John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Ron Anderson and congratulate him on his retirement as Cumberland County Sheriff. For 44 years, Sheriff Anderson dedicated his life to serving the people of Cumberland County. Sheriff Anderson began his career as a uniformed corrections officer in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1977, and went on to serve with both the Newville Police Department, and North Middleton Police Department, before becoming Cumberland Counties Deputy Sheriff and later Sheriff. Throughout his time as a police officer and sheriff, Ron Anderson remained a cornerstone of the Cumberland County community. Aside from his work in law enforcement he served as a criminal justice advisory board member to Cumberland--Perry Vocational Technical School; as a committee member for the Criminal Justice Subcommittee of the South-Central Task Force; and a representative to the Pennsylvania Association of Elected Officials for the Pennsylvania Sheriffs' Association. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Sheriff Anderson on a well-earned retirement, and express our gratitude for his four decades of public service. I thank Sheriff Ron Anderson for his tireless work to protect and serve our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for his leadership on this important issue. Right now, the clock is ticking. Do you hear it? Our communities are being destroyed by the illegal fentanyl that continues to pour across our southern border and, tragically, it pours into the hands of many unknowing Americans. In just 2 weeks from now, the emergency class-wide order that makes it illegal to possess this deadly drug will expire, and many forms of fentanyl will become legal on American streets. If this happens, police officers will be powerless to stop this drug from wreaking havoc on our communities. We know the consequences of leaving this drug. Sadly, fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death among 18- to 45-year-olds, the leading cause of death. Just a half a mile from where we stand here in the Capitol, the fentanyl crisis claimed three more lives last week. In my district alone in Pennsylvania, over 400 men, women, and children lost their lives to opioid overdoses. Being a part of a community means taking responsibility for one another. By not bringing this vote to the floor, liberals in this body are failing their responsibility to the American people. Our communities cannot wait any longer. Madam Speaker, now is the time to permanently ban this deadly drug. Now is the time to give law enforcement the tools that they need to keep our neighbors, our families, and our communities safer. Americans are counting on us. Can you hear the clock ticking? Now is the time to act. I thank the gentleman for leading this Special Order Hour this evening.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the crisis that is causing energy prices to skyrocket and hurting Pennsylvanians. This year it is estimated that Americans will pay 32 percent more to heat their homes than they did last year. This sudden spike in prices is the result of President Biden's war on affordable energy sources, sources like oil, natural gas, coal, and the Marcellus shale that is so readily available in Pennsylvania. Instead of promoting these affordable baseload power sources, the Biden administration has doubled down on their failed policies. So far, President Biden has canceled projects, including the Keystone XL pipeline. He has refused to sign new drilling leases that would ultimately lower the cost of energy for my constituents. President Biden and his far-left administration are fighting against American businesses and against American families. The dead of winter is not the time to implement the Green New Deal. The coldest months of the year are no time to raise heating costs. These reckless policies must end.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katy and Travis McCabe as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Small Businessperson of the Year Award. Despite the unprecedented challenges small business owners have endured, and in the face of adversity, Katy and Travis McCabe have responded in stride with positivity, and unwavering determination as they operate Greenbean Coffee house. On their first day of business in 2017, they served over 1,500 drinks, and that number only grows as they have expanded into new and exciting locations and a full-fledged catering service. I wish them well as they plan a new location that will open this year. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Travis and Katy for their tireless efforts.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nicole Zernick as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Judith A. Rossie Educator of the Year Award. Jodi Rossi was a beloved educator that is honored through an award that represents the importance of having a positive impact on students and our community's school systems. Nicole has served as a key between the business and educational communities in Blair County, and we are proud to applaud her. She has selflessly helped countless high school students take the steps to identify possible career paths through education and encouragement. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Nicole for their tireless efforts.