Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-12

SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TO STRENGTHEN UNITED STATES WARFIGHTERS

TaxesEnvironmentDefenseLaborVeterans

Context

On 2026-01-12, Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TO STRENGTHEN UNITED STATES WARFIGHTERS" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, defense.

Full Text

SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TO STRENGTHEN UNITED STATES WARFIGHTERS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)] [House] [Pages H617-H618] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TO STRENGTHEN UNITED STATES WARFIGHTERS (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, President Trump issued an executive order last week to prioritize the development of the U.S. warfighter. President Trump has made significant strides toward strengthening the United States' military capabilities, and this executive order continues to do just that. Enhancing the lethality and readiness of our military forces relies on the highly skilled practices of defense contracting partners like JLG Industries, Volvo Construction Equipment, the Manitowoc Company, and firms like Lockheed Martin, Leonardo DRS, Kongsberg Defense Corporation, and JWF Defense Systems. These are all examples of companies that put our Nation's vital interests first, and these are all companies that are in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. President Trump's initiative will hold Defense to the highest standards by refocusing on our Nation's military readiness, which is especially needed in these incredibly dangerous times. I thank President Trump for this initiative. Recognizing Efforts to Restore Gettysburg Monuments Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the efforts of the Gettysburg National Military Park to restore several monuments. These restoration efforts follow the vandalism of historic monuments at Gettysburg. These memorials honor the brave soldiers who fought and died in one of the most pivotal American battles. Restoring these monuments will take months and cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. These are resources that should have never been necessary to expend. These actions were not simply acts of graffiti. They were acts to damage our legacy. These monuments stand as reminders of sacrifice, unity, and the ongoing work of perfecting this Union. They deserve our utmost respect. We owe it to those who fought for these freedoms and to the future generations of Americans to ensure that our national parks and memorials are preserved. Representing Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Superintendent Kris Heister and her staff at Gettysburg National Military Park for their dedication to protecting these sacred sites. Mr. Speaker, I urge all constituents to uphold the highest respect for those who died so that we might enjoy the many freedoms that we continue to have today. Recognizing Huntingdon Area School District Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Huntingdon Area School District on its selection as a Great Pennsylvania School. Bestowed by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, this designation recognizes school districts across Pennsylvania for academic excellence. As Superintendent Jennifer Mitchell stated: This meaningful designation reflects the shared commitment to high-quality, innovative, and community-centered education in Huntingdon. Mr. Speaker, I join with constituents throughout Huntingdon in congratulating the Huntingdon Area School District, Superintendent Mitchell, and the school board directors on the district's designation as one of Pennsylvania's great schools. Honoring the Life and Community Impact of Tina Pelesky Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and community impact of Tina Pelesky, a dedicated advocate for veterans, who passed away at the age of 56 this past Christmas Eve. Tina devoted her professional life to Veteran Community Initiatives, a nonprofit organization in Johnstown that provides numerous services for veterans in a 14-county region that includes Cambria, Somerset, and Bedford Counties. Tina most recently served as VCI's director of finance and administration. In her partnership with VCI founder Tom Caulfield, Tina was instrumental in supporting numerous aspects of VCI's mission. [[Page H618]] As we pause to remember Tina, we also keep her husband, David, and her entire family in our prayers. We also express a nation's gratitude for her passionate commitment that advocates like Tina Pelesky and Tom Caulfield make each and every day for all of those who served this great country. ____________________

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SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TO STRENGTHEN UNITED STATES WARFIGHTERS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)] [House] [Pages H617-H618] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SIGNIFICANT STRIDES TO STRENGTHEN UNITED STATES WARFIGHTERS (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, President Trump issued an executive order last week to prioritize the development of the U.S. warfighter. President Trump has made significant strides toward strengthening the United States' military capabilities, and this executive order continues to do just that. Enhancing the lethality and readiness of our military forces relies on the highly skilled practices of defense contracting partners like JLG Industries, Volvo Construction Equipment, the Manitowoc Company, and firms like Lockheed Martin, Leonardo DRS, Kongsberg Defense Corporation, and JWF Defense Systems. These are all examples of companies that put our Nation's vital interests first, and these are all companies that are in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. President Trump's initiative will hold Defense to the highest standards by refocusing on our Nation's military readiness, which is especially needed in these incredibly dangerous times. I thank President Trump for this initiative. Recognizing Efforts to Restore Gettysburg Monuments Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the efforts of the Gettysburg National Military Park to restore several monuments. These restoration efforts follow the vandalism of historic monuments at Gettysburg. These memorials honor the brave soldiers who fought and died in one of the most pivotal American battles. Restoring these monuments will take months and cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. These are resources that should have never been necessary to expend. These actions were not simply acts of graffiti. They were acts to damage our legacy. These monuments stand as reminders of sacrifice, unity, and the ongoing work of perfecting this Union. They deserve our utmost respect. We owe it to those who fought for these freedoms and to the future generations of Americans to ensure that our national parks and memorials are preserved. Representing Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I thank Superintendent Kris Heister and her staff at Gettysburg National Military Park for their dedication to protecting these sacred sites. Mr. Speaker, I urge all constituents to uphold the highest respect for those who died so that we might enjoy the many freedoms that we continue to have today. Recognizing Huntingdon Area School District Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Huntingdon Area School District on its selection as a Great Pennsylvania School. Bestowed by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, this designation recognizes school districts across Pennsylvania for academic excellence. As Superintendent Jennifer Mitchell stated: This meaningful designation reflects the shared commitment to high-quality, innovative, and community-centered education in Huntingdon. Mr. Speaker, I join with constituents throughout Huntingdon in congratulating the Huntingdon Area School District, Superintendent Mitchell, and the school board directors on the district's designation as one of Pennsylvania's great schools. Honoring the Life and Community Impact of Tina Pelesky Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and community impact of Tina Pelesky, a dedicated advocate for veterans, who passed away at the age of 56 this past Christmas Eve. Tina devoted her professional life to Veteran Community Initiatives, a nonprofit organization in Johnstown that provides numerous services for veterans in a 14-county region that includes Cambria, Somerset, and Bedford Counties. Tina most recently served as VCI's director of finance and administration. In her partnership with VCI founder Tom Caulfield, Tina was instrumental in supporting numerous aspects of VCI's mission. [[Page H618]] As we pause to remember Tina, we also keep her husband, David, and her entire family in our prayers. We also express a nation's gratitude for her passionate commitment that advocates like Tina Pelesky and Tom Caulfield make each and every day for all of those who served this great country. ____________________