Washington, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that the application period for the Fiscal Year 2011 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program is now open, according to Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate is accepting applications through February 24, 2012, at 5:00 PM.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson has joined 154 Members in sending a bipartisan letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calling on the Obama Administration to reverse its controversial mandate forcing religious organizations to include sterilization, abortion-inducing drugs and devices, and contraception in the health care plans of their employees.
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support S 2039, the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, which passed the U.S. House by a vote of 417-2. On February 2nd, the Senate passed a similar version of the measure by a vote of 96-3.
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson issued the following statement after today voting to oppose H.R. 3521, the Expedited Legislative Line-Item Veto and Rescissions Act of 2011:
]]>
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a $193,990 grant to Howard Fire Company (HFC) Station 14 in Centre County, PA. The grant, which was awarded through the 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, will assist HFC purchase a new industry compliant tanker truck.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H.R. 1173, the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act, which passed the full House by a vote of 267-159.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Forest Service’s announcement of the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule:
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson tonight released the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“The President had the opportunity to chart a new path on a set of priorities that the American people have called for and both political parties can agree on, and we heard some productive talk here tonight,” said Rep. Thompson. “But with almost 2 million more Americans out of work and having racked up the three largest annual deficits in the country’s history since the President took office, the American people are looking for more than just talk.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today issued the following statement on the passing of Coach Joe Paterno.
Washington, D.C. – On December 31, 2011, President Obama signed into law the Fiscal Year 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included the Servicemembers’ Telemedicine and E-Health Portability (STEP) Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Representative Thompson recently spoke with WICU TV News Anchor Kevin MacDowell, to discuss his motivation for drafting the legislation, subsequent efforts to secure its inclusion in the final NDAA agreement, and the benefits it will provide to millions of Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired service members, and their families.
Washington, D.C. – Over the weekend, the U.S. Senate proposed a short-term two-month payroll tax cut extension that non-partisan tax experts call “unworkable” and say could “create substantial problems, confusion, and costs” for employees and employers. U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today spoke with WJAC News Correspondent Scott MacFarlane, to discuss work in the U.S. House to pass a full-year extension and avoid more economic uncertainty for American families and small businesses.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H.R. 1633, the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives vote of 268-150. H.R. 1633, which prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating farm dust that is already regulated at the state or local level, is the fourth federal regulatory reform measure that has passed the House in the last two weeks.
###
]]>
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H.R. 3010, the Regulatory Accountability Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 253-167. H.R. 3010 is the second of two bipartisan supported jobs measures dealing with federal regulatory reform that passed the House this week. Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 527, the Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act of 2011, by a vote of 263-159.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today during a radio address reminded Medicare beneficiaries of the upcoming December 7th, 2011, deadline for the 2012 Medicare Open Annual Enrollment Period. An audio recording and the full text of Thompson’s remarks, which includes additional Medicare beneficiary enrollment information, are provided below.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has awarded Emergency Relief in the amount $1,742,280 to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the repair and reconstruction of Federal-aid highways and roads that suffered serious damage during Tropical Storm Lee, according to U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Federal-aid infrastructure in a total of 18 Pennsylvania counties, including Lycoming, were damaged as a result of the storm’s heavy rains and flooding.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States. During general debate, Representative Thompson delivered remarks in support of the resolution. The measure, H. J. Res. 2, received the support of 236 Republicans and 25 Democrats, falling short of a two-thirds majority needed for passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H.R. 674, legislation to repeal the 3% withholding requirement on certain payments made to contractors doing business with federal, state, and local governments. The measure also includes provisions to promote the hiring of Veterans, through tax incentives and employment training programs. H.R. 674 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 422-0.
Note: On November 17, 2011, FEMA amended the disaster declaration for communities impacted by Tropical Storm Lee to include Mifflin County.
Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, and Lycoming counties as natural disaster areas due to drought and excessive heat that occurred June 1st through August 30th, 2011; designated Erie county as a natural disaster area due to excessive rain that occurred May 1st through June 28th, 2011, qualifying the continuous counties of Crawford and Warren for natural disaster assistance; and designated Lycoming and Tioga counties as eligible for natural disaster assistance due to excessive rain and flash flooding associated with Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee that occurred during the period of August 26th through September 12th, 2011, according to U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson.
]]>
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today released the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day.
Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) sent the following letter to the White House, withdrawing his support for the recommendation of former Penn State University football coach Joe Paterno for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The full text of the letter is provided below.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS), according to U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard. The EAS test will occur on Wednesday, November 9th at 2 p.m., and will be broadcast on all radio and television stations.
“Because the Chesapeake Watershed TMDL is such a broad effort, and because of the costs imposed upon local communities, it is imperative for members of this subcommittee to understand what is being asked of the counties, towns and municipalities,” said Subcommittee Chairman Glenn 'GT' Thompson. “We all want to implement a plan that furthers restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, however, it must be equitable. It’s problematic that we still do not have a cost-benefit analysis of this process from EPA nor a sound model for a baseline measurement under the current plan. Ultimately, we must be certain that the federal government is not executing the facets of this plan in a heavy-handed manner, which will place undue burden upon states and localities, during a time when we need fewer hindrances to economic growth and job creation, not more.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-05), Jason Altmire (D-04), Bill Shuster (R-09), Mike Kelly (R-03), and Tom Marino (R-10) released the following statement regarding the Senate’s failure to take action on the bipartisan Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act (H.R. 872), which would have prevented costly and duplicative regulations on farmers, ranchers, and small businesses from going into effect today. On March 31, 2011, H.R. 872 passed the House of Representatives with strong support from both Republicans and Democrats, including 15 Pennsylvania members, by a vote of 292-130.
Lock Haven, Pa. – Students from high schools throughout the Centre Region today attended a government seminar at Lock Haven University, in Lock Haven, Pa. “Government Outreach 2011” – an event hosted by U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, and sponsored by Lock Haven University – offered students of the 5th Congressional District insight into the role of the federal government and information on future career and educational opportunities.
Bradford, PA – Students from high schools throughout the Western part of the 5th Congressional District today attended a government seminar, “Government Outreach 2011,” at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. “Government Outreach 2011” – hosted by U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard,” and sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh – offered students insight into the role of the federal government and future career and education opportunities. Hundreds of students from over 16 area high schools were in attendance.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson tonight voted to support legislation implementing three pending free-trade agreements with Colombia (H.R. 3078), Panama (H.R. 3079), South Korea (H.R. 3080), and an extension of federal Trade Adjustment Assistance programs (H.R. 2832). All four measures passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support.
]]>
In October, students from high schools across the 5th Congressional District of Pennsylvania attended Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s “Government Outreach 2011,” a two-day seminar at the Pittsburgh University at Bradford and Lock Haven University. The event offered students insight into the role of the federal government and information on future career and educational opportunities, which included presentations from university officials and area employers, motivational speakers, and a chance for students to ask questions and engage in discussions about their future. Below you will find photos, videos, commentary, and testimony from speakers, attendees and others about their experiences at “Government Outreach 2011.”
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
To view pictures from Lock Haven University, click here.
###
Full Itinerary from Government Outreach 2011
Day 1: University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
October 19, 2011
Schedule of Events
8:15 a.m. Registration begins at
8:50 a.m. Welcome
9:00 a.m. Amy Oswald – Joy Mining Machinery
9:40 a.m. Larry Schardt – The Magic of Every Moment
10:30 a.m. The Pitt Bradford Experience
10:50 a.m. On Capitol Hill – A Forum with Congressman Thompson
12:00 p.m. Robb Armstrong – Sponsored by Joy Mining Machinery
12:50 p.m. Lunch – Sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
1:30 p.m. Pick up Materials in Commons Building
Day 2: Lock Haven University
October 20, 2011
All events in Price Auditorium
Schedule of Events
8:30 a.m. Registration begins at
9:30 a.m. Welcome
9:40 a.m. On Capitol Hill – A Forum with Congressman Thompson
10:45 a.m. Amy Oswald – Joy Mining Machinery
11:00 a.m. Robb Armstrong – Sponsored by Joy Mining Machinery
11:50 p.m. The Lock Haven Experience
12:10 p.m. Larry Schardt – The Magic of Every Moment
1:00 p.m. Lunch – Sponsored by Lock Haven University
1:30 p.m. Pick up Materials in Government Outreach Office 2011
###
]]>
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today wrote the following letter to local union representatives of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Thompson issued the letter after “informational rallies” were held by four USPS national employee union groups, including the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association, at his Bellefonte and Titusville offices. Included with the letter was a fact sheet outlining Thompson’s previous policy positions and research on several USPS reform proposals, including H.R 1351, a bill advocated by the USPS’s national unions.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today responded to House Speaker John Boehner’s speech before the Economic Club of Washington, where the Speaker stated that the President’s proposed American Jobs Act is a “poor substitute for the pro-growth policies needed to remove barriers to job creation in America.” Following the speech, Thompson issued the following statement:
“While some of the President’s proposals merit consideration, the Speaker is right to point out that the bill in its entirety is no substitute for the targeted, long-term policies needed to remove barriers to job creation, provide certainty to employers and allow the private sector to expand,” said Thompson. “With two years of unemployment at 8 percent or higher, both parties need to recognize the pressing need for real tax relief and aggressive regulatory reform.”
Speaker Boehner also discussed tax reform and the newly created Joint Select Committee, stating the “Committee can tackle tax reform, and it should.” The Committee should “develop principles for broad-based tax reform that will lower rates for individuals and corporations while closing deductions, credits, and special carveouts in our tax code. And I hope it will,” he added.
“We can’t afford more government spending, like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed by the Democrat-controlled Congress in 2009. Two years later and unemployment remains at staggering levels, despite billions of dollars still sitting in government coffers,” stated Thompson. “The President has stated that ‘shovel-ready’ projects were just not ‘as shovel-ready’ as he anticipated, an admission of the very real bureaucratic burden and delay in federal attempts at economic stimulus. A legitimate recovery plan will empower private sector investment by facilitating an economic climate where businesses have the confidence to hire workers and take on new endeavors.”
Since the beginning of the 112th Congress, Thompson has continued to call for regulatory relief and broad tax reform. “We’re not talking about real, pro-growth tax reform and regulatory relief because it sounds good, it’s what our economy needs, and badly.” The U.S. House has put forth numerous regulatory reforms to incentivize private sector growth, all of which have stalled in the Senate and been ignored by the President.
The Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act, H.R. 872
Senate has taken no action to date.
The Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act, H.R. 2018
Senate has taken no action to date.
Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act, H.R. 1230
Senate has taken no action to date.
Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act, H.R. 1229
Senate has taken no action to date.
Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act, H.R. 1231
Senate has taken no action to date.
The Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011, H.R. 2021
Senate has taken no action to date.
North American-Made Energy Security Act, H.R. 1938
Senate has taken no action to date.
###
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today lauded the Federal disaster declaration for Pennsylvania to help communities recover from Tropical Storm Lee. The federal declaration triggers the release of Federal funds to help individuals recover from the storm’s historic flooding, beginning September 3, 2011, and continuing.
]]>
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson today issued the following statement in recognition of the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001:
Washington, D.C. – Early Friday morning, President Obama granted Pennsylvania's request for a state of emergency declaration due to the heavy rains which have caused massive flooding across the state. U.S. Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) yesterday joined U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA), Congressmen Charlie Dent (R-PA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Tom Marino (R-PA), Joe Pitts (R-PA), Lou Barletta (R-PA), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Todd Platts (R-PA), Jason Altmire (D-PA), Tim Murphy (R-PA), Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and Tim Holden (D-PA) in urging President Obama to support Governor Tom Corbett’s request for a federal disaster declaration.
Thursday evening, as the letter was sent to the White House, Thompson left Washington, D.C., and returned to the 5th Congressional District to coordinate with state and local officials as emergency planning efforts continued. Friday morning, Thompson joined in an emergency management briefing with Montoursville Mayor John Dorin, Lycoming County Commissioners, state representatives, and emergency personnel to review ongoing emergency management operations and begin coordinating recovery efforts.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely and doing all that we can to help with those impacted and the many communities of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania struggling with loss and seeking relief,” said Thompson. “We’re making every possible effort to support local communities and emergency responders as we transition into the recovery phase.”
With a federal emergency declaration for Pennsylvania, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is authorized to coordinate disaster relief and provide federal aid to supplement recovery efforts.
"My thoughts and prayers are with those suffering from these historic floods," Thompson added. “I urge communities to remain alert and continue to heed the advice of local emergency management officials.”
The full text of the letter in support of Governor Corbett’s request for a federal disaster declaration:
September 8, 2011
President Barrack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
Potentially catastrophic flooding is taking place along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania which has had a devastating effect on communities in the region. Pennsylvanian Governor Tom Corbett has formally requested the designation of a federal disaster in the area. We write to strongly urge you to expedite your review of this request and approve it without delay.
Communities along the Susquehanna River and along its tributaries are taking action to prepare for potential flooding. Federal resources are necessary to ensure that these communities are well positioned to continue this preparation and effectively implement recovery measures. We are united as a delegation in our effort to ensure that all appropriate federal disaster resources are available to these communities.
Given the severity of the damage inflicted on these communities by the floods, we respectfully ask that you move quickly to expedite the positive consideration of this request. Thank you in advance for your consideration of our views. On behalf of the communities impacted by these storms, thank you and your team for your service and efforts during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Signed:
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)
U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA)
Congressman Charlie Dent (R-PA)
Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA)
Congressman Tom Marino (R-PA)
Congressman Joe Pitts (R-PA)
Congressman Lou Barletta (R-PA)
Congressman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA)
Congressman Todd Platts (R-PA)
Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA)
Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA)
Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA)
Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-PA)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Operations
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s economic address before a Joint Session in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) today nominated Joe Paterno for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for his substantial contributions to collegiate athletics, higher education and American society.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period will be extended due to Hurricane Irene response and recovery, according to U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard. The NEW deadline for AFG applications is September 16, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. EST, one week later than the initial date.
Washington, D.C.—Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced October 3, 2011, as the deadline for high school seniors to apply for nomination through the Bellefonte District Office for acceptance into one of the four military academies for the year 2012.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $700,000 through two grants, to the University Park Airport in State College. The FAA grants will assist the University Park Airport to enhance runway safety improvements and terminal operations upgrades.
University Airport Director, Bryan Rodgers, offered the following response upon hearing of the news. “We are appreciative of Congressman Thompson’s support of University Park Airport. The grant funding will be used to improve the runway pavement and improve the passenger baggage handling system at the airline terminal.”
Washington, D.C. – The application period for the Fiscal Year 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) Program will begin next week, running from August 15, 2011 at 8:00am to September 09, 2011 at 5:00pm, according to Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard.
Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson delivered the following remarks during a radio address upon Senate passage of the Budget Control Act of 2011. The measure, which passed the Senate by a vote of 74-26, was signed into law Tuesday afternoon by President Barack Obama. With Thompson’s support, the Budget Control Act yesterday passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 269-161.
Audio: click here
Remarks as prepared for delivery
As many know, America’s federal budget deficits have reached historically high and unsustainable levels since 2009 and spending is at its highest levels since 1945.
Today, America faces a national debt totaling almost $14.4 trillion and the federal government now has to borrow about 40 cents of every dollar it spends. If you do the math, each child now owes about $26,000 - immediately after being born.
That’s why over the last several weeks Congress has been engaged in a debate over the serious issue of America’s finances and our ability to reign-in a looming debt crisis.
This week, Congress took action through passage of the Budget Control Act of 2011, which I voted to support.
The Budget Control Act creates a process for the president to increase the debt limit following the enactment of spending cuts and other deficit reduction measures.
Americans have made clear they’re fed up with the oppressive spending binge in Washington that threatens our nation’s future.
Under the bill, before President Obama can receive a single dollar of increased debt authority, it must be preceded by enactment of more than a dollar of spending cuts. This principle of “cut more than you hike” is applied throughout the bill.
The measure also places tough caps on future spending – restraining the growth of government so the economy can get back to creating jobs – while guaranteeing the American people a vote in both houses of Congress this fall on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Additionally, the measure also says no to the President’s proposed tax hikes.
American families, especially those in rural America, have had to tighten their belts and do more with less, and we now are going to see this same fiscal restraint and responsibility coming from Washington – the likes of which we haven't seen in a long, long time.
While this commonsense debt reduction measure is now headed to the President’s desk to be passed into law, it’s just one step on the road to restoring fiscal solvency for our country.
We must remain committed to fixing our fiscal problems, strengthening the economy, and growing jobs.
Thanks again for listening.
###
]]>
Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson tonight voted to support S. 627, the Budget Control Act. The measure passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 218-210.
Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry, this Wednesday held a public hearing to review energy and forestry programs within the subcommittee's jurisdiction. The hearing was a continuation in the series of audit hearings the subcommittee is holding to review programs in advance of writing the next farm bill.
“In a difficult fiscal environment, we must make efficient use of taxpayer dollars while ensuring agricultural interests remain competitive and are able to offer an affordable supply of both domestic food and energy,” said Thompson.
The 2002 Farm Bill included for the first time energy related provisions to foster the development of more feed stocks for the development of renewable energy in rural America. Funding for these programs are set to expire at the end of September 2012.
“This hearing provides us a baseline to determine which programs are effective, which are in need of reform, and what changes must be made to ensure healthy, diverse and productive forests,” Thompson added. “The information shared today brings us a step closer to understanding the committee's priorities as we draft these new titles and move forward with the next farm bill.”
The portions of the farm bill which address forestry primarily include programs under the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) that assist state and private landowners with management of their forestry lands. Other programs utilize federal funding to purchase forest land for conservation. All forestry programs are permanently authorized and subject to annual appropriations in order to receive operating funds.
Thompson’s subcommittee took testimony from top officials with the Farm Service Agency, the Rural Business Cooperative Service, and the USFS. Representing the USFS was Chief Tom Tidwell. Thompson questioned Tidwell on recent claims that the USFS is delaying the permit process for natural gas drilling in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). Last Friday, Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA) asked a federal judge to find the USFS in contempt for unreasonable delays for drilling permit notices.
Specifically, Thompson asked if Chief Tidwell could explain the delays of these permit notices. “I’ve been hearing a lot of concern from my constituents about the unreasonably long periods of time before the Forest Service issues notices to proceed with natural gas production in the ANF,” said Thompson.
In response, Tidwell stated, “With the processing of the permits, we’re actually making progress. We’re not where we would like to be as far as the length of time. I think even a year ago it was taking almost five to five-and-a-half months and we’re now down to an average of four.” In meeting a 2009 preliminary injunction issued by Federal Judge Sean McLaughlin, the USFS was instructed that a period of 60 days is a “reasonable time” for issuing notices to proceed.
Additionally, Chief Tidwell stated that ensuring water quality may also now be a factor contributing to the delays. “The issue with ground water, it’s not part of the process application, it’s more of a concern with the ground water and the quality of that ground water.” Tidwell added, “This is a new issue that has just recently come forward, that we weren’t dealing with in previous permits. We’re going to need to work with the industry, work with the applicants, and find a way to move forward with this.”
Thompson was surprised that the Forest Service Chief would define a well established process as a “new issue.” In Friday’s court filing, PIOGA indicated that the practice of using ground and surface water for drilling in the ANF has been going on for decades.
A key point made by Judge McLaughlin in the 2009 preliminary injunction was that the USFS only holds the subsurface rights of 7% of the ANF, while 93% are owned by the private sector. Thompson remains committed to working with the USFS, state and local officials, industry and other partners to improve the current permitting process to ensure that local communities continue to reap the economic and ecological resources provided through the ANF.
To view the full testimony from the hearing, click here.
To view Rep. Thompson’s exchange with USFS Chief Tom Tidwell, click here.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – President Obama has issued a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania triggering the release of Federal funds to help communities recover from the severe storms and flooding that occurred April, according to Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard.
Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) today formally introduced H.R. 2485, the All Children are Equal (ACE) Act, to a standing-room-only audience of reporters, education reform advocates, and supporting organizations. The ACE Act fixes a gross inequity in the way formulas are calculated under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which provides funds to local school districts in order to improve the education of disadvantaged students.
]]>
Washington, D.C.—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Live Webinar Workshop to help emergency responders with applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), according to U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard.
“With the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application Period soon approaching, I urge interested first responders to participate in the workshop and begin preparing for the application process,” said Thompson, who is a long-time volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician.