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jamie Stumph as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Joseph P. Rosenhamer Chamber Spirit Award. This award was created to honor Joseph Rosenhamer, a longtime Chamber Member who served with the most ideal traits of a businessperson--with altruism, integrity, and selflessness. Mr. Rosenhamer's wisdom regarding the effectiveness of teamwork is recognized through the award's recipients, particularly through Jamie. Her dedication to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy has spanned over six years, and she has remained an active member of various other forums and councils. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Jamie for their tireless efforts.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dee Martin-Spallone as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious George Award. Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, alongside the Blair County Chamber, present this award to a community member whose tireless volunteer effort do not go unnoticed, despite their ceaseless humility and modesty. Dee Martin-Spallone has been selected for her embodiment of hard work and dedication without desire for acknowledgement. Dee founded the National Organization First Book in Blair County, as well as Angel Feet Ministry, to ensure that children in need have access to new socks, shoes, and books. Further, she personally creates and sells products to raise money for the Roaring Spring Community Library, and directly works with the Altoona Area School District to provide mentorship and guidance to our community's youth. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Miss Martin- Spallone for their tireless efforts.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sue Griep as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Leadership Blair County Fellow Award. This award was created in 1997 when the Leadership Blair County Steering Committee understood the need to recognize those who uphold their mission of leadership and stewardship towards the Blair County Community. While no small feat, Sue's efforts to benefit those around her have rippled through her neighbors, and her modesty only underlines the true selflessness of her dedication. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Sue for their tireless efforts.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Scott Brenneman as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Donna D. Gority Servant Leadership Award. This honor is awarded to those who embody servant leadership by making the conscious choice to serve first, and then lead, as a way of furthering their service. These qualities are admirable, and for such a reason, I am honored to recognize Mr. Brenneman as a pillar of our Blair County community. After twenty-one years of military service, Scott continued a path of selflessness and excellence, dedicating himself to involvement in Sweat for Vets, Operation Evergreen, and the Hollidaysburg Area School District Board. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their work to create an environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Scott for their tireless work.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Richard L. Lockard, Sr. of Altoona, Pennsylvania, who passed away on January 14, 2022, after eighty-six years of exceptional life. Dick was a 1953 graduate of Altoona Area High School, which he later revisited to spend over forty years serving as the longest tenured board member in Altoona Area School District's board. This is unsurprising, as his colleagues describe him as a man with incomparable drive and focus on creating opportunities for the community's youth- even after their graduations. Athletics were clearly a passion of Dick's. As chairman for the school district's athletic council, he encouraged the life lessons and character development that could be fostered from youth participation in sports. Equally as important, he encouraged friendship, and fun. Individuals of this caliber are few and far between. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, it is my privilege to celebrate the life of Richard L. Lockard, Sr. and honor his legacy. As we remember Richard for his many contributions to Blair County and its community, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Becky Stevens as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's ATHENA Award. This honor is awarded to individuals who continually strive for the epitome of professional development, and in turn, can excel in their career but also in our Blair County community. Becky embodies the power and wisdom of the Greek's mythological Athena through the educational workshops she holds for our community's women, and her incredible efforts as a Divorce Financial Analyst. It is not an understatement to say that Becky is a champion for our women. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their work to create an environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Becky for their tireless work.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rebecca Culp as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Young Professional of the Year Award. Rebecca has been awarded with this honor due to her investment into the Blair County community, and demonstrated a history of excellence, creativity, and initiative to emit a positive impact on her neighbors. As the administrative lead for Berry Solutions Group, she has used her management experience to co-chair the Young Professionals of Blair County. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Miss Culp for their tireless efforts.