John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year- old from West Virginia, who was killed while defending Washington, D.C., during an assignment with the National Guard. In Sarah's 2 years of service, she was distinguished, admirable, and a highly respected individual. Her assassination is nothing more than despicable. The National Guard in Washington has aided immensely in cracking down on crime. Yet, they have been vilified with dangerous rhetoric. The devastation continues to arise. On the day before Thanksgiving, America lost one of the best of us. May God watch over Sarah Beckstrom. May God comfort her loved ones and guide our Nation through this heartbreaking time. May we always recognize Sarah as an American hero, and may her sacrifice continue to uphold her legacy. Please continue to lift Andrew Wolfe, the critically injured National Guardsman, in your prayers, and pray that God guides him and his family through these challenging times. Regulatory Relief on Coke Oven Facilities

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week, President Trump signed a proclamation providing 2 years of regulatory relief from the Biden-era restraints on coke oven facilities. These facilities are essential to America's steelmaking capacity, a vital component of Pennsylvania's economic prosperity. Many companies in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, including JLG Industries; Volvo Construction Equipment; Manitowoc Company; and defense firms such as Lockheed Martin, Leonardo DRS, Kongsberg Defense Corporation, and JWF Defense Systems, all depend on a stable and efficient U.S. steel supply. This proclamation by President Trump recognizes the need for a robust domestic steel supply supported by U.S. coke oven facilities across our Nation. By balancing environmental standards with economic growth, Congress must support President Trump's efforts to strengthen America's economic resilience and our national security. Honoring Shippensburg University Field Hockey Team

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Shippensburg University field hockey team for winning the NCAA Division II championship. Overall, this year's title is the seventh national championship for Shippensburg field hockey. In her first season as head coach at Shippensburg, Rayell Wallace led the Raiders to a record of 20-3. She led them to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship and the NCAA Division II championship. Kelly Naude's goal in overtime propelled Shippensburg to a victory in that title game. Kelly's post-game comments reflect the team-oriented spirit: ``Almost every single goal that our team has scored this year has been a team goal. Yes, there is one individual person who does touch the ball last and it goes in the goal. But every goal has been a team effort, and we do it for the team.'' On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Shippensburg's players and coaches for expanding upon a legacy of success. Honoring Mayor Deborah Bargo

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Deborah Bargo of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, for her dedicated public service as the mayor of Lewistown since 2007. Beyond her leadership roles in borough government, Mayor Bargo has served as a member of the board of directors and the board of trustees for the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs. A lifelong resident of Lewistown, Mayor Bargo is widely respected for her active engagement throughout the community. Very impressively, Mayor Bargo has proudly officiated at over 700 wedding ceremonies. On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I express my personal gratitude to Mayor Bargo for her distinguished legacy and her commitment to the service of community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week, we will vote on legislation to improve our domestic energy market and to support President Trump's agenda on U.S. energy dominance. In my home State of Pennsylvania, we have abundant natural gas reserves. We can utilize this resource that is under the feet of my constituents to provide tremendous economic benefit to our country and support the energy needs of our allies. Unfortunately, over the last 4 years, energy policy has stalled the necessary development of pipelines and export facilities. This has hindered natural gas production and prevented us from fully realizing the benefit of this critical resource. The United States' ample energy resources are a distinct advantage over our global competitors. We can leverage this advantage to the benefit of my constituents and the benefit of all Americans by advancing this important legislation and putting energy policy in this country back on track. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I was proud to work to advance this legislation to the House floor, and I look forward to seeing it passed through Congress on the way to being signed into law by President Trump. Commemorating 75th Anniversary of James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in commemorating the 75th anniversary of the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 33 years after the VA medical center in Altoona was opened, Congress renamed the facility in honor of the former U.S. Representative James E. Van Zandt, who was the catalyst for the establishment of the VA medical center in Altoona. Representative Van Zandt was born in Altoona, elected to 11 terms in the U.S. House, served with the United States Navy in both World War I and World War II, and was a national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars from 1934 to 1936. He retired as a rear admiral from the United States Navy Reserve in 1959. The legacy of devoted service that distinguished the life of Representative Van Zandt remains as a source of inspiration for all. I am proud that my longstanding ties to the Van Zandt VA Medical Center include my service as a consultant serving our veterans. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the James E. Van Zandt Medical Center on this important milestone and express my personal gratitude for the excellent healthcare that has been provided to the veterans there, continuing today and into the future. Honoring Century Farm Designation of Black's Willow Run Farm

