John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Monsignor Raymond Balta who passed away this weekend at the age of 80. For the past 28 years, Monsignor Balta has served as the pastor of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Johnstown where he led services, he prayed with his congregation, and he comforted those who were sick. During his time at St. Mary's, Monsignor Balta helped to grow and refurbish the parish, ensuring that congregants would be able to continue worshipping there for decades to come. At his retirement this past summer, Monsignor Balta was asked about his activities outside of his religious duties. In response, he said that the church does not exist in a vacuum and that the church is an integral part of the community. This afternoon, please join me and all those in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District in praying for the members of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Johnstown as they mourn the loss of their beloved Monsignor Raymond Balta. Greater Transparency from Federal Agencies

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, as Americans celebrated Small Business Saturday by shopping small and working to support local businesses, those same businesses continued to struggle under oppressive Federal regulations. Under President Biden, burdensome rules have dramatically hurt small businesses that are forced to spend more time and money to meet Federal requirements. This week, the House will vote on the Prove It Act, which would require greater transparency from agencies on regulatory decisions that affect small businesses and ensure that small businesses can petition the SBA to review the economic impact of new rules and regulations. More than 61 million Americans are employed by small businesses, and any regulation that unfairly targets them is a danger to their families and the communities that rely on them every day. It is time to pass this legislation and stand up to the Biden administration's failed policies that have hurt our local economies over the past 4 years. Congratulating Geistown's Chief of Police Edward Porada

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Geistown, Pennsylvania's new Chief of Police Edward Porada. Chief Porada brings 27 years of experience to the borough where he will continue his career in law enforcement. As a former canine officer, a former deputy sheriff, and a firefighter, Chief Porada has a deep understanding of public service, and the chief knows what it takes to serve and protect the people of Geistown. His background in criminal investigations and public safety make him the ideal leader in this role. I look forward to working with him to serve the people of Cambria County, addressing public safety and the issues that matter most to that wonderful community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, over the past several years, there has been a sharp increase in hostile and adversarial nations kidnapping American citizens and holding them for ransom. While these Americans are being held hostage, the last thing that they and their families need is more bureaucratic red tape here at home. The fact that the IRS has been charging these hostages with late fees and penalizing them for failing to file their tax returns is yet another sign of the agency's failure to serve the American people. It is time for the House to pass the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, which will address this issue and support these Americans during one of the most challenging times in their lives. An equally important component of this bill is that it would revoke the tax-exempt status of organizations that support terrorist groups like Hamas. No organization that supports terrorist groups should have tax shelters here in the United States. It is time to stand with our allies and Americans. We need to pass this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act. Celebrating President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 161 years ago today, President Abraham Lincoln stood before a group of soldiers, citizens, and elected officials to deliver the Gettysburg Address. His words offered a chance to reflect on the terrible cost that this battle had brought to Gettysburg, to the soldiers who had fought there, and to our Nation that was strained by years of a devastating Civil War. Here in Congress, I have the honor to represent Gettysburg and the Gettysburg National Military Park. Today, the park does incredible work to tell the story of Gettysburg and to preserve the memory of all those who fought during this historic battle. Please join me in remembering the words of President Lincoln: ``That this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the Earth.''

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, over the past 3 years, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has withheld critical information and worked to conceal the truth about the decisions that were made in the weeks and months leading up to the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. The American people deserve to know the details about the failed strategy that allowed the Taliban to topple the Afghan Government. These failures have created a crisis that once again is providing a safe haven for terrorists in Afghanistan, giving space to al-Qaida and ISIS-K so that they can train, equip, and arm themselves to attack Americans and our allies. It is time to hold Secretary Blinken accountable for this coverup and for the State Department to fully comply with the congressional investigation into the withdrawal that has put Americans into danger and the failures that resulted in the deaths of 13 courageous American servicemembers at Abbey Gate. Brendan Carr to be Named FCC Chair

