John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a dedicated public servant, Cheryl Johns, who is retiring as the executive director of the Altoona Housing Authority with over 26 years of service. Cheryl is admired and respected for her commitment to maintaining the highest standard of administrative excellence. She has been a trusted and dependable public servant. She works for families and individuals who seek affordable and reliable housing in the city of Altoona. As a housing administrator for the last 33 years, Cheryl has created a legacy of service based on the belief that a healthy and productive society is founded on safe and stable housing. On behalf of the constituents throughout Altoona and the entire 13th Congressional District, I personally thank Cheryl Johns for her commitment to her profession and extend best wishes for a wonderful retirement. Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sam Worley as the recipient of the Franklin County Conservation District's Lifetime Achievement Award. Sam, who will be celebrating his 105th birthday on June 13, is a proud U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Notably, he has lived a life in distinguished service to his community and to his country. The award presented to Sam by the Franklin County Conservation District pays tribute to his decades of leadership and enduring impact on the conservation of natural resources in Franklin County. Sam accepted the appointment as the director with the Franklin County Conservation District in 1992. Now, more than three decades later, Sam continues to serve the district in his role as associate director. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sam on this prestigious award. He truly embodies what it means to a member of the Greatest Generation. Recognizing Cheryl Johns

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with gratitude and respect that I rise to recognize Jenny Mearkle, a valued colleague and friend, who will be retiring at the end of June after more than 21 years of service to constituents throughout Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Jenny's work in constituent services has been characterized by efficiency and empathy. The foundation of Jenny's success as manager of the Altoona district office is her heartfelt desire to help people. When it comes to resolving an issue for a constituent, Jenny is never confined by space or by the time that is needed. Wherever she might be--during or outside the boundaries of a traditional workday--Jenny makes every effort to respond to constituent casework inquiries, not only because it is the professional thing to do, but because Jenny genuinely cares. As a builder of relationships throughout the 13th Congressional District, Jenny has achieved unparalleled success while earning the admiration of her constituents. I thank Jenny Mearkle. I thank her for her distinguished legacy of dedicated service to the constituents of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, and I wish her much happiness in all the years to come. Recognizing Sam Worley

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedicated public service of Joe Diamond of Bellwood, Pennsylvania. Joe has provided outstanding leadership as the Region 4 director at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for 32 years. Region 4's service area spans across a large portion of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Joe, described as an expert in agriculture and farming, is the second-longest tenured staff member in the entire Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Raised on his family's dairy farm, Joe is fulfilling a lifelong passion with his career in agriculture. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all the constituents in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I personally thank Joe Diamond for his distinguished legacy of advocacy on behalf of farmers and his significant impact on agriculture throughout the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Jaffa Shriners of Blair County on the Jaffa Shrine being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Jaffa Shrine has been a venerable resource for the greater Altoona community since it opened in 1930. A cultural landmark on Broad Avenue, the Jaffa Shrine has brought people of all backgrounds together for multiple special events. The selection of the Jaffa Shrine for the National Register of Historic Places is a testament to the National Park Service's vital mission to identify America's historic landmarks. With a distinguished legacy of community enrichment and historic importance, the Jaffa Shrine has merited this profound recognition. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all Jaffa Shriners for this designation. Recognizing Joe Diamond

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Richland School District on its selection as a Great Pennsylvania School. Presented by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the designation recognizes school districts across Pennsylvania for academic excellence. As Superintendent Arnold Nadonley stated, this recognition speaks volumes about the entire school district. Mr. Speaker, I join with constituents throughout Cambria County in congratulating the Richland School District, Superintendent Nadonley, and the school board of directors on this incredible designation as one of the great Pennsylvania schools. Congratulating Jaffa Shriners of Blair County

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 82nd anniversary of D-day and the Battle of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 Allied troops, nearly half of them Americans, stormed the beaches of Normandy in one of the most consequential military operations that has ever been undertaken. Their actions not only changed the course of World War II but also left an enduring legacy of courage that continues to this day to inspire. Recently, I had the honor of visiting the Normandy American Cemetery, where I visited the grave of Harry Snyder of Pennsylvania. Harry gave his life for our Nation. During my visit, I had the privilege of reading a letter written posthumously by Anne Snyder, Harry's daughter. In the letter she wrote: ``Dad, although your legacy is occasionally dimmed, it always emerges triumphant in the hearts and minds of the young and not so young. Rest well until the day that we meet again.'' Standing among the graves of those who gave their lives for freedom serves as a powerful reminder of the immense cost of liberty and our enduring obligation to preserve that liberty. Mr. Speaker, may we never forget their heroic actions. May we never forget their service. May we never forget the profound debt of gratitude that we owe each and every one of them. Honoring Richland School District

