Glenn Thompson (politician)

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This article is about the politician. For other people with the same name, see Glenn Thompson.
Glenn Thompson
Glenn Thompson 116th Congress.jpg
Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2021
Preceded byMike Conaway
Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2009
Preceded byJohn E. Peterson
Constituency5th district (2009–2019)
15th district (2019–present)
Personal details
Born
Glenn William Thompson Jr.

(1959-07-27) July 27, 1959 (age 62)
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Penny Ammerman
Children3
EducationPennsylvania State University (BS)
Temple University (MEd)
WebsiteHouse website

Glenn William "GT" Thompson Jr. (born July 27, 1959) is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, he was first elected to Congress in 2008 for the state's 5th congressional district; Thompson was redistricted to the 15th congressional district in the 2018 election by an order of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.[1] Since 2021, he serves as the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Early life, education and early career[]

Thompson was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, grew up in Howard, Pennsylvania, and is the son of a Navy veteran. He holds a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation from Pennsylvania State University and dual master's degrees in therapeutic recreation and health science from Temple University.

Thompson worked for 28 years as a Therapist/Rehab Services Manager/Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Lycoming County and served for six years as chairman of the Centre County Republican Committee. He has spent twenty-five years as a member or president of the Howard Volunteer Fire Company 14, and also actively volunteers as a fire fighter, emergency medical technician, and rescue technician.

U.S. House of Representatives[]

Elections[]

2008[]

See also: 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania § District 5

Thompson was elected the U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district defeating Democratic nominee Mark McCracken 58%–42%.[2]

2010[]

See also: 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania § District 5

Thompson defeated Democratic nominee Michael Pipe 69%–28%.[3]

2012[]

See also: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania § District 5

Thompson defeated Democratic nominee Charles Dumas 63%–37%.[4]

2014[]

See also: 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania § District 5

Thompson defeated Democratic nominee Kerith Strano Taylor 64%–36%.[5]

2016[]

See also: 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania § District 5

Thompson again defeated Democratic nominee Kerith Strano Taylor 67%–33%.[6]

2018[]

See also: 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania § District 15

After the Pennsylvania Supreme Court redrew the congressional district map in February 2018, Thompson's district was renumbered as the 15th. In May 2018, Susan Boser, a professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, won the Democratic nomination in Thompson's district, defeating Wade Johun in her party's primary.[7] In the general election, Thompson defeated Boser 68%–32%.

Tenure[]

Thompson in 2013.

When the 112th Congress convened January 5, 2011 to elect a Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Thompson's vote was the 218th vote for John Boehner giving Boehner the majority needed to be named Speaker.

During the 112th Congress, Thompson became chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation, and Energy.

At the start of the 115th Congress, Thompson was named vice-chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.[8] In December 2020, ahead of the 117th Congress, he was named ranking member of the agriculture committee.[9]

Taxation[]

Thompson voted in December 2017 for H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.[10]

Government funding[]

In January 2018, Thompson voted for the Fiscal Year 2018 continuing resolution (CR), a stopgap funding bill to fund the federal government at then-current levels through February 16, 2018. It also provided for six-year funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Thompson praised the measure for delaying what he called "three onerous and unpopular Obamacare taxes, which should be permanently repealed.”[11]

Defense[]

In May 2018, Thompson voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, which increased defense spending, military salaries, and the number of military personnel.[12]

Education[]

As a member of the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee, Thompson has supported local control rather than federal mandates on issues like evaluating teachers, has opposed private school vouchers, and has voted to expand S-CHIP (children's health insurance). In August 2014, the National Education Association's political action committee endorsed Thompson for re-election.[13]

School meals[]

In October 2017, Thompson and Joe Courtney (D-CT) introduced H.R. 4101, the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2017, a bill to promote milk consumption by schoolchildren.[14]

Food programs[]

In April 2018, Thompson supported new work and job training requirements for certain beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps. Thompson spoke up for the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), recalling that in the early 1980s, when he earned “less than $9,000,” he and his wife had relied upon WIC, “a short-term intervention program designed to help pregnant women and their children meet healthy nutritional needs."[15]

Gun control[]

After the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018, Thompson told an audience of students that he does not agree with the idea of arming teachers and that he had voted to fund an improved national background check system. Thompson called for more "uniformed law enforcement in our schools."[16]

Health care[]

In May 2017, Thompson voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and replace it the Republican American Health Care Act.[17][18]

Veterans[]

In April 2017, Thompson and Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced H.R. 2123, the Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support (VETS) Act of 2017. In September Thompson praised the Department of Veterans Affairs for proposing a rule that was similar to his bill and that would allow VA-credentialed health care providers to practice telemedicine across state lines.[19]

Thompson sponsored the Servicemembers' Telemedicine and E-Health Portability Act of 2011, which was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. The bill expanded the use of telemedicine for active duty military, reserve and National Guard.[20]

Environment[]

On the subject of climate change, he has said, “I think humans contribute,” but added that he was not sure of the degree to which they contribute.[21] In September 2017, Thompson and several other Members of Congress asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to rescind the Waters of the United States rule, calling the regulation an overreach that expanded "EPA's authority far beyond its congressional mandate."[22]

Rural air service[]

In April 2018, Thompson fought efforts to eliminate federal funding for the Essential Air Service. Three airports in his district participate in it.[23]

Texas v. Pennsylvania[]

In December 2020, Thompson was one of 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives who signed an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election, in which Joe Biden prevailed[24] over incumbent Donald Trump. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case on the basis that Texas lacked standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge the results of the election held by another state.[25][26][27]

