[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.

                          ____________________