John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Altoona Police Chief Janice Freehling on her retirement. Chief Freehling has honorably served the Altoona Police Department for more than 44 years. During her career, she has held the following positions: Patrolman, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and most recently Chief. In 2001, she was promoted to Chief of the department and is the first woman to serve in the position. Under her leadership, the Altoona Police Department has persevered through challenges and experienced much success. Specifically, Chief Freehling has been recognized for her excellent management of the department, as well as her work to modernize the department with 21st century tools and training. Thanks to Chief Freehling's hard work and dedication, the City of Altoona is a safe community to live, work, and raise a family. As Chief Freehling retires on March 1--the 20th anniversary of her promotion to Chief--our community celebrates this servant-hearted leader. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, it is my privilege to thank Chief Freehling and honor her longstanding service to the City of Altoona. As Chief Freehling embarks on a new chapter, I congratulate her on her retirement and wish her every continued happiness.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate new Bedford County Commissioner Alan Frederick of Rainsburg, Pennsylvania on his appointment for this role, in which he is slated to serve through 2023. Commissioner Frederick has been a resident of Bedford County since 1952. He has worked on his family farm for his entire life as a dairy and grain farmer. Commissioner Frederick also has also served on the boards of several economic and community organizations. Prior to his selection as Commissioner, he had served as a board member of the Bedford County Development Association for 11 years, including one year as chairman. He also has served as a board member for the Bedford Farm Bureau Co-Op for 10 years, including four years as president. Additionally, he served as a board member for the Pennsylvania Beef Council for six years, including one year as chairman. In recognition of this service, he received the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer of the Year Award in 2008. As Commissioner Frederick begins his tenure on the Bedford County Board of Commissioners, I thank him for his willingness to serve our region and wish him the best in this endeavor.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Dr. Christine Oldham, Superintendent of the Ligonier Valley School District, on her retirement. Dr. Oldham began her educational career as an elementary school teacher in 1988 in Camden, Delaware. She then served as an assistant principal at Westside Elementary School in the Greater Johnstown School District and as a principal in the Conemaugh Township School District. Before joining the Ligonier Valley School District, she served as the Superintendent of the Ferndale Area School District for five years. At the Ligonier Valley School District, Dr. Oldham has been recognized for her leadership on key initiatives and projects. In accordance with recent educational research, she introduced a new, customized learning approach that allows students to proceed at their own pace while being supported by a teacher or learning coach. In 2008, she also oversaw the successful merger with the Laurel Valley Middle/ High School. Dr. Oldham earned a bachelor's degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master's degree from Delaware State University, and a doctorate degree from Wilmington College. As she retires on June 30, 2021, Dr. Oldham will mark 13 years of service to Ligonier Valley students, teachers, staff, and families. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I thank Dr. Oldham for her steadfast service to our community. As Dr. Oldham embarks on the next chapter of her life, I wish her every continued happiness.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Anthony Bullet on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission. The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Bullet in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Bullet for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Tammy Stuber on her appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission. The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Ms. Stuber in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Ms. Stuber for her leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate her on being appointed to this commission.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ray Ghaner on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission. The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Ghaner in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Ghaner for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ned Crafts on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission. The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Crafts in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Crafts for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Adam Steele on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission. The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Steele in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Steele for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Thomas Guisler on his appointment to Huntingdon Borough's newly-formed human relations commission. The goal of the commission is to ensure equal access to employment, housing, and other public services to all people, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, and other protected categories. Local governments have a responsibility to ensure the constitutional and legal rights of their citizens are observed, and I know that leaders like Mr. Guisler in Huntingdon take that responsibility seriously. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Mr. Guisler for his leadership and service to Huntingdon Borough and congratulate him on being appointed to this commission.