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congressman Bud Shuster, who represented the people of central Pennsylvania for over 30 years and wish him a happy 90th birthday. Throughout his career, Bud Shuster worked tirelessly to serve his constituents. As Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, he built broad coalitions of support that tackled some of our nation's greatest challenges and worked to improve virtually every aspect of the nation's infrastructure including our roads, bridges, airports, ports, and waterways. Congressman Shuster was also a driving force in the construction of Interstate 99, a vital route that connected Altoona, Bedford, and State College to the rest of our Commonwealth and beyond. His work in Congress as the top Republican on the House Select Intelligence Committee was key in the creation of the CIA's Counternarcotics Center and in passing legislation that specially equipped intelligence planes to locate Central American drug cartels, which attempted to bring deadly drugs into our communities. His work in the halls of Congress undoubtedly made our nation stronger, safer, and more prosperous. As his 90th birthday approaches, Bud Shuster's example should continue to inspire every member in this body to work to serve their constituents. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I wish Congressman Bud Shuster a happy birthday and many more happy and healthy years to come.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from New Jersey, Mr. Smith, for his leadership in this incredibly important issue. Year after year he has stood for the unborn. Personally I want to thank him for that leadership. Mr. Speaker, in the 49 years since the case of Roe v. Wade was ruled on by the Supreme Court, 63 million innocent unborn children have lost their lives to abortion. Now, members of the radical left are trying to raise the number of abortions performed in the United States by repealing the Hyde amendment, which for decades has ensured that no taxpayer dollars are used to fund this barbaric procedure. As a doctor, I swore an oath to ``first, do no harm.'' When I was in medical school I swore that I would never perform, assist, or support an abortion procedure. As a medical student, as an intern, as a resident, and as a board certified physician for 25 years, I lived up to that pledge. As a legislator in the United States Congress I took a pledge to continue to stand for life. Now is the time for Congress to pass legislation that defends the rights of the unborn. Now is the time for us to end abortions in this country. On this 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade let us remember the lives that have been lost and recommit ourselves to defending human life.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the drug crisis that is decimating communities and destroying families. Earlier this month, the CDC released data showing that fentanyl overdoses are now the number one killer of Americans ages 18 to 45: number one killer. This data is tragic. No family should have to deal with the sudden loss of a loved one. Fentanyl is often ingested unknowingly, and a dose smaller than the size of a penny can be lethal. In 2021, President Biden swung open the doors to our southern border, and the impact of that continues to be negative. That decision invited drug traffickers into our country. Last year, Border Patrol agents seized enough fentanyl to kill every man, woman and child in my home State of Pennsylvania. We cannot solve this crisis while our borders remain open. We cannot solve this crisis while the Biden administration fails to act. This deadly drug will continue to pour into our country if we fail to build the wall. It will continue to pour into our country if we do not get the border agents the support and the tools that they need. This issue is far too important to continue to ignore. Our communities continue to suffer. Congress should act now to make fentanyl analogs a schedule one narcotic. The Biden administration must secure our southern border. Our communities, they are counting on us to act. We can no longer continue to let them down.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Edward Averill on his upcoming retirement. After forty-six years of service with the United States Army as both a soldier and as a civilian, Mr. Averill will retire after serving as the Deputy to the Commander for Letterkenny Munitions Center. Originally from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Averill has served our Nation with honor and distinction. In 1979, after leaving active- duty status, he continued to serve our country and community by enlisting in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Mr. Averill began his work at Letterkenny Army Depot in 1981 as a Munitions Destroyer, through his leadership and subject matter expertise he rose to the position of Deputy to the Commander in 2013. Today, I am proud to recognize Mr. Averill for his continued service to our Nation and the people of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. I thank him, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish United States Marine Corps Veteran and valuable member of our community, Mr. Lloyd B. Peck, a happy 90th birthday. Mr. Peck served as an active-duty Marine from 1948 to 1959 on the front lines of the Korean war. When he returned home, he remained part of our military community, and dedicated himself to serving his fellow veterans. In recent years, Mr. Peck has organized Veterans Day parades and has served as the Chief Parade Marshal in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Further, he heads the Blair County War Veterans Council, and has worked tirelessly to advocate for veterans' issues. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I applaud Lloyd for his active efforts to better our community and his dedication to supporting America's veterans. Let me be among the countless friends and family wishing him a happy 90th birthday.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week, we saw new data that revealed who is truly being harmed by President Biden's economic crisis. The short answer is that those who can least afford it are being left behind. Last month, the U.S. economy added only 200,000 new jobs. This isn't enough. It is not enough to sustain any sort of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this poor response and because of this poor showing, many industries lost workers, including manufacturers and retail stores. In November, labor force participation actually declined among those with less than a high school diploma or some college education. Simply stated, the Biden administration's failures are leaving Americans behind at a time when the price of essential goods are skyrocketing. Instead of addressing the crises that liberal policies have created, Democrats are doubling down on the failed legislative ideas that threaten to raise the cost of gasoline and raise the cost of groceries. The costs of beef, vegetables, chicken, and pork are on the rise, and real wages have actually decreased during 7 out of the 9 months that Joe Biden has been in office. This isn't effective governing, and this is not the way to get America back on track.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as we speak today, America is facing a drug crisis that is crippling our communities. During the month of October, over 800 pounds of fentanyl were seized at our southern border. The drug crisis of our Nation and what we are experiencing is a direct result of the failed border policies that have been put in place by the Biden administration. Recently, I spoke with the Chambersburg police chief, Ron Camacho, who said more and more deadly drugs like fentanyl are responsible for overdoses in our Pennsylvania communities. In my district alone, we saw a 30 percent rise in overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020, and sadly, that number is on the rise again. Now is the time for Congress to take swift and decisive action. We must ensure that law enforcement has the tools that they need to save lives, protect our communities and keep this lethal drug off of our streets.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for holding this Special Order to highlight the importance of prayer as we work in the 117th Congress. As we speak today, we know that God and not man has the final authority. If Congress is going to govern successfully, then we must rely on Him to do so. Perhaps one of our Founding Fathers from Pennsylvania said it best. At the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin asked rhetorically: ``If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?'' That question has the same implications today as it did in Philadelphia those 200-plus years ago. We know that those who build without the Lord, they labor in vain. In this body, we must strive to ensure that we are asking for God's guidance as we work to solve the difficult issues that we face here every day. Just yesterday, I spoke with Pastor Gary Dull, from the Faith Baptist Church of Altoona, who said if we are going to know the will of God for our Nation, we must go to Him in prayer. In everything that we do, we must seek his will. As we begin the final month, let us remember, let us together humbly pray.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Thomas family of Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, who tragically lost their son, Trevor, a student athlete who played baseball at Allegany College of Maryland and at Penn State. In the face of that loss, the Thomas family has responded with love and compassion for their community. In honor of their son's commitment to serving others, the Thomas family printed small cards that encouraged their neighbors to help others through acts of kindness. Those cards have inspired incredible gestures of generosity in our community. The acts of kindness were wide-ranging. From preparing care packages for the homeless to donating blood to handing out doughnuts and even delivering flowers to strangers, members of the community looked to see what they could do to help one another. Together, the people of Somerset County are working to keep Trevor's memory alive through their acts of service for one another. On each card that the family has distributed is a simple mantra that defined the way that Trevor lived his life. It is a mantra that we should all aspire to: Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, right now, as our country continues to suffer from the negative effects of the Democrats' previous reckless spending spree, it is clear that we do not yet need another reckless spending bill that would further balloon our debt and raise all inflation without actually addressing the issues that we are currently facing. Congress has already appropriated trillions of dollars that has not yet been spent. Again, trillions of dollars remain unspent. Instead of passing yet another trillion-dollar spending bill, of which only 10 percent would actually go to true infrastructure, we can repurpose those earlier funds to meet the needs of our communities. I am proud to be joining my colleagues as a cosponsor of legislation that would use the money that Congress has already approved to truly help the communities that we serve; legislation that has already been passed by our colleagues in the Senate. Now is not the time to waste money on taxpayer-funded kickbacks to green energy companies or spend $50 million to monitor coastal erosion. We need to fund infrastructure improvements that our communities need. We need to do so without mortgaging our children's future. We were elected to be responsible stewards of the taxpayers' dollars, and passing the Green New Deal dressed up as infrastructure is not the way forward.