Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-20

HONORING KEVIN BREHM

TaxesEnvironmentCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-04-20, Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING KEVIN BREHM" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING KEVIN BREHM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 69 (Monday, April 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 69 (Monday, April 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2963-H2964] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING KEVIN BREHM (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor longtime Adams County, Pennsylvania, Volunteer First Responder Kevin Brehm. Kevin passed away while on duty as an emergency medical technician on April 9 of 2026. From his teenage years, Kevin devoted his life to public service. A lifelong resident of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, he was a life member of the Northeast Adams Fire & EMS, where he had served as a deputy chief and mentor to so many aspiring first responders. Throughout 42 years of being a first responder, Kevin amassed thousands of hours of training through his fire, rescue, and EMS disciplines. Most certainly, Kevin impacted the lives of countless individuals with his professional expertise and his kind and thoughtful nature. On behalf of the entire 13th Congressional District, I offer prayers and condolences to Kevin's family and to his fellow first responders throughout Adams and York Counties, Pennsylvania. Recognizing John Franco Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of my friend, Coach John Franco, an educator and a football coach, who positively impacted the lives of high school students at four schools over the last 39 years. A native of Blair County, Pennsylvania, John Franco recently announced his retirement from coaching. Most recently, he was head coach of the Tyrone Area High School football team. During his two stints at Tyrone, which spanned over 25 years, Coach Franco led the football team to a combined record of 230-71 and three-- yes, three--appearances in the State title game. His 1999 team won the PIAA Class 2A championship. With an overall career record of 291-154-2, Coach Franco ranks 25th in PIAA victories. Coach Franco has stated that the highlight of his entire career was coaching his two sons, Johnny and Steve. Both sons earned all-State recognition. Coach Franco was a standout football star in his own right at Bishop Guilfoyle High School where he later served on that coaching staff. On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I express my gratitude to Coach Franco for his commitment to the development of young people and offer best wishes for success in all of his future endeavors. Acknowledging Behavioral Health Pod at UPMC Altoona Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, with great pride, I rise today to acknowledge the successful and effective implementation of the behavioral health pod in the emergency department at UPMC Altoona. Supported in part with Federal funding that I was honored to facilitate, this innovative space provides patients seeking emergency treatment for behavioral health conditions with a dedicated, safe, and therapeutic environment separated from the traditional emergency department. As the first anniversary of the pod's opening at UPMC Altoona approaches, approximately 500 patients have already benefited from this novel treatment approach. Across Pennsylvania, fewer than five behavioral health pods are operational. Within the health pod, trained professionals focus on recovery- centered care support, offering individuals who need that mental health or substance use expertise in times of crisis. Clinicians have emphasized that this approach provides patients with a better experience in a private and less stimulating environment to begin their healing process. On behalf of all the constituents in the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate UPMC on this successful implementation. Recognizing National Library Week Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Library Week and the critical role that libraries play in communities across Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Libraries are so much more than just a place to borrow books. They offer lifelong opportunities in learning through reading. [[Page H2964]] Through my work in Washington, I have had the privilege of bringing books from the Library of Congress to many libraries across Pennsylvania's 13th District. But many libraries are facing real challenges in simply keeping their lights on. That is exactly why I introduced the Community Passport Services Access Act. This legislation takes a practical, commonsense step to help libraries remain viable community hubs by allowing the libraries to continue offering passport services, bringing in needed revenue, expanding services for residents, and reinforcing their role as a one- stop resource for the public. This bill is about keeping library doors open. ____________________

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HONORING KEVIN BREHM Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 69 (Monday, April 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 69 (Monday, April 20, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2963-H2964] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING KEVIN BREHM (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor longtime Adams County, Pennsylvania, Volunteer First Responder Kevin Brehm. Kevin passed away while on duty as an emergency medical technician on April 9 of 2026. From his teenage years, Kevin devoted his life to public service. A lifelong resident of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, he was a life member of the Northeast Adams Fire & EMS, where he had served as a deputy chief and mentor to so many aspiring first responders. Throughout 42 years of being a first responder, Kevin amassed thousands of hours of training through his fire, rescue, and EMS disciplines. Most certainly, Kevin impacted the lives of countless individuals with his professional expertise and his kind and thoughtful nature. On behalf of the entire 13th Congressional District, I offer prayers and condolences to Kevin's family and to his fellow first responders throughout Adams and York Counties, Pennsylvania. Recognizing John Franco Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of my friend, Coach John Franco, an educator and a football coach, who positively impacted the lives of high school students at four schools over the last 39 years. A native of Blair County, Pennsylvania, John Franco recently announced his retirement from coaching. Most recently, he was head coach of the Tyrone Area High School football team. During his two stints at Tyrone, which spanned over 25 years, Coach Franco led the football team to a combined record of 230-71 and three-- yes, three--appearances in the State title game. His 1999 team won the PIAA Class 2A championship. With an overall career record of 291-154-2, Coach Franco ranks 25th in PIAA victories. Coach Franco has stated that the highlight of his entire career was coaching his two sons, Johnny and Steve. Both sons earned all-State recognition. Coach Franco was a standout football star in his own right at Bishop Guilfoyle High School where he later served on that coaching staff. On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I express my gratitude to Coach Franco for his commitment to the development of young people and offer best wishes for success in all of his future endeavors. Acknowledging Behavioral Health Pod at UPMC Altoona Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, with great pride, I rise today to acknowledge the successful and effective implementation of the behavioral health pod in the emergency department at UPMC Altoona. Supported in part with Federal funding that I was honored to facilitate, this innovative space provides patients seeking emergency treatment for behavioral health conditions with a dedicated, safe, and therapeutic environment separated from the traditional emergency department. As the first anniversary of the pod's opening at UPMC Altoona approaches, approximately 500 patients have already benefited from this novel treatment approach. Across Pennsylvania, fewer than five behavioral health pods are operational. Within the health pod, trained professionals focus on recovery- centered care support, offering individuals who need that mental health or substance use expertise in times of crisis. Clinicians have emphasized that this approach provides patients with a better experience in a private and less stimulating environment to begin their healing process. On behalf of all the constituents in the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate UPMC on this successful implementation. Recognizing National Library Week Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Library Week and the critical role that libraries play in communities across Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. Libraries are so much more than just a place to borrow books. They offer lifelong opportunities in learning through reading. [[Page H2964]] Through my work in Washington, I have had the privilege of bringing books from the Library of Congress to many libraries across Pennsylvania's 13th District. But many libraries are facing real challenges in simply keeping their lights on. That is exactly why I introduced the Community Passport Services Access Act. This legislation takes a practical, commonsense step to help libraries remain viable community hubs by allowing the libraries to continue offering passport services, bringing in needed revenue, expanding services for residents, and reinforcing their role as a one- stop resource for the public. This bill is about keeping library doors open. ____________________