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and public service of Joe Metzgar, who recently passed away in Altoona, Pennsylvania. For over 20 years, Joe served as Logan Township supervisor. Many have noted that Joe could put a smile on your face even during intense discussions at meetings. A proud United States Air Force veteran, Joe has been described as an honest and fair supervisor who took a commonsense approach to all issues. In addition, Joe was a field auditor for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. Mr. Speaker, as we pause to remember Joe's legacy of service, we also keep his entire family in our prayers. Join me in honoring the life of Joe Metzgar, a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, who always had the best interests of Logan Township in his heart.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brechbill & Helman Construction Company of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, for 60 years of success as an industry leader. Founded in 1966 by Darrell Brechbill and John Helman, the company originated with three employees but possessed a vision that transformed them into a thriving construction business. Over the past six decades, the company has expanded its expertise across a wide range of projects. Brechbill & Helman have created a legacy of spaces that are created to strengthen the community and support businesses. Join me in congratulating company founders Darrell Brechbill and John Helman, Barb Runyon, and Matt Dice on this milestone anniversary. Honoring the Life and Public Service of Joseph Metzgar

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Blair County Conservation District for 60 years of service as an advocate for natural resources and the county's agricultural community. Established in 1966, the Conservation District focuses on the protection and the preservation of Blair County's natural resources. With pride, I join in a yearlong commemoration of the Conservation District's milestone anniversary. For six decades, the district has played an essential role in supporting our communities through conservation programs that help to preserve Blair County's rich natural heritage for future generations. Mr. Speaker, I express gratitude to Conservation District Manager Donna Fisher, her board of directors, and the professional staff for expanding upon their distinguished legacy. Recognizing Brechbill & Helman Construction Company

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Jim Meek for 50 years of dedicated service as a volunteer with the Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue Company in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania. Over the years, Chief Meek has served the fire department in multiple active service and administrative roles, including fire chief for 25 years. Chief Meek has been praised as a significant role model and mentor for the department's first responders. His 50-year commitment to public safety and the protection of property is an inspiration to constituents throughout the 13th Congressional District. For his bravery and selfless service, I express gratitude to Chief Meek for his enduring commitment to protecting communities, and I extend my best wishes to him in all future endeavors. Recognizing Blair County Conservation District

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor renowned nutrition expert Geeta Sikand for her enduring professional commitment to improve public health in our Nation through an emphasis on nutrition as a preventative measure to combat rising chronic illnesses. An Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the University of California, Irvine, Geeta is a leading voice in advancing clinical nutrition strategies to prevent and manage dyslipidemia and cardiometabolic diseases, particularly in high-risk populations. Geeta's work has been widely recognized for demonstrating the economic and clinical value of medical nutrition therapy in patient care. She is currently involved in advocacy efforts supporting the Expanded Medical Nutrition Therapy Act, legislation that seeks to expand Medicare coverage for nutrition therapy. Beyond research and policy work, Geeta has focused on educating health care providers and the public about how nutrition counseling can improve health outcomes. Recently, Geeta was named one of the Nation's leading dieticians by the magazine Today's Dietician. The honor highlights professionals who are shaping the future of nutrition science and patient care through research, advocacy, and clinical practice. On behalf of constituents throughout Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I wish to thank Geeta Sikand and medical professionals like her who strive to reshape how we approach and view personal health care in America through our food consumption. I also applaud Geeta for her inspiring and enthusiastic approach to this very important issue.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate National Police Week. As we honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of our Nation's law enforcement officers, we pay special tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their selfless service and devotion to protecting our communities will never be forgotten. As a Representative from Pennsylvania, I am especially honored to recognize the 19 fallen officers from our Commonwealth whose names were added this year to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall. Their commitment to serve and protect stood above all personal interest, reflecting the very best of our Nation. In my district, we are fortunate to be served by exceptional law enforcement professionals. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Blair County Sheriff Jim Ott, whose leadership in coordinating Pennsylvania's annual law enforcement memorial service in Hollidaysburg demonstrates the deep respect owed to those who have fallen in the line of duty. His example reminds us that honoring these heroes is not simply a responsibility--it is a solemn privilege. I offer my enduring gratitude and appreciation--this week and every week--for every man and woman who wears the badge.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor retiring WellSpan Health President and CEO Roxanna Gapstur for her distinguished legacy of career achievement in the healthcare industry. Roxanna was appointed to her executive leadership role at WellSpan in 2019. During her tenure, WellSpan has grown from a $2.5 billion to a $4.7 billion system, expanded from eight to 12 hospitals, and extended its reach from five to 12 counties. WellSpan's Medical Group has grown from 1,500 to more than 2,700 providers, and the system's patient base has expanded from approximately 630,000 to more than one million, reflecting increased access and community trust. Also under Roxanna's direction, the health system has emerged as a leader in clinical artificial intelligence, supporting more than three million patient conversations to enhance access, experience, and care delivery. Roxanna's leadership philosophy is service-oriented. Notably, she said, ``The work we do at WellSpan has always been about people-- our patients, our team members and the communities who trust us with their care.'' I congratulate Roxanna Gapstur on successfully instituting her vision of a human-centered approach to leadership in an increasingly complex healthcare environment and extend best wishes for limitless joy and contentment in all future endeavors.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mary Anne Mullany of Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, who passed away recently at the age of 94. A graduate of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Neumann University before beginning her more than 40-year career as a Registered Nurse, including 20 years in the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout her time at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Mary worked to care for the most vulnerable. She spent long nights on her feet monitoring vital signs, carrying out life- saving procedures, holding children during their first and most fragile days, and comforting families as they navigated the challenges of caring for a child born prematurely. Mary cherished her six children, eight grandchildren, and two great- grandchildren, and dedicated her life to caring for others. She was a lifelong learner. Her passion for history and travel took her from Israel and Spain to the National Parks of the American West, always by the side of those she loved. She enjoyed attending the Opera, going to Phillies games, and solving New York Times crossword puzzles while sitting in her garden alongside her daughter, Mary. Today, please join me in remembering Mary Anne Mullany--a nurse, a mother, and a friend to all she knew.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, with pride and admiration, I rise to congratulate Zach and Tesa Stinson of Chambersburg on their impressive performances in the 130th Boston Marathon. Zach dominated the handcycle division to win his fourth Boston Marathon title, and Tesa finished her first-ever Boston Marathon. Zach, a previous champion in 2021, 2023, and 2024, covered the 26.2- mile course in just over an hour. A United States Marine Corps veteran, Zach lost his legs after stepping on an IED while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. He began competing in marathons in 2012 and has made eight appearances in Boston. The day before the marathon, both Zach and Tesa threw out the ceremonial first pitches at Fenway Park. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate both Zach and Tesa for their achievements that reflect athletic ability, endurance, and personal strength. Honoring McCartney's of Altoona

