Dear John,

It was an exciting week in the Diamond City as we gathered in Wilkes-Barre's Public Square with leaders in government, business and academia to announce

a first-of-its-kind quantum and space technology collaboration.

Quantum technology explores how matter and energy behave at their most basic level and has led to the development of items that we use in our everyday lives such as smartphones, GPS satellites and medical devices.

Folks, the quantum space race is on, and the stakes have never been higher. The winner will gain a global military and intelligence edge, as well as an economic advantage in what is guaranteed to be a massive industry for decades to come.

This is a race that the United States can’t afford to lose and it’s especially crucial we stay way ahead of China, whose government has already committed $15 billion to their quantum development efforts. Europe and other countries around the globe are also pumping government funds into developing this transformational technology.

Our community has the opportunity to build the future right here in our backyard, and I know that our manufacturing, technology and academic sectors are ready and able to help our region lead the way in this major national technological advancement.

Learn more here.

I am thrilled to announce that $250,000 in federal funds have been awarded to the Dallas Township Police Department to hire two additional police officers.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I'll always stand with our police and support their work to keep our communities safe.

Dallas Township Police is one of only 394 agencies across the country to receive this federal funding grant through the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program.

In Congress, I'll continue fighting to bring these federal resources home to support local law enforcement and all emergency first responders.

Learn more here.

As the co-chair of the bipartisan House Military Depot and Industrial Facilities Caucus, I’m committed to supporting the hardworking men and women at Tobyhanna Army Depot who work hard to keep American warfighters equipped with the best technology.

From navigational equipment to missile guidance and control, Tobyhanna is a role model for American ingenuity but the outdated and unfair federal pay system has disadvantaged workers at Tobyhanna for years.

That’s why I introduced the Locality Pay Equity Act with U.S. Senator Bob Casey this week. This common-sense fix will support these workers by ensuring fairness when it comes to their pay.

Learn more here.

This year at Thanksgiving I'm grateful for our community here in NEPA and the love, support and time spent together with family.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable holiday season with family, friends and loved ones.

If anyone you know needs assistance putting food on the table this Thanksgiving, click here to help find your local food bank.