Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize Lloyd Henry for his 80 years of service to the Lampeter Fire Company.

Mr. Henry joined the Lampeter Fire Company on February 16, 1945, when he was 16 years old. His entry into the fire service came during an era where fire trucks consisted of Model-T Fords and when pumpers were still new to fire departments. From 1968 to 2002 he served as Fire Chief, where his penchant for adopting new technology and training transitioned the company into modernity. Throughout his many years of leadership, the Lampeter Fire Company became synonymous with reliability.

As a state master fire instructor, Mr. Henry traveled the Commonwealth to teach others, and he even assisted in writing the curriculum for a course at Penn State University.

Even when he left his role as fire chief, Mr. Henry continued to ride on fire engines until he was 80 years old.

Mr. Henry's son, Bob, characterizes his father as having his ``heart and soul . . . in the fire service.'' As he hits a milestone 80 years with the Lampeter Fire Company, the community and I are beyond thankful for Lloyd Henry's dedication to keeping us safe.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize the Ephrata Lions Club of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for their 100th anniversary.

Epitomized by the motto ``We Serve,'' the Ephrata Lions Club has dedicated itself to public service since its chartering on February 26, 1925. Presently led by President Kendra Rhinier, the club consists of fifty men and women who work tirelessly to better their community. Alongside robust community service programming, such as food drives and cleaning trash from highways, the Lions Club gives out around $30,000 a year to those in need, as a result, they have raised funds for social services, disaster relief, youth programs, and more. The zeal of the Ephrata Lions Club is not limited to their town, but has uplifted people across the state, the Nation, and the world.

The Ephrata Lions Club is one of 49,000 clubs across 200 countries and regions, and Lions Club International boasts 1.4 million members.

As the Ephrata Lions Club celebrates this significant milestone, I would like to thank the club and its members for their record of selflessness. Their efforts have made both Ephrata and Pennsylvania's 11th District a better place.

Mr. Chair, we have heard how this budget resolution will deliver tax relief to working and middle-class families. It will put a stop to crime and drugs flooding over our southern border, and it will jump-start the American economy. This is exactly what the American people are looking for today.

Unfortunately, we have also heard a lot of falsehoods from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, and so I would like to set the record straight.

The House Republican budget resolution will stop a 22 percent tax hike for the average taxpayer. It will put $1,700 back into the pockets of a median family of four and will prevent the child tax credit from being cut in half for 40 million families. This bill doesn't take from the working class. It puts money in their pockets.

While my colleagues on the other side try to drown out these facts with tired talking points and fear-mongering, let's ask the American people directly: How does a 22 percent tax hike help them pay their bills? How does taking $1,700 out of the pockets of families and cutting the child tax credit help them raise their kids?

Mr. Chair, it doesn't. Republicans are working to stop those tax hikes by passing this budget resolution.

President Trump was elected by the working class, and this budget will deliver on the promises he made to them. I am very proud to support this budget resolution and urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate East Donegal Township Manager Jeffrey Butler on his retirement.

For over four decades, Mr. Butler has dedicated himself to our communities, both in the private sector and in the public sector. After graduating from Millersville University, Mr. Butler worked as Manheim Township's Director of Zoning and Planning, Director of Planning at Dave Miller/Associates, and Assistant Township Manager in East Donegal Township. In 2009, he was promoted to Township Manager, where he has served East Donegal since.

During his tenure as Township Manager, Mr. Butler helped with the Donegal Region's Comprehensive Plan, which coveted the three municipalities within Donegal School District. Mr. Butler has also done much to assist with parks and recreation as well as housing in the township.

As he transitions into a well-earned retirement, the community thanks and honors Jeffrey Butler for his dedication to public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of World War II veteran Ralph Doss.

Ralph Doss was born on March 30, 1925, and spent his formative years in Chester County. Mr. Doss enlisted in the U.S Navy at the age of 17, requiring his mother's written permission due to his age. He then served on the USS Sigourney, a destroyer, and the USS Duluth, a flagship cruiser, in the South Pacific. During his stint on the Sigourney, he was involved in the 1943 rescue of Medal of Honor winning fighter pilot Robert M. Hanson.

At the conclusion of the war, Ralph Doss was discharged and settled in Kennett Square, where he worked for Longwood Gardens for 28 years. In his spare time, he wrote poetry, was a professional harmonica musician for four decades, and served as Grand Marshall in the Kennett Square Memorial Day parade.

Since 2008, Mr. Doss called Gordonville in Lancaster County home, where he lives with his wife of 60 years, Dora.

As he approaches his 100th birthday, I would like to honor Mr. Ralph Doss for his selfless military service. We should be proud to have such an outstanding individual in our district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nathan Campbell for being named the 2024 World Language Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association.

Mr. Campbell teaches Spanish at Manheim Central High School. His twenty years of teaching are best defined by his dedication and passion for helping students to succeed at broadening their horizons by learning another language.

