Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-23

OPENING OF KONGSBERG DEFENSE EXPANSION

HealthcareTaxesDefenseTradeEducationCrime & JusticeAgriculture

Context

On 2026-02-23, Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "OPENING OF KONGSBERG DEFENSE EXPANSION" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, defense.

Full Text

OPENING OF KONGSBERG DEFENSE EXPANSION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2237-H2238] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] OPENING OF KONGSBERG DEFENSE EXPANSION (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a development in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with positive impacts not just for the community but for our entire Nation. Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the opening of the expansion of the Kongsberg Defense in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The expanded Johnstown production site represents millions of dollars in investment in 20 new high-quality jobs for the area. For more than two decades, this facility has produced critical remote weapon systems that support the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army. Since its opening, this Johnstown site has produced over 20,000 remote weapon stations and remote turrets, providing high-skilled employment opportunities in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. This expansion signifies a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing, while also bolstering our military readiness and capabilities. In a world of growing tensions with foreign adversaries, investments like this are essential to our national security. They are essential for maintaining that peace through strength that President Trump has promised. Restoring Fairness in Prescription Drug Market Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the meaningful and long-overdue step toward restoring fairness and transparency in our prescription drug market by passing the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, now signed into law by President Trump. For years, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has ultimately led the fight to crack down on pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, whose hidden practices too often fail patients and, rather, enrich the health insurance companies in America. These historic reforms take important first steps to hold PBMs accountable by delinking PBM compensation from the price of the drug. This legislation replaces hidden incentives with a flat-fee model. By requiring full transparency into how PBMs operate, this will give employers and everyday Americans visibility into hidden costs and rebates before they purchase a health insurance plan. These changes promote several things. They promote accountability. They promote protecting patient choice. They promote ensuring that hidden fees are not in the price of the patient's medicine. This is a pro-patient reform that will ultimately lower costs at the pharmacy counter and deliver a more affordable healthcare system for all of America. Recognizing Rebecca Conner-Miller Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rebecca Conner-Miller on her selection for the 2026 Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year Award, which is one of Pennsylvania's most prestigious honors in educational technology. Presented annually by the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference, this award honors educators who elevate technology into a tool that is used for exploration and opportunity. Rebecca is a teacher at Mifflin County High School. Through her teaching, students explore engineering design, digital fabrication, robotics, and manufacturing challenges that mirror real-world industry. Rebecca's colleagues praise her for her leadership and creativity. Mr. Speaker, I extend congratulations to Ms. Conner-Miller on her selection for the Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year Award. She is providing students the blueprint for a successful future. Recognizing Michael Clark Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Clark for being selected as the Outstanding Agriculture Education Teacher of the Year. This is one of the highest honors for his profession. Michael is an agriculture teacher at the Greenwood High School in Perry County, Pennsylvania. [[Page H2238]] The national award that Michael received recognizes teachers who demonstrate innovation and program development, a commitment to lifelong learning, and dedication to shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Michael on his selection for the national Outstanding Agriculture Education Teacher of the Year Award and express gratitude for his passionate commitment to the academic achievement of his students. ____________________

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OPENING OF KONGSBERG DEFENSE EXPANSION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2237-H2238] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] OPENING OF KONGSBERG DEFENSE EXPANSION (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a development in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with positive impacts not just for the community but for our entire Nation. Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the opening of the expansion of the Kongsberg Defense in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The expanded Johnstown production site represents millions of dollars in investment in 20 new high-quality jobs for the area. For more than two decades, this facility has produced critical remote weapon systems that support the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army. Since its opening, this Johnstown site has produced over 20,000 remote weapon stations and remote turrets, providing high-skilled employment opportunities in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. This expansion signifies a strong commitment to domestic manufacturing, while also bolstering our military readiness and capabilities. In a world of growing tensions with foreign adversaries, investments like this are essential to our national security. They are essential for maintaining that peace through strength that President Trump has promised. Restoring Fairness in Prescription Drug Market Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the meaningful and long-overdue step toward restoring fairness and transparency in our prescription drug market by passing the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, now signed into law by President Trump. For years, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has ultimately led the fight to crack down on pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, whose hidden practices too often fail patients and, rather, enrich the health insurance companies in America. These historic reforms take important first steps to hold PBMs accountable by delinking PBM compensation from the price of the drug. This legislation replaces hidden incentives with a flat-fee model. By requiring full transparency into how PBMs operate, this will give employers and everyday Americans visibility into hidden costs and rebates before they purchase a health insurance plan. These changes promote several things. They promote accountability. They promote protecting patient choice. They promote ensuring that hidden fees are not in the price of the patient's medicine. This is a pro-patient reform that will ultimately lower costs at the pharmacy counter and deliver a more affordable healthcare system for all of America. Recognizing Rebecca Conner-Miller Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rebecca Conner-Miller on her selection for the 2026 Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year Award, which is one of Pennsylvania's most prestigious honors in educational technology. Presented annually by the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference, this award honors educators who elevate technology into a tool that is used for exploration and opportunity. Rebecca is a teacher at Mifflin County High School. Through her teaching, students explore engineering design, digital fabrication, robotics, and manufacturing challenges that mirror real-world industry. Rebecca's colleagues praise her for her leadership and creativity. Mr. Speaker, I extend congratulations to Ms. Conner-Miller on her selection for the Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year Award. She is providing students the blueprint for a successful future. Recognizing Michael Clark Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Clark for being selected as the Outstanding Agriculture Education Teacher of the Year. This is one of the highest honors for his profession. Michael is an agriculture teacher at the Greenwood High School in Perry County, Pennsylvania. [[Page H2238]] The national award that Michael received recognizes teachers who demonstrate innovation and program development, a commitment to lifelong learning, and dedication to shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Michael on his selection for the national Outstanding Agriculture Education Teacher of the Year Award and express gratitude for his passionate commitment to the academic achievement of his students. ____________________