The AFG Program Live Webinar will be held for all emergency responders located in Pennsylvania on Monday, July 11th at 6:00 p.m. In order to register, participants must contact Pennsylvania’s AFG Regional Representative Lori Bainbridge, by email at Lori.Bainbridge@dhs.gov or by calling (215)-931-5586.
“This webinar is designed to shed light on the details of the application process, which is very competitive in nature and demands thorough preparation,” added Thompson. “Even if folks aren’t able to attend the webinar, it’s important for organizations to begin to familiarize themselves with the application process and program guidance, now available on the FEMA website.”
Guidance for submissions and the 2011 AFG Get Ready Guide can be accessed and downloaded at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants. Applicants may also call 1-866-274-0960 or e-mail firegrants@dhs.gov for additional information.
The primary goal of the AFG Program, which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration, is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations.
###
]]>
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) this week announced the availability of approximately $37 million in Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) for Fiscal Year 2011, according to Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard. The VAPG Program, which provides economic assistance to help independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives and agricultural producer groups enter into value-added activities, began accepting grant applications on June 28, 2011.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today announced that the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $99,000 in grant funding to Downtown Lock Haven Inc. (DLH) in Clinton County. The grant was awarded through USDA’s Rural Development Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, which provides grants for local projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses.
Washington, D.C. – On Thursday morning, Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson delivered the following speech on the House floor regarding the necessity of enacting serious budgetary and spending reforms, in order to restore confidence in our economy and preserve America’s AAA credit rating. Within hours of Thompson’s speech, an announcement was made by Moody’s Investors Services that America’s credit rating will “depend on the outcome of the negotiations on deficit reduction. A credible agreement on substantial deficit reduction would support a continued stable outlook; lack of such an agreement could prompt Moody’s to change its outlook to negative.”
Earlier this week, fifteen of Pennsylvania’s nineteen-member Congressional delegation, including Thompson, voted to oppose a request from President Obama to raise the nation’s debt ceiling without any spending cuts or budget reforms. The measure, H.R. 1954, failed to pass the House by a vote of 318-97. Thompson joined Republican colleagues yesterday at the White House for a meeting with President Obama in regard to the budget negotiations.
To watch, click here.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
This week, the US House sent a clear message to the White House that it’s time to address our nation’s growing debt crisis and get serious will real budgetary reforms so that America can meet its budget and credit obligations at home and around the world.
There’s good reason why the dollar is still the world’s Gold Standard when it comes to credit ratings and that the US is seen as a wise investment around the world.
A first-rate credit rating — which the United States currently has — means there is nothing for lenders to worry about. It lets investors know how likely a borrower can pay back a loan and that they will receive a good return on their investment. That’s why I can’t emphasize enough the importance of our nation’s credit rating.
A downgraded credit rating would erode confidence in our economy and reduce certainty for businesses and investors at home and abroad. We must work to ensure this never happens by reforming spending and fixing our debt problem – make it so that there is not one doubt when it comes to the creditworthiness of the United States.
In April, Standard & Poor's lowered the outlook on the United States' credit to "negative." S&P’s rationale: the U.S. has a large debt and deficit compared with other highly rated nations, and unlike with those other nations "the path to addressing [the debt and deficit] is not clear to us."
To be clear, the warning from S&P was not over the debt limit debate – but because Washington has no plan to tackle its massive debt.
Since 1975 there have been at least 9 examples when clean debt limit bills have failed to pass in either the House or Senate. And, remember, in 2006, then- U.S. Senator Obama voted against a clean increase of $781 billion. And in each case, days, weeks, or months later, a debt limit was ultimately enacted.
So, again, it’s not about the debate – we’ve seen this discussion many times over the last several decades. But it is about would markets losing confidence in our ability to implement these needed reforms and address our growing 14 trillion dollar debt.
Over the past two years, we’ve seen the largest budget deficits in the history of the U.S. This, along with our structural deficits due to insolvent entitlement programs and the rising cost of health care, is the reason we face serious issues regarding the confidence in our ability to make good on our commitments.
In April, the United States kept its AAA rating; unfortunately, as S&P warned, if we fail to act on these reforms, this could happen.
Raising the debt ceiling without significant structural spending reforms would send a signal to the world that America lacks the political will to restore fiscal sanity and meet our obligations.
Unfortunately, many of my Democrat colleagues have continued to ask for a clean up or down vote on raising the debt limit, including most recently when more than 100 Democrats signed a letter to the House leadership requesting an up or down vote on the issue.
Earlier this week, that request was granted, and the legislation’s failure demonstrates that any plan to raise the debt limit without dramatic steps to reduce spending and reform the budget process is unacceptable to the American people.
With any hope, we sent a clear message that it’s time to stop with the political pandering and get serious about bringing about real budgetary reforms.
It’s unfortunate, however, Mr. Speaker. The problem has been identified. While tough decision must be made, the solution is in our reach. What we lack is the political will to lead and to take action.
Mr. Speaker, if we don’t act boldly now, the markets will act for us very soon.
The world is watching and we can no longer afford to kick the can down the road.
Our nation’s debt crisis offers us the political will to act, for the greatest threat to our economy and our children’s future is doing nothing.
Thank you. I yield back.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Today, the Obama Administration’s Department of Education issued the “gainful employment” regulation, a controversial policy that would impose arbitrary requirements on proprietary schools and deny access to career college students, particularly minority and low income students. There has been growing bipartisan opposition to the regulation, most recently with passage of a measure in the U.S. House of Representatives that would have prohibited funds from being used by the Department of Education for the purposes of implementing the rules. Thompson, one of the most outspoken members of Congress on the issue, released the following statement:
Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson issued the following statement on Monday night after the House overwhelmingly defeated a request from President Obama to raise the nation’s debt ceiling without any spending cuts or budget reforms. Thompson voted to oppose the measure, H.R. 1954, which failed to pass the House by a vote of 318 - 97.
“Raising the debt ceiling without significant structural spending reforms would send a signal to the world that America lacks the political will to restore fiscal sanity and meet our obligations.
“Last month Standard and Poor’s lowered the U.S.’s credit rating outlook, sending a clear message to Washington that we must work together to end out of control spending. House Democrats and the White House have been asking for a clean up or down vote on raising the debt limit, most recently when more than 100 Democrats signed a letter to the House leadership requesting an up or down vote on the debt ceiling. Tonight they received that request, and the legislation’s failure demonstrates that any plan to raise the debt limit without dramatic steps to reduce spending and reform the budget process is unacceptable to the American people.
“Tonight the House voted to deny this Administration and congressional Democrats a blank check to keep spending our nation further into debt. With any hope, we’ve sent a clear message that it’s time to stop with the political pandering and get serious about bringing about real budgetary reforms.”
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s amendment today passed the full U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote as part of H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012. The amendment is nearly identical to H.R. 1832, the Servicemembers’ Telemedicine and E-Health Portability (STEP) Act, which Thompson introduced earlier this month. The House passed H.R. 1540 by a vote of 322-96.
The Department of Defense (DOD) currently has limited ability to allow its health care professionals to provide care when the patient is in a different state. Thompson’s measure removes this state licensure burden, empowering the qualified and credentialed DOD health care professionals to use cutting edge telemedicine and e-health applications to treat Servicemembers regardless of their physical proximity. Thompson offered the following remarks in support of the amendment during today’s debate.
Remarks as prepared for delivery.
Thank you Mr./Madam Speaker, thank you Mr. Chairman:
I rise in support of the Thompson/Berkley Amendment # 29, which is nearly identical to H.R. 1832, the bipartisan Servicemembers’ Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act, or STEP Act.
This amendment will bring essential reforms to how our service members and veterans access care, and common-sense, no-cost changes to how the Department of Defense administers health care.
Currently, the Department of Defense has limited ability to allow its health care professionals to provide care when the patient is in a different state.
DoD’s hands are also tied when it comes to civilians or contractors, who have stepped up to fill shortages in desperately needed positions – especially mental health.
As a result, many in the military are required to travel long distances in order to access care. This can add undue stress and financial burdens to the everyday lives of our service men and women.
Too often these circumstances contribute to those who need help the most going without, or in some cases, falling through the cracks.
By removing location requirements, this amendment will allow DOD qualified and credentialed health-care professionals, including contractors and civilians, to get to their core mission of helping their compatriots in need.
This will allow our National Guard, Reserve, veterans, and retirees quicker and more efficient access to care, and open the door to allow for modernization of DOD health-care delivery.
This amendment will allow for new technologies in telephone and Internet communications to expand into the Department of Defense, which will greatly expand access, especially in rural America. It will also allow more specialists to be involved in providing care.
When it comes to behavioral health, the Guard and Reserve have been hit especially hard.
This amendment will allow for the Guard and Reserve to access behavioral health care right from their home – immediately –when they need it the most.
This has been a very important issue to me. I have met with our military and veterans over the past several months and closely examined behavioral health issues affecting our young men and women.
Recently, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, General Peter Chiarelli, said – and I quote -
“The Army, like the larger American society, is suffering from a shortage of behavioral health specialists, and that it is in fact a national crisis. Efforts in tele-behavioral health -- allowing specialists to meet with patients through teleconferencing technology, for instance -- could increase the effectiveness and reach of a limited number of providers.”
But the general then said “there are challenges regarding the credentialing and licensing of specialists to work across state lines.”
This amendment directly addresses this issue and has the means to dramatically improve and change how our nation’s warriors access care. With these restrictions removed, it opens new doors to how the Department of Defense can administer and expand its health care programs.
To be clear, nothing in this amendment is intended to change, nor be the basis of any future change, to DOD or state-based scope of practice laws or regulations.
Ultimately, this amendment is about technology and modernization.
It’s about new ways for service members and veterans to access care.
It’s about fulfilling a pledge to take care of our veterans, regardless of where they live --- at no new costs to the taxpayer.
This bipartisan amendment has broad support from the Pentagon and military community. Some of the notable groups include:
o The Air Force Association
o The American Legion
o The Association of the United States Navy
o The Enlisted Association of the National Guard
o Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
o Mental Health America
o Military Officers Association of America
o National Guard Association of the United States
o Reserve Enlisted Association
o Veterans of Foreign Wars
I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense, bipartisan, and no cost amendment – As Memorial Day approaches, we owe our veterans and service members as much.
Thank you - and I yield back.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) and Shelley Berkley (D-NV) today introduced H.R. 1958, the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act of 2011, legislation to improve the quality of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care and reduce fraudulent payments for orthotic and prosthetic services under Medicare.