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last night, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Commissioner Brendan Carr would be named as the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Over the past several years, I have been proud to work with Commissioner Carr to help deliver reliable high-speed internet to the communities across south central and southwestern Pennsylvania. Together, we have sat down with teachers, doctors, and businessowners in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District and heard firsthand about the hardships that occur with the lack of access to internet connectivity. We spoke to a teacher who could tell which students had internet access by how well they had prepared their homework assignments. We spoke with a doctor about how spotty connections made it impossible to conduct telehealth visits for patients who cannot leave their homes. We spoke with businessowners who were struggling to reach new customers and work with vendors because of slow connection speeds. Commissioner Carr will help lead the way on internet connectivity, and I look forward to working together to ensure that everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District can have access to affordable and reliable internet throughout the district. Unleashing American Energy

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, under President Donald J. Trump, we used the energy that is underneath the feet of my constituents in Pennsylvania. President Trump lowered gas and electricity prices and expanded our national security through energy dominance. In sharp contrast to that, on his first day in office, President Biden sent a clear message to Americans when he canceled the Keystone XL pipeline and halted new permits for oil and natural gas development. With President Trump set to return to the Oval Office, we have a chance to unleash American energy by reissuing these permits and encouraging the development of new technologies that harness the oil and natural gas that we can produce right here in the United States. I look forward to working with President Trump's nominee, Chris Wright, once he is confirmed as our next Secretary of Energy, to utilize Pennsylvania's energy resources to power our Nation and to provide to our allies throughout the world.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Judge Fred Miller, a beloved Blair County, Pennsylvania, judge, a dedicated public servant, and an incredible supporter of the community, who unfortunately passed away just this week. Throughout his distinguished career, Judge Miller personified compassion, honesty, fairness, and integrity from the bench. During his more than two decades of service, Judge Miller applied the law fairly and impartially. In addition to his professional expertise and achievements, Judge Miller will be remembered for his personal warmth, his sense of humor, and his remarkable ability to foster lifelong friendships. As we remember Judge Miller, we also keep his loved ones in our prayers, including his wife, Tracy; his son, Grant; his parents, Dr. William and Melissa Miller; as well as his siblings, Norman and Veronica. Today, please join me and all Members of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District in remembering the remarkable life of Judge Fred Miller.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as a child growing up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, I recall the bread man, Schmidy, who made twice- a-week visits to our home. During my training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, there were very few people who were awake as I walked to the hospital early in the morning. One exception was the bread truck. For generations, American bakers have risen early, rolled up their sleeves, and literally rolled out the dough. I proudly represent Martin's Potato Rolls in central Pennsylvania in Franklin County carrying on that tradition of bakers. Today, I am proud to introduce a resolution that would recognize the thousands of bakers across our country who knead and create the foods that so many Americans need to feed their families by making November National Bread Month. In addition to introducing this legislation, I am proud to be launching the Congressional Baking Caucus, a group of lawmakers who are committed to addressing the critical issues facing our baking industry. Together, with Congressman Don Davis of North Carolina, we will focus on growing the industry's workforce and ensuring that bakers can thrive in the years ahead. Across our country, these men and women are working tirelessly to support communities, and the Congressional Baking Caucus will work to ensure that families have the food that nourishes them each and every day.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, throughout American history, leaders of various faiths have impactfully tended the needs of believers while simultaneously participating in political movements relating to significant issues, such as equality, the right to vote, and the sanctity of human life. The roles of leader and political organizer never have been mutually exclusive. I was reminded of this duality in roles, by choice of the individual, during a recent conversation with a constituent. In short, the constituent informed me that the onstage appearance of current and former Penn State wrestlers at President Trump's rally at Penn State was drawing unneeded criticism. Just as religious leaders can be both devoted advocates of their ministry and passionate champions of their causes, the Penn State wrestlers are most certainly entitled by our Constitution to be both representatives of their athletic program and citizens who are actively engaged in the electoral process. The Nittany Lion wrestling program is renowned, not only for producing national championship teams, but for developing wrestlers who have dominated their sport on the collegiate level and then represented our country in international competitions as recently as the Olympic Games in Paris this past summer. Our Nation prides itself on the inclusive nature of our political process. It is wrong to advocate for engaged citizenry on one hand while selectively choosing citizens who can participate and who cannot on the other hand. According to recent reports, voter turnouts among people ages 18-29 was a mere 42 percent overall in the most recent Presidential election. That figure, that 42 percent, is at least 10 percent lower than the turnout of the same group 4 years prior in the 2020 Presidential election. Mindful of that decline, the Penn State wrestlers, particularly those who are still pursuing their degrees, should be applauded for embracing one of our most cherished freedoms: the right to vote. Competing as a wrestler does not preclude an individual from expressing political viewpoints, despite criticism that might or might not be of a partisan nature. As a proud Penn State alumnus, I witnessed firsthand the wrestlers exercising their First Amendment right to free speech and encouraging all Americans to cast their ballot. Our great Nation needs the wisdom, enthusiasm, and talents of people across generations to overcome the challenges that were the focus of our most recent election. It is fair to say that the generation with the most at stake is the youngest generation. It is their leadership that should be encouraged. It is their perspective that must be considered. It is their voice that must be heard. For the benefit and for the enrichment of all Americans, I congratulate these young wrestlers for exercising their constitutional rights, and I personally thank them for their commitment to engaging in our political process. The American People Have Spoken

