Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, despite what the Biden administration would like the American people to believe, our Nation is facing a catastrophe on the southern border.

Last month alone, U.S. Border Protection officers encountered more than 100,000 migrants attempting to cross the border illegally. This is a 173 percent increase from last February.

Right now, the Office of Refugee Resettlement shelters that house unaccompanied migrant children are reaching capacity. Our border agents are being diverted from their posts to care for record numbers of teenagers and children who are illegally crossing our border.

This escalating crisis is rooted right here in Washington, D.C., more than 1,700 miles away from that border. As we witness unprecedented groups of migrants reaching the United States, there is no question that the President's weak border security stance has heightened this so-called challenge.

By reversing the Trump administration's actions to bolster security on the southern border and halting construction of the border wall, the current administration is sending a clear message to the world that America's border, unfortunately, is wide open.

Innocent people, and cartels and human traffickers who prey upon them, pay attention to what we say here in Washington. Words have consequences. Rhetoric has ramifications.

What is happening on the southern border is both a humanitarian and security crisis. It is simply inhumane for politicians to incentivize the dangerous trek across Central America to the southern border.

Those who attempt the journey face treacherous conditions, gang violence, and unthinkable danger. As my friend, Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, said at the border just yesterday, ``This is human heartbreak.''

As the situation worsens, the limited resources on the border are being pulled away from protecting the American people. The Biden administration is prioritizing illegal immigrants over the American people. As U.S. Customs and Border Protection leadership shifts to caring for migrants, there are fewer officers focusing on apprehending threats.

This is not only a human trafficking crisis; it is also a drug trafficking crisis. The illicit drugs, including deadly methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, that come across the porous southern border are killing Pennsylvanians in the streets of Altoona, Johnstown, Bedford, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, and Somerset, and throughout my district.

Just this weekend, Border Patrol agents apprehended two individuals attempting to smuggle nearly 8 pounds of methamphetamine across the border. By preventing these drugs from reaching American communities, we likely saved lives. What would have happened if these suspects hadn't been caught?

Clearly, we need more, and not less, security on our southern border.

As our Nation continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress cannot afford to stand back and allow the border crisis to get even worse. We need safer, stronger, and more secure communities in Pennsylvania and across the country.

Here is the truth: The border crisis has consequences beyond the border. Inaction is not the correct action. Border security is national security.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Chelsea Kerr Veneskey on receiving the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's Young Professional of the Year Award, which recognizes a leader who is making Blair County a better place for young people to live and do business.

Chelsea consistently is involved in community service projects and regularly mentors other young professionals as they develop professional strengths. She also promotes participation in our region's civic and business organizations, and she serves on numerous boards. Chelsea is immensely dedicated to our community's growth.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Chelsea on this accomplishment and thank her for her service to the Blair County community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Debbie Eckenrode on receiving the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's Joseph P. Rosenhamer Chamber Spirit Award, which recognizes a longtime Chamber member who embodies the traits we hope to see in business leaders.

Debbie has been an outstanding member of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and frequently leads efforts to support the chamber's community events. Additionally, she mentors new chamber members and entrepreneurs in the region. Debbie is a dedicated member and ensures that the organization maintains its robust presence in the community.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Debbie on this accomplishment and thank her for her service to the Blair County community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Matthew Fownes, a Dairy Queen franchise owner, on receiving the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Person of the Year Award. This honor recognizes individuals who have responded well to adversity while serving the Blair County community.

Though businesses in the hospitality and restaurant industry faced extraordinary challenges due to COVID-19, Matthew remained committed to growing his business and to protect his employees' livelihoods. He persevered through challenges and adapted to serve Blair County residents efficiently and safely under the COVID restrictions, saving jobs in our community.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Matthew on winning this accomplishment and thank him for his service to the Blair County community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Virginia Helsel on receiving the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's George Award, which recognizes an individual's volunteer efforts that have improved life in Blair County. A nurse by trade, Virginia started God's Little Offerings in her garage to help Blair County families in need. Though the organization originally provided only holiday meals, it has expanded to assist with other necessities.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Virginia on this accomplishment and thank her for her service to the Blair County community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Lindsay Bumbarger on receiving the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's Judith A. Rossi Educator of the Year Award, which recognizes educators who have influenced educational systems in a manner that benefits Blair County's economy.