“Fraud and abuse contributes not only to rising costs, but it also harms patients, particularly when medically necessary devices are provided without expert care or without necessity,” said Thompson. “We need to collectively look to create savings by combating waste, fraud, and abuse. This legislation will enhance patient care and ensure that Medicare fraud is addressed, particularly when the fiscal solvency of the program is in question.”
In the Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA), Congress mandated that a practitioner or supplier had to be certified in order to be paid for certain orthotic and prosthetic services under Medicare. This was never implemented, contributing to fraudulent payments and leaving Medicare patients vulnerable to substandard care. H.R. 1958 would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reimburse only those providers who have been accredited or licensed in orthotics and prosthetics.
“Our legislation seeks to improve care for patients with orthotics and prosthetic devices and to ensure they are receiving treatment from those who are best suited to address their particular medical needs. At the same time, our bill will save money by cracking down and ending fraudulent payments through Medicare,” said Berkley.
Additional information on the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Improvement Act:
•CMS has not followed through on certification requirements. Under BIPA, O&P practitioners or suppliers must be accredited or certified in order to be reimbursed through Medicare. This was never implemented. Ten years later, Medicare beneficiaries do not yet enjoy these protections. H.R. 1958 will enforce these protections.
•Unlicensed suppliers are still receiving Medicare payments. In 2005, Medicare instructed contractors to pay suppliers of orthotic and prosthetic services in states requiring licensure only if they were in fact licensed. However, CMS contractors did not put in place the steps necessary to implement this requirement. H.R. 1958 would require CMS to report to Congress on its enforcement efforts to reduce fraud and abuse.
•A provision in recent Medicare legislation exempted providers from certification requirements. In the recently passed Medicare Improvements for Patients and Provider Act (MIPPA), almost all providers and suppliers were exempt from accreditation and quality standards until the Secretary determines standards apply to them. This leaves patients vulnerable to substandard care and a reimbursement system subject to fraud and abuse. H.R. 1958 will prevent these practices, reducing unnecessary beneficiary co-pays and federal outlays to unqualified entities.
Representative Thompson, a former therapist and licensed nursing home administrator with 28 years of experience in a non-profit health setting, currently serves on the House Education & the Workforce Committee. Serving Nevada in Congress since 1999, Representative Berkley is a Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and a strong advocate for America’s veterans.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Parish Braden with Rep. Thompson at 202-225-5121 or David Cherry with Rep. Berkley at 202-226-7578.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $182,000, through two grants, to the Bradford Regional Airport (BFD) in McKean, PA. The FAA grants will help BFD pay for runway safety enhancements and purchase aircraft rescue and fire fighting protective equipment.
“These grants help meet the transportation needs and safety requirements of our regional airport authorities,” said Thompson. “Through this federal support, the Bradford Regional Airport will meet safety requirements and be able to continue offering the best possible aviation transportation services for our rural communities.”
The Federal Aviation Administration awarded the funding in the form of two grants:
Bradford Regional Airport Manager, Mr. Thomas Frungillo, offered the following response upon hearing of the news. “These funds will be used to enhance the airport operation and this equipment will provide an increased level of safety,” said Frungillo. “These projects will provide a benefit to the local economy and businesses,” Frungillo added. Bradford Airport Authority has contributed a local share towards the projects.
Bradford regional Airport Authority has been serving Northwest Pennsylvania since 1948 and currently operates flights through Continental Airlines to Cleveland Hopkins Airport, with over 260 daily flights.
###
]]>H.R. 1229, the Putting the Gulf Back to Work Act, passed the House Wednesday evening by a vote of 263-163 and H.R. 1230, the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act, passed the House last week by a vote of 266-149. Thompson, a co-sponsor of all three bills, issued the following statement earlier today:
“Bipartisan support is growing in the effort to increase American energy production and both sides of the aisle recognize this work as critical to long-term energy security and bolstering job growth across the country. The House in bipartisan fashion has shown its willingness to place policy before politics by passing these three bills that will remove the impediments to domestic energy development and begin to address the burden of $4 gallon gas at the pump. I ask my colleagues in the Senate to heed this bipartisan call for energy security by passing these critical pieces of legislation.”
The bipartisan support for these bills comes on the heels of Tuesday’s federal district court ruling, which found that that the Obama administration “unlawfully and improperly delayed” permits for deep-water drilling in the Gulf.
Thompson currently serves on the House Natural Resources Committee, the committee of jurisdiction for all three bills. Additional energy legislation from the Natural Resources Committee will focus on wind, solar, hydropower, coal, and onshore oil and natural gas development in the coming months.
Background information on H.R. 1231, H.R. 1229 and H.R. 1230:
•The Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act (H.R. 1231) would lift the President’s ban on new offshore drilling by requiring the Administration to move forward in the 2012-2017 lease plan with energy production in areas containing the most oil and natural gas resources.
•The Putting the Gulf Back to Work Act (H.R. 1229) would end the Obama Administration’s de facto moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico in a safe, responsible, transparent manner by setting firm time-lines for considering permits to drill, which provide certainty and allow employers and workers to get back on the job.
•The Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act (H.R. 1230) would require the Obama Administration to move forward promptly to conduct offshore lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Virginia that the Obama Administration has delayed or canceled. Due to the Obama Administration’s actions, in 2011 there will be no offshore lease sales – the first time since 1958.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today introduced H.R. 1832, the Servicemembers’ Telemedicine & E-Health Portability (STEP) Act. The STEP Act will expand the current Department of Defense (DOD) state licensure exemption to allow credentialed health care professionals to work across state borders without having to obtain a new state license.
“Members of our military should receive 21st century care and access to treatment regardless of the circumstances and Congress needs to make good on that commitment,” said Thompson. “This legislation removes out-dated requirements under current law so that geographic location is no longer an obstacle to the delivery of care for our Servicemembers.”
Currently, the Department of Defense has limited ability to allow its health care professionals to provide care when the patient is in a different state. As a result, many who rely on military care are required to travel long distances to receive treatment, presenting increased financial burdens and unnecessary obstacles in access to services. By removing this state licensure burden, the legislation empowers the qualified DOD professionals to use cutting edge telemedicine and e-health applications to treat Servicemembers regardless of their physical proximity.
“After months of meetings with men and women in the Armed Forces, military retirees, and DOD officials, it is clear that the STEP Act will benefit our care providers and Servicemembers by allowing more specialists to offer services to a wider base of patients,” said Thompson. “The STEP Act reaffirms the commitment we’ve made to our brave men and women, especially to our Guard, Reserve, and those in rural America, who have served our country, but have limited access to care.”
The DOD’s hands are tied when it comes to credentialed civilian employees and contractors who have stepped up to fill shortages in desperately needed positions, especially in the area of behavioral health treatment. The STEP Act will expand the definition of “health care professional” under the previous exemption to include qualified DOD civilian employees and personal services contractors. The bill requires a report within 90 days of enactment on DOD and Veteran Administration plans to develop and expand programs to use new Internet and communication technologies for improved access to telemedicine and electronic health programs.
The STEP Act has received support from the following organizations and groups:
• Air Force Association
• Association of the United States Navy
• The American Legion
• The National Guard Association of the United States
• The Reserve Enlisted Association
• The Military Officers Association of America
Thompson has pushed to ensure that those who serve or have served our country in uniform receive the best possible treatment and access to care they deserve. The STEP Act has been introduced in advance of Thompson’s Veterans Outreach Week initiative, a series of events to offer local area Veterans contact with and support from federal agencies through a chain of informational seminars with representatives from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Additional information on the STEP Act is available by clicking below:
###
]]>Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representatives Glenn `GT’ Thompson (PA-5) and Tom Marino (PA-10) today announced their offices will hold a joint United States Service Academy Day event on May 14th, 2011. The event will offer area high school students the chance to learn about the exciting opportunities offered by our Service Academies and the eligibility requirements for admittance.
Representatives from each of the academies will be on hand to answer questions and distribute information. The event marks the date for when congressional offices begin accepting nomination applications for the upcoming year. High School students of all ages and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Details for U.S. Service Academy Day Event
Saturday May 14, 2011 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Williamsport Area High School
2900 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA
Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5)
Representative Tom Marino (PA-10)
U.S. Service Academy Representatives
If any students have any interest in attending, please call Mr. Thompson’s Service Academy Coordinator, Susan Gurekovich at (814) 353-0215.
The four academies that accept nominations through U.S. government representatives are: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. The remaining U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut accepts candidates based on its own testing criteria.
The basic requirements for applying for a nomination are:
• At least 17 years of age, but not passed his or her 23rd birthday.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children and/or dependents.
• Must reside within the geographic boundaries of the 5th Congressional District.
• Must be able to meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the academies.
The nomination application process formally opened May 1, 2011 and the deadline date for acceptance of all materials is October 3, 2011. Students may visit Thompson’s website for additional information on the application process.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded $72,000 to Community Ambulance Service (CAS) in Franklin, Venango County. Thompson was in Franklin today to discuss current emergency operations and how the CAS Franklin will utilize the funding, which had been awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program (AFG).
“These grants are geared toward meeting the critical needs of our emergency responders,” said Thompson. “This grant will assist Community Ambulance Service obtain life-saving equipment needed to protect our communities,” added Thompson.
Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other emergency responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Because of this grant, Community Ambulance Service will be able to purchase three new emergency defibrillators to outfit their ambulances.
CAS Executive Director John Anderson commented on the capabilities of the monitor/defibrillators: “These new cardiac monitor/ defibrillators are capable of watching the heart rhythm, oxygen saturation, 12-lead EKG, and carbon monoxide levels in the body.” The new purchase will replace existing out-dated monitors.
“This equipment will enable us to improve our emergency patient care capabilities,” said Anderson. “These new monitors are powered by Lithium-ion battery technology, which will provide longer battery run time and they will require less maintenance, and can also serve as external pace-maker,” Anderson added. Community Ambulance Service has contributed $18,000 as their share of the project.
Community Ambulance Service has been serving Venango County since 1967, when they began emergency operations with one ambulance. Today, CAS has a fleet of 7 ambulances, 8 wheelchair vans, and an Advanced Life Support Squad unit, all the units are licensed by the Commonwealth’s Department of Health. CAS employs 50 fulltime and casual employees.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry held a public hearing to review the U.S. Forest Service's proposed forest planning rule, which revises the Forest Service's current planning process for its 155 national forests and 20 grasslands. The Forest Service issued the proposed rule on February 14, 2011 and the public comment period ends May 16, 2011.