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor four generations of the Black family in Tyrone Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania, on the designation of their farm as a Century Farm by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. James Black purchased the farm in December 1920 at a cost of $28 per acre for 140 acres. He raised chickens on the farm. Family ownership was passed down through the years to Samuel Black, who transitioned the operation from a poultry farm to a dairy farm, and then to Samuel's son Bob Black, who chose to focus on crop farming. Today, Black's Willow Run Farm is owned by Bob Black's son, Clinton, and his wife, Jessica. Crops grown on the farm include corn, wheat, soybeans, and alfalfa. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I offer heartfelt congratulations to all members of the Black family on this notable recognition and express gratitude for their enduring commitment to one of Pennsylvania's most vital industries, and that is agriculture. Recognizing Krista Pontius

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Krista Pontius on her selection as the recipient of the 2025 Pennsylvania Golden Owl Award. Krista is a longtime agriculture teacher and the FFA adviser at Greenwood High School in Millerstown, Pennsylvania. With pride, Krista notes that she has devoted nearly 30 years to creating an FFA family at the high school. The Golden Owl Award is one of the most prestigious forms of recognition in agricultural education. Presented at the Pennsylvania FFA State Convention, the award honors teachers in the State of Pennsylvania who dedicate countless hours to improving the lives of their students. Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russ Redding described Krista as a natural teacher whose dedication makes a lasting impression on students in our communities. Most certainly, Krista is a source of pride for the entire district. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Krista and look forward to the continuation of her education for the community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, with tremendous pride, I rise today to honor the founding of the United States Marine Corps nearly 250 years ago. On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that two Battalions of Marines be raised for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has embodied the American spirit, fighting to preserve our collective future with every victory. The year-long commemoration of this milestone anniversary celebrates a legacy of honor, courage, and commitment to our country. As history records, the Marine Corps stands ever ready to continue in the proud tradition of those who so valiantly fought and died at Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, and Khe Sanh. In the spirit of Semper Fidelis, the Marines have demonstrated steadfast loyalty and continually worked to help our Nation become that more perfect Union. Once again, our brave men and women in uniform remind us of what unites us all. On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I salute the United States Marine Corps on its 250th anniversary and express gratitude for unparalleled service and sacrifice, security and protection.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on the importance of the National Defense Authorization Act that I proudly supported on the House floor just last week. This bill will implement President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda by restoring our military's lethality and accountability. Components of the NDAA will bring an end to the dangerous, leftwing ideologies that have been incorporated into our military. For far too long, woke-ism has been prioritized in our military. This bill signals the change that once again puts our servicemembers first. Additionally, the NDAA secures made-in-America military equipment to provide our troops with the best tools that are made by hardworking American hands, not by foreign companies. This bill tackles our Nation's weak supply chains and diminishing manufacturing by bringing American industries back to the table. This legislation will save billions of taxpayer dollars by reducing inefficient and unnecessary funding for defense programs. The NDAA builds on efforts started in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to stimulate our economy and to bring jobs back home. Addressing Misleading Advertising for Prescription Drugs

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, President Trump took executive actions last week to address misleading prescription drug advertisements. This action will direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that full and accurate information is available on the risks associated with prescription drugs. It works to prohibit pharmaceutical companies from promoting drug usage over lifestyle changes. This will also eliminate the inappropriate intervention between a patient and the patient's doctor. Unregulated prescription drug advertising often misinforms the public about a drug's full risks and potential benefits. This initiative by President Trump delivers on a promise to put Americans first by promoting a high degree of transparency. I strongly support President Trump's action to address this issue to ensure that patients can once again rebuild their trust in the American health system. Honoring Centennial Anniversary of Fayette Volunteer Fire Company

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fayette Volunteer Fire Company of McAlisterville in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, for their 100 years of service. The selfless spirit of the officers and members has characterized the company since it was founded in the summer of 1925. Whether responding to calls, participating in training, or sponsoring fundraising, these incredible volunteers engage at the highest level of commitment. A faithful observance of duty has been the keystone of the Fayette Fire Company's mission. These initiatives will continue to positively influence current and future members. On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the Fayette Fire Company of Juniata County on its 100th anniversary and express my personal thanks for their distinguished legacy of community service. Recognizing 75th Anniversary of Williamsburg Public Library

