RECOGNIZING AND THANKING JOANNE HORN

On 2026-01-07, Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING AND THANKING JOANNE HORN" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered Social Security, veterans affairs.

RECOGNIZING AND THANKING JOANNE HORN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [House] [Pages H109-H110] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING AND THANKING JOANNE HORN (Mr. Smucker of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and thank an extraordinary public servant, Joanne Horn, who has retired after decades of faithful service to the people of Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. Joanne has been a valued member of my staff since 2017, and before that, she served for 20 years working for Congressman Joe Pitts. For nearly three [[Page H110]] decades, Joanne has been a steady, compassionate presence for constituents across the 11th District who needed help navigating Washington's vast alphabet soup of agencies and departments. We did some calculation, and during her time in my office alone, not counting her time with Congressman Pitts, Joanne helped more than 7,500 individuals and secured over $46.8 million in savings and benefits that were rightfully owed to the people we serve. Those numbers only tell part of the story. Joanne always helped seniors with Social Security, families navigating economic assistance during COVID, veterans, and countless others who felt overwhelmed and unheard until Joanne stepped in. She didn't just do what we call casework. She actually changed lives. Joanne treated every constituent with dignity, persistence, and care, and she never gave up on someone who needed help. There is truly no one quite like Joanne Horn. Our office, district, and Commonwealth are better because of her service, and we are deeply grateful as she begins this next chapter. {time} 1100 Celebrating a Century of Root's Country Market Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize Root's Country Market on their 100th anniversary. Root's Country Market is a farmer's market and auction based in Manheim, Pennsylvania. The market's history stretches back to 1925 when it was founded by A.W. Root as a poultry auction. Since then, Root's has expanded to include homegrown produce, handmade goods, and a flea market, the last of which was acquired in 2005. Today, there are 250 stands in Root's Country Market, 180 stands at Root's Old Mill Flea Market across the street, and two auctions. Root's operates every Tuesday year-round and sees up to 10,000 visitors each week. While seeing tremendous growth in the century since its founding, the market has stayed true to its roots. Root's remains family-owned and is currently led by fifth-generation market master Emily Longenecker Rineer. What began as a poultry auction one century ago has become a staple of Lancaster County's heritage. As Root's Country Market celebrates 100 years in business, I thank the family and their stand holders for making our community a vibrant place. Congratulations to the Root's Country Market, and I wish them another century of success. Congratulating Constituents Named 2025-2026 Pennsylvania FFA Officers Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to congratulate and recognize the three individuals from Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District who were installed as 2025-2026 State officers for the Pennsylvania FFA: State President Sarah Firestone, State Vice President Sally Bollinger, and State Secretary Leah Flinchbaugh. Having emerged from a rigorous nomination and election process, a total of seven State officers were chosen to lead the Pennsylvania FFA this year. Three of the seven individuals belong to chapters in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. Sarah Firestone, the new president, is a member of the Garden Spot FFA Chapter and a graduate of Lampeter-Strasburg High School. The new vice president, Sally Bollinger, is a member of the Cloister FFA Chapter and is a graduate of Ephrata High School. The new secretary, Leah Flinchbaugh, is a member of the Eastern York FFA Chapter and a graduate of Eastern York High School. Agriculture is crucial to Lancaster and York Counties, and the newly elected officers have demonstrated both passion for and knowledge of our local community. I commend Sarah Firestone, Sally Bollinger, and Leah Flinchbaugh for their leadership in the Pennsylvania FFA. As they settle into their new roles and prepare for bright futures ahead, I wish them continued success in all of their endeavors. ____________________