The National Forest Management Act of 1976 states that each national forest must develop a management plan with public input. The Forest Service developed regulations in 1979 that were ultimately replaced in 1982 and again in 2000. Since then, efforts to make revisions to the forest management plans have failed due to litigation.
The Honorable Harris Sherman, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, delivered testimony on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and responded to concerns that the new planning rule will suffer the same fate as previous rules because of the rushed process, and does nothing to reduce the regulatory burden on those working in the forestry industry.
Warren County Commissioner John Bortz was also among the panelists, at the request of Chairman Thompson. In Warren county, Bortz is one of three commissioners statutorily charged by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth with both executive and legislative authority in order to administrate county affairs, including implementation of the ANF Forest Plan. Commissioner Bortz offered concerns that the proposed rule is complex, lacks sufficient local involvement, and does not go far enough to promote job growth in forested communities, such as the ANF.
Following the hearing Thompson issued this statement:
“Forestry and timber harvesting contribute to hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic productivity nationally. This is one of the most important economic engines in Pennsylvania, particularly throughout the Fifth Congressional District and communities within and surrounding the Allegheny National Forest. I believe we must engage in active land management to ensure for the best possible forest health. While I strongly believe that we are in great need of a new Forest Planning Rule, I do not believe the proposal goes far enough to ensure and promote active land management practices, or to guarantee the economic viability of timber production. I look forward to continuing to work with the Forest Service to make sure they stick to the mission of promoting multiple uses and to ensure that our national forests are in the best health for generations to come.”
Warren County Commissioner John Bortz, from Prepared Testimony:
“Our National Forests are a renewable resource that can bring a tremendous economic stimulus to our nation’s communities; the best strategies for assuring forestry conservation and community revitalization occur when local governments are made a part of the forest planning and management process. While the Forest Planning Rule provides the framework for the planning process, they haven’t been implemented in a manner that consistently welcomes local government involvement. Furthermore, no planning provisions should directly or indirectly interfere with personal property rights. I have seen on many occasions where intrusiveness is imposed as authority. Over ninety percent of the subsurface holdings underneath the Allegheny National Forest are owned by others. They have a claim to this property and must not be prohibited by the surface holder from accessing it...”
In April, Thompson testified before the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over funding the U.S. Forest Service, to express a similar set of concerns.
At the hearing, the Congressman discussed the importance of the local timber industry to rural communities, as well as the numerous benefits harvesting will have on a forest’s overall health. Thompson also spoke about the challenges national forests face due to the endless and constant number of lawsuits against the Forest Service.
Before the Subcommittee, Thompson stated that “perhaps the greatest challenge to the Forest Service continues to be unnecessary litigation that continually hamstrings the Forest Service from carrying out its most basic duties. Without a doubt, we all have a duty to ensure the Forest Service is adequately performing and the legal avenue for the public to address any malfeasance must be intact. However, I strongly believe there are some outside the Service, as well as within, who are intentionally abusing the system based on a radical environmental ideology. These legal battles often create inefficiencies and are a drain on the Service’s budget, staff and resources. How can the Forest Service – or any government agency for that matter – perform its work when they are incessantly involved with frivolous lawsuits,” Thompson concluded.
For additional information and full testimony from today’s witness panels, click here.
]]>Washington, D.C. – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H.R. 1230, the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act. H.R. 1230, cosponsored by Thompson, requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct oil and natural gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Virginia that have been delayed or cancelled by the Obama Administration. The measure passed the House today with a bipartisan majority of votes, 266-149. Thompson issued the following statement after final passage:
“With developing countries rapidly increasing demand and global liquid oil consumption set to increase by some 10-12 million barrels per day in the next decade, energy prices will continue to rise in the months and years ahead. That is, unless we start producing more of our own supplies here at home. After today’s vote, it is clear that bipartisan support is growing for Washington to take action and America to start producing more domestic energy. This legislation will create jobs, begin to address America’s pain at the pump and start our nation on a path to energy security.”
Passage of H.R. 1230 comes a week after Thompson issued a call for bipartisan action in Congress to boost domestic production.
H.R. 1230 was introduced on March 29, 2011, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On April 23, 2011, the full Committee held a mark-up and ordered the bill to be reported by a vote of 29-14. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would raise $25 million in federal revenue for the period of 2011 to 2016 and $40 million during the period of 2011 to 2021.
Next week, the House will vote on H.R. 1229, the Putting the Gulf Back to Work Act, and H.R. 1231 the Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act, both also cosponsored by Thompson.
]]>Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced plans for a Veterans Outreach Week consisting of events to offer local area Veterans direct contact with and support from federal agencies through a series of informational seminars and town hall meetings in locations across the Fifth District. Thompson will host the outreach events along with representatives from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
“Federal agencies offer a variety of benefits and services that provide financial and other forms of assistance. These events are designed to ensure our Veterans have the latest information and are able to easily access the assistance they deserve,” said Thompson. “There are also programs our Veterans are not aware of such as business training, counseling, and referrals for veterans considering starting a small business. These seminars bring this information and the first-rate expertise of our agencies directly to our Veterans.”
During the events, representatives from the VA will be available to offer information for Veterans on health care benefits, readjustment benefits, continuing education, new programs, and housing assistance programs. SBA representatives will discuss loan programs, small business opportunities in federal contracting, economic and workforce development opportunities, job and skill training and programs to enhance small business access to capital, among other programs and assistance currently available to Veterans.
“Those who’ve served our nation with dignity deserve these services and we intend to honor this commitment by providing the best care and support possible,” said Thompson. “My staff and I are always available, but bringing federal representatives to our local communities offers our Veterans additional opportunities and better access and gives us a chance to hear from Veterans face-to-face about the challenges they encounter and help they need.”
In addition to department and agency representatives, Thompson and his staff will be on hand during each event to assist Veterans with casework and scheduling future meetings with departments and agencies. Thompson’s Veterans Outreach Week will consist of five events currently scheduled for Dubois, Titusville, Warren, Bradford and Coudersport, with four additional stops planned throughout the district:
***Dubois Veterans Town Hall Meeting set for Wednesday May 18, 2011 from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post # 813***
***Titusville Veterans Business Start-Up Seminar set for Thursday May 19, 2011 from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M. at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville***
***Warren Veterans Joint Town Hall Meeting with Representative Kelly (PA-3) set for Thursday May 19, 2011 from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M. at the American Legion***
***Bradford Veterans Town Hall Meeting set for Thursday May 19th from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the American Legion***
***Coudersport Veterans Town Hall Meeting set for Friday May 20th from 12:00 to 1:30 P.M. at the American Legion***
Additional information including exact addresses will be available in a following release.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson issued the following statement on the death of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden:
“I commend and thank our military, intelligence community, and special operation forces for their hard work and determination over the years that led to this success. I also want to commend President Obama and his team, as well as former President Bush and his Administration, for their steadfast efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice. This demonstrates that America will not tolerate terrorism in any form and remains on the offense in the fight against global terrorist networks.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones at the hands of Bin Laden and his terrorist organization. Let this event serve as solace to all Americans impacted by the horrific events of September 11th. We must remain vigilant, remembering that we continue to face real and evolving threats in the fight against global terrorism and radical extremism.”
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson issued the following statement regarding the current debate over gas prices and the need for bipartisan action to expand domestic energy production and avert America’s looming energy crisis:
“The Washington summertime ritual where politicians spend more time bickering over pains at the pump than working to create real solutions must come to an end,” said Thompson. “No longer should this debate rise and fall based on gas prices. It’s time to take action and move forward with a plan to aggressively expand domestic production and a framework for long-term energy security.”
In early April, the House Natural Resources Committee passed three energy bills cosponsored by Thompson – H.R. 1229, H.R. 1230 and H.R. 1231 – each designed to boost domestic energy production. These bills and others are slated to be voted on in the House in the coming weeks.
“Members of both political parties agree the President’s policies are ill-advised, irresponsible and will further our dependence on foreign sources of energy and produce greater uncertainty for families and job creators,” said Thompson. “The failure to seriously address rising fuel prices reflects a lack of leadership coming from the White House and clear detachment from the uncertainty Americans are facing.”
Thompson’s remarks come as some prominent Democrats have begun criticizing the leadership of the President on helping Americans cope with rising gas prices. Yesterday, Rep. Dan Boren, an Oklahoma Democrat, offered the following remarks, which appeared in Oklahoma’s Tulsa World:
“Boren described Obama as completely uninformed about the oil and gas industry. ‘The industry is not made up of just major companies,’ he said. ‘It is made up of small independent firms like those in Oklahoma that produce a vast majority of our domestic production.’ … If the president doesn't want to stand up and be a leader, then his silence would be appreciated from people who are trying to find solutions.”
On Tuesday, Thompson delivered a speech before an oil and gas seminar in Pittsburgh hosted by K&L Gates where he outlined some of the critical energy challenges facing America in the coming years, stating that “because of developing countries – particularly China and India – world liquid oil consumption will increase by some 10-12 million barrels per day in the next five to ten years. This means that unless we do something fast, energy prices will continue to rise and become even more unstable in the coming years.”
Thompson continued, “This country is long overdue to get serious about taking control of our economic and fiscal future. Our jobs, economy and very lifestyles rely on access to affordable and abundant energy. Yet this Administration, and every one before it, has not stepped up to the plate to increase our domestic energy supplies. We can truly be energy secure, but that goal will never be reached as long as we continue to put the vast majority of our own resources under lock and key.”
For additional information on energy legislation Congress will consider in the coming weeks, click here.
]]>Washington, D.C. – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson has joined a bipartisan group of 170 lawmakers expressing concern that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a dramatic expansion of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
In December 2010, the EPA issued a “Clean Water Protection Guidance” that would significantly increase the scope of the federal government’s power to regulate waters. The “Guidance,” by the agencies’ own admission, substantively changes federal policy in determining which waters fall under the jurisdiction of the CWA.
“This is a thinly-veiled attempt to bypass formal rulemaking procedures and force implementation of the EPA’s regulatory agenda,” said Thompson. “This so-called ‘Guidance’ will have negative economic consequences for our small businesses, farmers, and communities and upset a longstanding federal and state partnership to enforce current law. Rather than forcing change through drafting guidelines, the EPA should work together with the states and Congress to find solutions that improve current efforts to protect clean water.”