As a 2nd grade teacher at Baker Elementary School in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Lindsay has overcome great educational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In her career, Lindsay has taught students at several grade levels and has been recognized as a dedicated and innovative teacher. In her spare time, Lindsay also volunteers as an ESL teacher for Blair County families that do not speak English.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Lindsay on this accomplishment and thank her for her service to the Blair County community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Judy Juda of Duncansville, Pennsylvania on receiving the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's Athena Award, which recognizes individuals who have high professional ambitions, perform well in their fields, and devote time to meaningfully improve the Blair County community.

While serving as the Program Director for the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, Judy was instrumental in forming several programs designed to benefit women as they seek, obtain, and hold leadership positions in their community. She has been recognized for her work on We-LEaD, Leadership Blair County Adult, Leadership Blair County Youth, and other programs offered through the Chamber.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Judy on this accomplishment and thank her for her service to the Blair County community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Derek Martin on receiving the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's Donna D. Gority Servant Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who serve the Blair County community through their workplace.

As the COVID-19 pandemic changed life across America, Derek led Altoona Curve staff members in assisting businesses and individuals who were hardest hit in Blair County. He mentored others and offered support and encouragement to those who needed it most. Despite growing challenges, Derek continued his work to help our community weather this storm.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Derek on this accomplishment and thank him for his service to the Blair County community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kiersten Englebert of Biglerville for her dedication to helping homeless veterans.

Kiersten, who holds the title of International United Miss Pennsylvania PreTeen, worked alongside fellow friends to provide vital items for her neighbors in need. She collected hygiene products, socks, hats, gloves and other items, filling 70 backpacks to support the work of local nonprofit For the Love of a Veteran.

Kiersten is an outstanding young woman who already has demonstrated great dedication to the people of Adams County. It is my pleasure to recognize Kiersten for this selfless work to serve our veterans in need, and I wish her continued success in this mission.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Thrivent Community-Advent Partners team for their service to the Adams County community.

As an act of kindness for their neighbors, this group assembles and delivers care packages to patients who are undergoing cancer treatments in the Gettysburg Cancer Center and the Wellspan Adams Cancer Center. This tradition was established five years ago and has continued to be a service project shared by many community members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thriven Community-Advent Partners team has taken extra care to safely assemble packages that include items such as masks, blankets, lotion, hand sanitizer, tissues, lip balm and other items. Despite challenges, they have persevered to continue this mission.

Thrivent Community-Advent Partners' commitment to community service is invaluable to the Adams County community. It is an honor to thank these Pennsylvanians for their commitment and highlight this invaluable work, and I wish them every continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Waynesboro Salvation Army upon the completion of a successful Red Kettle Campaign.

This year, the Waynesboro Service Unit of the Salvation Army continued its long history of supporting the ``Do the Most Good'' program that benefits the Waynesboro, Greencastle and Mercersburg communities. This year, the group overcame obstacles to not only achieve but exceed their goal. The Salvation Army attributes this success to the generosity of the community members and the help of volunteers who dedicated countless hours over a five-week period.

The Waynesboro Salvation Army is a valued part of our community and faithfully serves individuals and families in need. It is a pleasure to congratulate these Pennsylvanians on a successful Red Kettle Campaign and wish them every continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Edwin Gotwalt, a beloved member of the central Pennsylvania community.

Mr. Gotwalt was born May 20, 1936 in York County. His strong work ethic began early, as he took his first job at the age of six to help support his family. After a career as a manager at Giant Food Stores, he founded Mister Ed's Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium.

Mr. Ed owned and operated this iconic candy shop from 1975 until he retired in 2004. After his retirement, Mr. Ed sought out opportunities to encourage and mentor the next generation of the business community. He also was a dedicated member of the community. Mr. Ed served on many community boards, including his beloved Totem Pole Playhouse.