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for the past 4 years, the Biden-Harris administration has failed the American people. Under President Biden's watch, our adversaries have been emboldened, inflation has skyrocketed, and our borders have been left unsecure. With these crises, we have seen Americans be put in danger. We recognize that the Biden-Harris administration had no answers. They had no solutions on how to keep us safe, and now the American people have spoken. When voters were asked if they were better off now compared to 4 years ago, they resoundingly said no. That is why in January, President Donald J. Trump will return to the Oval Office. Under President Trump's leadership, we will, once again, lower energy prices by utilizing the energy sources that are under the feet of my constituents in Pennsylvania. Under President Trump's leadership, we will secure our southern border and put a stop to the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl that have taken far too many American lives. Under President Donald J. Trump, our Nation will, once again, return to a policy of peace through strength that has helped to keep our Nation safe and the American people free.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Food Service Employee Day. The food service workers at hospitals and care facilities across Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District work each and every day to ensure that patients are fed the healthy and nutritious meals that they need. Last month, I had the honor to meet the food service staff at the Conemaugh Miners Medical Center in Cambria County. Each and every one of them showed their firm commitment to the patients at the hospital, and it is unparalleled. Far too often, their work goes unrecognized. Today, please join me in recognizing these men and women for their work and for their compassion for the sick and the injured as they heal. Their outstanding public service should not go unnoted.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, for the past 4 years, American communities have been forced to live with failed, soft-on- crime policies that have sought to free violent criminals and defund our law enforcement. In California, a recent study showed that 70 percent of individuals who received zero-dollar bail were subsequently rearrested. A study focused on Chicago identified that 50 percent of offenders who were released committed another violent crime. Now isn't the time to put dangerous criminals back on the street. It is time to pass legislation that stops violent criminals and instead backs the men and women in blue. We rely on our police officers to keep us safe, and we cannot allow far-left policies from prosecutors continue to allow criminals to go free. It is time to pass the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act and help to put a stop to the unaccountable bail systems that have allowed these violent criminals to roam the streets of America. Peace Through Strength