Legislative proposals to expand federal regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act have continually met bipartisan resistance, at the state and federal level. Now the Administration is attempting to achieve the same objective through so-called “Guidance” without following standard rule making procedure designed for all regulatory agencies under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
The letter, sent to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, was initiated by Republican and Democrat Members of Congress on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who were joined by a larger, bipartisan group of House Members. This includes Pennsylvanians Jason Altmire (D-4); Bill Shuster (R-9); Tom Marino (R-10); Lou Barletta (R-11); Mark Critz (D-12); Charles Dent (R-15); Tim Holden (D-17); and Tim Murphy (R-18).
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H. Con. Res. 34, the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Resolution. The measure passed the House by a vote of 235-193. Thompson released the following statement after final passage:
“The people of the 5th District understand fiscal responsibility and realize we can’t continue spending money we don’t have,” said Thompson. “Today, we put the facts on the table and advanced the debate about how to address the fiscal challenges facing this country, and the steps needed to bring about solvency – because right now we’re in the red. Contrary to the misinformation, this plan keeps our current commitments to seniors, while ensuring the longevity of our social safety net programs for future generations.”
H. Con. Res. 34 reduces spending to below 2008 levels, freezing discretionary spending for five years, and includes $6.2 trillion in savings compared to the President’s 2012 budget proposal. The measure looks to improve the sustainability of Medicare and Medicaid programs, which the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has asserted will otherwise go bankrupt.
###
Washington, D.C. - The House Natural Resources Committee today held a Full Committee markup on three energy bills cosponsored by Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Today’s markup comes as energy experts predict gasoline prices could reach$5 per gallon by Memorial Day weekend and continue to warn that “$4-a-gallon gas fueling fears for recovery,” as reported in today’s Washington Post. Thompson released the following statement after completion of today’s markup.
“The steady climb in gas prices under the Obama Administration has taken a toll on Pennsylvania’s 5th District and left families and small businesses more vulnerable to oil price spikes. Since last year, the Administration has only granted a handful of permits for homegrown American energy production in our own federal waters. That’s why today, the House Natural Resources Committee took action and passed three offshore energy bills that will lower gas prices and bolster economic growth by expanding domestic production. With the White House’s failure to put forth a comprehensive energy policy and gas prices closing in on record levels, Congress needs to pass this critical legislation.”
Background information on the legislation that today passed the House Natural Resources Committee is as follows:
• The Putting the Gulf Back to Work Act (H.R. 1229) would end the Obama Administration’s de facto moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico in a safe, responsible, transparent manner by setting firm time-lines for considering permits to drill, which provide certainty and allow employers and workers to get back on the job. The Natural Resources Committee today passed H.R. 1229 by a bipartisan vote of 27 to 16.
• The Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act (H.R. 1230) would require the Obama Administration to move forward promptly to conduct offshore lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Virginia that the Obama Administration has delayed or canceled. Due to the Obama Administration’s actions, in 2011 there will be no offshore lease sales – the first time since 1958. The Natural Resources Committee today passed H.R. 1230 by a bipartisan vote of 29 to 14.
• The Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act (H.R. 1231) would lift the President’s ban on new offshore drilling by requiring the Administration to move forward in the 2012-2017 lease plan with energy production in areas containing the most oil and natural gas resources. The Natural Resources Committee today passed H.R. 1231 by a bipartisan vote of 29 to 14.
###
]]>Washington, D.C.– Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson tonight voted to support H.R. 1363, a stop-gap funding measure to avert a government shutdown and reduce government spending. The full House passed the bill by a vote of 348-70. The Senate unanimously passed identical legislation moments earlier by voice vote. Thompson issued the following statements after final passage in the House.
“My constituents have demanded that Congress eliminate wasteful Washington spending and deal responsibly with our nation’s $14 trillion debt, to ensure our children and grandchildren enjoy the same opportunities as our generation,” said Thompson. “Today’s achievement was another step in what will be a long discussion on how to get our fiscal house in order and set a course for long-term job growth.”
H.R. 1363 cuts $2 billion in federal spending over a period of 5 days and is part of a long-term spending agreement projected to reduce spending $78.5 billion below the President’s 2011 budget proposal.
“During the last Congress, the House Democratic Majority failed to pass a budget and appropriations for the first time in more than three decades. The long-term agreement cuts a projected $78.5 billion from the President’s 2011 budget request and begins to address America’s looming debt crisis.”
The long-term bill, scheduled for debate in the coming week and agreed to by the House, Senate and White House, amounts to the largest spending cut in American history in terms of dollars. The agreement also guarantees a Senate debate and vote on legislation that would repeal President Obama’s government takeover of health care in its entirety.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H.R 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011, a bill to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from acting beyond its authority granted by Congress. H.R. 910 passed the full House today by a vote of 255-172.
“Despite cap-and-trade legislation failing to gain Congressional approval when the White House had control of all three branches of government, the Administration has moved forward by executive fiat – and without the approval of Congress – in an attempt to advance the same policies the American people rejected one year ago,” said Thompson.
The Clean Air Act was enacted in 1970 and under the law the EPA has the authority to regulate hundreds of pollutants like particulates, ozone, and lead. Congress never intended for the law to be used to regulate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), which are not considered a pollutant as defined by law. Congress explicitly rejected attempts to add GHG regulations during the 1990 Clean Air Amendments Act and, during the 111th Congress, rejected similar provisions during the so-called cap-and-trade legislation.
The EPA’s ability and obligation to regulate pollutants expressly identified in the Clean Air Act are not impacted by H.R. 910, which only affects the EPA’s new push to regulate GHG. H.R. 910 specifies that an “air pollutant” does not include a GHG, but the definition may include GHG for the purpose of addressing other environmental protections afforded under the law.
"If Congress wants to continue to abdicate their constitutional authority to unelected officials in the bureaucracy, we might as well just declare this President and all thereafter "king", shut down shop, and call it a day,” said Thompson. “These policies are beyond the legal boundaries of the Administration and would have significant and negative impacts upon small businesses. Even former Governor Rendell's Public Utility Commission conceded similar policies would cost Pennsylvania 66,000 jobs.”
Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission (PUC) under Governor Ed Rendell vehemently opposed Congress’ effort to implement cap-and-trade legislation in 2009, which Thompson opposed during the 111th Congress. In addition to job losses, the PUC letter referenced by Thompson states that electrical rates in Pennsylvania would “necessarily skyrocket” because 58% of the Commonwealth’s electricity is generated by coal.
Republicans and Democrats have voiced opposition to the EPA’s overreach and failure to adequately evaluate the economic impact of its actions on the nation’s economy. Just yesterday, the White House’s own Small Business Administration stated the following: "In four years of regulatory activity, EPA has not evaluated the economic effects that its initial endangerment finding and mobile source emissions standards have had on small businesses."
Despite the EPA’s unlawful overreach, the agency has received a 32% budget increase over the last two years. Considering this increase and billions in additional stimulus funds, Thompson recently voted to support spending reductions for the agency under H.R. 1, Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011. Amendments to H.R. 1 were adopted to block the EPA from using federal funds to act beyond the scope of existing law. Like H.R. 910, these amendments in no way impact the EPA’s ability to regulate and mitigate air pollutants.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressmen Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (PA-05) and Jason Altmire (PA-04) today welcomed the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ (CMS) decision to delay the originally scheduled start date for round two of its competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment for six months, until the summer of 2013. Citing concerns that the competitive bidding program would push small businesses out of the marketplace and diminish seniors’ quality of care, Thompson and Altmire introduced the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act (H.R. 1041) in March of this year. This legislation would fully repeal the competitive bidding program at no cost to taxpayers. More than 60 Members of Congress have cosponsored H.R. 1041 during the last month.
“Auction and bidding experts have resoundingly agreed that the program does not work,” Congressman Thompson said. “Delaying round two only kicks the can to a future date. While this is an indication that the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act (H.R. 1041) is gaining momentum, we must continue efforts to educate policy makers here in Washington about the disastrous affects this program will have on our communities and Medicare beneficiaries.”
“CMS’s decision to delay round two of the competitive bidding program shows that even it acknowledges that this program is seriously flawed,” Congressman Altmire said. “The truth is that no matter how CMS tries to tweak its competitive bidding program, it will continue to be a fundamentally bad deal for our nation’s seniors and small businesses. I will continue working in Congress to repeal this program and protect seniors’ access to the quality care that they deserve.”
CMS’s competitive bidding program has already gone into effect in nine metropolitan statistical areas, including the Pittsburgh region. In round two, the program is set to be implemented in 91 areas nationwide.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today issued the following statement upon Senate passage of H.R. 4, a measure repealing the authority of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to require that businesses report every expense they incur over $600. The 1099 reporting requirement was enacted as part the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the health care reform law originally passed in March of 2009 – and commonly referred to as Obamacare. The measure passed the Senate today with a bipartisan vote of 87 to 12.
“Today’s vote to repeal the 1099 IRS reporting requirement is a major victory for small businesses and job creators in the Commonwealth and across the country. The Senate made the right choice in passing this bipartisan, common sense reform, which I and so many others in the House have been working on over the last year. President Obama should promptly sign this repeal into law to avoid death by a 1000 paper cuts for Pennsylvania’s small businesses.”
Senate passage of the 1099 reporting requirement today resulted after months of bipartisan work in both chambers, where Thompson played an outspoken roll advocating repeal of the burdensome requirement. Thompson was an original cosponsor to H.R. 4, which passed the House with bipartisan support on March 3, 2011.
During the 111th Congress, Thompson co-sponsored H.R. 5141, a similar bill to repeal the 1099 portion of the health care bill and also joined with colleagues on the House Small Business Committee in sending a letter to Douglas Shulman, Commissioner of the IRS, expressing opposition to the mandate.
In January of 2011, Thompson voted in favor of H.R. 2, a measure fully repealing the PPACA. As a member of House Education & Workforce Committee, a key committee of jurisdiction regarding federal health care policy, Thompson continues to work in the House to advance commonsense health care reforms that reduce cost, promote choice, and improve the quality of health care delivery.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, today announced that the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs has instituted new U.S. Birth Certificate Requirements for passport applications. The following information was provided by the U.S. Department of State.
