John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week our national debt reached a record $33 trillion. During the next 30 years, the interest payments alone on this debt will become the Federal Government's single largest expenditure. Now more than ever, we need to address the runaway spending that has created this debt crisis while sending inflation skyrocketing and costing American families an extra $10,000 a year. Pennsylvanians cannot afford business as usual from Washington. It is time to put an end to the wasteful spending in our budget. It is time to stop the inflation that has driven up the prices of gas and groceries. It is time to rein in the runaway spending and once again pass a budget that is truly worthy of the American people.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, each year, Americans attend nearly 1 billion medical appointments and emergency room visits and quite often are unaware of how much their treatments will cost until after their appointment has ended. Now, the House has a chance to pass bipartisan legislation to address this issue and to stand up for our patients. The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act would immediately benefit patients by providing clear price transparency for medical procedures, allowing patients the flexibility to choose where they will receive their care. This bill includes legislation that I authored to provide funding for community health centers, which provides care to over 30 million Americans nationwide. From pediatric checkups to dentistry, rural communities rely on these health centers to meet their daily medical needs. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, since President Biden took office, there have been over 5.8 million illegal crossings on our southern border and 1.6 million illegal immigrants have evaded apprehension. Instead of funding our Border Patrol agents to deal with the rise in attempted crossings, President Biden has chosen to incentivize crossings by ending President Trump's remain in Mexico policy. At a time when the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45 is overdoses, Democrats' failure to pass comprehensive border security legislation is an indictment of their failure to protect the American people. Instead of addressing the importation of fentanyl-related substances, liberals in this body have voted against legislation like the HALT Fentanyl Act, which is legislation that would permanently classify these drugs as schedule I narcotics and impose harsh penalties on the dealers who traffic these deadly poisons. In the past year, I have spoken with too many first responders who have administered Narcan on 911 calls. I have spoken with too many county coroners conducting autopsies on young people killed far too soon by fentanyl poisonings. I have spoken with far too many families who have lost a loved one to an overdose. It is time for the Senate to stop sitting on the sidelines while Americans suffer and die. It is time to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act. It is time to secure our border. Our top priority must be to protect our Nation's border and put a stop to drug smuggling and illegal immigration that have made every State in our Union a border State.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. There is truly nothing more American than the freedom of the open road. Americans have built their lives around reliable and affordable transportation, and now, government overreach is threatening to put the cars, trucks, and SUVs that hardworking Americans need out of reach. At its core, the vote on H.R. 1435 asks a very simple question: Should consumers or the Federal Government decide what type of vehicles Americans can drive? This legislation is designed to address an issue created by California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations that seek to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles in the next decade by requiring 35 percent of new vehicle sales to be electric vehicles in 2026 and fully 100 percent of sales to be electric vehicles by 2035. Because of the fact that 17 other States have adopted portions of California's Clean Air Act regulations, this decision could potentially impact over 40 percent of the American auto market, and if enacted, would create a de facto ban on all gas-powered vehicles in the United States. As originally created, California's carve-out in the Clean Air Act of 1970 was designed to combat smog and pollution in and around Los Angeles, and it was never intended to be used as a tool to ban the vehicles that have transported Americans for over 100 years. Currently, the only thing standing in the way of California's implementation of this policy is a required EPA waiver. That is why I, along with Representatives Latta, Bilirakis, and Obernolte, introduced H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. This bill would prevent the EPA Administrator from granting a waiver to any regulation that would limit the sale or use of new vehicles with internal combustion engines. We cannot expect vehicle manufacturers to build one car for California and another one for Pennsylvania. In areas like my district in central and western Pennsylvania, electric vehicles are unable to perform in the mountainous terrain and lose range in high heat and in extreme cold. On a recent trip, Energy Secretary Granholm was unable to use a fleet of electric vehicles to travel across the State of Georgia without using a gas-powered vehicle to block a public charging station ahead of her arrival. Mr. Speaker, not every family will have an advance staffer ready to reserve a charger for their vehicle. Even the Biden administration's EPA Administrator Michael Regan did not support the banning of internal combustion engines. In May, when I asked Administrator Regan if he supported such a ban during an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing he responded: ``No, not at all.'' It