John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Corporal Lance Morris of the Roaring Spring Police Department as he receives the Law Enforcement Medal of Valor in recognition of his distinguished service to the citizens of Blair County. Awarded by the Blair County District Attorney, the Law Enforcement Medal of Valor is presented for extraordinary acts of valor and heroism. On the afternoon of July 26, 2019, Corporal Morris was dispatched to the parking lot of True Value Hardware Store in Roaring Spring to respond to a dangerous situation. As he arrived at the scene, the armed suspect pointed his weapon at Corporal Morris, who quickly fired two shots hitting him in the chest. Corporal Morris' heroic actions protected the lives of innocent bystanders. Today, we commend Corporal Morris for his courage, commitment to duty, and tactical expertise in this dangerous situation. His actions have made Roaring Spring and Blair County a safer community. For his valiant actions in the highest traditions of Law Enforcement and the Roaring Spring Police Department, the Medal of Valor is bestowed upon Corporal Lance Morris. It is my sincere pleasure and privilege to honor Corporal Morris as he receives this highest award. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I thank Corporal Morris for his commitment to our community and congratulate him on his many achievements.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Barry D. Johnson for his selfless service to our country. Mr. Johnson was enlisted in the U.S. Army for over two years and served our nation during the Vietnam War. During this time, he demonstrated a deep commitment to our nation. For his distinguished service, Mr. Johnson was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart. Following the war, Mr. Johnson returned to Somerset County and raised a family. His daughter Lori describes him as ``a devoted family man and patriot'' who has worked in various industries from coal to construction to support his family. Throughout his life, Mr. Johnson has remained committed to our American values of patriotism, dedication and service. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to thank Mr. Barry D. Johnson for his selfless service and to recognize his many contributions to our nation and the Somerset County community. He is an outstanding role model for Americans today and for generations to come. As we honor Mr. Johnson today, I offer him my sincere gratitude and wish him all the best.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Bill Thompson of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, who passed away on June 15, 2020 at the age of 81. Mr. Thompson was a pharmacist by profession and a leader in the business community. In 1965, he founded Thompson Pharmacy in Juniata, PA. In time, Thompson Pharmacy expanded to multiple locations in central Pennsylvania. Additionally, Mr. Thompson served as treasurer and vice president of Value Drug, a cooperative of independent pharmacies in the Altoona area, for nearly 50 years. In recognition of his service and dedication, Mr. Thompson was honored with a number of awards. In 2004, the School of Pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh presented him their Distinguished Alumni Award. He was also the 2014 recipient of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement Award. Bill Thompson was an incredible advocate for central Pennsylvania, and his work made Blair County a better place. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I extend my condolences to Mr. Thompson's family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Rotary Club of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania for its century of service. Chartered on April 22, 1920, the club has marked 100 years of dedication to the Waynesboro community. During its many years of service, the Rotary Club of Waynesboro has been instrumental in a number of important community achievements, including the organization of a summer youth baseball organization later known as Waynesboro Little League, the initiation of a dental education program in Waynesboro Schools, and the introduction of a community-wide Easter Seals program, among many additional accomplishments. Its long record of service has left a profound legacy in Waynesboro and Franklin County. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I thank the members of the Rotary Club of Waynesboro for their tireless commitment and hard work to continue the legacy of this outstanding organization. As the club celebrates its 100th anniversary, I look forward to its many years of service to come and wish these Pennsylvanians every continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Mike Turzai, who has devoted decades of service to our Commonwealth and our Nation. Since taking office in 2001, Speaker Turzai has championed our American values and defended our Constitutional rights. During Speaker Turzai's tenure in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, he has worked hard to achieve important policy wins-- such as creating jobs, supporting our small businesses, improving workforce development, expanding choice in education, reforming the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board system, and reducing burdensome regulations. Speaker Turzai was a consistent champion of fiscal conservatism; he opposed tax increases and the midnight pay increase. Additionally, he has led the Chamber's pro-life agenda to defend the dignity of life. Before becoming the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, he served in a number of leadership roles in the chamber and propelled commonsense, conservative policy forward. A lifelong Pennsylvanian, Speaker Turzai was raised in Moon Township and graduated from Our Lady of Sacred Heart High School. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame before earning his Juris Doctor from Duke University. In addition to his official work, Speaker Turzai has a long record of leadership in his community. He and his wife Lidia live in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with their three sons, Andrew, Stephen, and Matthew. Upon Speaker Turzai's retirement from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, I thank him for his commitment and service to our Commonwealth. He represented the values of his constituents well. As the Turzai family begins a new chapter, I wish them every continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I congratulate the St. Andrew Knights of Columbus Council 2068 on reaching its 100th anniversary. The council was founded on May 23, 1920 under the leadership of Grand Knight FJ Foley and chaplain William J. O'Callahan. For a century, the St. Andrew Knights of Columbus Council has served its religious community and the Waynesboro region at large. The council's community service includes participating in annual golf tournaments that benefit Waynesboro Human Services, sponsoring monthly ``Bring Your Mug to Church'' Sundays to foster fellowship among parishioners and support parish activities, as well as providing college scholarships to children of council members. Additionally, the council has participated in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Adopt-a-Highway program for more than 30 years. The St. Andrew Knights of Columbus Council 2068 has made an indelible mark on the Waynesboro community. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I thank this organization for its steadfast commitment to our region and congratulate the council on reaching its 100th anniversary.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for far too long, the Chinese Communist Party has taken advantage of innocent people in its own country and around the world. Now, America is engaged in an economic and intellectual competition with China that existed long before the coronavirus crossed our borders. The current pandemic merely has exposed the Chinese Communist Party's sinister lies, and the depths to which it will reach. There is no question that we must hold this regime accountable for all of its actions. As a member of the China Task Force, I am committed to combating the Chinese Government's threats to our great Nation. We must be focused on strengthening and protecting our supply chains to ensure that we are never beholden to this regime for critical medicines and critical supplies. Americans must once again lead in innovation. We must, and we will.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sarah Etta Work as she celebrates her 100th birthday on Wednesday, May 27. A dedicated member of her community, Mrs. Work graduated from Connellsville High School in 1938 before attending the Carnegie Institute of Technology. She managed the kitchen at Springfield Elementary School in Newville, Pennsylvania for 27 years. Mrs. Work and her husband, Glenn, established the Mill Run Campground, now the Yogi Bear Campground in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. Today, she continues to maintain a consistent presence at the campground. For decades, Mrs. Work has been an outstanding community member. She is a member of the Indian Creek Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 40 years. Additionally, she served as a 4-H leader for 25 years. Mrs. Work has two children, six grandchildren, and 14 great- grandchildren. Before Glenn's passing in 2007, Mr. and Mrs. Work were married for 67 years. It's my honor to congratulate Sarah Etta Work on a century of life well-lived. I wish her a very happy 100th birthday and every continued happiness.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in every neighborhood across our country, Americans are struggling with the health and economic ramifications of the coronavirus. As schools are closed and small businesses stay shuttered, American families are just trying to make it one day at a time. Here in Congress, House Democrats are just trying to fund Planned Parenthood. American families are focused on putting food on their tables. Here in Congress, Democrats are focused on keeping Americans out of work instead of saving family-sustaining jobs. American families are working together to weather this storm. Here in Congress, Democrats would rather blame our President than hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for their role in this pandemic. Here in Congress, Democrats are wasting time that we could be using to deliver real solutions for the American people. This bill is not the answer, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richard Boyer on celebrating his 100th birthday on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Mr. Boyer on reaching this momentous milestone. A proud World War II veteran, a dedicated member of our community, and a former small business owner, Mr. Boyer is a true hero in Franklin County. Earlier this year, it was my privilege to present Mr. Boyer with several medals honoring his service in the U.S. Navy, and to hear him recount some of the stories of his youth. After completing basic training, Mr. Boyer's company was assigned to a new destroyer and sent to Cuba in the fall of 1940 and then to Europe. