John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Chris Ardinger of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, for his selection as the recipient of the Spirit of Community Award. The award honors individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving the quality of Franklin County life, where Chris serves as the administrator of Antrim Township. Known for his transparent leadership and reliability, Chris has made significant contributions to enhancing the quality of life in the Cumberland Valley. Most certainly, Chris Ardinger has devoted his life to professional and volunteer community activities. A former executive director of the Tuscarora Area Chamber of Congress, Chris was elected to the Tuscarora School District Board of Directors at the age of 19. He served 8 years, including 2 as the board president. On behalf of the constituents throughout Franklin County and the entire 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Chris Ardinger on this prestigious award, and I thank him for his contributions to our great communities. Honoring Don Bailey

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to honor the life and the career of Don Bailey, an educator, an administrator, and football coach, who passed away recently in his hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Forest Hills High School, Coach Bailey dedicated his entire professional life to the school district, serving as a teacher, a principal, and an administrator. As head football coach at Forest Hills, Coach Bailey became a legend over his 45 years. His success includes 375 wins, 11 Laurel Highlands Conference championships, and 10 District 6 championships. Over the years, Coach Bailey was honored with induction into the Pennsylvania Football Coaches Hall of Fame and the Cambria County Sports Hall of Fame. He was also selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Football Foundation. As we pause to remember his legacy, we also keep his wife, Diane, and all of his family in our prayers. Please join me in honoring the life of Coach Don Bailey, who was truly a Cambria County football legend. Honoring Mark Taylor

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor former Saxton Fire Chief Mark Taylor, who stepped down from his position in November, after 40 years of dedicated service. During the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company's recent annual banquet, Chief Taylor was presented with an award that recognizes his unwavering dedication. Chief Taylor joined the fire company as a volunteer 50 years ago. He has been described by colleagues as a beacon of leadership to ensure the safety of his entire community. Chief Taylor's legacy includes mentorship of countless firefighters and a strategic vision that positioned teamwork at its core. I thank Chief Taylor for his profound impact on municipalities served by the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company and for his vital role in inspiring firefighters throughout his years of service. Congratulating Richard Fertig, Jr.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Richard Fertig, Jr., of Smith Transportation on selection of Professional Driver of the Year. This award is the profession's highest honor, recognizing safety, leadership, and community impact of professional drivers. Richard Fertig, Jr., has been driving trucks for Smith Transport for more than 20 years. Since joining Smith Transport, he has accumulated more than 2 million miles driving safely, which is a testament to his commitment to precision, to discipline, and to safety. As a veteran, Richard's truck is wrapped in a powerful tribute to Vietnam veterans, and it has become a symbol of respect everywhere he drives. Like many others, Mr. Fertig considers Smith Transport founder, Barry Smith, to be his role model and his mentor. On behalf of constituents throughout Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, best wishes for continued success, continued safety, and continued achievement.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize March as National Athletic Training Month and to honor the dedicated athletic trainers who serve our communities. Athletic trainers play a vital role in keeping athletes and active individuals safe, healthy, and performing at their best. From preventing injuries to providing life-saving care in critical moments, these highly trained professionals are often the first line of defense in sports and physical activity settings. In Pennsylvania alone, there are approximately 4,345 certified athletic trainers, each making a meaningful impact in schools, clinics, and communities across the Commonwealth. In Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I am proud to represent 146 members of the National Athletic Trainers Association, whose commitment to patient care strengthens our community every day. During National Athletic Training Month, let us recognize and thank athletic trainers for their expertise, dedication, and service. Their work truly makes a difference.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Penn State wrestler Levi Haines of Adams County, Pennsylvania, a two-time NCAA champion, a four-time All-American, and a four-time Big Ten Conference champ. At the NCAA championships this weekend, Levi captured his second title in his final collegiate match with a score of 2-1. The victory capped an undefeated 26-0 season for Levi. As the number one seed in the 174-pound class at the NCAA championships, Levi won five consecutive matches. He concluded his collegiate career with a record of 99-4. Levi's achievements were integral to Penn State's fifth--yes, I said fifth--consecutive NCAA championship for 13 of the past 16 years. A graduate of Biglerville High School, Levi is the son of Ken and Aimee Haines. On behalf of the constituents throughout Adams County and the entire 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Levi. I congratulate his parents, Ken and Aimee, and his wife, Madelin, on his remarkable collegiate wrestling career and offer him best wishes for continued success. Recognizing Mary Jo Casalena

