To the Moon & Beyond, Industrial Hemp, and More!

Artemis II Mission: To the Moon and Beyond

Dear John,

This week, I was honored to join my fellow Appropriations Subcommittee members in congratulating the crew of NASA's historic Artemis II mission, including Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Hammock Koch and Jeremy Hansen.

In November, these brave astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission to the moon since 1972!

The approximately 10-day Artemis II flight will test the Orion spacecraft’s life-support systems while validating the capabilities and techniques needed for humans to live and work in deep space.

As the Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, which funds NASA, I am excited to play a part in this incredible journey.

The flight, set to build upon the successful Artemis I mission completed in December, will also set the stage for the first woman and first person of color to step foot on the lunar surface.

This mission is essential for NASA’s path to establish a long-term presence at the Moon for science and exploration and paves the way for the future missions to the Moon, and eventually Mars.

Learn more about the Artemis II crew here.

Industrial Hemp Industry

Taking Root in Hazleton

I was proud to announce that the National Science Foundation has awarded a $1 million Regional Innovation Engines Development grant to Hazleton-based Vytal Plant Science Research for the development of an Industrial Hemp Engine as part of its newly launched Regional Innovation Engines Program.

This highly competitive grant, made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act, will boost an industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania’s economy and is again presenting opportunities for new businesses, farm income, good-paying jobs, and climate friendly, environmentally sound products.

Industrial hemp uses range from fiber to bioplastics, with environmental benefits including a hectare (2.5 acres) of hemp absorbing nearly 10 metric tons of carbon, serving as a biofuel that burns without producing sulfur dioxide and can be grown in less-fertile areas such as abandoned mine lands to avoid disturbing food crops.

Read The Hazleton Standard-Speaker's coverage of the grant award here.

Reintroducing Eric's Law

Also this week, I joined Republican Congressman Glenn Thompson (PA-15) in reintroducing Eric's Law.

Named for Eric Williams, a federal correctional officer who was brutally murdered by an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary Canaan in Wayne County, the bill aims to deliver justice to victims and their families in federal death penalty cases.

Sadly, we have lost too many good officers and the death of Eric Williams ten years ago still weighs heavy on our hearts. We must do everything in our power to prevent this kind of tragedy from recurring, and that is why I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation. Eric’s Law will ensure justice is served in those horrible incidents where a correctional officer’s life is taken by an inmate.

Read The Times Leader's coverage of the bill here.

Welcoming the Lady Bucks to D.C.

It was a pleasure to welcome the Dunmore Lady Bucks Basketball team, their family members and coaches to Washington this week. In March, these amazing athletes brought home a state championship title for the first time in the school's history.

They are just the third women’s team from the Lackawanna League to win a state basketball title, joining Riverside in 1987, and Carbondale Area in 1977.

For their skill, tremendous hard work, dedication to the game, and for representing our region, I submitted a statement last week into the Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives, recognizing these outstanding young athletes.

Deer season may have passed, but Buck Season continues. Congratulations to all those involved in their championship season.

Be safe and well,

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