[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H138-H139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE STENY HOYER

  (Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, before I get into my 
primary remarks, for which I was going to rise, I reflect on 18 years 
ago when I came into the House of Representatives.
  Some of my staff had been on the Hill for, actually, a couple of 
decades at that point.
  My chief of staff said: If there was ever a Democratic Member of 
Congress who literally represents the term ``statesman,'' it is Steny 
Hoyer.
  He truly is. He has not failed at that task, and so I offer my 
congratulations on his announced retirement and my thanks for his 
service as a statesman, especially at a time of what we have been 
living through, of growing divisiveness.

[[Page H139]]

  



                             Year in Review

  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight 
some of the great work that my office delivered in 2025 that was 
reflected in my year-end report.
  Last year was full of legislative victories. From ensuring more milk 
options in public schools to making certain that rural schools receive 
the funding that they need, we continue to deliver for Pennsylvania's 
15th Congressional District.
  I was proud to lead the charge to bring whole milk back into our 
schools, push for the largest investment in American agriculture in a 
generation, advocate for career and technical education, and establish 
a Federal regulatory framework for digital assets like cryptocurrency.
  On the policy front, I helped to ensure the passage of the Secure 
Rural Schools Reauthorization Act. I secured numerous provisions in the 
Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which benefited American agriculture, as 
well as a provision authorizing Workforce Pell Grants.
  The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will soon be signed into law, and 
the House approved both my Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 and 
the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025.
  At home, I was honored to nominate seven exceptional students to our 
Nation's service academies, celebrated a talented young artist, and 
delivered more than $6.1 million in Federal funding for nine excellent 
community projects.
  My office responded to more than 81,000 constituent letters, answered 
nearly 8,000 phone calls, and closed nearly 1,600 constituent cases, 
helping folks navigate the Federal agencies and Federal bureaucracy.
  The most rewarding part of being a Representative is helping 
individuals and families get the assistance that they need. Throughout 
the year, my staff hosts office hours across the 18 counties in the 
15th Congressional District to assist constituents with issues related 
to the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
IRS, and other Federal agencies. Appointments are not necessary, and I 
am pleased that we are available to help those in need. Personally, I 
hosted over 1,200 meetings in 2025 and sponsored and cosponsored 183 
bills.
  Mr. Speaker, as many around the Capitol complex know, I often come to 
this floor to share good news from Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional 
District. I spoke 91 days on the House floor in 2025, delivering 120 
speeches. I am glad to have had the ability to communicate with my 
constituents in this way and to recognize their achievements.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the people of the 15th Congressional District 
for allowing me the privilege to be their voice in Congress, and I 
firmly believe that our best days lie ahead. I look forward to working 
hard in 2026 to continue to earn their support.

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