Glenn Thompson (politician)

{{Short description|American politician (born 1959)}}

{{About|the politician|other people with the same name|Glenn Thompson (disambiguation){{!}}Glenn Thompson}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Glenn Thompson

| image = Glenn Thompson portrait (118th Congress).jpg

| office1 = Chair of the House Agriculture Committee

| term_start1 = January 3, 2023

| term_end1 =

| predecessor1 = David Scott

| successor1 =

| office2 = Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee

| term_start2 = January 3, 2021

| term_end2 = January 3, 2023

| predecessor2 = Mike Conaway

| successor2 = David Scott

| office3 = Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives
from Pennsylvania

| term_start3 = January 3, 2009

| term_end3 =

| predecessor3 = John E. Peterson

| successor3 =

| constituency3 = 5th district {{nowrap|(2009–2019)}}
15th district (2019–present)

| birth_name = Glenn William Thompson Jr.

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|7|27}}

| birth_place = Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Republican

| spouse = Penny Ammerman

| children = 3

| education = Pennsylvania State University (BS)
Temple University (MEd)

| website = {{URL|thompson.house.gov|House website}}

| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Rep. Glenn Thompson on the Milk Industry.ogg|title=Glenn Thompson's voice|type=speech|description=Glenn Thompson on the milk industry
Recorded May 28, 2023}}

}}

Glenn William "GT" Thompson Jr. (born July 27, 1959){{Citation needed|date=October 2024|reason=Source needed for birthdate and middle name.}} is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for {{ushr|PA|15}} 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.Chuck Biedka, [https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13607338-74/democrats-in-15th-congressional-district-primary-focus-on-broadband-expansion Democrats in 15th Congressional District primary focus on broadband expansion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224220553/https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13607338-74/democrats-in-15th-congressional-district-primary-focus-on-broadband-expansion |date=December 24, 2018 }}, Trib Live Since 2023, he has chaired the House Agriculture Committee. Thompson became the dean of the Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation in 2025 following the defeat of Senator Bob Casey Jr.

Early life, education and early career

{{BLP unreferenced section|date = December 2020}}

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.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

Thompson worked for 28 years as a Therapist/Rehab Services Manager/Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in Lycoming County and chaired the Centre County Republican Committee for six years. He has spent 25 years as a member or president of the Howard Volunteer Fire Company 14, and volunteers as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, and rescue technician.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

U.S. House of Representatives

=Tenure=

File:Glenn Thompson 116th Congress.jpg ]]

When the 112th Congress convened on 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.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

During the 112th Congress, Thompson became chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation, and Energy.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

At the start of the 115th Congress, Thompson was named vice-chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.{{cite web |url=http://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/local_news/thompson-named-vice-chairman-of-the-house-agriculture-committee/article_71b72008-d843-11e6-bbaa-63f1585650c8.html |title=Thompson named vice chairman of the House Agriculture committee |publisher=meadvilletribune.com |date=January 12, 2017 |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=February 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224112054/http://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/local_news/thompson-named-vice-chairman-of-the-house-agriculture-committee/article_71b72008-d843-11e6-bbaa-63f1585650c8.html |url-status=live }} In December 2020, ahead of the 117th Congress, he was named ranking member of the agriculture committee.{{cite news|url=https://www.politicspa.com/thompson-elected-top-republican-on-ag-committee/96804/|title = Thompson Elected Top Republican on Ag Committee|last = Cole|first = John|work = Politics PA|date = December 3, 2020|access-date = December 7, 2020|archive-date = December 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203171059/https://www.politicspa.com/thompson-elected-top-republican-on-ag-committee/96804/|url-status = live}}

==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."{{Cite web|url=http://www.bradfordera.com/news/thompson-supports-government-funding-measure/article_c5435a0e-e6b9-11e7-9b51-5f0043f32d25.html|title=Thompson supports government funding measure|website=The Bradford Era|date=December 22, 2017|language=en|access-date=October 8, 2019|archive-date=October 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008210052/http://www.bradfordera.com/news/thompson-supports-government-funding-measure/article_c5435a0e-e6b9-11e7-9b51-5f0043f32d25.html|url-status=live}}

