John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jayme Orr Rhodes of Blair County, Pennsylvania for her 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. Jayme 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, Jayme knows firsthand the qualities and dedication that are critical for succeeding at the academies. She provided wise counsel and expertise throughout the nominating process, and I am grateful for her time and commitment. Jayme Orr Rhodes 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 Jayme for her service to our community and our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Diedrich 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. David 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, David 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. David Diedrich 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 David for his service to our community and our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill Ward, Jr. 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. Bill 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, Bill 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. Bill Ward, Jr. 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 Bill for his service to our community and our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Andrew ``Coby'' Short of Allegheny 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. Colonel Short 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, Colonel Short 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. Colonel Andrew ``Coby'' Short 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 Colonel Short for his service to our community and our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael DelGrosso 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. Michael 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, Michael 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. Michael DelGrosso of Blair County 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 Michael for his service to our community and our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, this week, Americans witnessed a remarkable achievement. Less than a year after the novel coronavirus reached the shores of America, the first doses of a safe and effective vaccine were administered to frontline healthcare workers in Pennsylvania and around the country. This amazing accomplishment is not only a testament to America's unparalleled healthcare heroes, researchers and scientists, but it is also a testament to the promise of American innovation. In just a matter of months, Operation Warp Speed has harnessed the full power of the Federal Government, the private sector, and the scientific community to deliver results for the American people, all in record time. I am sincerely grateful to the leaders at the helm of this historic public/private partnership, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, who was born in my district, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Truly, all of those who have served in Operation Warp Speed have done an incredible job. As our Nation continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that a safe and effective vaccine is key to restoring our communities, rebuilding our economy and, ultimately, saving lives. While the first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer already has been granted emergency authorization from the FDA, we expect more to follow in the coming days and weeks. Now, it is imperative for the American people to know the facts about these vaccines so that they can make informed consent. Number one: As part of Operation Warp Speed, multiple COVID-19 vaccines are being developed by private companies and simultaneously produced, accelerating the typical production process so that, as soon as a safe and effective option is cleared, it is ready to go. Number two: Each COVID-19 vaccine is undergoing the same rigorous safety, quality, and efficacy screenings as any other modern vaccine. Number three: The FDA will only grant emergency use authorization to a vaccine following the recommendation of an independent advisory board. Number four: The American people can be confident in the safety and the efficacy of a COVID-19 vaccine. Madam Speaker, like many Americans, I recognize that this vaccine has lifesaving potential, and I plan to take the vaccine as soon as I am eligible. As part of Operation Warp Speed, our Nation is equipped to facilitate this vaccine distribution more efficiently than any other country in the world. At the same time, we know that it will take time before everyone can receive it. As we wait, this is not the time to grow complacent. COVID-19 cases are rising in Pennsylvania and around the country, and it is up to all of us to do our part to protect our family, our friends, and our neighbors. This year, I have been amazed by Americans' commitment to one another and to their communities. Together, we can defeat this virus. As we wait for the widespread immunization, we must continue to stand strong against this invisible enemy. Yes, the coronavirus remains an ever-present threat to America and to our economy. Yes, we are in a shared fight to save lives and to save livelihoods. And, yes, there is hope on the horizon. It is arriving in communities every day in the coolers on UPS and FedEx trucks. As we near the end of this incredibly challenging year, Americans have much to be grateful for. Thanks to our scientific community, to Operation Warp Speed, and especially to our healthcare heroes, there are brighter days ahead.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a public health crisis that is taking a tangible toll on every facet of our society. In Pennsylvania, drug abuse and addiction are not abstract concerns. The drug crisis is a reality that plays out across our community every single day. Sadly, Pennsylvanians are not alone. Each day, more than 130 Americans die from an overdose. As a nation, we cannot allow illicit drugs to continue tearing apart families, destroying our workforce, and claiming lives. From law enforcement officials to healthcare providers to educators to community leaders and lawmakers, all of us have an individual part to play. We must combat this crisis, keep drugs off our streets, protect families, safeguard our economy, and, most importantly, save lives. Ending this scourge requires a team effort. In Congress, it has been my privilege to work with leaders at the Federal, State, and local levels to identify and implement commonsense solutions for the drug crisis. Mr. Speaker, today I thank my fellow members of the freshman Bipartisan Working Group on Addiction for their collaboration and partnership during the 116th Congress. Together we worked toward our shared fight against drug abuse and addiction. I am proud of the legislative achievements that we forged, and I am looking forward to continuing this work in the upcoming 117th Congress. In the White House, President Donald Trump and his administration are incredible leaders in this fight. From day one, President Trump prioritized realistic and achievable solutions to tackle this problem, equip those on the front lines, and support Americans in recovery. I am grateful to President Trump's drug czar, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director James Carroll, for his steadfast commitment to this issue. This fall, it was an honor to host Director Carroll in my district to meet directly with remarkable leaders on the front lines of the drug crisis. He is a true partner for Pennsylvanians, and I am thankful for Director Carroll's service in this key role. As a nation, Americans have made significant strides in defeating the drug crisis, and now, today, our work must continue. On the China Task Force we recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic is not the only public health crisis that was created by the Chinese Communist Party. All too often illicit drugs originating in China end up on the streets in Pennsylvania, spurring addiction, harming families, and killing too many of my patients, my friends, and my neighbors. These drugs are trafficked through porous borders, and even through the U.S. Postal Service. As a direct solution to this problem, I have cosponsored legislation to hold the Chinese Communist regime--and any other foreign government--accountable if the government fails to stop deadly drugs from leaving their borders, and I will continue to push forward with commonsense legislation. Tragically, the drug crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and aggressive mitigation tactics in Pennsylvania and around the country. As we Americans battle this pandemic, we must not ignore rising rates of addiction and overdoses. I continue to call on Federal and State leaders to ensure that individuals and families facing addiction and those in recovery have the resources and support that they need, whether virtual or in person. We cannot afford inaction. The ramifications of the drug crisis transcend all divides. Together--not as Republicans or Democrats, but together as Americans--we are in a shared fight to save lives, and together we must win.