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as Congress debates spending trillions of taxpayer dollars, there is a crisis on our southern border that is being ignored. In the past year, our Border Patrol agents have made almost 1.5 million apprehensions, yet we are still seeing that there is a massive surge in illegal immigration. The rise in overdose deaths that our country has seen can be directly tied to the increase in fentanyl that is being smuggled into the United States through Mexico. Now, at the height of the crisis, we are seeing reports that the Biden administration wants to pay settlements to immigrants who enter our country illegally. This is unacceptable. Now is the time to secure our border and stop the security and humanitarian crises that this policy has created. Right now, Congress should be working to address the real and present danger at our southern border, not debating yet another socialist spending spree.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for holding this Special Order tonight and for his service to our Nation as a general in the United States Marine Corps. As Veterans Day approaches this year, we should all take time to recognize and honor the men and women in uniform who served our Nation in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Two of our colleagues, Representative Brian Mast from Florida and Representative Dan Crenshaw from Texas served in Afghanistan and now serve their country in the United States Capitol as our colleagues. Please know that your commitment and your sacrifices were not in vain. Over the past two decades, our Nation has been more safe and more secure because of your vigilance and because of your service. In November, we also recognize National Veterans and Military Families Month. During this month and every month, we must be committed to providing the services that all of our veterans need. Please know that if you or a loved one is struggling, there is help and there are resources that are available through the Veterans Administration. Congress must always remain committed to supporting our veterans, and I am proud to be supporting legislation to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs returns to full staffing levels to handle the backlog of requests that have been created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Veterans Day I ask all of us to renew our commitment to the men and women who have served our Nation. I ask that we ensure that they have the care and the resources that they need. I want to take special note to thank my wife, Alice, who served in the United States Navy for more than 12 years; and her sister Julia Shocker who served in the United States Army. I want to thank the general from Michigan for holding this Special Order that allows us to recognize the importance of our freedom, our freedom that was given to us by the veterans who served our country. General, semper fi.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, attempting to push through yet another socialist spending spree this year might be what liberals think will help their polling numbers, but it is not what the American people need. In reality, this bill would exacerbate our energy crisis and make our country less safe. The reckless spending in this legislation can best be defined as build back bankruptcy. Right now, in my hometown of Altoona, Pennsylvania, gas costs over $3.50 a gallon. That is money coming directly out of Americans' pockets. If this spending spree is passed, that cost will only go up. So far, the Biden administration has placed a moratorium on new American drilling, canceled the Keystone XL pipeline, and allowed the Russians to produce oil for our allies in Europe. This legislation, unfortunately, doubles down on the Biden administration's war on American energy. This lengthy piece of legislation overregulates and overtaxes the natural gas, coal, and Marcellus shale industries that provide good wages and low-cost power to American families. Instead of supporting American energy, this bill hands out green energy tax credits to wind and solar manufacturers that are unable to meet the energy needs of our country. Wind turbines and solar panels are not going to heat our homes this winter. We need to focus on regaining America's energy independence. We need to focus on lowering energy costs before winter sets in. This inflation is not transitory. We cannot wish this problem away. Passing the Green New Deal dressed up as infrastructure legislation is not the answer to the problem that we are currently facing. Madam Speaker, I encourage all Members of this body to work together to pass an infrastructure bill that would actually rebuild our roads and rebuild our bridges. In Congress, we must be responsible stewards of the taxpayers' dollars. We need to find a fiscally responsible way to build roads and to repair bridges. We need to complete the Appalachian regional highway system, and we need to expand internet access to all citizens across the Commonwealths, across the States, and across America. We need to do this without mortgaging our children's future. We need to do this without ballooning our deficit in a way that would hamstring the American people for decades to come.