John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, throughout the last years, the Biden administration waged war on our domestic energy sector, raising prices for each and every American. This week, House Republicans will vote on the Protecting American Energy Production Act to ensure that States keep control of hydraulic fracking and that our energy resources continue to flow. Following President Trump's flurry of executive orders to secure our domestic energy production, my colleagues and I in the House will continue to unleash American energy so that we can lower prices, attain energy independence, and create good-paying jobs for Americans. Honoring Winell Zaitz Farm

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Winell Zaitz Farm for being recognized as one of Pennsylvania's Century Farms. The Zaitz Farm, purchased in 1875, spans 129 acres and is now being passed down to the family's fifth generation. Carol and her family continue to farm the land, which includes a historic farmhouse built before the Civil War and a barn from 1880. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Carol Winell Zaitz and her entire family on their family farm's designation as a Century Farm. I thank them for their enduring commitment to one of our State's most vital industries, and that is agriculture. Honoring Presbyterian Village's Centennial

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Presbyterian Village in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Founded as a Presbyterian home, doors were opened in 1925 to 22 women and quickly expanded over the following decades to include men, women, and couples. Having treated residents at this facility, I have seen the dedication of the entire staff who ensure accessibility to the services and the resources that are essential in our seniors' lives. Always showing our fellow community members love and respect, I congratulate the Presbyterian Village for a century of commitment to the Blair County community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, institution, which is celebrating a milestone anniversary. This year, Shavers Creek Grange Number 353 will mark the 150th anniversary of its founding with a series of events, including a fellowship event that reflects the organization's mission to embrace community members from across generations. Defined by its enduring commitment to family values and community standards, the Shavers Creek Grange represents the organization's motto, and that motto is: ``In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.'' On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the Shavers Creek Grange on this sesquicentennial milestone and thank its members for their continued work to strengthen the community fabric of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, President Trump was inaugurated for his second term as President. Now, it is time for us to deliver on his promises. The American people overwhelmingly supported President Trump's candidacy, a candidacy that was built on restoring the American Dream, strengthening our national security, and making America once again energy dominant. I have no doubt that President Trump will continue to do the work that we have already started right here in the House of Representatives to Make America Great Again. The golden age of America does start right now. President Trump's Policies Resonate with Americans

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, after the inauguration, President Trump shared his plans for the American people. During his speech, the President made it clear that the days of a weak America are over, and now, we will return to being that shining city on a hill. The policies that President Trump laid out in his speech resonate with the American people. More than his policies, his message resonates with Americans throughout this great land. It is a message of strength on the international stage, a message of dominance in the production of energy, and a message of safety on our city streets. President Trump's speech is why the American people overwhelmingly returned him to the White House. Laying Out New Vision for Nation

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, President Trump has laid out a vision for our Nation over the past few months, from the campaign trail to his first day back in office, a vision that he took action on immediately after being sworn in by signing numerous executive orders to secure our border, lower costs for the American public, and drain the swamp. President Trump also shared his support for ending California's out- of-touch electric vehicle mandate. I strongly support this action and look forward to working with President Trump to pass my legislation, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, to protect the individual consumer's right to drive the type of vehicle that they want. Preserving Life at All Stages

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, thousands of pro-life advocates will be coming to Washington for the annual March for Life this week. Like these fierce advocates, I firmly believe that all life is worth protecting. This week, I was proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 21, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This important piece of legislation will require medical attention for children who survive botched abortions and impose strong penalties for those who do not comply. Life is truly a gift from God, and I will always work to preserve the sanctity of human life.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Millin family, located in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The Millin family owns the Millin Family Farm. It has received the designation of a 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 holding. The Millin family has farmed in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, since 1874, when Sandra Millin's great-grandfather purchased the property. Today, the Millins manage an over-200-acre grain operation on that exact same land. They even have the farm's original log structure dating to pre-1874. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I offer heartfelt congratulations to the Millin family and express gratitude for their enduring commitment to one of Pennsylvania's most vital industries: agriculture.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the birth of Mark Walter Tucker. Mark Tucker is the son of my deputy chief of staff, Matt Tucker, and his wonderful wife, Sarah. Since my very first day in office, Matt has been by my side, working to help address the healthcare issues that matter most to my communities in south central and western Pennsylvania. The birth of a child offers both a time to reflect and an important time to look forward. As Matt and Sarah begin this new chapter of their lives, I am not sure if baby Tucker will become a Deacon or maybe a Hokie. My hopes are that he becomes a Nittany Lion. I am excited to see them both have the opportunity to grow and learn as they raise their newborn son and teach him about the important issues of life that matter most to a child, that matter most to his new family and to his community, and to teach him the faith that he will grow in to become a proud American. Welcome, Mark Tucker.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, even as his time in office is coming to an end, President Biden and his administration are still forcing out-of-touch mandates on the American people. To confront President Biden's Green New Deal agenda, I am proud to reintroduce the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, which passed this House in a bipartisan manner in the last Congress. This legislation would ensure that California is unable to move forward with a ban on the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles. This dramatic change would alter the way that vehicles across our Nation are sold at a time when our electric grid is not prepared to meet the demands of a fully electric fleet. It is time to put a stop to the Biden administration's far-left agenda. It is time to allow American drivers to be able to choose the vehicle that they want to drive. American People Want Safe Streets and Secure Borders