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor McCartney's of Altoona as they commemorate two milestones of success--100 years of family ownership in 2026 and 140 years of operation in 2027. McCartney's was founded in 1887 by Thomas McCartney. In 1926, the business was purchased by John Tracey. Today, McCartney's is owned by Randy Green, who is John Tracey's great-grandson. As workplaces adapted to changing needs over the years, the product lines at McCartney's have also expanded. Defined by a commitment to personal service, McCartney's has cultivated a loyal customer base throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Randy Green and his entire team at McCartney's on these milestones. I express my personal gratitude for his enduring contributions to economic development as a valued family- owned business. Supporting Dairy Products

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of a bipartisan bill that I reintroduced last week known as the DAIRY PRIDE Act. This legislation will restore honesty in how we label the foods that Americans rely on every day. As a doctor, I have seen firsthand how proper nutrition shapes long- term health. Dairy products provide essential nutrients that support strong bones, brain function, and muscle health. Today, consumers are increasingly faced with products labeled as milk, cheese, or yogurt that do not meet the same nutritional standards. This is not just a labeling issue. It is a public health issue. When families are misled at the grocery store, they cannot make fully informed decisions about their nutrition. The DAIRY PRIDE Act both supports our hardworking dairy farmers and protects the American consumer. Mr. Speaker, as this enters the legislative process, I urge all of my colleagues to support this commonsense reform. Improving Medicare Advantage

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act, a bipartisan, commonsense effort to strengthen a program that millions of seniors rely on. Medicare Advantage has grown rapidly, but with that growth, serious concerns have arisen. Across our country, seniors are facing unnecessary delays, burdensome prior authorization requirements, and inappropriate denials of care. These hurdles are harmful. They take away time from the doctor- patient relationship, and in some cases, they actually delay critical treatment. This legislation is about ensuring that when a doctor and patient determine that a patient needs a specific care, that care is delivered without interference from unnecessary red tape. Medicare is a promise to our seniors, and we, in Congress, have a responsibility to uphold that promise. This legislation would protect our seniors, strengthen accountability, and ensure that Medicare Advantage works in the way that it was intended.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor longtime Adams County, Pennsylvania, Volunteer First Responder Kevin Brehm. Kevin passed away while on duty as an emergency medical technician on April 9 of 2026. From his teenage years, Kevin devoted his life to public service. A lifelong resident of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, he was a life member of the Northeast Adams Fire & EMS, where he had served as a deputy chief and mentor to so many aspiring first responders. Throughout 42 years of being a first responder, Kevin amassed thousands of hours of training through his fire, rescue, and EMS disciplines. Most certainly, Kevin impacted the lives of countless individuals with his professional expertise and his kind and thoughtful nature. On behalf of the entire 13th Congressional District, I offer prayers and condolences to Kevin's family and to his fellow first responders throughout Adams and York Counties, Pennsylvania. Recognizing John Franco

