CONFRONTING THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION

On 2026-02-04, Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13) delivered a floor speech titled "CONFRONTING THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION" in the House. The speech addressed the economy and also covered taxes, defense. It referenced legislation: S600.

CONFRONTING THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [House] [Pages H1984-H1985] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONFRONTING THE DISEASE OF ADDICTION (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend President Trump for taking decisive action to confront one of the most devastating public health challenges that currently face our Nation, the disease of addiction. With the launch of the Great American Recovery Initiative, President Trump is elevating our national response by coordinating Federal, State, and community resources. This action by President Trump will expand access to treatment, to prevention, to long-term recovery, and support millions of Americans and their families. This initiative recognizes what addiction truly is, a chronic, treatable condition. This comprehensive effort reflects a shared American value that every life is worth saving and every individual struggling with addiction deserves a path to recovery. According to data collected in 2023, nearly 5,000 Pennsylvanians lost their lives due to fatal drug overdoses. That means that across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we lost 14 lives each day to addiction. Under the leadership of President Trump, I look forward to working with my colleagues here in Congress to support this initiative and ensure that it delivers real results for the families and those suffering with addiction across our country. Happy 90th Birthday to Sister Paula DelGrosso Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday of Sister Paula DelGrosso. Sister Paula's religious vocation began in the 1950s. After spending more than 30 years in education, she heard a different calling, a calling to serve her community in another way. She worked to establish the St. Vincent de Paul's Food for Families Soup Kitchen. Sister Paula has worked with community leaders, service organizations, and supporters to operate the soup kitchen. Now, for more than three decades, she has lived her faith by feeding the hungry. Mr. Speaker, as one of Sister Paula's many volunteers, I witnessed firsthand her commitment and her passion to serving her community. On her 90th birthday, I thank Sister Paula for her dedication and her devotion for those in need. I wish Sister Paula a happy birthday. Honoring George Lake Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Lake of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, as the first recipient of the Pennsylvania Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award. After completing his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, George took the responsibility of owning the Thistle Creek Farms in Warriors Mark. George has transformed his family's 600-acre farm into a nationally recognized regenerative livestock operation which produces a premium beef brand. Motivated to help owners of small farms succeed, George also devotes time to mentoring fellow beef farmers. Mr. Speaker, I thank George Lake for his military service and offer congratulations on receiving the Pennsylvania Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award. Recognizing the DeGol Family Foundation Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the DeGol Organization, which is headquartered in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The origins of the family-owned and -operated enterprise date to 1950 when [[Page H1985]] Bruno and Lena DeGol produced a masonry plant in Cambria County. Today, the DeGol Organization includes Seven D Wholesale, DeGol Carpet, Seven D Windows and Door, Hollidaysburg Rail Car Services, and the Scotch Valley Country Club. In addition to driving economic growth and facilitating job creation, the DeGol Organization has supported communities through the Bruno and Lena DeGol Family Foundation. The foundation's philanthropy has funded numerous capital improvement projects, education initiatives, and nonprofit programs. Mr. Speaker, with a distinguished legacy of leadership, I congratulate the entire DeGol family on this milestone anniversary and offer best wishes for continued success. ____________________