As a graduate of Manheim Central himself, as well as Millersville University, Mr. Campbell is an alumna of two esteemed educational institutions in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District.

It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Campbell on his recognition as the 2024 World Language Teacher of the Year in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and wish him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Robert Kemp, Sr. on his 100th birthday and thank him for his service defending this Nation during World War II.

A veteran of the United States Navy, Kemp enlisted at 17 years old, against his parents' wishes and barely meeting the weight requirement. He served from 1942 until the end of the war in 1945. During his time in the Navy, Mr. Kemp fought in multiple theatres including the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific. Kemp served as a quartermaster, assisting with the ships' navigation as well as the vessel's steering. He first served in the North Atlantic, protecting supply convoys to the United

Kingdom. He then saw action in the Mediterranean, where his ship assisted in the invasion of Sicily. His final mission of the war was in the Pacific, part of a flotilla that participated in the invasion of the Philippines as well as the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the announcement of the Japanese surrender, his ship sailed into Tokyo Harbor to celebrate the end of the war.

Upon his return home, he settled in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife. However, he had the opportunity to travel the world as a radio technician for the Westinghouse Corporation. He spent time in Germany, Nigeria, and Iran before returning to Baltimore with his family. In his later years, Mi Kemp relocated to Delta, Pennsylvania where he lives with his son, Robert Kemp, Jr.

It is critical for us to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of members of the Greatest Generation that have helped us preserve the Nation that we so dearly love. Thanks to heroes like Mr. Kemp, that remind us to live life to the fullest and to serve others.

It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Kemp on a happy 100th birthday, and I sincerely thank him for his service to his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and give thanks to William D. Leighty for his 36 years in law enforcement, selflessly serving his community.

Lancaster native William Leighty has served in law enforcement across the county. Beginning his career at the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, he then served as a police officer with New Holland Borough and East Cocalico Township. In 1999, William Leighty became the Chief of Police of Clay Township, where he oversaw the merger of three police departments into the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department.

In 2017, Chief Leighty returned to New Holland law enforcement as their Chief of Police. During his tenure, he built positive community relationships through his partnerships with local nonprofits and by organizing events like National Night Out.

Once again, I want to thank Chief Leighty for his invaluable career serving and protecting Lancaster County communities. I wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Warwick High School Field Hockey Team on winning the PIAA Field Hockey Championship on November 16, 2024.

The Warwick School District Warriors shut out their opponents 4-0 at the PIAA Class 2A

Field Hockey Championship game. Warwick led their opponents less than two minutes into the match and never looked back, only allowing their opponents 7 shots on goal. Their state title crowned a spectacular 27-2 season.

The players and coaches of the Warwick Field Hockey Team should be proud of this extraordinary accomplishment. I congratulate them on their Field Hockey Championship and wish them all the best of luck in their future endeavors. I am certain that the lessons that each of these students learned on the field will continue to serve them well throughout their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Sheriff William ``Bill'' Hose for his legacy of service to the York community.

Mr. Hose spent 29 years as a York City Police Officer, advancing to the Chief of Police in his last 11 years of service. He then served as York County Sheriff between 1996 and 2007, finishing a 37-year-long career in law enforcement, protecting the York community.

Mr. Hose's impact extends beyond his professional career. In his spare time, he has volunteered with crime prevention and youth services nonprofits in York County. He is also a U.S. Air Force Veteran, having been stationed in Berlin during the Berlin Crisis.

For his impactful record of service, the community thanks and honors Sheriff Bill Hose. York County residents should be proud to have such an outstanding model of selfless service in their community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate East Lampeter Township Manager Ralph Hutchinson on his retirement.

Mr. Hutchinson's career in public service spans four decades. After graduating from Lafayette College and Penn State's Capitol Campus, known today as Penn State Harrisburg, Mr. Hutchinson worked as Executive Secretary for the Borough of Fountain Hill in Lehigh County, as well as Borough Manager for Millersville Borough in Lancaster County. He spent the last 34 years as Township Manager for East Lampeter Township in Lancaster County.

Mr. Hutchinson has witnessed the township grow significantly over the past three decades, and has worked to balance the needs of commercial enterprises and farming communities along the bustling Route 30 Corridor. Mr. Hutchinson has lent his experience and expertise in municipal management to numerous boards and committees.

As he transitions into a well-deserved retirement, the community both thanks and honors Ralph Hutchinson for his years in public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and give thanks to Dr. Hilda Shirk for her longstanding service to public health in south central Pennsylvania.

Navigating the complexities of the health care industry takes a dedicated and hardworking team of leaders. I am pleased to recognize Dr. Hilda Shirk for her passion, dedication, and commitment to improving healthcare in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District and the surrounding communities as she prepares to step down as Chair of the WellSpan Health Board of Directors.

Dr. Shirk has helped WellSpan to achieve tremendous growth in a rapidly changing industry. Under her leadership, WellSpan has become a nationally recognized leader in patient quality, significantly increasing access to and the overall quality of its care. Dr. Shirk's tenure embodied WellSpan's mission of creating healthy communities and continuously expanding care.

