[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 193 (Monday, November 17, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4671-H4672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IMPROVING DOMESTIC ENERGY MARKET

  (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week, we will vote on 
legislation to improve our domestic energy market and to support 
President Trump's agenda on U.S. energy dominance.
  In my home State of Pennsylvania, we have abundant natural gas 
reserves. We can utilize this resource that is under the feet of my 
constituents to provide tremendous economic benefit to our country and 
support the energy needs of our allies.
  Unfortunately, over the last 4 years, energy policy has stalled the 
necessary development of pipelines and export facilities. This has 
hindered natural gas production and prevented us from fully realizing 
the benefit of this critical resource.
  The United States' ample energy resources are a distinct advantage 
over our global competitors. We can leverage this advantage to the 
benefit of my constituents and the benefit of all Americans by 
advancing this important legislation and putting energy policy in this 
country back on track.
  As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I was proud to work 
to advance this legislation to the House floor, and I look forward to 
seeing it passed through Congress on the way to being signed into law 
by President Trump.


 Commemorating 75th Anniversary of James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in 
commemorating the 75th anniversary of the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical 
Center in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Speaker, 33 years after the VA medical center in Altoona was 
opened, Congress renamed the facility in honor of the former U.S. 
Representative James E. Van Zandt, who was the catalyst for the 
establishment of the VA medical center in Altoona.
  Representative Van Zandt was born in Altoona, elected to 11 terms in 
the U.S. House, served with the United States Navy in both World War I 
and World War II, and was a national commander of the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars from 1934 to 1936. He retired as a rear admiral from the 
United States Navy Reserve in 1959.
  The legacy of devoted service that distinguished the life of 
Representative Van Zandt remains as a source of inspiration for all.
  I am proud that my longstanding ties to the Van Zandt VA Medical 
Center include my service as a consultant serving our veterans. On 
behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I 
congratulate the James E. Van Zandt Medical Center on this important 
milestone and express my personal gratitude for the excellent 
healthcare that has been provided to the veterans there, continuing 
today and into the future.


      Honoring Century Farm Designation of Black's Willow Run Farm

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor four 
generations of the Black family in Tyrone Township, Blair County, 
Pennsylvania, on the designation of their farm as a Century Farm by the 
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
  James Black purchased the farm in December 1920 at a cost of $28 per 
acre for 140 acres. He raised chickens on the farm.
  Family ownership was passed down through the years to Samuel Black, 
who transitioned the operation from a poultry farm to a dairy farm, and 
then to Samuel's son Bob Black, who chose to focus on crop farming.
  Today, Black's Willow Run Farm is owned by Bob Black's son, Clinton, 
and his wife, Jessica. Crops grown on the farm include corn, wheat, 
soybeans, and alfalfa.
  On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, 
I offer heartfelt congratulations to all members of the Black family on 
this notable recognition and express gratitude for their enduring 
commitment to one of Pennsylvania's most vital industries, and that is 
agriculture.


                       Recognizing Krista Pontius

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Krista Pontius on her selection as the recipient of the 2025 
Pennsylvania Golden Owl Award.

[[Page H4672]]

  Krista is a longtime agriculture teacher and the FFA adviser at 
Greenwood High School in Millerstown, Pennsylvania. With pride, Krista 
notes that she has devoted nearly 30 years to creating an FFA family at 
the high school.
  The Golden Owl Award is one of the most prestigious forms of 
recognition in agricultural education. Presented at the Pennsylvania 
FFA State Convention, the award honors teachers in the State of 
Pennsylvania who dedicate countless hours to improving the lives of 
their students.
  Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russ Redding described Krista 
as a natural teacher whose dedication makes a lasting impression on 
students in our communities.

  Most certainly, Krista is a source of pride for the entire district. 
On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I 
congratulate Krista and look forward to the continuation of her 
education for the community.

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