Streamlining Review Process for Federal Projects
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the importance of my bill, the RED Tape Act, which will be marked up by the Committee on Energy and Commerce tomorrow.
The RED Tape Act amends the Clean Air Act to streamline the review process for Federal projects. The U.S. is facing a rapidly growing demand for energy production and domestic manufacturing. Meeting these escalating needs requires efficiency in deploying new infrastructure.
The RED Tape Act would eliminate duplicative reviews that serve only to delay the permitting and construction of these needed projects. This reform will provide timely and predictable outcomes for new projects, helping to ensure that America remains competitive in the global economy.
As we work to fulfill President Trump's goal of energy dominance, I look forward to seeing this bill advance through the full committee and proceed to the floor for a vote. Rising Healthcare Costs
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the issue of rising healthcare costs. As no surprise, data released from the final full year of the Biden administration reflected that healthcare spending has grown at an unsustainable pace, far outpacing inflation.
Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, healthcare costs across all markets have spiked for patients, while large insurance companies continue to profit. Under excessive ACA regulations, we entered an era of unprecedented mergers of insurers, providers, and pharmacies.
This imbalance has contributed to a dire crisis for small community- based pharmacies, particularly in rural areas like Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, leading to closures and leaving many communities to be pharmacy deserts.
This week, Congress will begin to deliver on producing meaningful transparency for the American patient as we consider comprehensive legislation that curbs PBM abuses and includes legislation that I authored to expand telehealth access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and requires unique provider numbers at every hospital outpatient department.
This package forms a key downpayment on delivering meaningful health cost reduction for all Americans.
Last week, President Trump announced the Great Healthcare Plan, which focuses on lowering costs by increasing price transparency and holding big insurance companies accountable.
These proposed reforms by President Trump, coupled with action by Republicans in Congress, will bring much-needed reform to our broken healthcare system and reduce healthcare costs for all Americans. Recognizing Gary Paul
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary Paul, who has concluded three decades of public service as a Richland Township supervisor in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.
Gary Paul, throughout his 30-year tenure, has worked tirelessly as a Geistown borough road foreman while maintaining his family farm, where he also raises beef cattle.
Recently, Gary was recognized for his dedication by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and by the Richland Township Board of Supervisors.
With pride for Gary, I join the citizens of Richland Township and of all of Cambria County in thanking him for his unwavering commitment and his unwavering public service. Congratulating Jack Fields on His Retirement
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jack Fields for more than 50 years of service to the borough of McConnellsburg in Fulton County, Pennsylvania.
Jack recently retired as secretary and treasurer of the borough council, acting as borough manager and head of maintenance and permitting.
Just 2 years after graduating from McConnellsburg High School, Jack was drafted in 1953 and served our country in the Korean war.
When Jack was asked about his military service, he shared that he learned to depend on others and not to take anything for granted. Jack continued by encouraging others that ``you must go after it yourself.'' What great advice.
I express best wishes to Jack for a deserved retirement, and I thank him for his devotion to Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District and especially to beautiful Fulton County, Pennsylvania.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source