CONGRESSMAN JOYCE ISSUES WEEKLY REPORT ON NEWS IN 13TH DISTRICT

Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from U.S. Rep. John Joyce’s weekly congressional update issued May 3, 2026, that highlights subjects pertaining to Franklin County.

 

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for taking the time to read about my work to serve Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District as your hometown Congressman.

Need assistance with a federal agency? My office may be able to help! Please visit johnjoyce.house.gov to learn more.

This week on the House floor, I was honored to recognize Zach and Tesa Stinson of Chambersburg for their incredible achievements at the 130th Boston Marathon.

Zach captured his fourth handcycle division title—adding to his 2021, 2023, and 2024 victories—finishing the 26.2-mile course in just over an hour. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who lost his legs in Afghanistan in 2010, Zach’s perseverance continues to inspire. Tesa also reached an exciting milestone, completing her very first Boston Marathon.

From throwing out ceremonial first pitches at Fenway Park to crossing the finish line, their accomplishments reflect remarkable determination, resilience, and strength. Congratulations to them both! 

Families deserve clear, honest information about the foods they bring home. That’s why I reintroduced H.R.8414, the DAIRY PRIDE Act—to ensure everyday products are labeled accurately and transparently.

Proper nutrition plays a critical role in long-term health, and real dairy products provide essential nutrients that support strong bones, brain function, and muscle health. But too often, items labeled as “milk,” “cheese,” or “yogurt” don’t meet those same standards, making it harder for families to make informed choices at the grocery store.

This bipartisan, commonsense legislation protects consumers and supports our local dairy farmers—helping ensure you know exactly what you’re buying and feeding your family. 

Recently on Capitol Hill, I met with a group of Adams County community leaders, including County Commissioner Randy Phiel; Elida Murray, Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center; and Robin Fitzpatrick, President of the Adams Economic Alliance and board member of the Agricultural Discovery Center.

We had a productive conversation focused on several important projects currently underway in Adams County, as well as broader community priorities and ongoing local initiatives.

Representing Adams County in Congress, I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from these leaders about the challenges and opportunities facing our communities, and where federal partnership can be most helpful in supporting their work. Conversations like these are essential to ensuring the needs of our district are well represented in Washington.

In Washington, I met with constituents Chaz Timmons of Biglerville and Jayme Barthalow of Chambersburg of PDM Insurance Agency, who were representing the Insurance Agents & Brokers of Pennsylvania (IA&B). Their input brought an important local perspective to the discussion.

During our meeting, we covered key priorities affecting the insurance industry and how Congress can better support their work. Hearing directly from professionals—especially those from Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District—helps ensure we confront the challenges with practical solutions that benefit both the industry and the families they serve.

On the House floor, I spoke in favor of H.R.8375, the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act (MAIA), legislation that I recently introduced to strengthen a program millions of Americans count on. Access to timely, reliable health care shouldn’t come with unnecessary delays or red tape—especially for our seniors. 

While Medicare Advantage has expanded, many seniors are encountering burdensome prior authorization requirements and inappropriate denials of care. These administrative barriers delay treatment and disrupt the doctor-patient relationship. This bipartisan legislation is focused on making sure that when your doctor recommends care, you can receive it without unnecessary interference.

Medicare is a promise to our seniors. This legislation would help protect that promise by improving accountability, reducing delays, and ensuring Medicare Advantage delivers the reliable, timely care seniors deserve. 

This week, I had the opportunity to speak at the Paragon Health Institute about my work as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations to uncover fraud within Medicare and Medicaid.

In my remarks, I discussed ongoing efforts to identify and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in these critical programs—because protecting them means protecting the seniors, families, and vulnerable Americans who rely on them every day.

Strong oversight is essential to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly while safeguarding access to high-quality care. In Congress, I remain committed to holding bad actors accountable and strengthening these programs for the people they serve. 

Recently in Washington, I had the opportunity to meet with two Pennsylvania producers, Marilyn Hershey of Ar-Joy Farms and Lolly Lesher of Way- Har Farms. Marilyn and Lolly are board members from the National Dairy Board and the United Dairy Industry Association.

During our meeting, we discussed how the program continues to support farmers both in Pennsylvania and across the country by strengthening market opportunities and advancing dairy nutrition initiatives. Their participation brought a strong local perspective from our Commonwealth’s dairy industry directly into the conversation.

With their steadfast dedication, I thank the work of our local producers to sustain one of Pennsylvania’s most important vital industries.

This week, the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fiscal Year 2027 budget with Administrator Lee Zeldin.

In my remarks, I thanked Administrator Zeldin for prioritizing science-based decisions to protect America’s energy supply and key industries and noted the agency’s accomplishments during the first year of the Trump Administration.

During questioning, I asked about small refinery exemptions. Administrator Zeldin said decisions follow existing law and Department of Energy guidance and are applied equitably.

We also discussed EPA rules on chemicals used to sterilize medical equipment, where I stressed the need to update these rules to reflect current science and avoid healthcare disruptions. He emphasized the EPA’s commitment to using the best available science, improving transparency, and clearly communicating its decisions. 

Thank you again for taking the time to read this update. In the 119th Congress, I look forward to continuing to serve the communities of Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District.