Beginning today, April 1, 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs will require the full names of the applicant’s parent(s) to be listed on all certified birth certificates to be considered as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship for all passport applicants, regardless of age. Certified birth certificates missing this information will not be acceptable as evidence of citizenship. This will not affect applications already in-process that have been submitted or accepted before the effective date.
All United States birth certificates must meet all of the following criteria:
• Show the full name of the parent(s);
• Be issued by the office of vital statistics of the state, county, or city where the birth occurred;
• Show the full name of child;
• Indicate the date and place of birth;
• Bear the embossed, impressed, multi-colored, or raised seal and signature of the issuing authority;
• Indicate a registration or file date that is within one year of the birth; and
• Be an original and certified document (notarized copies and photocopies are not accepted)
United States birth certificates that do not meet these standards will not be acceptable as primary evidence of citizenship.
For general questions regarding the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs passport services, see the State Department's Frequently Requested Information Web page.
If you have any additional questions regarding these new requirements or need assistance with passport services, please contact Congressman Thompson’s Bellefonte office at 814-353-0215 or his Titusville office at 814-827-3985.
]]>Washington, D.C.— John DiEugenio, of Boalsburg, will soon join the cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. , according to U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, who nominated him. John is the son of Dr. Richard and Janet DiEugenio.
“John has served his community and challenged himself through rigorous coursework,” said Thompson. “I am proud to have supported his nomination and congratulate his acceptance to the U.S. Air Force Academy.”
John received a cumulative GPA of 4.41 at State College Senior High School and ranked 69th out of 618 students in the senior class of 2011. DiEugenio served as Class President for all for years during high school, played on the Little Lion’s football team, and received the Power of the Paws Award, a recognition for outstanding pride and citizenship his freshman, sophomore and junior years.
“John follows a long line of family members to serve our country and it is a great honor to have nominated him to the U.S. Air Force Academy,” said Thompson. “John is tremendously qualified for this appointment and he’ll make a fine addition to our nation’s service academies.”
John has served in numerous leadership roles for community service projects including the Planning Committee for the Special Olympics First Annual 5K Run and the Philadelphia Project, an effort to buy school supplies for underserved school children. In 2011, DiEugenio was chosen to represent his class on Classrooms for the Future, a district-wide effort to implement technological advancements in classrooms across the Commonwealth.
John has three older brothers currently serving the U.S. Military. Patrick DiEugenio, a Navy Pilot deployed in Djibouti; Chris DiEugenio, an Army Artillery Officer deployed in Iraq; and Andrew DiEugenio, a 2010 West Point graduate and Army Officer.
]]>Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) today joined the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for a field hearing to review the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the health care reform law passed in March of 2010, and its impact on the Commonwealth.
Thompson is a former therapist and licensed nursing home administrator, and has spent 28 years in the health care industry. He participated in the hearing, “PPACA in Pennsylvania: One Year of Broken Promises,” at the request of Representative Joe Pitts (PA-16), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee.
As governors and state legislatures across the country deal with implementing PPACA’s requirements, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett offered introductory remarks before the Subcommittee. Department of Public Welfare Acting Secretary Gary Alexander and Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine were among others who delivered testimony at the hearing.
Statement from Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5):
“Health care reform must be based on improving accessibility and affordability while preserving choice and quality, however, this law is failing across the board. As we meet the one year anniversary of President Obama’s signature initiative, my worst nightmares have become a reality as the law’s implementation continues to drive up costs, saddle small businesses with burdensome regulations, and imposes unfunded mandates on the Commonwealth, by shifting costs from the federal government to the states. Today’s hearing serves as yet another reminder that we must replace this flawed law with commonsense reforms that decrease costs, increase access, and ensure America remains the place for quality and innovation in health care delivery.”
Statement from Representative Joe Pitts (PA-16):
“On the one year anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act being signed into law, we are here to examine the effects that the law will have, and is already having, on states. And, we will hear how various provisions in the law are burdening businesses and employers, precisely at a time when we need them to be hiring new employees and creating jobs.”
Statement from Department of Public Welfare Acting Secretary Gary Alexander:
“Pennsylvania’s Medicaid rolls, already heading towards a cliff of fiscal instability, will clearly plunge over the edge if federal regulations are not eased. And that includes putting the brakes on this healthcare reform law…Public welfare reform presents us with a great opportunity to use the resources within our commonwealth to transform the structure and operations of the public health system without needless federal intervention and with the best interests of Pennsylvanians in mind, instead of being distracted by the interest of federal bureaucrats...”
Statement from Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine:
“Compliance with ACA required Pennsylvania to develop new systems and procedures – all with an associated cost to the state – to ensure compliance. And it was also at this point in our journey that we first saw troubling signs for the road ahead. While from a consumer perspective there are additional benefits as a result of these reforms, these ACA‐mandated coverage changes resulted in premium increases of up to 9 percent – this on top of already significant premium increases being seen by Pennsylvania businesses and consumers. Therefore, it is important to stress that the initial reforms have caused an increase in premiums and not a decrease…”
For additional information and to view the full testimony from today’s hearing, click here.
###
]]>Governors and state legislatures across the country are reviewing how best to reduce health care costs while providing quality coverage and care to millions of current Medicaid beneficiaries. PPACA’s implementation imposes a variety of major program changes and unfunded mandates to Medicaid and other programs, affecting employers, patients, and the ability of state governments to meet current and future obligations.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett will provide introductory remarks before the Subcommittee and Department of Public Welfare Acting Secretary Gary Alexander and Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine, among others, will discuss how the law’s mandates, costs, and employer burdens have impacted Pennsylvania.
Subcommittee participants will be available to the media following the hearing. Details are as follows:
Wednesday March 23rd, 2011
Media Availability
U.S. Representative Joe Pitts
U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett
Pennsylvania State Capitol
Media Center
Capitol East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
###
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Chairman, and Rep. Tim Holden (D-PA), Ranking Member, of the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry held a public hearing to further review the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), agricultural practices, and their implications on watersheds communities.
TMDL is a program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit nutrient and sediment runoff in watersheds across the country. The EPA’s Chesapeake Bay TMDL is a combination of 92 smaller TMDLs for individual tidal segments across the watershed and the largest and most complex program ever administered.
Considering the scope and magnitude of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, there are concerns that the EPA is not recognizing the contribution producers have made to ensuring a healthy bay and failing to comprehend the economic consequences of its program on the region’s economy and agricultural community.
Thompson and Holden highlighted the importance of conservation programs and their impact on the health of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as the voluntary steps farmers have taken to preserve and protect this watershed. Among the panel witnesses was Pennsylvania’s Farm Bureau President, Carl Shaffer, of Mifflin Township. Shaffer outlined related concerns that the farming community is having with the TMDL and current conservation efforts being taken by producers in collaboration with state, local and federal governments.
Statement from Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5):
“Despite the successful conservation efforts to improve runoff and water quality at the state and local level, the EPA continues its quixotic quest to impose unreasonable regulatory mandates on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed without sound methods of determining their impact on the health or economic viability of the Bay and the region’s agricultural communities. During the hearing, many Republicans and Democrats voiced substantial and warranted concerns that the EPA is reaching far beyond its statutory authority granted by Congress and continually fails to comprehend the financial hardships these regulations will impose on communities within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Through current investments and a focus on improved management practices at the state level, we can restore the Chesapeake Bay while also maintaining the economic livelihood of these communities.”
Statement from Rep. Tim Holden (PA-17):
“This subcommittee has worked for a long time to make sure Chesapeake Bay farmers, who already face some of the most stringent environmental regulations in the United States, are put on the same level of playing field as those in other regions. I'm concerned that once again Bay farmers are being placed at a financial and competitive disadvantage through the TMDL. Without sharing all information used to develop load allocations and despite glaring discrepancies between data collected by various government agencies, EPA is moving forward with increased regulation at a rapid pace. It is important that EPA begin to work with farmers and ranchers, who have always been the best advocates for resource conservation, to ensure environmental stewardship across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed while minimizing burdens on producers.”
Statement from Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Carl Shaffer:
“EPA’s focus on agriculture and its over-reaching restrictions are particularly troublesome because agriculture has worked successfully with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reduce our environmental impact on the Bay. Use of crop inputs is declining. No-till farming has reduced soil erosion and resulted in more carbon being stored in the soil. Milk today is produced from far fewer cows. Nitrogen use efficiency has consistently improved. Farmers are proud that their environmental footprint is dramatically smaller today than it was 50 years ago, and we are committed to continuing this progress.”
Full written testimony provided by the witnesses is available below and can be found on the House Agriculture Committee's website by clicking here.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) and Representative Jason Altmire (D-PA) today formally introduced H.R. 1041, the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act, to a standing-room-only audience of reporters, small businesses owners, and consumer advocates. The deficit neutral H.R. 1041, repeals the flawed Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program.
Created under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, the DMEPOS program’s goal is to create cost savings. However, both provider and consumer groups have illustrated problems with the program, which will force smaller suppliers from the market and threaten Medicare beneficiaries’ quality of care.
“Medicare beneficiaries are entitled to high-quality, low-cost medical equipment and we intend to deliver on this promise by reforming the current bidding program,” Thompson said. “We must allow for a marketplace where seniors have quality and choice, smaller providers are competing to deliver these supplies, and I ask my colleagues to join in cosponsoring H.R. 1041.”
Under the current Medicare competitive bidding program, smaller medical providers will continue to be forced out of the marketplace, resulting in further decreases in the quality of care. With fewer providers, prompt deliveries of items and services will be eliminated and Medicare costs will increase because of longer hospital stays, increased institutionalization, and more frequent physician visits.
“CMS’s competitive bidding program limits seniors’ ability to buy highly specialized medical equipment from the local suppliers they know and trust,” Congressman Altmire said. “We have introduced legislation to repeal this misguided program at no new cost to taxpayers. I urge my colleagues to join us in passing this bill and protecting seniors’ access to the quality care they deserve.”
Thompson and Altmire both were elected to Congress from the healthcare sector and since have continued to push for transparency and market competition in the delivery of care. Late in the 111th Congress, both members cosponsored similar legislation which gained the support of 259 members. Through continued education and awareness regarding competitive bidding, Thompson and Altmire plan to meet and surpass previous levels of support.