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Boyer's ship was sent to Norfolk, Virginia, to add implements of war to the ship before traveling to Pearl Harbor. Once in Pearl Harbor, Marines boarded the ship and they departed for Midway Island. Boyer also served aboard the USS Gwin DD-433 during the Doolittle Raid. After nearly eight years of military service, Mr. Boyer returned to Franklin County with his wife, Mary Jane. Longtime residents of South Mountain, Mr. and Mrs. Boyer operated the Big Dipper Restaurant and Dance Hall, a popular location in the Rouzerville area, until it closed in 1970. It is my sincere pleasure and privilege to honor Richard Boyer for his many years of service to our Franklin County community and to the United States of America. Over the past century, he has lived a remarkable life. I wish Mr. Boyer a very happy 100th birthday and every continued happiness.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, all of us want our small businesses to survive this economic crisis. All of us want to save American livelihoods. All of us want to get Americans back to work. For weeks, I have talked to workers, small business owners, farmers in Pennsylvania who are counting on the Paycheck Protection Act. Today, we are offering these Pennsylvanians an opportunity to keep their workers paid and emerge stronger on the other side of this unprecedented challenge by protecting our workforce and safeguarding our economy. Truly these are difficult days, but we know there is light ahead. The people of Pennsylvania are resilient. The people of our great Nation are resilient. Together, we will weather the storm. We cannot allow a virus to destroy the American Dream.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as a Member who has voted against a number of large spending bills in the past, I have to admit, this legislation has given me significant pause. But we as a nation face the largest threats that I have seen in my career as a doctor and, certainly, during the short time that I have spent in Congress. The President has declared a national emergency. Governors are instituting shelter-in-place orders nationwide, and consumers have been told not to consume because businesses have been told to shut their doors and not conduct business. If government is forcing them to shutter their doors, then our responsibility is to help them out. The American Dream cannot be shut down by a virus, and that is why I will support this legislation, Mr. Speaker. It is time to put political gamesmanship aside and pass legislation for the health and safety of our Nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate the Everett High School Rifle Team on their victories as the 2020 PIAA 3 Position Smallbore Rifle Champions, Air Rifle Champions, and Prone Champions. The top four shooters, as well as one alternate in Smallbore and Air Rifle, were selected to compete in the statewide competition hosted by the Meyersdale Rifle Team. The 3 Position Smallbore and Air Rifle teams were declared state champions after the weekend-long event. This is the fourth consecutive state championship title for 3 Position Smallbore and the second consecutive state championship Air Rifle Title. The 2020 Everett High School Rifle Team consists of 19 athletes from Everett Area School District and Bedford Area School District, including: Boyd Becker, Jesse Chamberlain, Travis Kendall, Allison Klavuhn, Joseph Kovach, Deegan Ramsey, Abigale Rose, Claudia Sigel, Evan Sigel, Abby Walters, Rylee Weaverling, Morgan White, CJ Humbertson, Emily Kendall, Layni Miller, Ava Penatzer, Matthew Semanek, Sam Sheppard, and Gracie Walters. The students were coached by Coltin Rice, Ethan Cessna, Lynn Whetstone, George Kuhne, Denver Deremer, Dave Eppinger, Ken Ritchey, Cindy Ritchey, Mark Donahoe, Dan Klavuhn, and Angie Klavuhn. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I congratulate these students and their coaches on a successful season and wish them every continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Hollidaysburg native Thomas Michael Seiler as he retires from the Altoona Mobile Emergency Department (AMED) after many years of service as an EMT. Throughout Mr. Seiler's career, he has touched the lives of many families in our community and has saved countless lives. In recognition of this service, he was recognized as the ``AMED EMT of the Year'' in 2013 and has been lauded multiple times for his ``out of hospital cardiac arrest saves.'' In 1976, Mr. Seiler began his public service as a volunteer firefighter and rescue captain for the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department in Hollidaysburg. He first obtained his EMT certification in 1980. Before joining AMED in 2004, Mr. Seiler worked as an EMT at Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service. In addition to his work as a first responder, he also served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1974 to 1981. As he and his family begin a new chapter, I congratulate Mr. Seiler on his achievements and thank him for his tireless devotion to the citizens of Blair County and our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrea Devorris Cohen, a dedicated community leader whose work has benefited the people of Blair County. As the president of Lakemont Park, Andrea has led the recent transformation of this amusement park into a renewed recreational epicenter for our community. From new playgrounds and walking trails to batting cages and basketball courts, Lakemont Park has been restored to a beautiful facility where families and friends can gather together. A homegrown Altoona leader and the daughter of Nancy and Don Devorris, Andrea has spent her career working for our community and improving the quality of life in Blair County. This week, she will be honored by the Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission for her many contributions and achievements. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, we thank Andrea Devorris Cohen for her leadership in the revitalization of this historic recreational center, as well as her continued service to our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden) for yielding and for his support for prompt consideration of this bill today. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3201, the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act. In just a few short days, the DEA temporary ban of deadly fentanyl will expire. While I am relieved that the House will vote on this extension of the fentanyl ban today, I remain deeply troubled that this lifesaving bill was delayed by the political distractions. Mr. Speaker, in both your and my districts, we have seen the devastation of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. As a doctor, I have witnessed this drug crisis firsthand. Substance abuse and addiction have devastated individuals in my district of Pennsylvania and in every one of my colleagues' districts across America. Fentanyl and its analogues are uniquely dangerous and deadly and have caused way too many overdose deaths from opioids in the last 2 years. We must act to protect the people that we represent from these deadly substances. Mr. Speaker, just a few days ago, you and I heard from ONDCP Director James Carroll about the importance of passing this specific piece of legislation. It is shameful that we waited until now to act on this lifesaving legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to renew this ban immediately. We cannot afford to wait.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to provide for a motion to recommit on the Senate amendment to H.R. 550 so that minority voices can be heard on the critical issue of war.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Specialist Joseph A. Raymond of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, for outstanding achievement during the Soldier of the Year board for the 1st Battalion, 108th Field Artillery. Specialist Raymond's outstanding skills and high level of motivation contributed directly to him being selected as the Soldier of the Year, competing at the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team Soldier of the Year board. Specialist Raymond's exceptional performance reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Battalion, 108th Field Artillery, the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and the United States Army. He is a credit to Adams County, to our Commonwealth, and to the entire United States of America. Madam Speaker, today I salute Specialist Joseph Raymond and congratulate him and his entire family.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. And I want to acknowledge Mr. Smith from New Jersey for taking such courageous leadership on this very important issue. We as a body thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, 47 years of the amoral destruction of life is 47 years too long. As a physician, my pro-life conviction is rooted in the Hippocratic oath's commitment to protecting human life. In the medical community, each of us is called to do everything in our power to protect the patients to whom we are assigned. Each of us pledges to do no harm. Mr. Speaker, Roe v. Wade directly contradicts this oath. Each life is a precious gift that is truly worthy of our protection. As our Nation marks another tragic anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I remain committed to serving as a steadfast voice for the voiceless. As we continue this fight, I remain eternally hopeful that our Nation will someday value all human life for its inherent worth and its dignity.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the many accomplishments of the Sheetz family. Their family-owned chain of convenience stores, which began as a single storefront in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1952, has grown to include more than 600 stores. This weekend, Sheetz was recognized as one of America's favorite restaurants. This business, which got its start in my hometown of Altoona more than six decades ago, has received significant national acclaim for its role as an American staple. In addition to its business success, Sheetz is well-known for its commitment to local communities. As a team, Sheetz employees are marked by their commitment to community service and their dedication to local organizations, such as Special Olympics, youth sports groups, and its own employee-founded charity, For the Kidz. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to share a hometown with Sheetz, and I am honored to congratulate the Sheetz family and their incredibly hardworking team upon their achievement of being recognized as one of America's favorite restaurants.