Combating the Inhumane Practices At Puppy Mills

Floor Speech

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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Stores that sell commercially-raised puppies operate based on an outdated and socially unacceptable business model.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. Celebrating Hour of Code

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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

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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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