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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) joined U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (PA-15), House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) and 73 of their colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act. In July 2024, provisions from the Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act altered the federal formula for determining student aid. The Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act seeks to restore the decades-old standard that exempts the value of assets found on family farms and small business from being assessed as part of a family’s net worth.

“Growing up on a family farm shouldn’t disqualify anyone from receiving financial aid to go to college,” said Rep. Graves. “Families shouldn’t be forced to sell off the farm just to pay their children’s way through school either. The Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act restores standard exemptions that have been around for decades to ensure this is never allowed to happen again. It’s just plain common sense.”

Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sam Graves (6th District of Missouri)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after President Trump addressed a Joint Session of Congress:

“It was an honor to welcome President Trump back to the People’s House and hear his vision for renewing the American Dream. It is a new day in Washington and President Trump is doing exactly what he promised to do. Our border was out of control, but it has taken him no time to stem the tide of illegal immigration. Green New Deal spending was rampant, but the President has shut off the spigot for far-left pet projects. Energy prices are crushing American families, but President Trump is reducing regulations and unleashing American energy independence. The federal government desperately needed to be reined in, and the President is doing exactly that. Common sense is back and I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to ensure America becomes even stronger. Welcome to the Golden Age of America.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) and Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Peter Welch (D-VT), Dave McCormick (R-PA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) today led the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which will allow for unflavored and flavored whole and reduced fat (2 percent) milk to be offered in school cafeterias.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 highlights the many health benefits and nutrients milk provides to young Americans, including better bone health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease or Type 2 diabetes. According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), milk is a source of two under-consumed nutrients – calcium and vitamin D – along with other key nutrients. In order for students to benefit from the nutritional content of milk, they must actually consume the milk, which is more likely to occur with varieties and options.

“Federal policy, based on flawed, outdated science has kept whole milk out of school cafeterias for more than a decade,” said Rep. Thompson. “Milk provides 13 essential nutrients that supplement growth and health, two key factors contributing to academic success. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 provides schools the flexibility they need to offer a variety of options, while supporting students and America’s hard-working dairy farmers.”  

“As a pediatrician, I know how important a balanced and nutritious diet is for children’s health, well-being, and development,” said Rep. Schrier. “A healthy diet early in life leads to proper physical growth and improved academic performance, and can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Milk is a significant part of many children’s diets and contains essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. This bill simply gives schools the option of providing the types of milk most kids prefer to drink. ”

“Whole and reduced fat milk should never have been excluded from the National School Lunch Program,” said Senator Marshall. “Now, 13 years after its removal, nearly 75% of children do not receive their recommended daily dairy intake. I believe in a healthier future for America, and by increasing kids’ access to milk in school cafeterias, we will help prevent diet-related diseases down the road, as well as encourage nutrient-rich diets for years to come. Whole milk is an excellent source of 13 essential nutrients for students and adults alike in building strong bones. Plus, it tastes good.”

“Milk provides growing kids with key nutrients they need. Dairy is also an important part of Vermont’s culture and local economy, which is why our bipartisan bill to expand access to whole milk in our schools is a win for Vermont’s students and farmers,” said Senator Welch. “This bill helps provide our next generation grow stronger and helps dairy farmers do what they love–feed our communities. I’m proud to partner with Senator Marshall and Representative Thompson on this legislation, which will allow our schools to provide students with the healthy, high-quality, and locally-produced whole milk Vermont’s dairy farms have produced for generations.”

“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts milk back in schools that our growing kids actually want to drink,” said Senator McCormick. “Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers supply this country with an abundant source of milk year-round. Allowing schools to serve whole milk and reduced-fat milk, in addition to low-fat and fat-free milk, in the lunchroom is just commonsense. I’m proud to support our dairy farmers and our students by supplying them with the essential nutrients found in milk to learn and grow.”

“Kids need wholesome, nourishing food to grow strong and stay healthy, and whole milk is packed with the nutrients they need,” said Senator Fetterman. “Let’s give them the option to enjoy it again in schools—it’s good for them, they’ll actually drink it, and it supports our farmers. This bill is a simple solution that benefits everyone.”