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mary Jo Casalena as the recipient of the Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award that was presented at the annual convention of the National Wild Turkey Federation. This award recognizes a wildlife biologist, trapper, or wildlife manager who has devoted their career to the wild turkey and played a major role in the turkey's restoration and management. Mary Jo officially retired last October after working 33 years for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including 32 years for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. She was Pennsylvania's wild turkey expert for 26 years. Mary Jo has noted that she wanted to speak up for wildlife since she was in the seventh grade. She has dedicated her career to working on the management and research of wild turkeys. She has been described as one of the most accomplished wild turkey managers of our time. I congratulate Mary Jo on this prestigious award, and I offer best wishes for joy and contentment in her retirement. Honoring Lehman's Feed & Home Center

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lehman's Feed & Home Center of York Springs, Pennsylvania, for 90 years of success as a source of home and agricultural products for customers throughout Adams County and the surrounding area. Founded as Lehman's Feed Store in 1936 by J. Paul Lehman, the business originally focused on meeting the needs of the rural agricultural community through its feed mill and farm supplies. Lehman's also served as the local Purina dealer, supplying dairy and livestock feed to area farmers. J. Paul Lehman and two of his sons owned the business for 60 years before selling it to Allen Hartzell. By expanding the inventory and range of services, Allen transitioned the operation to a one-stop destination for rural and household products. I congratulate Allen Hartzell on this milestone anniversary and thank him for his continued efforts to support the agricultural industry in Adams County and beyond. Honoring David Burket, Sr.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and agricultural legacy of David Burket, Sr., of East Freedom, Pennsylvania, who passed away earlier this month at his home on the family farm, where he was born. Married to his late wife, Betty, for 72 years, David dedicated his professional life to establishing and successfully operating Burket Falls Farm with Betty and their family. Over the years, thousands of visitors from over 40 different countries on six different continents were welcomed to the farm by the Burket family. The farm was recognized as one of the top 25 influential breeders in the world by Holstein International. David was recognized with numerous honors and awards. As we pause to remember David, we also keep his loved ones in our prayers. Please join with me in remembering the life and the professional achievements of David Burket, Sr.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, with heavy hearts, alongside my colleagues from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I rise today to honor the life and the service of Specialist Krystofer Lopez, who passed away on Thursday, March 12, following a training exercise at Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Specialist Lopez answered the call to serve by enlisting during his junior year of high school at Biglerville High. He was driven by a deep love of his country and a sense of duty that truly defined his life. He served as a military police officer and as a Personnel Force Innovation member of the 947th Quartermaster Company. In the words of Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address, Specialist Lopez gave his last full measure of devotion. For that, we as a Commonwealth from Pennsylvania, we as a country, and we as a community are forever grateful. It has been said that our flag does not fly because the wind moves it but with the last breath of those who defend it. Specialist Krystofer Lopez now rests among those heroes. Now and forever, this brave soldier will be a source of inspiration throughout his enduring devotion to duty and call to service. Please join us, the Members of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania delegation in the United States House of Representatives, in a moment of silence to honor the life of Specialist Krystofer Lopez.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and military service of Specialist Krystofer Lopez of Biglerville, Pennsylvania, who died following a training exercise at Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County on March 12. Specialist Lopez served as a military police officer for the Letterkenny Directorate of Emergency Services Law Enforcement Division and was a Personnel Force Innovation member assigned to the 947th Quartermaster Company, which is based out of Letterkenny. Specialist Lopez is remembered for his love of this great country and his commitment to the United States Armed Forces. Specialist Lopez was described by his twin sister, Kiki Lopez, as a man who always went above and beyond. Kiki noted that her brother always made sure to put his family before himself. Specialist Lopez enlisted in the Army during his junior year of high school and wrestled for Biglerville High School. As a tribute to Specialist Lopez, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania flags over all State facilities, public buildings, and grounds are lowered to half-staff. In recognition of his dedicated service and his sacrifice, Specialist Lopez was posthumously promoted to the rank of Specialist. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire 13th Congressional District and a grateful nation, I offer prayers and condolences to Specialist Lopez' family, his friends, his fellow soldiers at Letterkenny Army Depot, and to the entire Biglerville community. Recognizing Phil Riccio

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Phil Riccio of Altoona, Pennsylvania, as a recipient of the Outstanding Service Award for Pennsylvania as presented by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Throughout his nearly 30-year career as an educator, athletic director, and head coach of the Altoona Area High School football team, Coach Riccio has been an inspirational leader and advocate for high school sports. To the spirit of the Outstanding Service Award and the mission of the national organization that bestowed it, Coach Riccio is devoted. He is devoted to ensuring that all students have an opportunity to enjoy healthy participation, achievement, and good sportsmanship in any education-based activity. Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I join everyone in the Altoona Area School District and the entire community in congratulating Coach Riccio on his selection for this prestigious award. I thank Coach Riccio for his enduring impact on the development of the district's students. Recognizing Jesse Shriner

