[Pages H1195-H1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING NATIONAL FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA WEEK

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
celebrate National FFA week. FFA is a national leader in agricultural 
education, inspiring our Nation's young people to pursue careers that 
help support a robust rural economy.
  Agriculture is the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy. It is rooted 
in American heritage, and our Nation's producers provide us the food, 
the fiber, the building materials, and the energy that we all depend 
upon.
  By committing to FFA, young men and women are helping shape the 
science, technology, and business of agriculture. Every time I see a 
distinctive blue FFA jacket, I am reminded of the strong character and 
impressive leadership abilities that come along with it.
  FFA leaders have gone on to become Ivy League graduates, Federal 
court

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judges, innovative farmers, famous performance artists, and even U.S. 
Presidents.
  This week, we celebrate the important success of FFA and look forward 
to what FFA leaders have in store for the future of rural America.

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