After a remarkable life, Mr, Ed passed away on February 26, 2021--the same day that marked his 54th wedding anniversary to his wife Patricia and the 46th anniversary of founding his business. It is a pleasure to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Ed Gotwalt for his many accomplishments and contributions to our region. I offer my condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones as they mourn this great loss.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of W. Gene Kelly. Gene passed away on February 17, 2021 after a lifetime of service to the Blair County community.

Gene lived in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania for most of his life. He graduated from Martinsburg High School and attended college at Pennsylvania State University. After college, he worked for the Altoona Area School District for 25 years as an elementary school teacher and principal.

Additionally, Gene served our great nation for six years in the U.S. Army Reserves, and he also founded the W. Gene Henry Mobile Home Parks in Martinsburg.

Throughout his life, Gene was dedicated to community service. He made generous contributions to support the Martinsburg Borough Municipal Building and Police Station, as well as the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company. He contributed to many community projects, including highway widenings, the Morrisons Cove Memorial Park, and a pair of buildings in the Fairview Cemetery.

Gene was an admirable, generous, and faithful member of our community. It is my privilege to honor Gene Kelly's life and legacy, and to recognize his many contributions to our nation and region.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Open Hands Ministries of Stahlstown, Pennsylvania for its service to the Westmoreland County community.

To help families struggling to buy clothes for young infants, Open Hands Ministries began a program in 1994 to donate necessary items to families in need. Each donation includes a crib blanket, a receiving blanket, diapers, onesies, sleepers, bibs, hats, and socks. These contributions have helped thousands of families as they welcome a new addition into their home.

Over the years, the volunteers at Open Hands Ministries have donated almost 11,000 layettes to area families. I thank the volunteers at Open Hands Ministries for their decades of service to southwestern Pennsylvania, and wish them continued success in this vital mission.

Madam Speaker, here in this Chamber, I have pledged to support and defend the United States Constitution in its entirety. The Second Amendment is a key tenet of the U.S. Constitution and Americans' inalienable rights.

The right to keep and bear arms is a basic freedom that was enshrined in law by the Framers of our Constitution, the leaders who overcame tyranny to form a representative government of, by, and for the people. More than two centuries later, their extraordinary vision for our country still endures.

In Congress, it is our job to uphold the Constitution and to protect Americans' fundamental rights. Yet, this week, the House will consider radical legislation that would encroach on citizens' freedoms while doing so little to prevent mass shootings or illicit violence. If enacted, both H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 would impose restrictive background checks and unnecessarily burden law-abiding gun owners.

Thanks to the work of the previous administration and Republicans in Congress, our Nation already has safeguards in place to prevent wrongdoers from acquiring firearms. Rather than impose new restrictions, we should work together to ensure that the current laws on the books are enforced.

Instead of attempting to defund the police, we should equip our law enforcement officers with the necessary resources and training that they need to identify and respond to threats. Rather than make criminals out of law-abiding citizens, we should increase penalties for those who break the law. These are commonsense steps that would save lives and protect constitutional rights of citizens in my home State of Pennsylvania and across our country.

In recent months, I have heard from hundreds of Pennsylvanians who are concerned by the mounting attacks on the Second Amendment. I share these concerns, and I will continue to oppose any attempts to restrict Americans' lawful gun rights. Unfortunately, the majority is set on restricting Americans' personal freedoms and propelling an extreme agenda. This playbook is not the answer.

Right now, Congress should be focused on crushing the pandemic, getting Americans back to work, allowing our kids to safely return to the classroom. Instead of attacking Americans' constitutional rights, we could be making real progress on accelerating vaccine production, rebuilding our economy, and restoring our American way of life.

As we consider H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 this week, I urge all of my colleagues to reject this challenge to our Constitution, to uphold Americans' intrinsic freedoms, and return this body to good-faith legislating that drives results for all of the American people.