is clear that more government interference cannot deliver innovation that Americans rely on. There are fundamental issues of our Nation's infrastructure that would prevent us from transitioning to an all-electric model, including the state of our electric grid. Under President Biden's Green New Deal agenda, we have seen coal- powered plants close, we have seen him stop the production of natural gas, and we have seen new drilling leases canceled from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of utilizing the power sources underneath the feet of my constituents, President Biden's administration has attempted to subsidize energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels that have been proven to be ineffective at providing our grid with the power necessary for charging electric vehicles en masse. As we look towards the future of electric vehicles, the Chinese Communist Party is taking aggressive steps to position themselves as the leader in developing EV battery technology. Through the CCP's control of the critical minerals and resources needed to make electric batteries, a full transition to these vehicles would be a boon for the Chinese economy while hurting Americans. It has become clear that transitioning to a fully electric auto market would put China and not American autoworkers in the driver's seat. Today, it is time for the House to pass the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act and allow American families and American consumers to choose the vehicles that they want and the vehicles that they can afford.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. The Governor of California does not have the right to determine what type of vehicle my constituents in Pennsylvania are able to buy. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, during the August district work period, I traveled over 3,200 miles across central and western Pennsylvania. As I met with members of our agricultural community, from orchard growers in Adams County to dairy farmers in Cambria County, I saw firsthand the need for Congress to pass a farm bill that supports the farmers in our rural communities. This legislation is vital to ensuring America continues providing our country with abundant and affordable food. Very simply put, food security is national security, and now more than ever we need a farm bill that addresses the concerns facing our Pennsylvania farmers. As production costs continue to soar because of President Biden's inflationary policies, we must find ways to ensure that our food remains affordable for families, while also protecting our local farmers. We need to better target resources to maintain our commitment to rural farmers and the rural development that is at the cusp of what they do. What we don't need is legislation that overregulates and overburdens the farmers that we rely on to grow the food and provide the dairy products and the wholesome grains that are so important to the economy and to the health of all Americans. It is time to pass a farm bill that ensures our security and allows at the same time for our farmers to prosper.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Leah Shackley of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, who won a second gold medal this past Thursday at the World Junior Aquatic Swimming Championship in Israel as a member of Team USA. A senior in high school, Leah has won races across the country, and now around the world. Through her commitment to training at both the Blair Regional YMCA in Hollidaysburg and in her family's pond in Bedford County, Leah has shown that hard work and determination can provide an incredible recipe for success. As she represents both our district and our Nation, Leah faced tough competition from over 600 athletes representing 100 nations. During the team relay event, Leah set a personal record in the 100-meter butterfly with a time of 57.75 seconds. With Leah's continued success in the water and her support of friends and neighbors in Bedford, she continues to set an incredible example for student athletes in central Pennsylvania. On behalf of all of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Leah and all of Team USA on their success in the World Junior Aquatics Swimming Championship. Pass a Farm Bill that Ensures America's Security

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, since its founding in 1873, The United States Naval Institute has been a tireless advocate for our Nation's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The United States Naval Institute, which is located at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, provides an independent forum for those who work to advance our understanding of sea power along with issues critical to our National security. This independent, non-partisan and innovative platform was created to promote the free exchange of ideas to generate and advance the knowledge of America's Sea Services, thereby preserving our naval and maritime heritage. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the United States Naval Institute on its 150th Anniversary and commend the staff and over 100,000 dedicated supporters worldwide for their commitment to our Nation's servicemembers.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Adam Holliday Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and thank them for their work to preserve our Nations heritage, while educating our next generation on the importance of upholding our constitutional values. As Constitution Day approaches, we remember the words of Benjamin Franklin who was asked by a group of citizens as he exited the Constitutional Convention what type of government had been created. He replied: ``A republic, if you can keep it.'' Each day we strive to uphold the Republic that was created that day in Philadelphia. Both in the halls of Congress, and across the country we must remain committed to protecting our constitutional rights that have helped us to become the most prosperous Nation the world has ever known. As we celebrate Constitution Day, we remember our founding fathers and strive to uphold their legacy.