Committee assignments[]

  • Committee on Agriculture
    • (Ranking Member)
  • Committee on Education and Labor
    • Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services
    • Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education

Caucus leadership[]

References[]

  1. ^ Chuck Biedka, Democrats in 15th Congressional District primary focus on broadband expansion, Trib Live
  2. ^ 2012 Election Results Map by State – Live Voting Updates. Politico.com (June 21, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-17.
  3. ^ 2012 Election Results Map by State – Live Voting Updates. Politico.com (June 21, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-17.
  4. ^ 2012 Election Results Map by State – Live Voting Updates. Politico.com (June 21, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-17.
  5. ^ Pennsylvania Election Results: 2014. Politico.com (2014). Retrieved on April 28, 2016.
  6. ^ Pennsylvania Election Results: 2016. Politico.com (2016). Retrieved on January 16, 2017.
  7. ^ Stevens, Matthew (May 15, 2018). "IUP professor Susan Boser wins 15th District Democratic nod, to challenge Glenn Thompson". WJAC. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  8. ^ "Thompson named vice chairman of the House Agriculture committee". meadvilletribune.com. January 12, 2017. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  9. ^ Cole, John (December 3, 2020). "Thompson Elected Top Republican on Ag Committee". Politics PA. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  10. ^ "Thompson supports federal tax overhaul | News, Sports, Jobs - The Express". Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  11. ^ "Thompson supports government funding measure". The Bradford Era. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  12. ^ Donnelly, John M.; Donnelly, John M. (June 14, 2018). "Defense Bills Seek to Protect U.S. Energy at Base in Germany". Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  13. ^ "Pennsylvania educators recommend Rep. Glenn Thompson's reelection to Congress". NEA. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  14. ^ "Bill hopes to reverse declining milk consumption in schools". Feedstuffs. October 25, 2017. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  15. ^ Op-Ed, Pennlive (May 9, 2018). "These historic investments in nutrition assistance will change lives | Glenn 'GT' Thompson". pennlive. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  16. ^ newsroom@thecourierexpress.com, Andrew Bundy. "Glenn Thompson talks about new district, gun control". TheCourierExpress.com. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  17. ^ "Thompson explains his GOP health care bill vote". centredaily. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  18. ^ "Thompson 'committed to repealing and replacing Obamacare'". centredaily. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  19. ^ mHealthIntelligence (November 8, 2017). "VETS Act, Supporting Telehealth for Veterans, Now in Senate's Hands". mHealthIntelligence. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  20. ^ He authored the Service Member Electronic Health Portability Act (STEP) of 2011.
  21. ^ Rafacz, Sarah (October 8, 2017). "Thompson meets with constituents in local forum". Centre Daily Times. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  22. ^ Davenport, Coral (June 27, 2017). "E.P.A. Moves to Rescind Contested Water Pollution Regulation". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  23. ^ "Rep. Thompson speaks in support of rural air service". Transportation Today. May 2, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  24. ^ Blood, Michael R.; Riccardi, Nicholas (December 5, 2020). "Biden officially secures enough electors to become president". AP News. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  25. ^ Liptak, Adam (December 11, 2020). "Supreme Court Rejects Texas Suit Seeking to Subvert Election". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  26. ^ "Order in Pending Case" (PDF). Supreme Court of the United States. December 11, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  27. ^ Diaz, Daniella. "Brief from 126 Republicans supporting Texas lawsuit in Supreme Court". CNN. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  28. ^ Orland, Madison. "Congressional Art Competition". House.gov. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  29. ^ "The Congressional German-American Caucus | German American Business Council". Gabcwashington.com. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  30. ^ "Natural Gas Caucus | Congressman Glenn Thompson". February 21, 2014. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  31. ^ "Members | Career and Technical Education Caucus". Careerandtechnicaleducationcaucus-langevin.house.gov. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  32. ^ "Membership of the Congressional Constitution Caucus". Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  33. ^ "Congressional Coal Caucus members list". Capitol Impact. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  34. ^ Glen Thompson (October 25, 2013). "Thompson Times - October Newsletter". US Congress. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  35. ^ "Members". House Baltic Caucus. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  36. ^ "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
  37. ^ "Members". Congressional Western Caucus. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
  38. ^ "Members of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus". Veterinary Medicine Caucus. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  39. ^ Olson, Laura. "Charlie Dent, 'Tuesday Group' head to White House". mcall.com. Retrieved March 1, 2021.

External links[]

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
John Peterson 		Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district
2009–2019 		Succeeded by
Mary Gay Scanlon
Preceded by
Susan Wild 		Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district
2019–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
Kurt Schrader 		United States representatives by seniority
117th 		Succeeded by
Paul Tonko
  • v
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Pennsylvania's delegation(s) to the 111th–present United States Congresses (ordered by seniority)
111th
Senate:
  • ▌A. Specter (D)
  • ▌B. Casey Jr. (D)
House:
112th
Senate:
  • ▌B. Casey Jr. (D)
  • ▌P. Toomey (R)
House:
113th
Senate:
  • ▌B. Casey Jr. (D)
  • ▌P. Toomey (R)
House:
114th
Senate:
  • ▌B. Casey Jr. (D)
  • ▌P. Toomey (R)
House:
115th
Senate:
  • ▌B. Casey Jr. (D)
  • ▌P. Toomey (R)
House:
116th
Senate:
  • ▌B. Casey Jr. (D)
  • ▌P. Toomey (R)
House:
117th
Senate:
  • ▌B. Casey Jr. (D)
  • ▌P. Toomey (R)
House:
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