Honoring World War II Veteran Harold Billow

The United States Post Office in Mount Joy is now officially the Harold Billow Post Office Building, named in honor of Mr. Harold Billow, a World War II veteran, and the last known survivor of the Malmedy Massacre.

Last year, the legislation I introduced to name the Mount Joy Post Office after Mr. Billow was signed into law. An official dedication ceremony was held earlier this month. I am thankful that we as a community can continue to honor Mr. Billow’s memory, his service to our nation, and his unwavering patriotism.

I want to thank the Billow family, the United States Postal Service, State Rep. Tom Jones, Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons, Mount Joy Mayor Tim Bradley, and all the community members who came together to honor Mr. Billow.

Click below to watch WGAL News 8’s coverage of the dedication ceremony.

Ways & Means Subcommittee Hearing on Lifting Americans Out of Poverty

Last month, the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare held a hearing on how to lift Americans out of poverty. I think we all can be thankful to live in a nation that provides assistance to those who really need it. We know that the best pathway out of poverty is through the dignity of work.

I appreciated the opportunity to ask the hearing witnesses about how to improve federal policy to ensure that individuals receiving assistance have the best possible outcome of being connected to a family-sustaining job. Listen to my comments from the hearing by clicking the image below.

Discussing the Farm Bill and Agricultural Issues with Local Farmers 

This week, I appreciated the opportunity to hear from local farmers from Lancaster County about issues impacting their operations. Later this year, Congress will be considering legislation known as the Farm Bill, which is renewed every five years and sets the federal government’s agricultural policies.

Our community leads the state in agricultural production and is a leader across the nation in many categories. We are truly blessed with hardworking stewards of our land. Our conversation was about how the Farm Bill can work to help farmers to ensure they can continue to excel in their efforts to help feed the world.

Click here to read more about our discussion about avian influenza, the spotted lanternfly, and the Chesapeake Bay, in an article published in Lancaster Farming.

Click the image below for ABC27’s coverage of our discussion with local farmers.

Call for 2023 Art Competition Submissions

My office is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors An Artistic Discovery, 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.

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 Capitol 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.

Visit my website for competition rules, regulations, and entry applications.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 28, 2023.

Below is the 2022 PA-11 Congressional Art Competition Winner “Fresh Organic Beets” which is pastel on paper, by Caroline Drumm of Solanco High School.

Working to Ensure Medicare Solvency

Republicans and Democrats both want to protect the solvency of Medicare. Unfortunately, the president’s plan relies solely on tax increases and budget gimmicks. In his latest budget proposal, President Biden double-counts the same dollars as deficit reduction and spends them elsewhere. It is more swamp math on display.

I asked Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to explain this budget gimmick. I asked Secretary Becerra: “If the government raises taxes by $100 and then spends that $100, it has zero impact on the deficit, is that correct?”

It is disappointing that Sec. Becerra was unable or unwilling to address this basic question. There is a real need to have a robust discussion about our nation’s fiscal health. With so much at stake, the Biden administration ought to be forthcoming and fully transparent about what is hidden in their budget proposals.

Watch my questions to Sec. Becerra by clicking the image below.

Legislation Supporting Domestic Energy Production Advances in House

I was proud to support H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. This legislation would increase domestic energy production to lower costs for hardworking Americans and promote America’s energy independence.

It is critical that we take steps to increase domestic production to reduce reliance on foreign nations for our energy. Energy security is national security. Learn more about H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. The legislation now advances to the Senate.

Do you need a passport? Do not delay, apply today! 

My office has received an increased number of questions recently concerning applying for and renewing passports. Due to increased volume of applications, processing times have increased.

As of Friday, April 14, 2023, routine processing times are between 10-13 weeks and expedited processing times are between 7-9 weeks. Do not delay applying for or renewing your passport if you require it for travel, apply today.

Click here to visit the Department of State’s website for more information.

Visits in the District 

Congratulations to Aaron Wood and Brenna McIntryre for winning the Congressional Award, a program for students between the ages of 14-24 which challenges them to achieve their goals in volunteerism, character development, and fitness. Thanks to Aaron and Brenna’s families for supporting their success. Interested in learning more? Visit: https://www.congressionalaward.org/

I appreciated the opportunity to visit the United States Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) this week to receive a briefing from Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army War College Colonel Larkowich and to tour USAHEC’s educational collections. Thanks for a great visit!

It was great to visit Juniper Village at Mount Joy to meet with residents, staff, and to learn more about issues impacting personal care living facilities.

Thanks to the members of the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce for meeting with me to discuss policies impacting small businesses.

Water Street Mission (WSM) in Lancaster has a tremendous impact on the community. Thanks to Jack Crowley, President of WSM, for providing me with an update on the great work his organization does supporting our community.

I appreciated the behind-the-scenes tour of Amazon’s new facility in Mount Joy, which brought 150 new jobs to Lancaster County.

It was great to see Brad and Sandy from Lancaster County, and other members of the North American Equipment Dealers Association in Washington this week to discuss the Farm Bill and policies impacting their industry.

Smucker Service Corner 

If you have any questions or issues with a federal agency, please know that my office is here to assist you. You can call my district or Washington, DC offices for assistance or visit my website for any issue with a federal agency or department.

My office was able to assist Laura of Lancaster and Richard of Quarryville receive their passports in time for their travels. Wishing you both safe travels!

Earl from Wrightsville received assistance from my office to correct an error with depositing his Social Security payments.

Here to Help

Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any Veterans Affairs or non-VA health care facility for free emergency health care. Click here to learn more.

Recently the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched. Individuals who are struggling or in crisis can simply call or text 988 to reach trained counselors. Individuals can also visit https://988lifeline.org/ to chat with a counselor. Click here to learn more about the lifeline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Many individuals have recently contacted my office looking for assistance with their unemployment compensation claims, which are administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, not federal agencies. If you’re seeking assistance with your unemployment claim, you can contact your state legislator for assistance. Click here to find your state legislator’s contact information. 

Looking for information on federal grants? Learn more about the grant awarding process and search the federal database of grant programs at www.grants.gov.

Stay Connected

To stay up-to-date on my work in the district and Washington, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also check out my YouTube page, where there are 100+ videos, many of which are direct responses to your questions.

Sincerely,

Lloyd Smucker