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the election in this past November was a loud and clear signal from the American public that they want a secure border and safe streets. That is why my Republican colleagues and I are quickly moving legislation to secure our border and ensure that violent criminals are removed from our communities. The Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act would make any sexual offense committed by illegal immigrants a deportable offense and would ensure that they are banned from these United States. This commonsense legislation is just one step toward creating safer streets and communities for Pennsylvania families and for all Americans. Protecting Our National Energy Security

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as President Trump prepares to begin his second term in office, the Biden administration is trying to limit his ability to ensure that our Nation is energy dominant once again, this time by banning drilling from certain Federal lands. Like President Trump, I know that energy independence moves us away from relying on foreign actors for our energy resources while also helping our allies remove their dependence on adversarial nations, as well. As vice chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to unleash our Nation's energy production. Together, we as Americans can lower prices at the pump and protect our national energy security.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the House of Representatives met yesterday to certify President Trump's electoral victory. Over the past 4 years, President Biden's administration has imposed needless regulations on the American energy industry, has spurred record-high inflation, and has left our southern border wide open. The election results in November were a message from the American people that they want a new path forward, and that path begins today. It is now time to get to work to secure our border and to lower prices for the American people. Together, with the House and with the Senate, I am confident that President Trump will be able to continue the progress that was made during his first administration to once again make America great.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, last week, the Chinese Communist Party ordered a trade embargo on the export of critical minerals to the United States, minerals like gallium, which is used in semiconductor manufacturing and also used in the development of medical and dental devices. This embargo by the CCP is yet another warning and a wake-up call: We need to produce these critical materials right here in the U.S. It is time to increase our domestic supply chains and safeguard our productions against foreign interference. These critical materials are used in the creation of everything from cell phones to the guidance systems used by our military. We cannot and should not allow the Chinese Communist Party to manipulate what products we are able to build here in America. This is the time to act. Government red tape should not continue to hold up this necessary manufacturing. Under President Trump's leadership in the new year, we must take decisive action to approve new permits that allow the production of critical minerals and rare earth elements that are so necessary for our economy.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it has never been more critical that the United States lead the way on 5G innovation. Not only would an expanded 5G network provide critical services and opportunities for Americans living in rural areas, but it would also provide the United States with the ability to continue leading the way on the development of wireless technology. Allowing our adversaries to advance in future generations of wireless without us would erode our privacy, compromise the security of our networks, and lead to increased foreign influence in our communications. The Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act would help the U.S. take the necessary steps to safeguard our technological advantages. By bringing key leaders and stakeholders to the table, this bill would encourage a unified approach to set standards for all 5G networks. By standardizing our approach, we can help ensure a greater certainty for both the provider and consumer. As we look ahead, reliable high-speed connectivity will be vital for students who are doing their homework, for businesses connecting with their customers, for farmers in the fields, and for patients using telemedicine to heal from home. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation and help ensure that our wireless technologies continue to expand and serve the needs of the American people. Congratulating Juniata College Eagles Women's Volleyball Team

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Juniata College women's volleyball team on once again winning the NCAA Division III national championship and on their incredible achievement of winning 97 matches in a row. This record number of consecutive wins is the result of determination. Under the leadership of Coach Heather Pavlik, the Juniata Eagles once again completed their season with a perfect 35-0 record. Equally as important as the team's success in volleyball is their success in the classroom. Juniata's commitment to academic excellence is an example of how student athletes can make incredible achievements both on and off the court. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I am proud to once again congratulate the women's volleyball team at Juniata on another outstanding season, and I look forward to their continued success. Executive Overreach During Presidential Transition