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the incredible victory of the West Suburban Little League Softball Team on winning their second straight state championship this season. Under the leadership of team manager Dave Lynch this incredible team comprised of members from schools such as Westmont, Biship McCort, and Richland have worked together achieve an incredible level of success. As our students continue to participate in organized sports they learn valuable skills including teamwork, dedication, and good sportsmanship. Even in the face of adversity, the Red Rage players came together and found a way to win time after time. Congratulations to the entire West Suburban Softball Team including Addy Dunbar, Kylie Durst, Bella Kist, Sienna Kubic, Alea Ladika, Elleigh Ladika, Cali Lynch, Kelsie Muto, Audra Rudolph, LaMya Stephens, Kristin Stiles and Elizabeth Veranese on their hard work and dedication. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the West Suburban Little League Softball Team on their victory, and wish them every continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the 65th Anniversary of Operation Sunshine, a scientific expedition on behalf of the United States Navy that sent our Nation's first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus, to the North Pole. Nicknaming themselves ``PANOPOs'', an acronym from the phrase ``Pacific to the Atlantic via the North Pole'', one-hundred and sixteen crew members made the historic voyage under the polar ice, showing true American dominance in science, innovation, and naval capability. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I am proud to recognize the 65th Anniversary of Operation Sunshine and thank both Nautilus Alumni Association and the Submarine Force Library and Museum Association for their dedication to keeping American history alive.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the athletic accomplishments of Solie Stenger, from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, who at 16 years old, has excelled in the sport of water skiing. Utilizing the beautiful Lake Heritage to practice her sport, the local community has rallied behind her to support her travels to high- level tournaments across North America. Recently, Solie came in first place in the U17 Girls Slalom at the Jr. Canadian Open and pulled in two other top-three finishes. She was one of only five Americans who won titles at the open and is on track to reach her goal of competing professionally one day. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I am proud to recognize the athletic ability of Miss Solie Stenger and look forward to her continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, more than 500,000 Pennsylvanians lack access to fast and reliable internet service at their homes, often adding a layer of difficulty to students who are trying to learn, to businesspeople who are trying to engage in commerce from their homes, or to patients who are trying to connect with their physicians for telehealth visits. As I travel throughout my district, I hear from farmers who struggle to implement precision farming due to a lack of GPS signal. When I visit schools, I hear from teachers about students who struggle to complete their homework simply because they lack access to high-speed internet in their homes. These problems are persistent, and each contributes to the larger issue: that rural communities are suffering from a lack of access to broadband internet. To ensure that our rural communities are not left behind, it is time for Congress to commit to building out rural broadband infrastructure as part of the agriculture and rural development appropriations. Ensuring high-speed internet connections, whether from fiber-optic cables, wireless towers, or satellite, will ensure that students are able to learn from home, that employees are able to work from home, and that patients are able to heal from home. We as a Congress must stand committed to rural broadband development. Protecting Our Farmland

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, right now, nearly 400,000 acres of American farmland are owned by Chinese investors. The increasing reach of the Chinese Communist Party is incredibly alarming, as this land is being purchased near sensitive military installations and other areas critical to our national security. It is imperative that the Biden administration gain a better understanding of these land purchases and develop programs to halt the purchase of agricultural land by those associated with China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. We must ensure that the USDA is able to improve tracking of foreign land ownership and help to ensure that our communities are protected and safe from the actions of the Chinese Communist Party. This is a national security issue, and it is time for Congress and the Biden administration to take swift and decisive action to protect our American farmland.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, he called on our Nation to care for those ``who shall have borne the battle.'' As we debate legislation this week to support our Nation's 16.5 million veterans, we must remember that charge that was given to us by President Lincoln to care for those who have given so much of themselves, of their time, in order to keep our Nation free and our Nation safe. It is essential that we honor our commitment to those men and women and fully fund veterans benefits and VA programs. We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to those who have worn a uniform in service of the United States. From inpatient hospitalizations to outpatient primary care and addiction services, our veterans hospitals provide the essential services that our veterans can rely on. While working as a doctor, I was proud to treat veterans at the James E. Van Zandt Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Blair County, Pennsylvania. These men and women have served in conflicts including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Having the opportunity to provide care to these veterans is one of the proudest moments of my medical career. Moving forward, we must ensure that our veterans hospitals are equipped with the latest tools, technologies, and treatments to ensure that our veterans are receiving the highest and utmost care. Unbearable Conditions for Farmers