==Gun control==

File:Bat Week 2017 - Congressional Reception (cropped).jpg

After the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018, Thompson told an audience of students that he did not agree with the idea of arming teachers and had voted to fund an improved national background check system. Thompson called for more "uniformed law enforcement in our schools."{{Cite web |last=Bundy |first=Andrew |date=April 2, 2018 |title=Glenn Thompson talks about new district, gun control |url=http://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/local/glenn-thompson-talks-about-new-district-gun-control/article_b4859a01-dcda-5d02-97c5-a1045b7f8af5.html |access-date=October 9, 2019 |website=TheCourierExpress.com |language=en |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021043844/http://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/local/glenn-thompson-talks-about-new-district-gun-control/article_b4859a01-dcda-5d02-97c5-a1045b7f8af5.html |url-status=live }}

==Environment==

Of climate change, Thompson has said, "I think humans contribute," but added that he was not sure of the degree to which they contribute.{{Cite web|url=https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article166631612.html|title=Thompson meets with constituents in local forum|last=Rafacz|first=Sarah|date=October 8, 2017|website=Centre Daily Times|access-date=October 9, 2019|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226091729/https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/article166631612.html|url-status=live}} 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."{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/27/climate/epa-rescind-water-pollution-regulation.html|title=E.P.A. Moves to Rescind Contested Water Pollution Regulation|last=Davenport|first=Coral|date=June 27, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 9, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226045205/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/27/climate/epa-rescind-water-pollution-regulation.html|url-status=live}}

==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.{{Cite web|url=https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/9277-rep-thompson-speaks-support-rural-air-service/|title=Rep. Thompson speaks in support of rural air service|date=May 2, 2018|website=Transportation Today|language=en-US|access-date=October 9, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709190445/https://transportationtodaynews.com/news/9277-rep-thompson-speaks-support-rural-air-service/|url-status=live}}

==''Texas v. Pennsylvania''==

In December 2020, Thompson was one of 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives to sign 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 defeated{{cite web|last1=Blood|first1=Michael R.|last2=Riccardi|first2=Nicholas|date=December 5, 2020|title=Biden officially secures enough electors to become president|url=https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-3e0b852c3cfadf853b08aecbfc3569fa|url-status=live|access-date=December 12, 2020|website=AP News|archive-date=December 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208201209/https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-electoral-college-3e0b852c3cfadf853b08aecbfc3569fa}} 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 an election held by another state.{{Cite news|last=Liptak|first=Adam|author-link=Adam Liptak|date=2020-12-11|title=Supreme Court Rejects Texas Suit Seeking to Subvert Election|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/11/us/politics/supreme-court-election-texas.html|access-date=2020-12-12|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211234955/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/11/us/politics/supreme-court-election-texas.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Order in Pending Case|url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/121120zr_p860.pdf|date=2020-12-11|publisher=Supreme Court of the United States|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211234004/https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/121120zr_p860.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/politics/read-house-republicans-texas-supreme-court/index.html|title=Brief from 126 Republicans supporting Texas lawsuit in Supreme Court|first=Daniella |last=Diaz|work=CNN|access-date=December 11, 2020|archive-date=December 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212000435/https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/10/politics/read-house-republicans-texas-supreme-court/index.html|url-status=live}}

== Marriage rights ==

In July 2022, Thompson voted against the Respect for Marriage Act,{{Cite web |last1=Washington |first1=U. S. Capitol Room H154 |last2=p:225-7000 |first2=DC 20515-6601 |date=2022-07-19 |title=Roll Call 373 Roll Call 373, Bill Number: H. R. 8404, 117th Congress, 2nd Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2022373 |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |language=en |archive-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725011120/https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2022373 |url-status=live }} which would codify the right to same-sex marriage, just days before attending his son's same-sex wedding.{{Cite web |title=GOP lawmaker attended gay son's wedding 3 days after voting against same-sex marriage |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/gop-lawmaker-attended-gay-sons-wedding-3-days-voting-sex-marriage-rcna39863 |access-date=2022-07-25 |website=NBC News |date=July 25, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725222812/https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/gop-lawmaker-attended-gay-sons-wedding-3-days-voting-sex-marriage-rcna39863 |url-status=live }}

== Trade ==

In January 2025, Thompson praised President Donald Trump's proposals to implement 25% tariffs on most goods from Canada and Mexico, saying it was an "effective tool" for "ensuring fair trade for American producers."{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Maya C. |date=2025-02-03 |title=Republicans Cheer Trump Tariffs as Their Voters Brace for Pain |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/us/republicans-trump-tariffs.html |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

