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MEMBER OF CONGRESS

John Joyce

Republican PA 14 statements translated

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John Joyce’s recent floor statements are almost entirely tributes: he recognizes constituents, volunteer fire companies, championship teams, churches, and individuals’ anniversaries or deaths in Pennsylvania’s 13th District, typically with a formal greeting, some background detail, and congratulations on behalf of the district. This ceremonial, congratulatory use of the floor is far more frequent for him than for most members, and he fills statements with greetings and expressions of thanks at rates well above the norm. His one policy statement in this set, on his Medicare wheelchair bill, was substantive and specific, describing payment rules and the choice the bill creates, and he used no emotionally loaded language and little procedural filler compared with other members. There is too little partisan or policy speech here to read how he argues legislation generally; what the record shows is a member who devotes most of his floor time to honoring his district rather than to debate.Written by AI from their statements. Updated .

Average grade
B
77 / 100 over 14 statements
Signal 54 / 100
Relevance 100 / 100
Reasoning 93 / 100
Respect Not scored yet
Clarity 100 / 100
Averaged over the 14 of 14 statements graded so far.

In their own words

Loses points more than most for

Greetings and pleasantries.9.5 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×9.5

Thanks and tributes.4.5 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×4.5

Loses points less than most for Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.Less often than most members.What the tags mean Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it.Less often than most members.What the tags mean

Statements 14

House of Representatives ·

Recognizing Donna Mills

“I want to congratulate Elizabeth Schlusser. She joined the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame for voting in 50 straight November elections.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, with respect and admiration, I rise to recognize Elizabeth Schlusser of Newville for her induction into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of Fame acknowledges and honors individuals who have voted in at least 50 consecutive November elections. The Voter Hall of Fame was established in 1986 and includes more than 25,000 voters statewide who were inducted over the last four decades. As America continues to celebrate our semiquincentennial of our founding as a free and independent Republic, we take collective pride in our Nation’s role as a global defender of democratic ideals, including the rights of citizens to vote in free and fair elections. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents throughout the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Elizabeth on this remarkable patriotic distinction and thank her for a level of civic engagement that is a true inspiration to all Pennsylvanians.

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“I want to congratulate Newry Lutheran Church in Blair County on its 225th anniversary. I thank its pastor and members for serving our community since 1801.”

  • Speech in the House

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    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, with appreciation I rise to recognize Newry Lutheran Church of Blair County on the 225th anniversary of its founding. This milestone commemorates more than two centuries of faithful worship, Christian service, and ministry within the Newry community and beyond. Founded in 1801, Newry Lutheran Church has served generations of individuals and families through worship, education, outreach, and compassionate care. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Reverend Marty Jo Irvin-Stellabotte and the entire Newry Lutheran congregation on their 225th anniversary milestone and express my gratitude for the many ways that the church serves the community.

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“I want us to honor Pat Jones, who recently died. He was a Marine veteran, served as a local judge for 39 years, and was a town supervisor. Please join me in remembering his service and keeping his family in your prayers.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, it is with sorrow that I rise to honor the life and public service of Pat Jones, who recently passed away at his farm in Logan Township. Pat served as a magisterial district judge for 39 years in Blair County. Most recently, he was elected to his first term as the Logan Township supervisor in 2019. A United States Marine Corps veteran, Pat has been described as a proud public servant who worked hard to ensure that the justice system continued meeting aspirational goals. Mr. Speaker, as we pause to remember Pat’s legacy of leadership and service, we also remember his family and keep them in our prayers. Join me in honoring the memory of Judge Pat Jones.

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“I want to congratulate Donna Mills from my district. She was elected national president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Donna Mills of Hesston on her election as the national president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. A life member of the Standing Stone VFW Post 1754 in Huntingdon, Donna has served the VFW Auxiliary in numerous roles, including auxiliary, district, and department president. Donna joined the organization at the age of 16 on the eligibility of her grandfather, who had served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Her commitment to the VFW Auxiliary is exemplary. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of constituents throughout Huntingdon County and the entire 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Donna on her election to this impactful leadership position.

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House of Representatives ·

Recognizing Jesi Jetnarayan and Will Davis

“I want to thank William Swartzwelder for his service. He has been a volunteer firefighter in Breezewood for more than 70 years.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep appreciation that I rise to recognize William Swartzwelder of Breezewood for an extraordinary record of public service that spans over seven decades. As a volunteer firefighter, Bill followed the example of his parents and joined the Breezewood Volunteer Fire Company in 1956. He has filled a variety of leadership roles over the years. A regular participant in Monday night work sessions, fundraising activities, and other fire company-related functions, Bill, actually to this date, continues to attend monthly meetings, where he serves on various committees. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents throughout Bedford County and the entire 13th Congressional District, I personally thank Bill for his outstanding commitment to the Breezewood Volunteer Fire Company and congratulate him on this remarkable milestone of public service.

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“I want to thank Lisa Kozorosky for her 26 years of service to Cambria County, including 14 years as county treasurer, and wish her well in retirement.”

  • Speech in the House

    Signal 29 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, it is with gratitude that I rise to recognize the public service of Lisa Kozorosky, who recently retired as Cambria County treasurer. Lisa was employed by the county for 26 years, including the past 14 in the elected position of treasurer. She also served as a member of the Cambria County Retirement Board. While acknowledging her vital role in county government, colleagues have praised Lisa for her outstanding work ethic and her dedication. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of constituents throughout the 13th Congressional District, I thank Lisa for her faithful public service for the residents of Cambria County and express best wishes for a wonderful retirement.