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this summer, farmers across Pennsylvania will grow produce, milk dairy cows, till their fields, and tend to their orchards that help to feed our entire Nation. Recently, I spent time at Richards Farm in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, and met with the owner, Ryan Richards, to talk about the challenges that are faced by dairy producers who work to provide the nutritional products that Pennsylvanians and all Americans rely on. Sadly, the failed policies of the Biden administration have made conditions unbearable for family farmers. It is time to stop the handouts to liberal special interests and reinvest in the policies and programs that enable our American farmers to succeed. It is time to rescind the $1 billion allocated for Green New Deal programs in President Biden's so-called Inflation Reduction Act. It is time to put an end to runaway spending and finally support our great American farmers.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, justice that is not blind is not truly justice. Our courts, our law enforcement, and our laws have always strived to uphold that ideal. That is why it is so disturbing to see the whistleblower testimony that has been given this week. As we continue to investigate the business dealings of the Biden administration, his family, and associates, it continues to become clear that the President has pressured the agencies he is entrusted with overseeing into providing his family with special treatment and special favors to avoid the consequences of their unlawful acts. This isn't justice. It is time to put a stop to a two-tiered justice system that has flourished during Joe Biden's Presidency. We must stand for the rule of law and condemn anyone who deliberately uses their position as a public servant for personal gain.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, today President Biden's Department of Homeland Security announced that they did not know the location of nearly 40 percent of illegal immigrants who have entered our Nation. The failed catch-and-release policies that have been championed for the past 2 years have led to the chaos and the confusion that has made each and every State a border State. Since Joe Biden took office, there have been more than 5.5 million illegal crossings at our southern border, and now liberal-run cities are attempting to use our schools as shelters for illegal immigrants. These policies have only worsened the situation, and it is time for his administration to return to solutions that will address this crisis. It is time to reinstate title 42, it is time to stop using our schools to house illegal immigrants, and it is time to fully secure our border.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, since the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791, the right to free speech has been the cornerstone of American democracy. Sadly, we have seen deliberate and malicious attempts by President Biden and his administration to censor and silence this unalienable right. Under the guise of public health, the Biden administration has attempted to use the Oval Office as a bully pulpit to punish those who share beliefs that the President disagrees with and news that he doesn't like. The Federal Government should never punish Americans for using First Amendment rights, and the decision by a U.S. district judge to limit the Biden administration's contact with social media companies is a positive first step toward correcting these wrongs. My constituents who have been censored deserve accountability, and it is time for the Biden administration to fully admit to the actions that were taken to stifle free speech.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this weekend the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department celebrated 100 years of service in Blair County, Pennsylvania. We owe a debt of gratitude to the selfless volunteers who have dedicated their time and resources to protecting our community. Their willingness to leave home at the sound of a bell and rush toward those in need shows an incredible commitment to the residents of Blair County. For decades, the fire station has been more than a place to house trucks or to conduct training. It has been a place for the community to gather and to come together to celebrate special occasions. Under the leadership of Chief Mike Zeigler, the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department has strived to reach a standard of excellence. Further, the department has worked tirelessly to recruit multiple new members, training students who will continue to work and serve in Blair County. As these firefighters continue their education, it is essential that Congress provides our volunteer departments with the tools and the training that they so desperately need. On behalf of the entire 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the Newburg Volunteer Fire Department on reaching this milestone, and I thank them for their continued service.