Within days of introducing H.R. 1041, the following advocacy organizations have announced their support:
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association
• Brain Injury Association of America
• International Ventilator Users Network
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• National Council on Independent Living
• National Emphysema/COPD Association
• Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
• International Ventilator Users Network
• UCP/CLASS (formerly UCP/Pittsburgh)
• Three Rivers Center for Independent Living (TRCIL)
• National Association for Homecare and Hospice
• United Spinal Association
• National Spinal Cord Injury Association
• Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers
• American Association for Homecare
• National Association for the Support of Long Term Care
Information and summary for H.R. 1041
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) and Representative Jason Altmire (D-PA) on Tuesday, March 15th at 10:30 A.M. will hold a press conference to discuss introduction of H.R. 1041, the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act, a measure to repeal the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program at no new cost to taxpayers.
Press Conference Details:
WHAT: Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) and Jason Altmire (PA-4)
Introduction of the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act, HR 1041
WHEN: Tuesday, March 15th at 10:30 A.M.
WHERE: Capitol Hill
2456 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Additional Speakers:
Tyler Wilson
President, American Association for Homecare
Georgie Blackburn
Vice President, Government Relations, Blackburn’s Physical Pharmacy, Inc.
Cynthia Morton
Executive Vice President, The National Association for the Support of Long Term Care
Seth Johnson
Vice President of Government Affairs, Pride Mobility Products, Inc.
John C. Shirvinsky
Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers
Stan Holbrook
President and CEO, Three Rivers Center for Independent Living
Barbara Rogers
President and CEO, National Emphysema/COPD Association (NECA)
To view the full bill text for H.R. 1041, click here.
If you have additional questions regarding details for the event, please contact Parish Braden with Rep. Thompson at (202)-225-5121 or Tess Mullen with Rep. Altmire at (202) 225-2565.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – Leading aggressive oversight of the U.S. Department of Education, today during a hearing held by the Higher Education and Workforce Training Subcommittee, Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson prompted Inspector General Kathleen Tighe to further investigate allegations of improprieties within the Department of Education with regard to recently unveiled communications between the department and Wall Street about proposed regulations.
Thompson submitted for the record a letter which cited a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request that indicates high level officials at the Department of Education were speaking to hedge fund managers regarding the release date of proposed "Gainful Employment" regulations for proprietary career colleges, many of which are publicly traded entities.
The emails warrant further examination from the Department’s Office of Inspector General. Thompson pressed Inspector General Tighe to ensure that they would be working with the Security and Exchange Commission to further investigate questions surrounding the FOIA findings.
Click here to view the hearing.
Thompson has continued thorough oversight of the Administration’s regulatory proposals and program funding, in particular those related to Gainful Employment, a process that would impose arbitrary requirements on proprietary schools and deny access to thousands of higher education students, and has recently drawn bipartisan opposition.
In May of 2010, Thompson requested the Department of Education to vacate the proposed regulations and recently worked with a bipartisan group of colleagues to pass House Amendment 214, an amendment to the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011, which would prohibit funds to be used by the Department of Education to implement regulations on Gainful Employment.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce yesterday held a full committee hearing to review the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget request for the Department of Education. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan served as the hearing witness, offering testimony and detailing the Administration’s budget request. Representative Thompson, who serves on the full committee and as Co-Chairman of the Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, took the opportunity to address Secretary Duncan on the Administration’s funding proposal for CTE. Click below to view the hearing:
(Click here.)
Thompson, along with Rep. Langevin of Rhode Island, Co-Chair the CTE Caucus, a group of members working to enhance awareness of the importance of Career and Technical Training and advance policies that improve skilled labor education and support tech-related small business job growth.
Recently, the Association for Career And Technical Education noted the following in their member’s legislative update:
Despite all the efforts to undermine CTE programs, on February 15, Congressional CTE Caucus Co-chair Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) made a statement on the floor asking his colleagues to join the caucus and support CTE. Rep. Thompson spoke about the importance of CTE and reminded members that these programs exist in every congressional district. He highlighted the importance of having trained, skilled workers and emphasized that CTE is the way to ensure we have a competitive, successful workforce. Reps. Thompson and Jim Langevin (D-RI) co-chair the caucus and have been circulating a letter asking other representatives to join…
In 2009, the Committee for Education Funding awarded Thompson the Outstanding New Member Award for his commitment to the nations’ students through advocating education as an investment in the future.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson spoke yesterday evening in a weekly radio update regarding misinformation included in recent reporting concerning the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Play and water quality in the Commonwealth.
AUDIO: Click Here
On February 26th, the New York Times reported that water quality in the Commonwealth was at risk due to a natural gas excavation process known as hydraulic fracturing. Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) released water tests validated with scientific data that municipal drinking water in the Commonwealth is safe, effectively addressing related misinformation included in the reports.
Numerous members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, including Thompson, have expressed concern that misinformation from these reports could impact PA DEP’s ability to properly and independently carry out its mandate, free from excessive interference by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thompson continues to remain actively engaged with regulators, producers, landowners and industry experts to educate people on the economic potential of the Marcellus Shale and ensure that Pennsylvania’s natural resources continue to be produced in an environmentally sound manner.
###
]]>Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard an original cosponsor of H.R. 4, a measure repealing the authority of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to require that businesses report every expense they incur over $600, voted in favor of the bill earlier today. Passage of H.R. 4, which gained unanimous support from House Republicans and 76 Democrats, comes as federal courts continue to challenge the new law, with most recently a U.S. District Court ruling the health care law unconstitutional. Thompson issued the following statement after final passage:
“Many of my initial concerns are now becoming a reality as this law has caused great uncertainty for businesses. The 1099 requirement would be death by a 1000 paper cuts for Pennsylvania’s small businesses. Any typical small business in a given year may have hundreds of vendors and be faced with thousands of transactions, and these burdensome regulations hamper job growth and undermine our path to economic recovery. I’ve championed repeal of the 1099 requirement since its enactment, and passage of H.R. 4 is a critical step in providing relief to small businesses in the 5th District and boosting economic recovery, job retention, and creation in Pennsylvania and across the country.”
An outspoken Member of Congress regarding the importance of the 1099 repeal, Thompson during the 111th Congress co-sponsored H.R. 5141, to repeal the 1099 portion of the health care bill, and also joined with colleagues on the House Small Business Committee in sending a letter to Douglas Shulman, Commissioner of the IRS, expressing opposition to the mandate. As a member of House Education & Workforce Committee, a key committee of jurisdiction regarding federal health care policy, and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Health Care Caucus, Thompson continues to work in the House to advance commonsense health care reforms that reduce cost, promote choice, and improve the quality of health care delivery to more Americans.
# # #
Washington, D.C. — John “Jack” Mellgard, of Clearfield County, will soon join the midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, according to U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, who nominated him. John is the son of Reverend and Mrs. J. Robert Mellgard.
“Jack is supremely qualified for this appointment, and it is a great honor to have nominated him to the U.S. Naval Academy,” said Thompson. “Jack will join the talented men and women who have the honor of serving in our nation’s service academies.”
Mellgard received a cumulative GPA of 9.489 and ranked 5th in the 2011 graduating class at Clearfield Area High School. John completed every AP course available while at Clearfield Area High School and was nominated to the National Spanish Honor Society.
In addition to his studies, Mellgard was involved in Boy Scouts of America and achieved the highly regarded Eagle Scout Rank and God and County Award. John was captain of the Clearfield Area High School Football, Basketball, and Track and Field teams, and served as President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. John also served as a Leader and Organizer for the Youth Group at Clearfield Presbyterian Church.
“He’s worked tremendously hard in his studies and athletics, and is fit to serve our Armed Forces,” said Thompson. “I am proud to have supported his nomination and congratulate his acceptance to the U.S. Naval Academy.”
John’s paternal grandparents are Mary Mellgard and the late George Mellgard of Pittsburgh and maternal grandparents are Elsie Bell of Bowie, Maryland, and the late F. Allen Bell.
###
]]>Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced that he will hold a constituent town hall meeting on Wednesday, February 23rd, in Lock Haven, Clinton County. The meeting is open to the public and designed as a forum to hear from constituents of the 5th Congressional District. Details of the event are as follows:
Lock Haven Town Hall
DATE:
Wednesday, February 23rd
TIME:
7 P.M. to 8 P.M.
LOCATION:
Lock Haven University
Medical Professionals Building
Greenberg Auditorium
406 Railroad Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
Note: The building is the former Vo-Tech High School, located at the corner of Railroad Street and 4th Street.
If you have any additional questions regarding the event, please contact Rep. Thompson’s staff at (202)-680-0006.
#####
]]>Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted in support of House Amendment (H. AMDT.) # 214, a measure to prohibit funds for the Department of Education Regulations on Gainful Employment. The Department of Education’s Gainful Employment regulations are a controversial regulatory process that would impose arbitrary requirements on proprietary schools, deny access to students and undermine the strength of the American workforce.
Thompson has been one of the most outspoken members of Congress on this issue, originally requesting the Department of Education to vacate the proposed regulations in May of 2010.
On September 29, 2010, Thompson spoke to a rally of career college students at the foot of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Thompson told the students, “You have every right to determine your own educational needs. You have every right to determine your future career path and you have every right to make your own destiny.”
H. AMDT. 214, an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Resolution, passed the full House earlier today with bipartisan support by a vote of 289-136.
Click here to watch Rep. Thompson’s floor remarks.
Floor statement as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Amendment # 214.
The president has promoted a policy to have five million new college graduates by 2020. I commend the president for that goal. However, I have to stop and wonder. How are we going to achieve the mission if the Department of Education is going to put up roadblocks such as the proposed rules for gainful employment?
The reality is that, career colleges serve many different purposes for people of all walks of life. This isn't an issue of black and white, Republican or Democrat. This is an issue of access to education.
I represent a very rural district in Pennsylvania, and many of my constituents don't have access to a community college and they live a significant distance from any university. My schools have sprung up out of necessity. Many students in Pennsylvania choose these schools because of their convenience. They realize that career colleges offer course work for all types of work to accommodate the busy schedules we all have. They realize that life does not just stop for four years so you can go to a school. They understand these institutions will provide them the skills they need to enter the work force and earn a decent living.
I have concerns that the Department of Education has stepped way beyond its authority and begun the determination of an arbitrary ruling on gainful employment.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. chairman, I ask my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment.
I yield back my time.
#####
]]>