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, since President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris first took office, they have allowed the Chinese Communist Party to continue their unlawful abuses of human rights and international standards. These failures jeopardize our security and put every American at risk. When a Chinese spy balloon floated across the American heartland, taking photos of our military installations, our critical infrastructure, and our farmland, President Biden and Vice President Harris did nothing. It is time to take direct action and enforce strict sanctions on the members of the CCP that have taken these aggressive actions against America and against our allies. It was President Ronald Reagan who said that ``weakness only invites aggression,'' and the Chinese Communist Party accepted that invitation. It is clear from the past 4 years that the Biden-Harris administration has failed in its duty to stop the aggression of the Chinese Communist Party. It is time for a President who believes in peace through strength. It is time to stand up against the Chinese Communist Party and protect American security, both here at home and abroad.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, after months of falsely claiming that the Biden-Harris administration was not pursuing a ban on gas-powered vehicles, the EPA has reversed their position by finalized policies that would create a de facto ban over the course of the next 10 years. The light- and medium-duty tailpipe rule would require 68 percent of all sales of new passenger vehicles to be electric or plug-in electric hybrid by 2032. The fact is simple. Electric vehicles cannot meet the demands of my constituents in Pennsylvania. The mountains in Pennsylvania, along with the harsh winters and the hot summers, make driving an electric vehicle both unreliable and unrealistic for my constituents. Simply said, they do not want to be forced into choosing what type of vehicle they can drive. At a time when inflation has skyrocketed over 20 percent and the average electric vehicle costs more than $55,000, forcing Americans to purchase these vehicles is a disaster for working families. The Biden-Harris EPA cannot force the American people to purchase cars that they don't want and cars that they can't afford. I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution and stand up to the EPA bureaucracy that continues to harass working American families.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, since taking office, President Biden and Vice President Harris have thrown open our doors to more than 10 million illegal immigrants, more than 99.7 percent of whom are still in the United States today. This mass illegal immigration poses a national security risk, with Border Patrol agents lacking the tools and resources needed to stop, apprehend, and deport illegal immigrants. With cities now strained by illegal immigrants taking up shelter in school gyms and utilizing resources already stressed by record inflation, American communities are now forced to confront this crisis created by an open-border policy. In New York City alone, free hotels, free healthcare, and debit cards have attracted more than 100,000 migrants since the spring of 2022, and more than 65,000 of them remain in New York City today. It is time for the House to pass the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act, which would prohibit our tax dollars from being used by sanctuary cities to benefit these illegal immigrants. We need to return to the secure-border policies that we had under President Donald J. Trump. It is time to secure our borders, and it is time to disincentivize the policies that made each and every State a border State. Streamline Enrolling in Out-of-State Medicaid Programs

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, later today, the House will consider the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act. This important legislation will streamline the process for doctors to enroll in out- of-State Medicaid programs in order to provide much-needed care for children. Last year, I met with two of my constituents from Perry County, Derek and Amy Nesbit, who shared with me the story of their son, William, and William's battle with leukemia. Throughout William's treatment, the Nesbit family was met with red tape and bureaucracy that led to difficulties in receiving the treatment that William so desperately needed and the treatment that William deserved. Tragically, William lost his battle with leukemia, and since then, the Nesbits have dedicated their time and resources to advocating for a better system for the children and families who are affected with diseases. Children enrolled in Medicaid deserve access to the best possible care, and we have a responsibility to remove obstacles that exist because of where a patient lives. Today, I am proud to support this important bill, the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, which will remove these barriers and enable access to timely and quality care for all of our kids.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as Congress returns to Washington to address the Biden-Harris administration's reckless spending, the American people are continuing to face consequences of runaway inflation. According to a recent Census Bureau survey, more than 35 percent of Pennsylvanians struggle to afford basic goods, gasoline, and groceries. With prices rising by more than 20 percent since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, it is the American people who have been left to pay the bill for the administration's failed spending policies. Instead of working to lower prices and supporting American families, Vice President Harris championed reckless policies, including subsidies for purchasing electric vehicles and a student loan bailout paid for by hardworking American citizens. America cannot afford another 4 years of far-left spending. It is time to put a stop to reckless spending that has brought on this inflation and once again return to the fiscal restraint and the strong economic policies put in place by President Donald J. Trump. Food Security is National Security