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Jesse Shriner for 50 years of dedicated service as a member of the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Company in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Jesse was recently honored by the fire company with three prestigious awards: the President's Award, the Chief's Award, and the Firefighter of the Year Award. Collectively, this trifecta of awards pays tribute to Jesse for his enduring dedication. Over the years, Jesse has served the fire company as a trustee, as a chaplain, and a fire police officer. Jesse's community impact also includes his past leadership as president of the Juniata Valley Lions Club. His 50-year commitment to public safety and the protection of property is an inspiration. Mr. Speaker, I express gratitude to Jesse for the many ways that he has contributed to the Alexandria Volunteer Fire Company's legacy of service and extend him best wishes. Recognizing Dr. Wayne Myers

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Wayne Myers on his selection as Pharmacist of the Year by the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. The selection of Dr. Myers honors his longstanding commitment to advancing independent community pharmacies. Dr. Myers is owner of Norland Avenue Pharmacy in Chambersburg and Carl's Drug Store in Greencastle. Dr. Myers has enrolled Norland Avenue Pharmacy as a Long-Term Care at Home Pharmacy, thereby increasing medication packaging and delivery services to improve the safety, adherence, and access for vulnerable patients. Mr. Speaker, I extend congratulations to Dr. Myers on his selection as Pharmacist of the Year and express my personal gratitude for his enduring commitment to the core values of independent pharmacies, that is service, integrity, innovation, and ultimately community care.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern over the lapse in funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Every single day that we fail to provide DHS with the necessary resources, the risks facing the American people dramatically increase. The security of our homeland should never be a bargaining chip. Instead of prioritizing the safety of the American people, Democrats have chosen to weaponize the appropriations process for political leverage. This is not how our Democracy was founded to operate. Americans continue to bear the consequences of Democrats engaging in political theater. As we return to the floor for a vote, Members of Congress must set aside partisan agendas and personal politics. Our first duty is to protect the citizens that we serve. With the war in Iran, we have reached an increase in global instability. In moments like this, we should be strengthening our Homeland Security posture and not allowing it to lapse. An unfunded Department of Homeland Security sends the wrong message to our adversaries and leaves our homeland vulnerable. It is neither a safe nor responsible act. It is a failure of Congress not to have met one of its most fundamental obligations. Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve better. The American people deserve leadership that puts their safety first. It is time to end the theatrics. It is time to fund DHS. It is time to fulfill and protect this Nation. recognizing jordan ott

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a native of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, Jordan Ott, who is the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. As a three-sport athlete at McConnellsburg High School, Coach Ott has always dreamed of working for a professional sports team. That goal was recognized in 2013 when he joined the Atlanta Hawks as a video coordinator. Coach Ott went on to serve as an assistant coach with three NBA teams. Last June, he was hired as the head coach of the Suns, where he was named NBA's Western Conference Coach of the Month for January. A former high school teammate described Coach Ott as someone who will accomplish everything and take credit for nothing. What a coach. That is a character trait worth emulating by individuals throughout all of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. In fact, it is worth emulating throughout all of America. Mr. Speaker, I offer best wishes to Coach Ott for continued success that exceeds his incredible expectations that will continue to rise throughout the NBA. Honoring Snider Family of Bedford County, Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Snider family of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, on the selection of their operation as a recipient of the National Beef Quality Assurance Award. Singing Brook Farm is a third-generation farm currently managed by Ross Snider and his sister Greta Halahan. Founded by Obie and Mary Ann Snider in 1951, Singing Brook Farms was later operated by their son, Bruce. Notably, Singing Brook Farms is an established leader in education and advocacy. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Snider family on receiving the National Beef Quality Assurance Award. Their commitment to agriculture continues to benefit all of the constituents of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Honoring Claysburg-Kimmel Elementary FIRST LEGO League Team

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I rise to honor the Claysburg-Kimmel Elementary FIRST LEGO League Team that captured the championship in the Best Robot Design category during regional competition. What is most impressive about the achievement of these fifth and sixth graders is that they were the first LEGO Club at Claysburg-Kimmel Elementary that only formed last fall. During the competition, students demonstrated their robot creations and offered presentations on how their robots would function in real- world settings. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate this team from Claysburg-Kimmel, their teachers and coaches Suzanne Wicker and Brandon Ickes, as well as elementary school principal Kevin Edmondson and Superintendent Darren McLaurin on this incredible achievement. Best wishes for continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a development in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with positive impacts not just for the community but for our entire Nation. Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the opening of the expansion of the Kongsberg Defense in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The expanded Johnstown production site represents millions of dollars in investment in 20 new high-quality jobs for the area. For more than two decades, this facility has produced critical remote weapon systems that support the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army. Since its opening, this Johnstown site has produced over 20,000 remote weapon stations and remote turrets, providing high-skilled employment opportunities in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. This expansion signifies a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing, while also bolstering our military readiness and capabilities. In a world of growing tensions with foreign adversaries, investments like this are essential to our national security. They are essential for maintaining that peace through strength that President Trump has promised. Restoring Fairness in Prescription Drug Market

