[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 4, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GROUNDHOG DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
Groundhog Day, a special tradition spearheaded in my district and 
celebrated not just nationwide but worldwide, having folks who attended 
from over 120 different countries and every State in the Nation.
  This past Sunday, February 2, I was proud to join over 50,000 people, 
families from across the country, as we eagerly waited to see if spring 
was on the way or if 6 more weeks of winter awaited. Each year, in 
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, crowds gather at Gobbler's Knob on the 
night of February 1 awaiting the appearance of our famed weather 
predictor, Punxsutawney Phil.
  I recognize and thank one of the hardest-working, most reliable job 
producers in my district, Phil himself. Year after year, his dedication 
to forecasting the end of winter brings joy not just to the 
Pennsylvania 15th Congressional District but to people across the 
country.
  For more than 130 years, this beloved tradition, rooted in 
Pennsylvania's strong German heritage, has captured our imagination. As 
the legend goes, if Phil sees his shadow, we are in for 6 more weeks of 
winter. If not, spring is right around the corner.
  The excitement begins the night before, as visitors gather to wake 
Phil with chants of his name in the early morning hours of February 2. 
When our esteemed seer of seers emerges, the Punxsutawney Groundhog 
Club Inner Circle President interprets Phil's forecast and shares the 
news with the eager crowd. Despite some naysayers who suggest replacing 
Phil with an animatronic groundhog, a gold coin, or even worse, a cake, 
he remains a cherished figure.
  Phil actually has a condominium, so to speak, in the Punxsutawney 
Library where he lives with his wife, Phyllis, and their two children, 
now teenagers, who were born earlier this year.
  I believe in creating jobs, not eliminating them, and that includes 
our most famous furry forecaster. I will always stand up for the 
hardworking men and women, and, yes, rodents, of Pennsylvania's 15th 
Congressional District.
  Beyond the fun and folklore, Groundhog Day is an event that brings 
people together, strengthens community spirit, and serves as an 
economic boost for the region. It is a celebration of tradition and a 
source of great pride.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Phil for sharing his wisdom and bringing smiles 
to so many. However, standing on stage with the inner circle and 
looking out over the 50,000 people when he announced 6 more weeks of 
winter, maybe people weren't smiling quite as much this year.

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