=Committee assignments=

=Caucus leadership and memberships=

  • Past National Co-chair, Congressional High School Art Competition{{cite web |last=Orland |first=Madison |url=http://www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/ |title=Congressional Art Competition |publisher=House.gov |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=September 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906152501/https://www.house.gov/content/educate/art_competition/ |url-status=live }}
  • German-American Caucus (co-chair){{cite web |url=http://www.gabcwashington.com/page/the-congressional-german-american-caucus |title=The Congressional German-American Caucus | German American Business Council |publisher=Gabcwashington.com |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425023327/http://www.gabcwashington.com/page/the-congressional-german-american-caucus |url-status=live }}
  • Congressional Natural Gas Caucus (co-chair){{Cite web|url=http://thompson.house.gov/issue/natural-gas-caucus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014849/http://thompson.house.gov/issue/natural-gas-caucus|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2014|title=Natural Gas Caucus {{!}} Congressman Glenn Thompson|date=February 21, 2014|access-date=November 6, 2018}}
  • Career and Technical Education Caucus (co-chair){{cite web |url=http://careerandtechnicaleducationcaucus-langevin.house.gov/members |title=Members | Career and Technical Education Caucus |publisher=Careerandtechnicaleducationcaucus-langevin.house.gov |access-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183702/https://careerandtechnicaleducationcaucus-langevin.house.gov/members |url-status=live }}
  • Congressional Constitution Caucus{{cite web|url=https://congressionalconstitutioncaucus-garrett.house.gov/about-us/membership| title=Membership of the Congressional Constitution Caucus| access-date=March 13, 2017| archive-date=March 8, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308004451/https://congressionalconstitutioncaucus-garrett.house.gov/about-us/membership| url-status=dead}}
  • Coal Caucus{{cite web|title=Congressional Coal Caucus members list|url=https://www.ciclt.net/sn/clt/gsba/poc_detail.aspx?P_ID=&ClientCode=gsba&LegComID=22384|publisher=Capitol Impact|access-date=October 9, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010034946/https://www.ciclt.net/sn/clt/gsba/poc_detail.aspx?P_ID=&ClientCode=gsba&LegComID=22384|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Thompson Times - October Newsletter|first=Glen|last=Thompson|url=https://thompson.house.gov/thompson-times-october-newsletter|publisher=US Congress|date=October 25, 2013|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922062739/https://thompson.house.gov/thompson-times-october-newsletter|url-status=live}}
  • House Baltic Caucus{{cite web|title=Members|url=http://housebalticcaucus.webs.com/members|publisher=House Baltic Caucus|access-date=February 21, 2018|archive-date=June 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619215630/https://housebalticcaucus.webs.com/members|url-status=live}}
  • Congressional Arts Caucus{{cite web|title=Membership|url=https://artscaucus-slaughter.house.gov/membership|publisher=Congressional Arts Caucus|access-date=March 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140644/https://artscaucus-slaughter.house.gov/membership|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=dead}}
  • Congressional Western Caucus{{cite web|title=Members|url=https://westerncaucus.house.gov/about/membership.htm|publisher=Congressional Western Caucus|access-date=June 25, 2018|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625185153/https://westerncaucus.house.gov/about/membership.htm|url-status=live}}
  • Veterinary Medicine Caucus{{cite web|title=Members of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus|url=https://schrader.house.gov/committees/veterinary-medicine-caucus.htm|publisher=Veterinary Medicine Caucus|access-date=October 12, 2018|archive-date=September 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921053219/https://schrader.house.gov/committees/veterinary-medicine-caucus.htm|url-status=dead}}
  • Republican Governance Group{{Cite web|last=Olson|first=Laura|title=Charlie Dent, 'Tuesday Group' head to White House|url=https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-charlie-dent-tuesday-group-obamacare-repeal-20170320-story.html|access-date=2021-03-01|website=mcall.com|date=March 21, 2017|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029141657/https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-charlie-dent-tuesday-group-obamacare-repeal-20170320-story.html|url-status=live}}
  • Congressional Blockchain Caucus{{cite web|title=Members|author=|url=https://congressionalblockchaincaucus-schweikert.house.gov/members|format=|publisher=Congressional Blockchain Caucus|date=|accessdate=29 August 2024}}
  • Rare Disease Caucus{{cite web|title=Rare Disease Congressional Caucus|author=|url=https://everylifefoundation.org/rare-advocates/rarecaucus/rarecaucus-members/|format=|publisher=Every Life Foundation for Rare Diseases|date=|accessdate=10 January 2025}}
  • Scouting Caucus
  • Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans{{cite web|title=Members of the Caucus on U.S. - Türkiye Relations & Turkish Americans|author=|url=https://www.tc-america.org/in-congress/caucus.htm|format=|publisher=Turkish Coalition of America|date=|accessdate=27 March 2025}}

