[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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