Keith J. Rothfus

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, which will continue operations for several Federal agencies and, importantly, appropriate funds to be used in securing the southern border.

We have talked for years about securing our border. This is important for the entire Nation. My perspective comes from representing a district hard-hit with the opioid epidemic. Mexico and the United States have a mutual interest in securing our border.

Heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamines, and other narcotics flow northbound while, importantly, illicit cash is flowing southbound. This illicit cash is fueling a reign of terror by Mexican drug cartels that have murdered more than 200,000 Mexico citizens over the last 10 years, and only 5 percent of them have been prosecuted.

They have killed priests. They have killed journalists. They have killed students. And they have killed each other. There are mass graves all over Mexico.

Mr. Speaker, we need to secure that border for the benefit of both countries. It is past time we do this, and I ask support for this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, as we approach the holidays, I want to take a moment to talk about a difficult subject: suicide.

Suicide is epidemic in our Nation. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is currently the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, ending 48,000 lives in 2017.

For those who are suffering, you need to know you are not alone and there are many who care about you. There is hope for healing. Every person was created for a purpose, though it may be difficult at times for a person to find that purpose.

One of the most basic, and often most effective, ways to help prevent suicide is to ensure that our loved ones, friends, colleagues, and anyone else in our lives feels connected and has a sense of belonging. There is great virtue in reaching out to the marginalized and neglected, especially young people who may be lonely or bullied.

For those who are despondent and having suicidal thoughts, services like the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is vital. The hotline is a free support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800- 273-8255, 1-800-273-TALK.

As we enter this season of hope, let those who are hopeless encounter the encouragement that everyone needs.

Mr. Speaker, it was a fitting end to an outstanding season for the Aliquippa High School football team. They were victorious in 14 of their 15 games.

The Quips, led by their new head coach and former quarterback, Mike Warfield, fought their way to a resounding victory as they became Class 3A State football champions. The 35-0 win against Middletown High School resulted in the Quips' third PIAA State championship.

The Aliquippa football team has been a perennial contender for State football titles. This season, a powerhouse offense outscored teams by more than 700 points, and a formidable defense shut out 7 of their 15 opponents.

The Quips team also won the WPIAL championship, and Coach Warfield became only the third coach in WPIAL history to win a State championship in his first year.

Congratulations to Aliquippa High School, Coach Warfield, the coaching staff, and the team for their outstanding achievement. They have made western Pennsylvania proud.