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain (Retired) William Eisenhart of Altoona, Pennsylvania, who courageously served our nation in the U.S. Army. During his fifteen-year military career, Captain Eisenhart served with distinction. While he was stationed in Vietnam from November 1967 to October 1968, Captain Eisenhart served as a Senior Advisor to forces in Tan Thanh Dong Province. In this role, he moved his advisory team into a dilapidated fortress located on strategic territory. Captain Eisenhart and his team are credited with making several critical improvements to the fortress that helped the United States forces, including the installation of a helipad that allowed the Army to facilitate medical evacuations in Thanh Dong Province. Holding this outpost was a challenge. On June 6, 1968, Captain Eisenhart was instrumental in repelling a superior enemy force when he fired a machine gun into the center of the enemy's line of attack, which allowed U.S. forces to effectively build up a defensive operation. The fortress that Captain Eisenhart defended was a critical outpost in the Phu Hoa District for deterring enemy movement. For this extraordinary accomplishment, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a ``V'' device and one Oak Leaf Cluster. In recognition of his service, Captain Eisenhart also was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Silver Service Star, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. With his incredible legacy of selfless service, Captain (Retired) William Eisenhart exemplifies our American values. He is an outstanding American and Pennsylvanian, and it is my privilege to recognize his many achievements. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Captain (Retired) Eisenhart for his dedication to our nation, our Commonwealth, and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Samuel D. Price of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Marine Corps. Samuel is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Samuel for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Harold G. Williams of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Navy. Harold is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Harold for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert H. Washburn of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Army. Robert is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Robert for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor James C. Wilcox of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Marine Corps. James is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank James for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Warren V. DeMier of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Army. Warren is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Warren for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to showcase the promise of American innovation. Just this morning, Moderna announced that its COVID-19 vaccine is nearly 95 percent effective. Last week, Pfizer reported that its coronavirus vaccine is more than 90 percent effective. Today, less than a year after the coronavirus reached our shores, this is an incredible achievement. It is a testament to the excellence of American scientists and researchers. Thanks to these heroes and to the historic private-public partnership spurred by Operation Warp Speed, our Nation is positioned to distribute a safe and effective vaccine more efficiently than any other country in the world. Now more than ever, as cases of COVID-19 rise across our Nation, we must stand firm against this invisible enemy. And thanks to American innovation, there is hope on the horizon.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor David R. Vernon of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Navy. David is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank David for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward J. Scram of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Air Force. Edward is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Edward for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert J. Flanigan of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Air Force. Robert is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Robert for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor David P. Fryer of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Army Military Police. David is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank David for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William Ford of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Coast Guard. William is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank William for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lester J. Stoudt of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Army. Lester is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Lester for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles E. Trostle of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Army. Charles is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Charles for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William Suvak of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Air Force. William is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank William for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, l rise today to honor Paul Supko of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Navy. Paul is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our Nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a Nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Paul for his service to our Nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Donald A. Bachman of Huntingdon County for his service in the United States Air Force. Donald is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for his service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Donald for his service to our nation and our community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Shirley E. Binari of Huntingdon County for her service in the United States Air Force. Shirley is an outstanding Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for her service to our nation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and our community. In Pennsylvania and across the country, our veterans have served and sacrificed for Americans' freedom and our values. They answered the call to serve and fight for us--at a great cost. Truly, our veterans are the best of America. In Congress, it is my privilege--and my responsibility--to stand up for those who have served our country in uniform, as well as to recognize these brave Americans. As a nation, we are indebted to them. On behalf of the 13th Congressional District, I thank Shirley for her service to our nation and our community.