[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2425-H2426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH

  (Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize American Red Cross Month, which has been celebrated every 
March since 1943. The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton in 
1881 with the noble mission of serving people in need.
  The American Red Cross is one of the largest organizations in the 
country, with approximately 230 chapters in the United States and close 
to 300,000 volunteers.
  American Red Cross Month was first recognized during World War II 
when Franklin D. Roosevelt urged individuals to assist with the 
Nation's growing humanitarian needs. What initially

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started out as a humanitarian call to action has grown into a larger 
mission. Communities across the country now come together to help those 
in need.
  The bond between the American Red Cross and the United States 
Government is defined by more than a century of service. Since the 
organization's formal chartering in the early 1900s, the American Red 
Cross has had a hand in providing aid to our military personnel 
and their families.

  The organization was pivotal in assisting servicemembers and families 
during World War I and World War II. During both wars, the American Red 
Cross recruited thousands of registered nurses and prepared millions of 
aid packages for the United States military and our Allies.
  Today, the American Red Cross still provides support for military 
members and their families. However, their reach has also extended to 
serve communities that have been impacted by natural disasters. This 
organization assists in recovery efforts by providing emergency 
assistance, food, shelter, and emotional support to those in need.
  Many people know the American Red Cross because of their commitment 
to blood donations. On average, they collect nearly 4.5 million blood 
donations and provide almost 40 percent of our Nation's blood.
  In addition to humanitarian relief and blood donations, the American 
Red Cross has been training and educating people for over a century. 
The organization provides training in first aid, CPR, water safety, 
lifeguarding, and other emergency response areas.
  Today, communities across the United States are safer because of the 
large number of people who have become certified by the American Red 
Cross. With training, these people can identify an emergency and step 
in to provide care.
  Madam Speaker, I thank all the American Red Cross volunteers who work 
tirelessly to serve others and care for those in need.


                 Recognizing Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania

  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, which marks its bicentennial 
celebration on March 15.
  Jersey Shore was founded in 1826, although the borough's rich history 
dates to the 1700s, when families settled in the area after the 
Revolutionary War. Many families chose this location because of the 
availability of farmland.
  Before the borough's adoption of the name ``Jersey Shore,'' the 
settlement was first called Waynesburg, named after Anthony Wayne, a 
famous Revolutionary War general who served under General George 
Washington. However, Jersey Shore quickly became the namesake due to 
the high number of settlers from New Jersey and the borough's proximity 
to the Susquehanna River.
  Established along the banks of the Susquehanna and near numerous 
State parks, Jersey Shore, also known as the Gateway to the Pine Creek 
Valley, offers visitors the chance to hike, bike, fish, and kayak.
  Jersey Shore is a true reflection of Main Street charm and American 
values. It is an area many people from the Commonwealth are proud to 
call home. We congratulate the Jersey Shore borough on this momentous 
milestone.


          Recognizing Agriculture Committee Members and Staff

  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I want to take the 
opportunity to thank the members and staff of the House Committee on 
Agriculture.
  Early this morning, we finished up 20 hours of markup and ultimately 
passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. It is a 
strong bipartisan bill. It passed 2-1 out of committee. I appreciate 
all the members on the committee who contributed and helped to refine 
this bill.
  This legislation really serves America's number one industry, 
agriculture, all of those farm families, ranch families, and 
communities of rural America. We look forward to bringing this 
legislation to the floor and, ultimately, to the President's desk.

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