=Elections=

==2008==

{{See also|2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 5}}

Thompson was elected the U.S. representative from {{ushr|Pennsylvania|5}}, defeating Democratic nominee Mark McCracken, 58%–42%.[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2008/PA 2012 Election Results Map by State – Live Voting Updates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711213830/http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2008/PA |date=July 11, 2012 }}. Politico.com (June 21, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-17.

==2010==

{{See also|2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 5}}

Thompson defeated Democratic nominee Michael Pipe, 69%–28%.[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2010/PA 2012 Election Results Map by State – Live Voting Updates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711213830/http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2010/PA |date=July 11, 2012 }}. Politico.com (June 21, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-17.

==2012==

{{See also|2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 5}}

Thompson defeated Democratic nominee Charles Dumas, 63%–37%.[http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2012/PA 2012 Election Results Map by State – Live Voting Updates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711213830/http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/House/2012/PA |date=July 11, 2012 }}. Politico.com (June 21, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-17.

==2014==

{{See also|2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 5}}

Thompson defeated Democratic nominee Kerith Strano Taylor, 64%–36%.[http://www.politico.com/2014-election/results/map/house/pennsylvania/#.VyKRSDArLcs Pennsylvania Election Results: 2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128170948/https://www.politico.com/2014-election/results/map/house/pennsylvania/#.VyKRSDArLcs |date=November 28, 2020 }}. Politico.com (2014). Retrieved on April 28, 2016.

==2016==

{{See also|2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 5}}

Thompson defeated Taylor again, 67%–33%.[http://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/house/pennsylvania/ Pennsylvania Election Results: 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118032836/http://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/house/pennsylvania/ |date=January 18, 2017 }}. Politico.com (2016). Retrieved on January 16, 2017.

==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 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.{{Cite web |last=Stevens |first=Matthew |date=May 15, 2018 |title=IUP professor Susan Boser wins 15th District Democratic nod, to challenge Glenn Thompson |url=http://wjactv.com/news/local/iup-professor-susan-boser-wins-15th-district-democratic-nod-to-challenge-glenn-thompson |access-date=October 8, 2019 |website=WJAC |archive-date=October 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008210108/https://wjactv.com/news/local/iup-professor-susan-boser-wins-15th-district-democratic-nod-to-challenge-glenn-thompson |url-status=live }} In the general election, Thompson defeated Boser, 68%–32%.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

==2020==

{{See also|2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 15}}

Thomson defeated Democratic nominee Robert Williams, 73.5%–26.5%.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

==2022==

{{See also|2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania#District 15}}

Thompson defeated the Democratic nominee, Lewisburg Borough Council Member Mike Molesevich, 70%–30%.{{cite news |url=https://www.dailyitem.com/news/2022-election-15th-house-district-where-thompson-vs-molesevich-stand-on-the-issues/article_25608918-5562-11ed-81c4-a791f666f03d.html |title=15th House District: Where Thompson vs. Molesevich stand on the issues |date=October 27, 2022 |newspaper=The Daily Item |first=Marcia |last=Moore |access-date=November 10, 2022 |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111043844/https://www.dailyitem.com/news/2022-election-15th-house-district-where-thompson-vs-molesevich-stand-on-the-issues/article_25608918-5562-11ed-81c4-a791f666f03d.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-elections/pennsylvania-house-results |title=Pennsylvania U.S. House Election Results 2022 |date=November 10, 2022 |work=NBC News |access-date=November 10, 2022 |archive-date=November 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110005745/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-elections/pennsylvania-house-results |url-status=live }}

==2024==

{{See also|2024_United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Pennsylvania#District_15}}

Thompson defeated the Democratic nominee, law student Zach Womer, 71.5% - 28.5%. [https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/pennsylvania-us-house-district-15-results]

References

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