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for the opportunity to support this amendment to this deeply-flawed bill. Madam Chair, I rise this evening in support of the Balderson amendment. H.R. 535 will have broad and significant impact on medical innovation and negatively impact patient outcomes. PFAS materials have a variety of uses in healthcare, ranging from cardiac stents to the coating on contact lenses. Using innovative PFAS materials, surgeries such as those that were previously used to repair a child's congenital heart defect now no longer require risky, open heart surgery procedures and can simply be done as an outpatient with significantly less risks. The EPA is already working on its own comprehensive PFAS Action Plan, and we must listen to science rather than regulating new devices and treatments out of existence. Here is the bottom line: We cannot ignore the benefits that some PFAS chemicals have given to humankind. Madam Chair, I strongly urge the adoption of the Balderson amendment.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of former Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. Mike was a dedicated public servant who proudly represented the people of Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District, showcasing incredible courage not only in Congress but throughout his life. This week, former Congressman Fitzpatrick passed away after a valiant battle with metastatic melanoma. As a dermatologist, I have witnessed this disease claim many lives and devastate too many families. Here in Congress, it is my privilege to serve as co-chair of the Skin Cancer Caucus, and I remain dedicated to promoting innovative treatments and cures for melanoma. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I am grateful to Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick for his longstanding service to our Commonwealth and to our entire Nation. As we honor him today, I extend my sincere sympathies to the entire Fitzpatrick family, including my friend, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, upon the loss of a great leader from Pennsylvania and a great leader in our Nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5130, the Capturing All Small Businesses Act. As a member of the Small Business Committee, I have personally heard how important this act is. Additionally, I want to speak today in support of H.R. 5146, the Unlocking Opportunities for Small Businesses Act, introduced by my friend and colleague, Mr. Hagedorn from Minnesota, and my fellow Pennsylvanian, Mr. Evans. Federal contracts provide many businesses across the Nation with the opportunity to receive stable funding through which they can develop a reliable workforce, supply chain, or line of production. These contracts can be a lifeline to small businesses looking to grow or expand. Unfortunately, as designed, the current system limits smaller companies' chances to acquire these contracts. This legislation implements a much-needed change to allow small businesses to use their previous experience to demonstrate their merits and to strengthen their abilities to compete for Federal contracts. This is an important step in leveling the playing field for small businesses looking to grow their footprint in the Federal market. I look forward to the positive impact that this legislation will have on countless small businesses that I represent in south central and southwestern Pennsylvania and across our great country.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5130, the Capturing All Small Businesses Act of 2019. As a member of the Small Business Committee, I have personally heard from many business leaders who tell me that the guidance and the resources provided by SBA can be instrumental for success in the open marketplace. Often, these tools pave the way for rapid growth; yet, as these businesses experience success, hire more employees, and grow our economy, the owners can be hesitant to expand their operations beyond certain parameters, fearing that, if they become too successful too quickly, the resources provided by the SBA would be no longer available. H.R. 5130 would address their concerns by allowing companies to maintain their designated status, encouraging them to continue growing and graduate into successful businesses. I thank my colleague, Mr. Hern from Oklahoma, for this important legislation. I thank our chair, Ms. Velazquez, and our ranking member, Mr. Chabot, for their bipartisanship. This is important legislation, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support it.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Altoona native Gerry Eckenrode upon his induction into the Adams County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout his coaching career at Delone Catholic in McSherrystown, Coach Eckenrode has established a strong record of excellence. During his 20 year tenure as head coach of the girls' basketball team, Coach Eckenrode has won 466 games, including leading the Squirettes to three straight PIAA Class 2A state championships from 2003 to 2005 and a Class 3A state championship in 2019. Coach Eckenrode not only stands out for his winning record, but also his dedicated service and leadership as he teaches his team what it takes to succeed both on and off the court. It is my pleasure to congratulate fellow Bishop Guilfoyle High School graduate Gerry Eckenrode on this honor, and I wish the Eckenrode Family continued success.