David Joyce

David Patrick Joyce was born on March 17, 1957. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and later pursued a career in law. Joyce attended the University of Dayton, where he obtained his bachelor's degree, and later attended the University of Dayton School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor. He practiced law and served as the Geauga County Prosecutor before entering politics.

In the general elections of November 6, 2012, David Joyce was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican, representing Ohio's 14th congressional district. He succeeded Steven LaTourette, who had retired. Joyce won the election by appealing to a broad base of constituents and has since been re-elected multiple times. His campaign focused on bipartisan cooperation and addressing the economic needs of his district. Joyce's entry into Congress marked the beginning of his career at the federal level, where he has served on various committees and advanced several legislative initiatives.

David Joyce sponsored the Poison Control Network Enhancement Act of 2013, which was one of his early legislative accomplishments in Congress. The act aimed to enhance the services of poison control centers, ensuring they have the resources needed to offer vital assistance in emergencies and educate the public. This law highlighted Joyce's commitment to public health and safety. With bipartisan support, it passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law by the President. The act received praise for addressing critical healthcare needs and protecting family wellness through better emergency response preparedness.

As a member of Congress, David Joyce participated in the investigation into the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) targeting scandal that erupted in 2013-2014. The scandal involved allegations that the IRS had unfairly targeted conservative groups for additional scrutiny regarding their tax-exempt status. Joyce, serving on key committees, helped oversee and conduct hearings, pressing IRS officials for accountability and transparency. His role in challenging the IRS practices demonstrated his commitment to fairness in government operations and protecting citizens' rights from overreach by federal agencies. This investigation drew considerable media attention and highlighted concerns over political bias in government processes.

David Joyce voted in favor of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, which provided a framework for Congress to review and potentially disapprove of any nuclear deal the U.S. might reach with Iran. The act, which passed with strong bipartisan support, was a response to significant congressional concern over the potential ramifications of a nuclear agreement with Iran on national security. Joyce's support for the act was part of a broader movement to ensure legislative oversight of executive agreements concerning international security, reflecting his stance on maintaining a check-and-balance system in government actions related to foreign policy.

David Joyce introduced the Medical Marijuana Research Act aimed at facilitating and streamlining research into the medicinal uses of marijuana. Although marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which imposes strict regulations, this act sought to ease the research process for FDA-approved studies. Joyce's initiative recognized the growing demand for scientific inquiry into cannabis-based treatments and aimed to fill knowledge gaps. His proposal encountered both support and opposition, reflecting the ongoing national debate over cannabis policy. This act demonstrated Joyce's alignment with forward-thinking approaches toward medicinal research.

David Joyce became a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives focused on promoting initiatives to address climate change. The caucus sought to find economically viable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy. Joyce's participation underscored his recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship and collaborative policy making. By joining this group, Joyce aimed to bridge political divides and work towards pragmatic solutions to environmental challenges affecting his constituents and the broader community. His engagement with the caucus illustrated a commitment to leading in areas critical to future sustainability.

David Joyce played a pivotal role in advancing the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019, which was signed into law in January 2020. This legislation authorized approximately $300 million annually through 2026 to protect and restore the Great Lakes, which are crucial to the environment and economy of the region. Joyce, representing a district in Ohio, recognized the importance of these freshwater resources and championed efforts to mitigate pollution and habitat destruction. His leadership on this issue highlighted his dedication to environmental conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.

On September 24, 2020, David Joyce supported the Bipartisan Ocean Climate Action Plan, a framework intended to address climate change by focusing on ocean-based solutions. The plan emphasized the role of oceans in mitigating climate impacts through blue carbon sequestration, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, and coastal resilience. Joyce's backing of the plan aligned with broader bipartisan efforts to address the climate crisis by harnessing natural resources wisely. His endorsement was part of a strategic move to contribute to legislative solutions addressing environmental issues while ensuring sustainable development and economic viability related to ocean resources.

David Joyce co-sponsored the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Harassment Act, which aimed to nullify mandatory arbitration clauses in employment contracts related to sexual assault and harassment claims. This legislation sought to allow survivors to have their day in court rather than being forced into private arbitration. Joyce's co-sponsorship of this act reflected his stance on fair legal processes and employee rights, emphasizing transparency and accountability in workplace conduct. The act received widespread bipartisan support and was seen as a crucial step towards ensuring justice for survivors and promoting respectful workplace environments.

In October 2022, David Joyce was awarded the Guardian of Small Business award by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). This recognition was given to Joyce for his consistent support of policies that benefit small businesses, including tax reforms, deregulation, and economic incentives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. Joyce's dedication to small business interests has been a hallmark of his political career, as he consistently advocated for legislative measures designed to minimize bureaucratic obstacles for small enterprises. The award underscored Joyce's alignment with the values of economic freedom and innovation.