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Kalli Taylor of Bedford, Pennsylvania, for her selection to participate in the National Association of Music Education's 2021 All-Eastern Honor Ensembles as a member of the Treble Chorus. The Treble Chorus is comprised of 120 members from nine states. Kalli was selected from a poll of more than 1,000 applicants to participate-- a testament to her outstanding musical talent. As a student at Bedford Area High School, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to music. She is a member of Varsity Singers, the school's select choir, and has starred in three school musicals. Kalli's dedication to music demonstrates her commitment to hard work, determination, and dedication. I congratulate Kalli on her selection for the Treble Chorus and wish her every continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Hannah Yothers on becoming one of the first young women in the Westmoreland-Fayette Council Boy Scouts of American to achieve the position of Eagle Scout. Hannah joined the Boy Scouts in 2019, when girls were first able to join. She was one of the founding members of Troop 1372, which is partnered with the all-male Troop 372. Hannah first began her goal of becoming an Eagle Scout while in her senior year at Greater Latrobe High School and finished while attending Penn State Behrend in Erie. In her journey to become an Eagle Scout, Hannah earned 31 merit badges, 10 more than the 21 required. For her Eagle Scout project, Hannah worked on landscaping, built two benches that can be converted into picnic tables, and other tasks at the Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center in Unity. Hannah already is giving back to the Boy Scouts of America and her community by serving as an assistant Scoutmaster. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Hannah Yothers on her trailblazing achievement and wish her all the best in the chapters to come.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the Fort Bedford Honor Guard as this treasured organization marks 75 years of service to the Bedford County community. The Fort Bedford Honor Guard, which is believed to be one of the longest-serving all-volunteer veteran honor guards in the nation, was formed in 1946 by World War II veterans Fred Wilfong, Ray Mock, Adam Crouse, Bob May, and Bob Howsare. For decades, this group has lived out its mission statement, ``We Honor the Dead by Serving the Living,'' by serving the community with participation in funerals, parades, special services, and other ceremonies to honor the American flag, our veterans, and military families. The members of the Fort Bedford Honor Guard are outstanding Americans, and we are indebted to their service to Bedford County, our Commonwealth, and our nation. I thank the leaders and members of the Fort Bedford Honor Guard for their years of service and congratulate them on this remarkable 75th anniversary.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Elizabeth Yothers on becoming one of the first young women in the Westmoreland-Fayette Council Boy Scouts of America to achieve the position of Eagle Scout. Elizabeth joined the Boy Scouts in 2019 when girls were first able to join. She was one of the founding members of Troop 1372, which is partnered with the all-male Troop 372. She first began her goal of becoming an Eagle Scout while in her senior year at Greater Latrobe High School and finished while attending Westmoreland County Community College. In her journey to become an Eagle Scout, Elizabeth earned 31 merit badges, 10 more than the 21 required. For her Eagle Scout project, she planted grass, removed weeds, cleared gravel, and other tasks at the Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center in Unity. Elizabeth already is giving back to the Boy Scouts of America and her community by serving as an assistant Scoutmaster. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Elizabeth Yothers on her trailblazing achievement and wish her all the best in the chapters to come.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jerome Kater of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, who recently received the Jefferson Award from CBS 21 News. As president of the board at Katie's Place, Mr. Kater has worked tirelessly to devote his time and resources to helping the people of Shippensburg. Under his leadership, Katie's Place serves as a distribution site for charitable goods and services. For his community efforts, Mr. Kater received the 8 Who Cares Award in November--another testament to his spirit of service. In addition to his volunteer work, Mr. Kater also serves as a member of the Shippensburg University Police Department. Through it all, he credits God with giving him a heart for service. Jerome Kater is a selfless leader and exceptional role model. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I thank Mr. Kater for his service to the Shippensburg community, and I congratulate him and his family on this remarkable honor.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Scott McKenzie and Jeremy Ulbricht of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania for starting the Cookies for Caregivers movement. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a friendly competition between the two resulted in a cookie baking contest judged by the Mayor of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. After the competition was over, they took leftover cookies to the Huntingdon Police Department to thank the first responders. The gratitude the officers expressed inspired Scott and Jeremy to begin recruiting other members of the community to bake cookies for other essential workers. Since then, Scott and Jeremy's group has baked more than 18,000 cookies. Their Facebook page, ``Cookies for Caregivers,'' has more than a thousand members. Additionally, 23 similar groups have been started across the United States. While our first responders endure to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is encouraging to see southcentral Pennsylvanians express gratitude to our community's essential workers. As Scott and Jeremy continue to offer encouragement to those on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, I wish them and their movement every continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Waynesboro Area School District students, teachers, and leaders as they celebrate the successful completion of 100 days of school during the 2020-2021 academic year--a great accomplishment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This ongoing public health crisis has affected every American community across the country--including our children and schools. Despite the challenges they are facing, the Waynesboro Area School District is open for in-person instruction and has only required virtual instruction for eight days this school year. Getting children safely back to school is a key piece of our nation's recovery from this pandemic, and I applaud the Waynesboro Area School District leaders, teachers, staff, and parents for their commitment to their students' continuity of quality education. As they mark their 100th day of school, I congratulate the Waynesboro Area School District community on a successful reopening of in-person instruction and wish them a continued safe and successful school year.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, every precious life is made in the image of our Creator. As image bearers, each person is deserving of fundamental rights, including the right to life. As a doctor, I took an oath to protect all human life. That unequivocal truth was the foundation for my medical career, and it has continued through my work here in the United States Congress. From forcing American taxpayers to pay for abortions against their conscience to rolling back our recent pro-life achievements, President Biden has cemented his anti-life agenda in the first few days of his administration. To paraphrase President George Washington, it is deeds, not words, that define a leader. Right now, pro-life Americans are facing a daunting path ahead. But we are not without hope. Together, with the help of our Creator, we will persevere in our pursuit to defend the most vulnerable among us. Our enduring commitment to life will always prevail.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the objection. Tonight, my heart is heavy as we consider the dark acts that transpired in this Chamber today. But, Madam Speaker, the American people can be assured that violent and irrational attacks on this body cannot derail the constitutional responsibility that lies in front of us. This has always been about upholding the law. It has always been about protecting government of, by, and for the people. Preserving the rule of law is more important than ever. We must acknowledge that unconstitutional acts unduly impacted the Presidential election in Pennsylvania. Contrary to law, the supreme court extended the deadline for mail-in ballots for 3 days beyond the election day. Contrary to law, the secretary of the Commonwealth discarded mail-in ballot signature verification safeguards. These leaders took advantage of a deadly pandemic and seized the State legislature's rightful authority. I took an oath to uphold the law and defend the Constitution. I pledged to protect free and fair elections. I cannot, in good faith, certify electors that were selected under an unlawful process. I will object to the electoral college certification to protect the will of Pennsylvania voters, to uphold the law, to restore trust in our electoral system, and, ultimately, to save our Constitution. At Gettysburg, which is in my district, President Abraham Lincoln spoke about the great task of ensuring government by, of, and for the people shall not perish from the Earth.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Hyndman Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ronald Allen Spiker, who passed away on December 1, 2020. Chief Spiker selflessly served the Hyndman Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years. He also was an EMR for the Hyndman Rescue Squad. For this work, he gained a reputation as a man who was always willing to offer help to anyone who needed it. Chief Spiker also generously invested time in teaching and mentoring younger firefighters. In addition to his service as fire chief, Chief Spiker was a truck driver for his entire professional life and worked at Croner Inc., New Enterprise Stone and Lime, and Rice Tire. He was also a member of the Kennells Mill Sportsmen's Club and the National Rifle Association. I extend my deepest sympathies to Chief Spiker's parents Ron and Jessie, his loving wife of 31 years Anita, and his son Tyler. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, it is an honor to recognize Chief Ronald Spiker's legacy of service to the John Hyndman community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Maynard H. Gray of the Pennsylvania State Police on his upcoming retirement on January 8, 2021. Lieutenant Colonel Gray joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 1984. After graduating from the academy, his first assignment was based in Lykens, Pennsylvania. During his career, he also has served in Philipsburg, McConnellsburg, Philadelphia, Clearfield, Harrisburg, and Hollidaysburg. In Hollidaysburg, he served as the troop commander of Troop G. Additionally, he also has served in the Systems and Process Review Division in the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards and on the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement. He had served as a corporal, a sergeant, a lieutenant, a captain, and a major before being promoted to a lieutenant colonel and the Deputy Commissioner of Staff in February of 2020. He also graduated from the 231st Session of the FBI National Academy in 2007. Lieutenant Colonel Gray and his wife Susan have six children, and three of them followed in his footsteps to join the Pennsylvania State Police. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Lieutenant Colonel Gray for his service to our Commonwealth, and I wish the Gray family every continued success.