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as the Biden administration comes to an end, we have seen continued attempts by the far left to enact major regulatory policies just as this administration is on its way out the door. The American people have spoken and elected President Donald J. Trump to return to the White House. This is not the time for President Biden to take executive actions that provide student loan bailouts or implement Green New Deal policies. If President Biden takes these executive actions at a time when the voters have made it clear that they are ready for change, we need to ensure that these rules are not permanent. The Midnight Rules Relief Act would ensure that the American people are heard during a Presidential transition by allowing the Congressional Review Act to be used to overturn multiple Federal Rules in a single resolution. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the Midnight Rules Relief Act to put a stop to President Biden's executive overreach.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of former Pennsylvania State Representative Jerry Stern, who passed away earlier this week. For more than 20 years, Representative Stern served the people of Blair and Bedford Counties in Harrisburg, where he was committed to addressing the issues that matter most to our communities. During his time both as a member of Pennsylvania's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Committee on Children and Youth, Representative Jerry Stern poured himself into his work each and every day. By building coalitions and passing legislation that supported our farmers and by advocating for children in the foster care system and working to ensure that they received the support and the care that they needed, Representative Jerry Stern showed his commitment to the people of central Pennsylvania. Today, please join me in remembering the life of Representative Jerry Stern and offering condolences to his wife, Susan, and to his entire family.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the officers of the Altoona Police Department for their professionalism, their bravery, and their quick response that led to the arrest and the capture of Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson. When a call came from the McDonald's restaurant on Plank Road in Altoona, Officers Tyler Frye and Joseph Detwiler immediately moved into action, working quickly to apprehend the suspect before he could flee. It was their questioning and their police work that ultimately led to his arrest, putting to rest a national manhunt. With only 6 months on the job, Officer Tyler Frye's career is off to a significant start, and I am grateful to him and for all 66 officers of the Altoona Police Department that is led by Chief of Police, Joe Merrill. While high-profile, this arrest is just a small part of the incredible work that these officers do each and every day to protect the community. Whether it is patrolling our streets, working to stop the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into our communities, or doing outreach at our schools, the officers of the Altoona Police Department are a strong example of what is best about our community. On behalf of everyone in Blair County and throughout Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank the officers of the Altoona Police Department for their commitment to protect and serve the community.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Penn State University's football team on reaching the first NCAA 12-team playoff. With both a shutdown defense and an efficient offense that kept the ball moving all season long, the Nittany Lions have put themselves in a strong position to play for a national championship title next month. While these students have done an incredible job on the field to reach this position, it is also important to remember their success in the classroom. Over the past 10 years, Penn State University is one of only eight schools that has won at least 10 NCAA championships while concurrently achieving at least a 90 percent graduation rate for student athletes. Their commitment to excellence both on and off the field are an example for the thousands of students across Pennsylvania who look to our football team as role models. On behalf of the Nittany Lions nation and across Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the team on reaching the college football playoffs. Remembering Gary Washington

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to remember the life of a friend, Gary Washington. Gary was a member of the Bedford County community who dedicated his life to serving others. After graduating from Bedford High School in 1965, Gary's education and work took him away from central Pennsylvania until later in life when he returned to Bedford to cofound the Extended Family Program, which supports students who are having difficulty in school. The program, which Gary led for 16 years before his retirement, provides a lifeline to students who are struggling academically or at home. Today, Gary is remembered by the students that he mentored throughout the Extended Family Program and those that he coached on the Bedford High School football team. Later in life, Gary was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He and his wonderful wife, Mable, became strong advocates for both patients and patients' caregivers. Throughout his life, Coach Washington was committed to helping others and ensuring that the students in Bedford County had the tools and the support that they needed in order to succeed. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, we mourn the loss of Coach Gary Washington, and we pray for his family and for his friends and all of those who helped him throughout this journey in life. National Medal of Honor Highway

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week, as we commemorate both the 83rd anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor and the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, we are reminded of the incredible bravery and sacrifice made by our servicemembers. The highest decoration that our Nation can bestow upon those who served in uniform is the Congressional Medal of Honor for acts of bravery at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. This week, we have the chance to honor the soldiers, the sailors, the airmen, the marines, and the coast guardsmen who have received the Medal of Honor by designating U.S. State Route 20 as the National Medal of Honor Highway. Stretching from Massachusetts Bay to the Oregon coastline, historic Route 20 is the longest highway in this great country, and it is fitting that this road be designated to honor the 3,516 Medal of Honor recipients who have fought to keep our Nation safe and our Nation free. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation to honor those servicemembers.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, across our country, students continue to face uncertainty caused by the delays in the Federal Student Aid system. Unfortunately, the Biden administration's botched rollout of the FAFSA program this past school year left students not knowing whether they would receive aid. Some students did not even know their financial aid status until after the start of the school year. Recently, I voted in favor of the FAFSA Deadline Act, which would ensure that FAFSA forms are made available by October 1 of each year, allowing students and their families and their schools the necessary time to complete, process, and receive those applications. These delays impact students, both at flagship universities and at trade schools, leaving the students unsure of how they will afford the tuition in their chosen careers. It is time for the Senate to pass this legislation and give our students and their families the clarity that they need in order to return and resume their education.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, right now, more than 500 elementary, middle, and high schools across the U.S. contain Confucius classrooms. These programs, which have been introduced slowly over a number of years, share CCP propaganda and provide cover to communist regimes. At a time when Christians and Uyghurs are being persecuted in China, we cannot allow curriculums written in support of the Chinese Communist Party to be taught in the American classrooms. To address this issue, it is time to pass the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, which would direct the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to provide civic education curriculum and materials for middle and high school students about the true dangers of communism. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation. We cannot afford to allow this growing influence to continue in American classrooms. Remembering Monsignor Raymond Balta