“NMPF commends Reps. Thompson and Schrier, and Senators Marshall, Welch, McCormick, and Fetterman for their leadership in boosting students’ access to crucial nutrition with their Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Just last month, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee reaffirmed that most Americans under-consume nutrient-dense dairy.  This much-needed bill lets schools offer students the healthful milk options that they are most likely to drink by permitting the serving of nutritious reduced fat and whole milk varieties, critically addressing kids’ under-consumption of milk’s essential nutrients. NMPF is ready to work with the bill’s bipartisan sponsors to move this commonsense, widely supported solution across the finish line this year,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“IDFA thanks Reps. Thompson and Schrier, Senators Marshall, Welch, Fetterman, and McCormick and scores of other co-sponsors for their bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to provide the nutritious milk options that children prefer. Whole milk provides them with milk’s 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. A wide majority of parents and medical and nutrition professionals know that offering whole milk increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and provides nutritionally valuable school meals for children and adolescents,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association.

Background:

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today issued the following statement after the inauguration of President Donald Trump:

“Today’s swearing-in of President Donald Trump is a pivotal change toward restoring economic strength, securing our borders, and ensuring that every American has the opportunity to achieve their dreams. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to create a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), and Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) introduced the bipartisan Skills Investment Act to enhance workers access to skills training. This legislation aims to expand tax-advantaged savings opportunities for Americans pursuing new job skills and better career prospects through Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) – tax-advantaged savings accounts for educational expenses. Under this legislation, workers of all ages would be eligible to use Coverdell lifelong learning accounts to pay for skills training, apprenticeships, and professional development.

“Investing in a skilled workforce begins with enhancing educational opportunities,” said Rep. Thompson. “This common-sense legislation allows workers, at any point in their career, to further develop skills that will serve them in the future. As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I am proud to support the Skills Investment Act to provide additional resources for workers to climb the next rung on the ladder of opportunity.”

“Education is a good investment, and the Skills Investment Act will help more Oregonians and Americans access career and technical education and workforce training,” said Rep. Bonamici. “The Act will allow Coverdell ESAs to pay for these additional opportunities. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan legislation that benefits workers, businesses, and the economy.”

“At a time when the need for a skilled workforce has never been greater, it is imperative to expand the flexibility of education savings accounts and create broader pathways for Americans to access trade schools and skill training programs,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “By equipping individuals and families with the resources to advance their careers and achieve financial stability, our bipartisan, bicameral initiative will not only empower them to build brighter futures but strengthen our workforce and fuel sustainable economic progress across the nation.”

“To sustain and grow the American economy, American workers must have accessible pathways to high-paying jobs,” said Rep. Schneider. “We need to give our workforce the skills they need to successfully grow in their careers. By making career and technical education and skills training eligible for education savings accounts, the Skills Investment Act will help ensure workers of all ages are prepared for tomorrow’s economy and help employers better fill in-demand jobs with better trained workers.”
 

The Skills Investment Act is endorsed by the National Skills Coalition, Association for Career and Technical Education, Advance CTE, National Association of Workforce Boards, AASA – The School Superintendents Association, American Council on Education, Society for Human Resource Management, Jobs for the Future, and NAF.
 

Additional Information:

The Skills Investment Act introduces tax-advantaged savings accounts for lifelong skills development. Currently, in order to take advantage of Coverdell ESAs, a beneficiary must establish their account before they turn 18, and they must use any funds in the account before they turn 30 with only limited exceptions. This legislation raises the age limit on Coverdell accounts to 70 and broadens qualifying educational expenses that Coverdell funds can be used for, including career and technical education, literacy, and other workforce-focused programs.
 
This bill also focuses on upskilling and reskilling incumbent workers by allowing individuals over 30 to contribute $4,000 each year tax-free to their Coverdell account. To ensure workers receive education and training that aligns with the needs of today’s workforce, employers would also receive a 25% tax credit for any contributions to an employee’s Coverdell account.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson announced the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission in Ridgway as the recipient of a $8,552,175 award from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Fiscal Year 25-26 Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG). This investment will address longstanding infrastructure challenges by restoring and replacing several bridges throughout the region.

“Replacing and repairing aging infrastructure will lead to economic growth, job creation, and community well-being,” Rep. Thompson said. “Bridge replacement will provide safe routes through six counties in the Heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, which will increase safety and further promote tourism and industry in our region.”

