was dedicated earlier this month, on the 76th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day on December 7.

Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of Jarrod, his patriotism, and his respect for those who serve. I wholeheartedly commend Jarrod Davis on this outstanding project.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Diane L. Whitaker as she retires from the Clinton County Library System this year after serving 31 years and 31 days as executive director of the Ross Library in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.

In the library's 107 years of existence, Ms. Whitaker is just the seventh director, but she is the longest serving in its history.

The Ross Library Board of Trustees recently hosted a celebration for Ms. Whitaker. They also revealed the newly named ``Diane L. Whitaker Genealogy Collection'' on a plaque in her honor.

Over the years, Ms. Whitaker has overseen numerous projects and has also authored grant applications that have helped local libraries with much-needed funding.

Ms. Whitaker was raised in Clearfield County and holds a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Lock Haven University. She earned a master's degree in library science from Clarion University.

She has been a career librarian for more than four decades, working as a school librarian, bookmobile librarian, children's coordinator, branch librarian, and administrator.

Ms. Whitaker and her husband, Lester, live in Beech Creek. They have three daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom reside in Clinton and Centre Counties.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Whitaker for all her contributions to Ross Library and the entire Clinton County Library System. The community is a better place thanks to her efforts. She plans to visit State and national parks in her retirement, which I think is an outstanding plan.

Recognizing Michael Colbert

Mr. Speaker, for nearly 20 years, Michael Colbert has given his leadership to Oil Creek Township as supervisor chairman. Last week, he oversaw his final meeting as supervisor, and he will retire at the end of the year.

Mr. Colbert first served as a supervisor in 1993 to fill a vacancy, but he stepped down the next year. He would run again in 1999, win the seat, and officially be sworn in in January 2000.

Over nearly 20 years at the helm, Mr. Colbert oversaw numerous projects, but he told the Titusville Herald that his proudest achievement was helping pave the way for Walmart to open a store in the township.

In his well-deserved retirement, Mr. Colbert said he plans to vacation in Florida for a few weeks.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Colbert for his dedication and leadership to Oil Creek Township as supervisor chairman. He has given nearly 20 years of his time and energy to his neighbors and his community. For that, we are grateful.

I wish him the best in retirement.

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 in support of the conference report to accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

For the first time since 1986, there is a real opportunity to challenge the status quo and simplify the Tax Code. The final agreement lowers rates and significantly increases the standard deduction for both individuals and joint filers. American families will see the child tax credit expanded to help parents with the cost of raising children.

Importantly, the graduate tuition voucher exemption and student loan interest deduction have remained to ensure our commitment to opportunity through education. I, and many of my colleagues, urged the conference committee to keep these important provisions intact.

H.R. 1 also eliminates ObamaCare's individual mandate penalty tax to allow Americans the flexibility to buy healthcare that is right for them. Job creators will see the corporate tax rate lowered to 21 percent on January 1, 2018, which is the largest reduction in our Nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, this is just some of what this once-in-a-generation proposal does to help America keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 1.

Mr. Speaker, today marks 50 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill into law officially establishing the National Park Foundation.

The National Park Foundation works to enrich America's national parks and programs, safeguard our heritage, and engage the next generation of national park enthusiasts.

Celebrating 50 years, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service.

Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts. It works to connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. And, the National Park Foundation helps to engage the next generation of park stewards.

In 2016, we proudly commemorated the National Park Service's 100th anniversary. The National Park Foundation launched the Centennial Campaign for America's national parks, a comprehensive effort to strengthen and enhance the future of our parks.

Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly thank the National Park Foundation for all that it does to support our national treasures for another 100 years.

Congratulations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 381st birthday of the National Guard.

A component of the United States Army, the National Guard is primarily composed of citizen soldiers who hold down full-time civilian jobs or attend school. At the same time, National Guard members are available to provide support and protection for their States or to be called for military operations for the country. They serve their community and their country.

Each U.S. State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands maintain both an Army National Guard and an Air National Guard.

The Massachusetts General Court issued an order on December 13, 1636, requiring all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 to create a standing Army for protection. With that order, what we now know as America's National Guard was born. The idea was simple: establish an Army of citizen soldiers who could be called upon to fight when needed.

In honor of the National Guard's birthday, here are some lesser known facts about the branch: each member of the National Guard is sworn to uphold two constitutions, Federal and State. The term ``National Guard'' didn't become an official term until 1916. 50,000 members of the National Guard were called to take on various missions during the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Only two Presidents have served in the National Guard in its modern structure: Harry S. Truman and George W. Bush.

The National Guard is older than the Army. Militias were used as early as 1636 to protect British colonies. The U.S. Army wasn't formed until the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

American Samoa is the only territory of the United States to not have a National Guard unit.

National Guard units were called minutemen during the American Revolution due to their rapid response ability.

The most senior member of each State National Guard unit is the adjutant general. Some States elect the adjutant general while others have their Governor appoint someone to that position.

The National Guard formed one of the first all-African-American units in U.S. military history, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers. Their creation was met with mixed reactions, but the unit serves to this day, and the first African American to receive a Medal of Honor, William Harvey Carney, hailed from it.

The National Guard is second only to the United States Army in terms of number of members.

Mr. Speaker, I commend all those who join the ranks of the esteemed National Guard. They answer the call of duty to protect their community and their country. We are grateful for their service and proud of their commitment.

Happy 381st birthday to the National Guard.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Clyde Glossner, who has served the Woodward Township in Clinton County as supervisor for nearly 50 years.

Supervisor Glossner, who is 84, will retire this year after 47 years of service. Next Tuesday, he will oversee his last board of supervisors meeting.

Supervisor Glossner has been a resident of the township his entire life. He is a member of the Forty and Eight organization and the Masons in Lock Haven.

He and his wife of 60 years, Wilma, were married in 1955 in First Evangelical United Brethren Church in Lock Haven. In September 1955, Clyde and Wilma purchased their home in Woodward Township. They still live there today, and they have three grown sons.

In his earlier years, Supervisor Glossner worked as a food inspector for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. He has shown his dedication to his neighbors through his years of public service, and the community will gather next Tuesday, December 19, at the Dunnstown Fire Hall to honor him.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Supervisor Glossner for a life of service, and I wish him well in his retirement.