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, from the dairy farms, cornfields, and orchards of Pennsylvania to the cattle ranches of the Midwest, American farmers produce the meat, the dairy, and the vegetables that feed American families. However, that food supply has been put in danger as the Chinese Communist Party affiliates have begun to purchase our farmland, creating a dangerous American security risk. By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS, we can create the oversight that is needed to prevent our farmland from being purchased by the Chinese Communist Party. It is time to pass the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act to ensure that the CCP is not continuing to make purchases in the production, development, transportation, or storage of our food supply. Food security is national security. Shielding these assets from outside interference will help to ensure that American interests are the top priority for the farming industry. Let's make sure that our fields are cared for by American farmers and American growers and that our food security is preserved.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. On July 13, the Secret Service failed in its mission to protect President Donald J. Trump. By failing to properly secure the perimeter, by failing to adequately communicate about a security threat, a known security threat, and by failing to keep President Trump from being struck by a shot fired by a would-be assassin, the Secret Service failed the American people. While the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is a necessary first step, it does not absolve the agency of its responsibility for what occurred. To address this critical flaw, Congress must investigate the circumstances that led up to this incident, including the decisions that were made and including the decisions that should have been made to prevent this tragedy. Among those who were struck by gunfire was Fire Chief Corey Comperatore, who was killed while shielding his wife and daughter. There needs to be accountability for what happened on that Saturday afternoon in Butler County, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 1367, Establishing the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, for the past 3\1/2\ years, the Biden-Harris administration has brought nothing but failure and crisis into communities and homes across America. Beginning with the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan to runaway inflation at the gas pump and grocery store, we have seen nothing but catastrophe from an administration that has been unable and unwilling to meet the needs of the American people. Since President Biden took office and Vice President Harris was named the border czar, nearly 10 million illegal immigrants have been encountered at our southern border and points of entry. This failure to keep our border secure is proof that this administration is more focused on allowing mass, illegal immigration than it is on protecting the safety and the security of the American citizens. It is time to return to the remain in Mexico policy that we had under President Donald J. Trump. It is time for a President who will put a stop to the illegal fentanyl that continues to pour across our southern border and poison and kill our neighbors, friends, and children. It is time for a leader who will keep America safe. Bedford County Fair

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week the Bedford County Fair is celebrating its 150th anniversary. For generations of families in central Pennsylvania, this fair has been an incredible opportunity to come together and celebrate the farmers, the growers, and the workers who do so much to support agriculture not just in south central Pennsylvania, but throughout Pennsylvania and throughout America. During this week, there will be 4-H auctions, tractor pulls, bull riding, and agriculture showcases that all highlight the work that is being done in agriculture in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Yesterday, I had the chance to visit the fair and meet with the farmers who are suffering from the inflation and the government red tape created by the Biden-Harris administration that has made it so difficult for our farmers to maintain the productivity that they expect and that America deserves. It is time for Congress to take a stand and pass legislation that supports our agriculture sector. That is why I am proud to sponsor the Dairy Pride Act, which would stop nondairy products from appearing in the dairy aisle and the dairy produce sections. As the Bedford County Fair marks this 150th anniversary, let's make a commitment to standing with the American farmers who help to provide the nutritious, wholesome food that Americans so desperately need and that Americans want.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for holding this Special Order. Tonight, we are here to mourn the passing of Corey Comperatore. As a firefighter, as a veteran of the U.S. Army reserves, Corey lived his life in service of those that he loved--his family, his friends, his community, and of course his country. Through his years of service with the Buffalo Township Fire Department, Chief Comperatore was familiar with danger, and he did not hesitate to take action when he began to hear the sounds of bullets that Saturday afternoon, immediately shielding his wife and his daughter from the incoming fire. He gave his life shielding his family from the danger that was present around him. The violence that Corey faced in his final moments was horrific. We have all made clear that horrific violence has no place in American political lives. In the week since his death, his neighbors have continued to come forward, sharing incredible stories of a man who was compassionate, kind, and caring. Together, as a body, we mourn his death, and we pray for those he loved and those he has left behind. Tonight, with my Pennsylvania colleagues, we join together in praying for the family of Corey Comperatore. May he rest in peace and may he rise in glory in his Savior, Jesus Christ. Again, I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for leading this Special Order.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in the 3\1/2\ years since President Biden first took office, our country has seen inflation grow by over 20 percent. By failing to control runaway prices that have seen the cost of gasoline spike by 50 percent and the cost of groceries rise by over 20 percent, President Biden has failed the American people. Instead of addressing the fact that the average family is now paying an additional $1,000 a month to afford the basics, President Biden has canceled student loan debt, increased government spending, and mandated Green New Deal initiatives that only drive costs higher and higher. This inflation is simply a tax on every American. As a result, real wages have fallen by nearly 4 percent since 2021. Throughout his Presidency, while Americans have been forced to use their savings just to make ends meet, President Biden has been asleep at the wheel. The American people deserve a President who will once again put their needs first. It is time to rein in the wasteful spending of the Biden administration and return to the fiscal restraint that we saw under President Trump. Enhance Our Election Security