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“I want to recognize the Morrisons Cove Rotary Club for 100 years of service. The club has given over 1.5 million dollars to local schools and community projects. I thank its members for their work.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, it is with respect and admiration I rise today to recognize the Morrisons Cove Rotary Club for 100 years of service to the community. Founded in 1926, the organization is part of an international network of clubs that is dedicated to humanitarian service and community support. Over the years, support from the Morrisons Cove Rotary Club has benefited numerous community organizations as well as local school districts. It has been estimated that the club has contributed more than $1.5 million to community projects. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District, I express gratitude to all former and current members of the Morrisons Cove Rotary Club.

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“I want to congratulate high school seniors Jesi Jetnarayan and Will Davis from my district. They are likely the youngest students from Franklin County to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize high school students Jesi Jetnarayan and Will Davis of Franklin County for achieving a special distinction during their successful trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. By reaching the over 19,000-foot summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on August 1, Jesi and Will are believed to be the youngest high school students in the history of Franklin County to achieve this remarkable feat. Both seniors this year at Shalom Christian Academy, this achievement is a testament to Jesi and Will’s spirit of adventure, personal endurance, and will to succeed. The team of hikers that accompanied Jesi and Will on their climb were their fathers, Vishal Jetnarayan and Ben Davis. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents throughout Franklin County and the entire 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Jesi and Will on this outstanding achievement and express best wishes as they climb future mountains.

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House of Representatives ·

Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2026

“I want the House to pass this bill. It lets Medicare patients pay extra money from their own pockets to upgrade to lighter wheelchairs made of titanium or carbon fiber, without costing the government more money.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act. This important piece of legislation clarifies the payment rules for manual wheelchairs under Medicare part B. The bill allows Medicare patients the choice to decide whether a titanium or a carbon-fiber wheelchair is right for them, giving patients the option to pay out of pocket for wheelchair upgrades if that is their choice. To restore this choice for Medicare patients, this bill creates two new wheelchair codes and enables upgrades within existing codes. Importantly, this will remove barriers to patients, allowing the patient to access the upgraded benefit at no additional cost to CMS. We must remove obstacles that prevent patients from taking full advantage of their Medicare benefits and give them the freedom to choose the equipment that is right for the patient, a decision that has profound impacts on their individual lives. This bipartisan legislation will remove the barrier that has impeded access to lightweight wheelchair options for individuals with mobility impairments since 2016. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to see this important bill come to the House floor today, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

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House of Representatives ·

Honoring Life and Career of Don Detwiler

“I want to congratulate the Greencastle-Antrim High School baseball team, their head coach, and his staff. They just won their first state championship.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Greencastle-Antrim High School baseball team for winning the PIAA 5A State championship. During a 5-hour contest, the longest championship game in PIAA history, Greencastle-Antrim defeated DuBois 6- 5 in 14 arduous innings. Most certainly, Greencastle-Antrim’s first State baseball championship title was secured in an incredible fashion. Relying on superior talent, resilience, and team chemistry, they finished the season with a 24-3 record. The team will forever be a source of pride for the community. I congratulate the players, Head Coach Eric Shaner, and the members of his staff of Greencastle-Antrim for this historic achievement.

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“I want to honor the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company in Pennsylvania for 100 years of service to its community.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, for 100 years of service. Since its incorporation in 1926, Smithfield’s century of service has been distinguished by steadfast support and a proud local tradition. History records the fire company’s founders mortgaged their own properties to construct the first fire hall. Despite changing times, the community has remained the heart of this organization. Longtime member and fire company president, Jeffrey Shaffer, has noted that his father was the company’s second fire chief, and his mother was a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Congratulations to the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company.

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“I want to congratulate the Bermudian Springs High School baseball team for winning their state championship.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, it is with pride that I rise to honor the Bermudian Springs High School baseball team of Adams County for winning the PIAA 3A State Championship in a thrilling 1-0 victory over South Park. This marks the second State title for the Bermudian Springs baseball team. The first was a 2A State title. Bermudian Springs finished this championship season with an outstanding 24-4 record. On behalf of everyone in Adams County and throughout Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the players, Head Coach Jeff Carpenter, and members of his staff on this memorable achievement. Honoring Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company on 100 Years of Service

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“I want to congratulate the Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department on 100 years of service to our community.”
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department for 100 years of service. Founded in 1926, the volunteer fire department has evolved into a professionally trained emergency response team that averages more than 300 calls per year. In addition to its responsibilities within the borough, the fire department also provides mutual aid to several companies throughout Blair and Huntingdon Counties. The fire department proudly notes that 16 of its members are lifetime members who have served the department for 25 years or longer. On behalf of everyone in the 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Fire Chief Travis Prough and all members of the Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department on 100 years of distinguished service.

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“I am honoring Don Detwiler, who died recently. He was a local business leader, my neighbor, and my friend. He helped our community, and I want to remember his life and work.”

  • Speech in the House

    Signal 40 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

    See full analysis
Official Congressional Record

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to honor the life and the career of Don Detwiler, who passed away in Blair County. Our community mourns the loss of a business leader, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. On a personal level, I knew Don as a neighbor, a patient of mine, and a friend. Each life that he touched grew stronger and brighter because of Don Detwiler. From a young age, Don worked in the family business, New Enterprise Stone & Lime. He retired from the company in 2020 as president and CEO and continued to serve as a consultant. Don held leadership positions in numerous professional and community organizations. In his very distinct, quiet way, he created a distinguished legacy. As we pause to remember his immeasurable impact, we also keep in mind his wonderful wife, Judy, and his entire family. Please join me in honoring the life of Don Detwiler, who was truly one of Blair County’s most esteemed figures. Honoring Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department on 100 Years of Service

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