“We sincerely thank our federal partners and congressional delegation for securing this critical funding,” Jim Chorney, North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission Executive Director, said. “Their commitment to rural infrastructure is making a real difference, ensuring residents and businesses have the safe, modern transportation network they deserve. We appreciate their leadership in delivering these much-needed improvements to our region.”  

“We are thrilled to receive this significant investment from DOT to strengthen North Central Pennsylvania’s infrastructure,” Amy Kessler, North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission Community Development/Regional Planning Director said. “These bridge projects will improve mobility, support economic development, and enhance access to essential services. Addressing long-standing gaps in underserved areas ensures a safer, more connected future for our communities.”

Background: The project includes the replacement of five critical bridges and the rehabilitation of the Kramer Road Bridge in North Central Pennsylvania. Kramer Road Bridge will have a new superstructure with new rolled steel, galvanized, I-Beams and modern concrete deck measuring 60 feet in length and 29.8 feet in width. The Steam Mill Road Bridge, T-748 Mosquito Creek Bridge, Caledonia Pike Bridge, Arnold Avenue Bridge, and Big Moore’s Run Bridge will be replaced.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, attended the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show and hosted an Agriculture Listening Session.

“Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s number one industry and the Commonwealth’s producers are essential to feeding, clothing, and fueling our country and the world,” Chairman Thompson said. “As the first Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee from Pennsylvania in more than 170 years, our farmers have a seat at the table when it comes to crafting the future of federal farm policy. I am optimistic we can build upon the successes of the past two years and deliver for farm country during this Congress.” 

Opening Ceremony – To kick off the 109th Farm Show, Rep. Thompson delivered opening remarks highlighting and promoting Pennsylvania’s number one industry- agriculture! 

Farm Show Happenings – Rep. Thompson was joined by House Agriculture Committee members, Representative Angie Craig (D-MN-2), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, and Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) on a tour of the event. 

Hearing from Pennsylvania’s Producers – Rep. Thompson hosted an Agriculture Listening Session to hear directly from Pennsylvania’s farmer, ranchers, producers, and consumers. Panelists included Representatives Craig and Pingree as well as Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

Lancaster, PA – Each spring, the prestigious Congressional Art Competition is held, a nationwide competition for high school students. The annual contest recognizes and encourages the talents of young artists across the nation, including those living in Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District.

Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) is encouraging high school students across Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.

“I have been consistently amazed at the artistic talent of high school students from across Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District. The winner of the competition will have their artwork displayed in our nation’s Capital Building, where Members, staff, and visitors will view it throughout the year. I encourage local students to submit their artwork, and I look forward to seeing all the impressive submissions,” said Rep. Smucker. 

Visit Rep. Smucker’s website for competition rules, regulations, and entry applications.

The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Questions can be directed to Logan Wolfe at 717-393-0667.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

Washington—The Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act has been reintroduced by a bipartisan coalition of legislators including Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Dr. John Joyce (PA-13), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). The bill would enable occupational therapy (OT) to be ordered as a stand-alone home health service for Medicare beneficiaries. 

Currently, OT is the only therapy service that does not qualify as a primary benefit under Medicare’s Part A home health benefit. As a result, OT services cannot be provided in a beneficiary’s home unless nursing or other therapy services, like physical therapy or speech-language pathology, are also prescribed at the start of care. 

“The Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act will help ensure beneficiaries receive the care they need in the setting they increasingly prefer—home. This commonsense measure improves the personalization of home health orders, empowering patients to thrive at home while reducing costly rehospitalizations. I appreciate my colleagues for joining me in introducing and advocating for this important legislation,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11). 

“Access to in-home occupational therapy is critical, especially in rural areas, to allow patients to heal and recover from home,” said Rep. John Joyce, M.D. “I am proud to join my colleagues on the bipartisan Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act, a common sense piece of legislation to ensure Medicare beneficiaries have access to the occupational therapy services they need without unnecessary barriers.”

“The Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act will play a key role in expanding access to high-quality home health care for seniors across the nation. By enabling occupational therapy (OT) to be included as a stand-alone home health service for Medicare beneficiaries, this legislation will help thousands of seniors avoid falls and other accidents that often result in their losing the ability to remain independently at home. This bill will help us better target home health services to meet patients’ specific needs, helping thousands of Medicare beneficiaries to recover from injury and illness in the comfort of their own homes,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20). 