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Captain Jamie D. Clark of the Pennsylvania State Police on her upcoming retirement on January 8, 2021. Captain Clark is currently the only female troop commander in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Captain Clark joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 1991. After graduating from the Academy, she was assigned to Troop A in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. She has also served on Troop D in Butler, Pennsylvania and is currently the Commanding Officer of Troop G in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She also has served on the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement, and the Bureau of Training and Education. Captain Clark had served as a corporal, a sergeant, and a lieutenant before being promoted to a captain in April of 2019. Additionally, she graduated from the 392 Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. Captain Clark's outstanding career in law enforcement across southwestern and southcentral Pennsylvania is a true legacy of service. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Captain Clark on her retirement and wish her every continued happiness in the chapters to come.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Edward Moe of Adams County, Pennsylvania for his service to Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District on the 2020 U.S. Service Academy Nomination Committee. Nominating exceptional candidates to attend our nation's service academies is one of my most important responsibilities in Congress. During this process, I rely on members of the Service Academy Nomination Committee, which is comprised of dedicated volunteers who have served our nation with distinction. Edward is one of nine academy alumni who graciously volunteered their time to meet with and evaluate perspective nominees for the Class of 2025. As a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, Edward knows firsthand the qualities and dedication that are critical for succeeding at the academies. He provided wise counsel and expertise throughout the nominating process, and I am grateful for his time and commitment. Edward Moe is an outstanding Pennsylvanian and American, as well as an excellent role model for future academy students. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, it is my honor to recognize Edward for his service to our community and our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Todd Alexander of Fulton County, Pennsylvania for his service to Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District on the 2020 U.S. Service Academy Nomination Committee. Nominating exceptional candidates to attend our nation's service academies is one of my most important responsibilities in Congress. During this process, I rely on members of the Service Academy Nomination Committee, which is comprised of dedicated volunteers who have served our nation with distinction. Todd is one of nine academy alumni who graciously volunteered their time to meet with and evaluate perspective nominees for the Class of 2025. As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Todd knows firsthand the qualities and dedication that are critical for succeeding at the academies. He provided wise counsel and expertise throughout the nominating process, and I am grateful for his time and commitment. Todd Alexander is an outstanding Pennsylvanian and American, as well as an excellent role model for future academy students. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, it is my honor to recognize Todd for his service to our community and our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Steven Sims of Adams County, Pennsylvania for his service to Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District on the 2020 U.S. Service Academy Nomination Committee. Nominating exceptional candidates to attend our nation's service academies is one of my most important responsibilities in Congress. During this process, I rely on members of the Service Academy Nomination Committee, which is comprised of dedicated volunteers who have served our nation with distinction. Steven is one of nine academy alumni who graciously volunteered their time to meet with and evaluate perspective nominees for the Class of 2025. As a graduate of the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, Steven knows firsthand the qualities and dedication that are critical for succeeding at the academies. He provided wise counsel and expertise throughout the nominating process, and I am grateful for his time and commitment. Steven Sims is an outstanding Pennsylvanian and American, as well as an excellent role model for future academy students. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, it is my honor to recognize Steven for his service to our community and our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rod Edminston of Blair County, Pennsylvania for his service to Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District on the 2020 U.S. Service Academy Nomination Committee. Nominating exceptional candidates to attend our nation's service academies is one of my most important responsibilities in Congress. During this process, I rely on members of the Service Academy Nomination Committee, which is comprised of dedicated volunteers who have served our nation with distinction. Rod is one of nine academy alumni who graciously volunteered their time to meet with and evaluate perspective nominees for the Class of 2025. As a graduate of the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, Rod knows firsthand the qualities and dedication that are critical for succeeding at the academies. He provided wise counsel and expertise throughout the nominating process, and I am grateful for his time and commitment. Rod Edminston is an outstanding Pennsylvanian and American, as well as an excellent role model for future academy students. On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, it is my honor to recognize Rod for his service to our community and our nation.