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the meaningful and long-overdue step toward restoring fairness and transparency in our prescription drug market by passing the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, now signed into law by President Trump. For years, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has ultimately led the fight to crack down on pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, whose hidden practices too often fail patients and, rather, enrich the health insurance companies in America. These historic reforms take important first steps to hold PBMs accountable by delinking PBM compensation from the price of the drug. This legislation replaces hidden incentives with a flat-fee model. By requiring full transparency into how PBMs operate, this will give employers and everyday Americans visibility into hidden costs and rebates before they purchase a health insurance plan. These changes promote several things. They promote accountability. They promote protecting patient choice. They promote ensuring that hidden fees are not in the price of the patient's medicine. This is a pro-patient reform that will ultimately lower costs at the pharmacy counter and deliver a more affordable healthcare system for all of America. Recognizing Rebecca Conner-Miller

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rebecca Conner-Miller on her selection for the 2026 Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year Award, which is one of Pennsylvania's most prestigious honors in educational technology. Presented annually by the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference, this award honors educators who elevate technology into a tool that is used for exploration and opportunity. Rebecca is a teacher at Mifflin County High School. Through her teaching, students explore engineering design, digital fabrication, robotics, and manufacturing challenges that mirror real-world industry. Rebecca's colleagues praise her for her leadership and creativity. Mr. Speaker, I extend congratulations to Ms. Conner-Miller on her selection for the Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year Award. She is providing students the blueprint for a successful future. Recognizing Michael Clark

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Clark for being selected as the Outstanding Agriculture Education Teacher of the Year. This is one of the highest honors for his profession. Michael is an agriculture teacher at the Greenwood High School in Perry County, Pennsylvania. The national award that Michael received recognizes teachers who demonstrate innovation and program development, a commitment to lifelong learning, and dedication to shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Michael on his selection for the national Outstanding Agriculture Education Teacher of the Year Award and express gratitude for his passionate commitment to the academic achievement of his students.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the importance of the SAVE America Act, which will come to the House floor for a vote this week. At the heart of our democracy is a very simple promise: Every eligible citizen gets one vote, and every vote counts equally. That promise is only sustainable when the public has confidence in the system. The SAVE America Act is centered on an indisputable principle: U.S. elections are for U.S. citizens. This legislation will ensure that voter registration systems accurately reflect the law and that citizenship requirements are consistently enforced. By requiring a photo ID in Federal elections, this congressional action will work to prevent fraud before it even starts. Supporting the SAVE America Act means promising every voter that their voice matters and that their vote will not be diluted. This action signals a long overdue step towards election integrity, which will preserve the strength and the security of our democratic system for generations to come. Very simply, our democracy is worth protecting, and by passing and enacting the SAVE America Act, we in Congress can ensure our constituents that their vote will count. Congratulating Johnstown Native Dan Barefoot

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Johnstown native, Dan Barefoot, on earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team. This week, Dan will compete in the Milano Cortina Winter Games representing our Nation on the world stage. A graduate of Richland High School and Penn State, Dan will compete in the skeleton competition, which is scheduled for Thursday, February 12. Dan's 10-year pursuit of a spot on the Olympic team began with a Google search relating to which Olympic-style sport a novice could train for later in life. After what he describes as the singular most incredible and challenging journey of his life, Dan has reached the pinnacle of his sport. Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District is incredibly proud to support Dan as he represents our community and our country on the Olympic stage. Once again, I congratulate Dan and his parents, Barry and Rebecca, on this extraordinary accomplishment and best wishes for gold at the Winter Games.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend President Trump for taking decisive action to confront one of the most devastating public health challenges that currently face our Nation, the disease of addiction. With the launch of the Great American Recovery Initiative, President Trump is elevating our national response by coordinating Federal, State, and community resources. This action by President Trump will expand access to treatment, to prevention, to long-term recovery, and support millions of Americans and their families. This initiative recognizes what addiction truly is, a chronic, treatable condition. This comprehensive effort reflects a shared American value that every life is worth saving and every individual struggling with addiction deserves a path to recovery. According to data collected in 2023, nearly 5,000 Pennsylvanians lost their lives due to fatal drug overdoses. That means that across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we lost 14 lives each day to addiction. Under the leadership of President Trump, I look forward to working with my colleagues here in Congress to support this initiative and ensure that it delivers real results for the families and those suffering with addiction across our country. Happy 90th Birthday to Sister Paula DelGrosso