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, since the Wright Brothers first took flight in 1903, exploration, commerce, and transportation have relied on the ability to fly. For decades, regional airports have been the sole provider of flights in and out of rural communities, and it is crucial that we protect the Essential Air Service program for years to come. It is time to invest in our next generation of pilots, ensuring that students from across the country are properly trained and equipped to fly the passengers and the cargo that our economy needs. In the past 2\1/2\ years, we have seen the consequences of failed aviation policy from the Biden administration, leading to a record number of delays and cancellations for travelers across our country. These delays are the result of a Department of Transportation that has failed to put in place systems that support our airlines and our airports. The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act will provide the reforms necessary to support air travelers and ensure that the DOT addresses their fault in preventing on-time arrivals. This legislation is the next step in our commitment to creating an economy that is strong. It will enhance our infrastructure, uphold our safety standards, promote innovation, and support the 850 million passengers who fly each year. Newburg Volunteer Fire Department Celebrating 100 Years of Service

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, for the past 2 years, the American people have been led by a President that has failed to bring accountability to the executive branch. This weekend, the House Energy and Commerce Committee uncovered the embarrassing and disastrous fact that HHS Secretary Becerra failed to lawfully reappoint key NIH officials before their terms expired. This failure to reappoint the above NIH directors jeopardizes the legal validity of more than $25 billion in Federal biomedical research grants made in 2022 alone. This is yet another example of the Biden administration's reckless decisionmaking. Our Republican Commitment to America means creating a government that is accountable. Since January, House Republicans have fought to expose the wrongdoing by President Biden and those that he appointed. It is time to put a stop to the reckless actions that the Biden administration continues to pursue that has led to 74 percent of Americans believing that our Nation is on the wrong track. Madam Speaker, it is time to demand accountability from the President. It is time, once again, to have a Federal Government that is worthy, worthy of the American people. Celebrating 285 Years of Worship at Presbyterian Church of Upper West Conococheague

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, this year marks 285 years of worship at the Presbyterian Church of Upper West Conococheague, located in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1738, the Presbyterian Church has been in its current location since 1794, during President George Washington's second term as President. Since that time, the church has grown into a pillar and a major part of the community that it serves, working tirelessly among so many local charities and missions. These works include Bountiful Blessings, Operation Christmas Child, and the Giving Tree, a program the Presbyterian Church launched in order to ensure that every school student in local schools has the clothing and the resources that they need to be fulfilled and successful in their education. This great Nation was born on the fundamental belief that no government and no king can tell us what to believe or how to worship. For the past 285 years, Presbyterian Church of Upper West Conococheague has stood as a testament to that principle. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate them on reaching such a significant milestone and wish Presbyterian Church and their congregation every continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, we gather today to remember the life of a Pennsylvania State Trooper, Jacques Rougeau who was killed in the line of duty on June 17 while serving at the Juniata County Barracks in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Trooper Rougeau leaves behind a loving wife, Chloe, and all of our hearts go out to her, along with the rest of his family, his friends, and the entire Pennsylvania State Troopers. At this time, I ask that we also recognize Lieutenant Jim Wagner who was injured in the line of duty on that same terrible day and remains hospitalized. Please join me in a moment of silence to honor the life of State Trooper Jacques Rougeau and in prayer for the full recovery of Lieutenant Jim Wagner.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the failed policies that President Biden chose to enact have created a national security, public health, and humanitarian crisis on our southern border. In the 1 month since title 42 has expired, we have seen the impacts of President Biden's reckless policy decisions in action. In April of this year, more than 70,000 illegal immigrants were turned away under title 42. Now, without the protections of title 42 in place, the influx of illegal immigrants and the drugs smuggled by the cartels have overwhelmed resources at Federal, State, and local levels. Under President Biden's watch in the past 2 years, we have seen the number of attempted entries by those on the terrorist watch list skyrocket to over 100 a year. With 1.5 million known got-aways reported by the Border Patrol, that number might even be higher. We have seen an increase in overdose deaths from the deadly fentanyl analogues smuggled across our borders. We have seen reports of public schools being used as holding facilities for migrants instead of being used for American students already suffering from historic learning loss. This follows President Biden's prolonged school shutdowns. All of this amounts to a pattern of failure brought on by the Biden administration's refusal to confront the crisis at our border head-on. It is time to finish the construction of the border wall. It is time to reinstate the remain in Mexico policies that protect American citizens. It is time for President Biden to finally address the crisis that his administration has created with its open border policies. That time is today.