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the milestone anniversary of the Williamsburg Public Library in Blair County, Pennsylvania, as they celebrate 75 years of service. The methods that Blair County residents use to access information have changed since the library system was established in 1950. However, the mission of the library system remains the same: to provide materials and information services for lifelong learning, enrichment, and reading. It has often been stated that libraries aren't about the books but about the people. Nowhere is that perspective more clearly evident, in form and function, than in the Williamsburg Public Library. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the residents of the borough of Williamsburg on this incredible milestone and express gratitude to the library team for their enduring commitment to promoting the joys of lifelong learning through reading.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week I was proud to support the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act, legislation that will put sanctions on any individual, including senior members of the Chinese Communist Party, who are responsible for the production, the distribution, the sale, or the financing of synthetic opioids. It is no secret that China is the leading producer of the base chemicals, the ingredients, that are needed to make fentanyl and that the Chinese Communist Party is more than willing to work directly with Mexican drug cartels to ensure that this poison continues to reach America. Unfortunately, drug overdoses have become the leading cause of death for Americans who are ages 18 to 45, with fentanyl causing nearly 70 percent of those deaths. With strong leadership under President Trump back in the White House, our southern border is finally becoming secure. We here in the House must take every action possible to stop the flow of the poison that fentanyl is before it ever reaches our border. Strengthening Our Immigration Laws

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, this week, my colleagues and I will take up H.R. 3486, the Stop Illegal Entry Act. This legislation will strengthen our immigration laws and deter criminal illegal aliens from crossing our southern border. For 4 long years, President Biden and his administration were asleep at the switch, allowing our borders to be flooded with illegal immigrants, most of whom were simply released into our communities. This legislation gives Federal officials more tools in their tool belt to prosecute illegal immigrants by requiring significant imprisonment for illegals who commit crimes. President Trump has worked tirelessly to make our southern borders secure again. Now it is our job here in Congress to ensure Federal law enforcement and prosecutors have the tools that they need to deter further illegal immigration. Madam Speaker, I look forward to supporting this strong, commonsense piece of legislation on the House floor this week as we continue to work to make our Nation once again safe for all Americans. Celebrating Century Farms

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the William and Richard Farabaugh and Joseph Burkhart farms in East Carroll Township of Cambria County for receiving the designation of Century Farm from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. A Century Farm is a farm that has been owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years, has a family member who still lives on that farm, and has at least 10 acres of the original farmland. William Farabaugh purchased the family farm in September 1918. He and his wife had 10 children: 8 daughters and 2 sons. The Farabaugh family introduced the use of silos in the area. Fifty-eight of the original acres and the barn are still in use today. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Farabaugh and Burkhart families and express gratitude for their enduring commitment to one of Pennsylvania's most vital industries, and that is agriculture. Honoring Partsch Farm in Conemaugh Township

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Partsch Farm in Conemaugh Township of Cambria County for receiving the designation of a Century Farm from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Cecilia Partsch's grandfather, Frank, purchased the farm in April 1924. Frank Partsch was a dairy farmer who supplied milk for processing at Sani Dairy in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The original barn and house are still in use today. Cecilia Partsch's father, Harold, took over the farm in 1972. Currently, the farm continues to produce both beef and hay. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Partsch family and express gratitude for the family's enduring commitment to agriculture, the number one industry in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is no secret that our Nation's most critical supply chains are almost fully reliant on foreign nations, and our pharmaceutical supply chain is no different. Approximately 10 percent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients required for domestic prescription drug manufacturing comes from foreign supplies. Simply stated, the prescription drugs that save the lives of millions of Americans every year are at severe risk. American patients cannot be reliant on countries like China for these lifesaving medications. I am proud to see that President Trump is taking this seriously by issuing an executive order that ensures that our Nation has a 6-month supply of the critical active ingredients needed to make these lifesaving medicines. Bringing production back to the U.S. is not enough to fix our supply chain. With this executive action, President Trump will also ensure that America has the ingredients needed to domestically manufacture these medicines. American patients rely on these medicines each and every day, and I applaud President Trump for taking this significant action. Creating a National Day of the Bible

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last Friday, I was proud to join a joint resolution to make September 12 the national day of the Bible. When the United States Congress met in Philadelphia in 1782, it approved a 1,400-page version of the Bible published by Robert Aitken. This Bible became known as the Bible of the Revolution. This joint resolution will formally designate September 12 as the day of the Bible to honor the first complete English-language Bible that was produced in America. This is a historic moment. This resolution also encourages our schools and other institutions to observe this day and focus on the Bible's significance to our Nation's history and our Nation's future. Our Nation was founded on the ideals of freedom, including religious freedom. Those who founded this land were fleeing religious persecution. The Bible of the Revolution serves as a reminder of the resilience that set our Nation on a path toward freedom as one nation under God. honoring west suburban softball team

