[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2237-H2238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 OPENING OF KONGSBERG DEFENSE EXPANSION

  (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a 
development in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with positive impacts not just 
for the community but for our entire Nation.
  Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the opening of the 
expansion of the Kongsberg Defense in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The 
expanded Johnstown production site represents millions of dollars in 
investment in 20 new high-quality jobs for the area.
  For more than two decades, this facility has produced critical remote 
weapon systems that support the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army. Since 
its opening, this Johnstown site has produced over 20,000 remote weapon 
stations and remote turrets, providing high-skilled employment 
opportunities in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District.
  This expansion signifies a strong commitment to domestic 
manufacturing, while also bolstering our military readiness and 
capabilities. In a world of growing tensions with foreign adversaries, 
investments like this are essential to our national security. They are 
essential for maintaining that peace through strength that President 
Trump has promised.


             Restoring Fairness in Prescription Drug Market

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the 
meaningful and long-overdue step toward restoring fairness and 
transparency in our prescription drug market by passing the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, now signed into law by 
President Trump.
  For years, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has ultimately 
led the fight to crack down on pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, 
whose hidden practices too often fail patients and, rather, enrich the 
health insurance companies in America.
  These historic reforms take important first steps to hold PBMs 
accountable by delinking PBM compensation from the price of the drug. 
This legislation replaces hidden incentives with a flat-fee model.
  By requiring full transparency into how PBMs operate, this will give 
employers and everyday Americans visibility into hidden costs and 
rebates before they purchase a health insurance plan.
  These changes promote several things. They promote accountability. 
They promote protecting patient choice. They promote ensuring that 
hidden fees are not in the price of the patient's medicine.
  This is a pro-patient reform that will ultimately lower costs at the 
pharmacy counter and deliver a more affordable healthcare system for 
all of America.


                   Recognizing Rebecca Conner-Miller

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Rebecca Conner-Miller on her selection for the 2026 Dr. Laura Hummell 
Technology Innovator of the Year Award, which is one of Pennsylvania's 
most prestigious honors in educational technology.
  Presented annually by the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo 
and Conference, this award honors educators who elevate technology into 
a tool that is used for exploration and opportunity.
  Rebecca is a teacher at Mifflin County High School. Through her 
teaching, students explore engineering design, digital fabrication, 
robotics, and manufacturing challenges that mirror real-world industry. 
Rebecca's colleagues praise her for her leadership and creativity.
  Mr. Speaker, I extend congratulations to Ms. Conner-Miller on her 
selection for the Dr. Laura Hummell Technology Innovator of the Year 
Award. She is providing students the blueprint for a successful future.


                       Recognizing Michael Clark

  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Michael Clark for being selected as the Outstanding Agriculture 
Education Teacher of the Year. This is one of the highest honors for 
his profession.
  Michael is an agriculture teacher at the Greenwood High School in 
Perry County, Pennsylvania.

[[Page H2238]]

  The national award that Michael received recognizes teachers who 
demonstrate innovation and program development, a commitment to 
lifelong learning, and dedication to shaping the next generation of 
agricultural leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th 
Congressional District, I congratulate Michael on his selection for the 
national Outstanding Agriculture Education Teacher of the Year Award 
and express gratitude for his passionate commitment to the academic 
achievement of his students.

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