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of my friend, Coach John Franco, an educator and a football coach, who positively impacted the lives of high school students at four schools over the last 39 years. A native of Blair County, Pennsylvania, John Franco recently announced his retirement from coaching. Most recently, he was head coach of the Tyrone Area High School football team. During his two stints at Tyrone, which spanned over 25 years, Coach Franco led the football team to a combined record of 230-71 and three-- yes, three--appearances in the State title game. His 1999 team won the PIAA Class 2A championship. With an overall career record of 291-154-2, Coach Franco ranks 25th in PIAA victories. Coach Franco has stated that the highlight of his entire career was coaching his two sons, Johnny and Steve. Both sons earned all-State recognition. Coach Franco was a standout football star in his own right at Bishop Guilfoyle High School where he later served on that coaching staff. On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I express my gratitude to Coach Franco for his commitment to the development of young people and offer best wishes for success in all of his future endeavors. Acknowledging Behavioral Health Pod at UPMC Altoona

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, with great pride, I rise today to acknowledge the successful and effective implementation of the behavioral health pod in the emergency department at UPMC Altoona. Supported in part with Federal funding that I was honored to facilitate, this innovative space provides patients seeking emergency treatment for behavioral health conditions with a dedicated, safe, and therapeutic environment separated from the traditional emergency department. As the first anniversary of the pod's opening at UPMC Altoona approaches, approximately 500 patients have already benefited from this novel treatment approach. Across Pennsylvania, fewer than five behavioral health pods are operational. Within the health pod, trained professionals focus on recovery- centered care support, offering individuals who need that mental health or substance use expertise in times of crisis. Clinicians have emphasized that this approach provides patients with a better experience in a private and less stimulating environment to begin their healing process. On behalf of all the constituents in the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate UPMC on this successful implementation. Recognizing National Library Week

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Library Week and the critical role that libraries play in communities across Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Libraries are so much more than just a place to borrow books. They offer lifelong opportunities in learning through reading. Through my work in Washington, I have had the privilege of bringing books from the Library of Congress to many libraries across Pennsylvania's 13th District. But many libraries are facing real challenges in simply keeping their lights on. That is exactly why I introduced the Community Passport Services Access Act. This legislation takes a practical, commonsense step to help libraries remain viable community hubs by allowing the libraries to continue offering passport services, bringing in needed revenue, expanding services for residents, and reinforcing their role as a one- stop resource for the public. This bill is about keeping library doors open.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama for yielding. I rise today in support of my legislation, the RED Tape Act. The RED Tape Act removes an unnecessary and duplicative environmental review that the EPA currently conducts under the Clean Air Act. As it stands, the relevant department or agency prepares an environmental impact statement as part of the permitting of a new Federal project, a process in which the EPA is often already involved. After completion of that review, EPA is then asked to go back and provide additional comments on those same findings; hence, the redundant and duplicative nature of the process. This secondary review of an already-completed environmental impact statement only serves to slow down the critical projects, especially projects in the energy industry. This bill is about getting projects permitted and getting projects completed, projects that will help us compete with our adversaries in industries like AI and advanced manufacturing. This bill is not, as has been alleged, an attempt to undermine environmental review. The environmental impact statement must still be completed by the primary agency. This is a process that agencies already have the necessary expertise and capacity to carry out efficiently. In many cases, EPA will still have the opportunity to comment during the initial process as a cooperating agency. As the name implies, the RED Tape Act simply removes bureaucratic, redundant red tape. Projects will still need to comply with all applicable environmental laws. This is in no way giving a pass to polluters. It is ensuring that economic growth is not stifled by overly burdensome Federal regulations. Understand what this legislation will do. This is a commonsense bill that leaves basic environmental protections in place while eliminating artificial barriers. I urge all of my colleagues to support its passage on the floor later this week.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join in the commemoration of the recent Blessing of the Fleet, which was conducted on April 11, 2026 at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. Passed down through generations of sailors, fishermen, merchant mariners, and navies around the world, the centuries-old Blessing of the Fleet ceremony is intended to safeguard crews and their ships. It is said to protect them from the danger of the seas through a traditional blessing given by a clergyman at the water's edge. As a tribute to our Nation's rich maritime heritage and the men and women who have contributed to its growth and success, the United States Navy Memorial hosts its annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony each spring. During the ceremony, sailors from the U.S. Navy's Ceremonial Guard proceed across the Granite Sea on Navy Memorial Plaza to pour water from the Seven Seas and Great Lakes into the surrounding fountains. This element of the ceremony charges the fountains with life, as they usher in the spring season. On behalf of constituents throughout the 13th Congressional District, I express gratitude to the men and women of the Seas Services--past and present--for their devotion to duty and defense of liberty. May their service be forever remembered.