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[Page H1596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMBATING THE INHUMANE PRACTICES AT PUPPY MILLS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick) for 5 minutes.
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the
concerning issue of puppy mills throughout the State of Pennsylvania
and across America. If we all care for our canine companions, we cannot
continue to support the horrifying practices at puppy mills.
Mr. Speaker, it is well-documented that puppy mills supply pet stores
with puppies. My home State of Pennsylvania is no exception.
Cutting off the puppy mill to pet store supply chain will decrease
the demand for puppies raised in puppy mills. The inhumane practices at
most puppy mills are shocking, appalling, and unacceptable. We have all
seen the images on television.
Stores that sell commercially-raised puppies operate based on an
outdated and socially unacceptable business model. We need to work to
shift the pet markets towards humane sources, including shelters and
rescues that are burdened with finding families for homeless pets,
thousands of which have to be euthanized in Pennsylvania each year.
President Truman once said: If you want a friend in Washington, get a
dog.
Mr. Speaker, let's show our best friends the love they deserve by
combating the inhumane practice of puppy mills.
{time} 1045
Celebrating Hour of Code
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the
school-based initiative designed to increase student interest in the
world of coding. The Hour of Code, which occurs every year during
Computer Science Education Week, has the goal to teach students coding
basics.
The Bristol Township School District is one of several around the
world taking advantage of this program, and they are leading the way in
our community. Bristol Township schools are known for their science,
technology, engineering, art, and math initiatives, and they held
multiple events to allow students to participate in the Hour of Code.
The introductory program uses games to teach younger children. By
showing kids the basics of coding, it can spark an interest in computer
science and engineering, which, as our society becomes more technology
based, can be incredibly valuable skills to have.
I applaud the Bristol Township schools for participating in this
program, and I hope that other school districts across our community
and across our Nation will follow the lead of Bristol Township schools.
Congratulating Roosevelt Elementary's Miller Mean Machines
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the champions
of the Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School's 10th annual Super Duper
Bowl, the Miller Mean Machines.
Since 2010, Roosevelt Elementary, in Falls Township, has come
together for a flag football tournament. The tournament consists of
fifth-grade students and their teachers coming together for a fun day
outside. The event also acts as a fundraiser, taking donations of both
food and money for the Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter and the
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Mr. Speaker, any event that brings our community together for a day
of fun, teamwork, and sportsmanship, while also helping those in need,
should be celebrated by this House.
Congratulations again to the Mean Machines, and I thank Eleanor
Roosevelt Elementary for being an educational leader in our community.
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