Dr. Shirk previously served as the President and CEO of the Lancaster Health Center. Dr. Shirk's longstanding commitment to public health is evident by her record of success in the field.

It is with great pride that I congratulate Dr. Hilda Shirk for her admirable career in healthcare, and I sincerely thank her for her service to WellSpan Health and the greater community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and give thanks to Charles M. Hale, Jr. for his longstanding service to his community as a first responder.

It takes incredible courage to be a firefighter, and Charles M. Hale, Jr. of Hanover exemplifies this trait unequivocally. Mr. Hale recently retired from Hanover Area Fire and Rescue after 34 years of service. In that time, Mr. Hale has received numerous awards and citations for his actions in the line of duty. In 1992, Firefighter Hale was involved in the rescue of multiple civilians from an apartment fire. For his actions, Mr. Hale was awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest award in the country for public safety officers. In 2012, Mr Hale was awarded the Medal of Merit for his actions on a vehicle accident and entrapment.

With more than 50 years of experience with fire and EMS service, Mr. Hale was a key asset to the Hanover Area Fire and Rescue. Not only was his experience vital, but his mentorship to all the other firefighters was crucial in making the Hanover Fire Department what it is today. For more than three decades Charles M. Hale, Jr. represented his community with bravery and courage. It is heroes like Mr. Hale that remind us of what it means to truly be a servant to your community. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Hale on his retirement, and I sincerely thank him for his service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, what we are witnessing on the floor today is, I believe, one of the most bizarre arguments against a bill that I have seen since I have been here in my 8 years in Congress.

In fact, look over there and see how they are contorting themselves to say they are against this bill.

Mr. Speaker, remember that old game we used to play as kids, Twister? It looks like a game of Twister over on that side today.

First, about the facts in this bill, today, it is 411 days since Hamas terrorists captured and continue to hold men, women, and children, including seven American citizens, hostage in the Gaza Strip.

In the wake of those attacks, nefarious groups have leveraged their status as nonprofits under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code to provide material and financial support to Hamas.

We have examples. One is the Alliance for Global Justice, which is linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which the State Department has designated as a terrorist organization.

Another example is the Popular Media Project, which employed a Hamas spokesperson who held three Israelis hostage at his home in Gaza.

Mr. Speaker, we don't negotiate with terrorists, so why should we allow tax-advantaged groups to fund them?

Why should taxpayers be on the hook to subsidize organizations aiding Hamas terrorists and continuing to hold American citizens hostage?

Why did our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, along with Mr. Doggett, vote for this bill unanimously in the Ways and Means Committee on September 11?

Why was it okay to prevent the funding of terrorists by nonprofits then, but it is not okay to do so now?

Why did our colleagues on the floor of the House vote for this, but not now?

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle say it is because suddenly we have Donald Trump as our President. You are saying, folks, this would have been okay if President Harris had been elected, but not with Donald Trump?

Maybe it makes sense because, under Democratic Presidents, the IRS did target conservative groups. Where was your outrage at that when the IRS was targeting conservative groups?

Do you know that President Trump won the election by a wide margin? He has a mandate by the American people. He won the popular vote. He won 312 electoral votes.

The American people believe that Donald Trump will save this country and will put this country on the right path. They don't believe that he is a fascist. They don't believe that he is the kind of dictator that you think he will be.

Talk about election denialism. When are you going to accept that President Trump won this election and that President Trump will do what is right for the American people?

Mr. Speaker, this is the most bizarre argument that I have heard on this bill. It is the most bizarre argument I

have heard since I have been in Congress. They have completely reversed their vote in just a few months. It is unbelievable, Mr. Speaker. It is sad.

This is a bill that has parameters around the bill. They say now, suddenly, it doesn't have parameters.

It simply says, if a nonprofit is supporting a terrorist organization, their tax status should be revoked. It is a commonsense bill. Do not believe what they are saying today.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the West Lampeter Community Fair for its 100th anniversary.

Starting in 1924 as an exhibition for students, the West Lampeter Community Fair is rooted in tradition. The fair promotes Lampeter's heritage and agricultural community, and while much has changed in the past 100 years, the West Lampeter Community Fair does not shy away from its history.

The fair provides a great community environment and the opportunity for local children to compete in a range of competitions. Displays from local vendors and small businesses are at the heart of the bustling fair. Providing everything from homemade baked goods to vintage tractors, the West Lampeter Community fair has something for everyone. For me, that means always grabbing a vanilla milkshake and enjoying the horse show.

Organizing this annual event is no easy task. It is thanks to the tireless efforts of the fair board of directors and volunteers that allows this storied community event to continue and be successful year after year. The West Lampeter Community Fair also supports local business and continues to build a stronger community one fair at a time.

It is with great pride that I congratulate the West Lampeter Community Fair on its 100th anniversary. I wish them many more years of success in showcasing their community's heritage.