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the West Suburban 12-under softball team of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for winning the Little League Softball World Series. West Suburban compiled a record of 20-2 this summer and ended the season on a 15-game winning streak. In their five wins during the World Series, West Suburban outscored their opposition 15-1. In the championship game, West Suburban defeated the central region champion, Floyds Knobs of Indiana, 1-0. More than 1 million people watched as West Suburban captured that victory. This makes the 2025 championship the most watched Little League Softball World Series game ever. West Suburban's success is a tribute to the outstanding leadership of the coaches, the tremendous talents of the players, and the enduring support of family and community. I congratulate Manager Lester Gaunt, Coach Rick Baxter, Coach Rick Bills, and players Mallory Bailor, Aubrey Baxter, Reagan Bills, Sadie Divido, Kennedy Fees, Camilla Gaunt, Adalyn Hines, Mara Keefe, Kendal Schilling, Leilah Schilling-Mansour, Haley Shepherd, and Nevaeh Worthington. Madam Speaker, on behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the players and coaches of West Suburban for an incredible achievement and offer my best wishes for continued success. honoring the metz family

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Metz family of Perry County, Pennsylvania, for receiving the designation of bicentennial farm from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. A bicentennial farm is a farm that has been owned by the same family for at least 200 consecutive years, has a family member who still lives on the farm, and has at least 10 acres of the original holding. Richard Metz, Jr.'s newly designated bicentennial farm was founded in 1825 by Johann Metz, his third great-grandfather. After more than 150 years of family farm lineage, Richard Metz took ownership in 1996. Today, the original 110 acres exist and grow soybeans, corn, and hay. Madam Speaker, I offer my sincere congratulations to Richard Metz and his family for continuing this rich history of agriculture in Pennsylvania.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, throughout his campaign, President Trump promised to unleash American energy and to end the era of overregulation. In just 7 months, President Trump has already taken those historic steps to boost domestic energy production, resulting in gas prices dropping by 50 cents over the past year. In March, President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin undertook the largest day of deregulation in American history, releasing the shackles on our energy producers by President Biden's Green New Deal initiatives. Now, my colleagues and I in the House will take up a strong deregulation package this week that will further streamline the permitting process for our energy producers throughout the U.S. It is time that my colleagues and I codify President Trump's deregulation agenda so that our energy producers can unleash domestic production, lower costs for all American consumers, and further support our allies abroad on our pathway to energy dominance. Honoring Our Brave Border Patrol and ICE Agents

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of our brave Border Patrol and ICE agents who tirelessly put their lives on the line each day to protect America. With President Trump back in office, ICE agents can finally do their jobs and enforce the laws that are on the books. These brave officers are producing historic results at our border and in our communities. In the first 6 months of President Trump's term in office, his administration has removed more than 70,000 convicted criminals, many of whom are convicted of assault, sexual crimes, kidnapping, and even homicide. Yet, despite their historic work enforcing our Nation's laws, our ICE agents are facing a disgusting string of threats and violence against them and their families, resulting in an 830 percent increase in assaults against ICE agents. This string of threats is a result of months of violent rhetoric coming from the other side of the aisle. Whether in political office or in the media, calling for violence against law enforcement is simply unacceptable. While a small group of people call for this violence, I know that the American people which overwhelmingly supported President Trump's reelection, are proud of our ICE agents as they work to remove dangerous and often violent criminals from our communities. National Pennsylvania Day

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, July 20, we celebrated National Pennsylvania Day, honoring the Commonwealth's crucial role in the founding and continuing success of our great Nation. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Hall in Philadelphia to the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, Pennsylvania has always been at the center of American progress as we strive to form that more perfect Union. Today, Pennsylvania remains at the center of our Nation's growth, especially as we enter a competitive race with China to dominate artificial intelligence. Last week, President Trump and Senator Dave McCormick hosted an inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh to highlight how Pennsylvania will lead in the AI revolution. During the summit, President Trump announced more than $90 billion of investments into the Commonwealth's energy industry and data centers. Now, with the unleashing of Pennsylvania's energy potential, each and every day will be Pennsylvania Day.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.