CELEBRATING AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH

CELEBRATING AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026) [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 [[Page H2426]] 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. ____________________