“Home- and community-based care is a critical part of our health care system, and many of my constituents rely on home care while recovering from injury or illness,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37). “Unnecessary barriers to receiving health care at home leaves seniors with fewer choices and risks higher medical bills. This legislation will provide more patient choice and access by ensuring occupational therapy can qualify Medicare beneficiaries for home care, just as similarly positioned services already do.”

The bipartisan legislation has won praise from advocates. Here’s what they are saying: 

Alyson Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP, President of the American Occupational Therapy Association, notes that “occupational therapy services provided in a patient’s home environment enable OTs to address specific safety and other issues that are difficult to identify in a clinical setting.” She adds that “we are proud to endorse the Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act which would enhance access to OT services which can enable individuals to live safely at home by addressing issues that often result in costly emergency room visits, hospitalizations and even institutionalizations.”

“Occupational therapy is an essential component of positive health outcomes for individuals with home health care, yet current Medicare regulations create unnecessary barriers for beneficiaries in need of these services. That’s why the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) supports the Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act, which would allow occupational therapists to initiate home health care independently when appropriate. This bill would improve access to care, particularly in rural communities where provider shortages already limit options for patients. We commend Representative Smucker for his leadership in advancing policies that strengthen rural health care and urge Congress to act on this important legislation.” – Alan Morgan, NRHA CEO 

According to Steve Landers, MD, MPH with the National Alliance for Care at Home, “Occupational therapy (OT) is a critical service to support the recovery and independence of countless older and disabled Americans. Access to home health OT can improve quality and reduce overall Medicare spending. Homebound patients often need OT services in their own homes, but OT is the only skilled home health service that cannot be ordered under current law unless a Medicare beneficiary also needs nursing, physical therapy, or speech therapy. This means that people can be denied essential OT services in the home unless other services are also ordered. The Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act, would correct that oversight, and it has the full support of the National Alliance for Care at Home.”

“This legislation is a win for beneficiaries as this growing population wishes to age at home. The addition of OT as a qualifying service to start home care will allow them to receive these critical services to return to and thrive in their homes independently. As providers continue to grapple with staffing shortages, the more we can utilize all options when appropriate the better for beneficiaries,” said National Association of Rehab Providers & Agencies President Kelly MacNeill-Cooney. 

“The Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act is a positive step forward in increasing access to essential care for seniors. Allowing occupational therapy to be ordered as a stand-alone home health service for Medicare beneficiaries will ensure equitable access to OT services and promote independence and quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. This low-cost healthcare solution will eliminate unnecessary barriers to care, improve patient functionality and help reduce costly hospitalizations,“ said Cynthia K. Morton, MPA, Chief Executive Officer of ADVION. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

Washington—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) released the following statement after President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress:

“President Trump has only been in office for just six weeks now, and it is amazing how different our country is in such a short period, accomplishing so much in such a short time. 

The American people delivered Congressional Republicans and President Trump a mandate, and we are working to deliver for the people and change business as usual in Washington. 

President Trump is taking action through executive orders to fulfill the promises made to the American people—securing our borders, eliminating wasteful government spending, and ensuring accountability in Washington. Congressional Republicans stand ready to work with his administration to turn these priorities into lasting legislative achievements.

Just last week, we advanced a budget resolution that will serve as a blueprint for the “one big, beautiful bill” that will prevent tax hikes on hardworking families and small businesses, secure our borders, invest in our national security, unleash American energy, and cut government waste. 

If Congress does not act this year, American families and small businesses will see their taxes rise. The average family of four will pay $1,700 more and small businesses will have their tax rate rise to 43 percent. We cannot allow that to happen. By keeping taxes low, we empower families to keep more of their hard-earned money while giving small businesses the opportunity to grow, create jobs, and strengthen our communities.

As Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, I am proud of this budget blueprint which will help to make America great again and do so in a fiscally responsible manner. We need to change America’s fiscal trajectory by growing our economy and addressing runaway spending in Washington. I am proud of what the Trump administration has achieved so far, but there is a lot of work ahead. 

I stand ready to work with this administration to deliver on policies that will improve the lives of the people of Pennsylvania’s 11^th Congressional District in Lancaster and southern York County. 

It is truly an honor to serve our district, and I appreciate hearing constituents’ thoughts and ideas as we work together for a stronger America.”

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