Glenn Thompson (politician)

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 from Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree 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.

A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District, Thompson has also served in various local and regional volunteer positions with the Boy Scouts of America, the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, the Private Industry Council for the Central Corridor (PICCC), and the Central Pennsylvania Work Force Investment Board. In 2003, Thompson received the Temple University College of Health Professions and Social Work Gallery of Success Award as an inspirational Alumnus.

In addition to serving as chairman of the Centre County Republican Committee, Thompson's political career includes six years on the Bald Eagle Area School District Board of Education, three terms on the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee, and serving on the delegation for the 5th Congressional District at the 2004 Republican National Convention. Thompson also twice ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to represent the 76th District.

Elections

Thompson was elected the U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district defeating Democrat Mark McCracken 58%–42%.

Thompson defeated Democrat Michael Pipe 69%–28%.

Thompson defeated Democrat Charles Dumas 63%–37%.

Thompson defeated Democrat Kerith Strano Taylor 64%–36%.

Thompson defeated Democrat Kerith Strano Taylor 67%–33%.

Tenure

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 Committee Subcommittee on Forestry, Conservation, and Energy. The Subcommittee's jurisdiction includes soil, water, and resource conservation, small watershed program, energy and bio-based energy production, rural electrification, forestry in general, which is fitting given Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District is partially located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and is also home to the Allegheny National Forest.

He authored the Service Member Electronic Health Portability Act (STEP) of 2011 that was signed into law, significantly expanding the use of telemedicine for active duty military, reserve and national-guard expanding access to care and contributing towards a lowered suicide rate.

Thompson’s contributions to the 2013 Farm Bill included a robust Forestry Title and increased efficiencies within the Conservation Title supporting both farm economic and cleaner water.

At the start of the 115th Congress, Thompson was named vice-chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Congressman Thompson’s distinctions includes being recognized as the number one speaker on the House Floor for the past three years, as tracked by C-SPAN.

Committee assignments

Caucus Leadership

Personal life

Thompson lives in Howard Township with his wife, Penny Ammerman-Thompson. They have three grown children.