Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the birthday of a very important fixture of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the country, and the world: the Goodyear Blimp. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the inaugural flight of the first Goodyear blimp, known as Pilgrim.

The Goodyear Blimp is a cultural icon, creating a memorable and recognizable connection between Akron, Ohio, the United States, and the entire world, bringing smiles to many people, including those here in this Chamber.

Over the last 100 years, the blimp has helped fight in World War II, assisted first responders with disaster relief, and, perhaps its most well-known role, covering important sporting events. This includes this year's Rose Bowl game, which marked the 70th year of aerial coverage from the Goodyear Blimp, and I might add, it was a win by The Ohio State University.

I congratulate Goodyear on this historic milestone and, most importantly, for lighting the skies with the hope and wonder of American ingenuity.

We look forward to the skies being graced by the Goodyear Blimp for years to come, bringing pride to Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Godspeed, Goodyear.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Christopher Brooks as Ohio's 13th Congressional District champion of the week.

Christopher is a senior AP art student at Canton McKinley High School. This year, he was awarded a Gold Key, two Silver Keys, and an honorable mention in the regional scholastic art competition.

Christopher's beginnings in art started in kindergarten, where he used his creative skills to make unique constructions out of LEGO blocks. Fast-forward to high school, and he has taken his passion for art to the next level by creating beautiful color pencil works and oil paintings.

Christopher's work that earned him a Gold Key will now be considered for a national award.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Christopher on this fantastic accomplishment, and wish him good luck as he moves on to represent our region on the national stage. He is a shining example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as the birthplace of champions.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize William Arrowood from Akron as Ohio's 13th District Champion of the Week.

I am thrilled to announce that William is the 2024 Congressional App Challenge winner for our district. His app, titled: ``How to Beat Bezos,'' is an innovative stock market simulator game that educates players on the nuances of buying and selling stocks for profit.

It is inspiring to see how William, a freshman at the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM High School, combined his interest in the stock market with his passion and skill in computer science to create a fun and engaging tool that can benefit people of all ages.

As the winner of our district's Congressional App Challenge, William's app will be proudly displayed in the Capitol, where visitors from across the country and the world can appreciate his innovation and creativity.

I congratulate William again on being the winner of the Congressional App Challenge and this week's Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th District.

I thank all the students who submitted apps this year. I look forward to seeing what William and our other talented students across the district create next year and for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Grace Nuhfer as Ohio's 13th Congressiona] District Champion of the Week.

This summer, Grace won a silver medal in the 100-meter butterfly at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. She also set personal bests in multiple events, including the 200 meter individual medley, 50 meter freestyle, and 100 meter backstroke.

Despite being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and brittle cornea syndrome, conditions that impact her joints and vision, Grace has not allowed these physical challenges to hinder her success in athletics and academics. Her drive to succeed is commendable. Grace has much to be proud of and deserves the utmost respect for her accomplishment.

Grace earned her spot in the 2024 Paralympic Games by taking flrst place in the 100-meter butterfly at the U.S. Paralyrnpic Swimming Trials. Additionally, her exceptional performances at the Parapan American Games and the U.S. Paralympic National Championships leading up to the 2024 Paralympics established her as one of the top swimmers in her classification.

Grace is not only a renowned Paralympic swimmer, but also a college senior at the University of Akron, studying data analytics with a focus on marketing. She is on the university's swim team and is the school's first Paralympian.

Again, I would like to congratulate Grace on this amazing accomplishment and commend her for her hard work and dedication, it is those like Grace who make Ohio's 13th District the birthplace of champions.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Moniquec Conner as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Moniquec is a trailblazing civil rights activist. She was recently recognized with a Humanitarian Stone Award from the National Action Network, an organization dedicated to advancing civil rights issues.

This award reflects the years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that she has invested in our community and fighting for the advancement of civil rights. Her commitment has remained steadfast--the hallmark of concerned and responsible citizenship.

Moniquec is currently the chair of the Ohio Women in the NAACP, and in 1999, she revitalized the Stark County branch of the NAACP, serving as its president in 2000.

In addition to her work for the NAACP, she is also the interim president of the National Action Network chapter that serves Stark and Summit counties.

As she has throughout her remarkable career, Moniquec continues to focus on issues such as police accountability, voting rights, corporate responsibility, pension diversity, youth leadership, crisis intake, victim assistance, and bridging the digital divide.

I would like to thank Moniquec for her dedication to fighting for change, and the amazing

work she does on behalf of the community. As a woman in a position of influence, she has certainly inspired the next generation of leaders to stand strong in their convictions and fight for justice.

Moniquec's unwavering championing of civil rights exemplifies the very spirit that makes Ohio's 13th Congressional District the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' With this national recognition, she has certainly made our community proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support S. 4367, the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024.

Before I start my remarks, I echo my colleagues' thanks and gratitude to Grace Napolitano. I personally thank her for tapping me to be the vice ranking member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee where she has served us so honorably. While I know that the title ``Queen of Water'' is taken, perhaps princess is up for grabs.

Mr. Speaker, I thank, again, Congresswoman Napolitano for her service and for all she has done for her constituents and the entire country.

This bipartisan legislation authorizes projects for water and wastewater infrastructure that are critical to the strengthening of the flood protection resiliency of our communities and to complete ecosystem restoration that maintains America's vital natural resources.

WRDA authorizes $49 million in new authorities in Ohio's 13th Congressional District, which I represent, to allow the United States Army Corps of Engineers to contribute their expertise to the development of new and existing environmental infrastructure projects that not only improve water and sewer infrastructure for our local communities but bolster our economic competitiveness.

I am proud to have advocated for these resources, and now to vote for their authorization, so that communities in my district have access to the infrastructure they need to flourish.

For example, in Summit County, $25 million has been authorized to fund projects such as Akron's water main and lead service line replacement, Fairlawn's West Market Street waterline replacement and Rosemont Preserve project, New Franklin's South Main Street stormwater replacement, and Barberton's Stratford Street waterline project.

In Stark County, $24 million has been authorized to fund projects such as the Canton's Cromer water storage reservoir replacement project and North Lawrence's sanitary sewer project.

With these projects, residents of Ohio's 13th District will benefit from clean water and improved infrastructure, but these projects will also help lay the foundation for vibrant, thriving communities full of opportunity.

I ask my colleagues in Congress to support this life-sustaining and economic-growth-yielding legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Kendra Santiago as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Last month, while on the job, pizza delivery driver Kendra Santiago saved a man's life in Fairlawn, Ohio. While she was taking his order over the phone, Kendra became concerned about his speech patterns. As a former nurse's aide who is also pursuing a career as an EMT, Kendra volunteered to make the delivery.

When she arrived at the man's house in Fairlawn, his wife told Kendra that he was no longer breathing. Kendra sprang into action and helped stabilize the man until paramedics arrived. Kendra visited the man several times in the hospital during his recovery, extending her care and concern to her neighbor.

She says she hopes that this will inspire others in our community to learn how to identify the common signs of a stroke, seizure, and other potential health risks. Ohio's 13th Congressional District is home to many champions just like Kendra who work hard every day and don't hesitate to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need.

Kendra's selfless act is a shining example of why our district is known as the birthplace of champions.

We thank Kendra and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors, especially her endeavor in becoming an EMT. I hope she continues to inspire our community just as she has inspired me and the entire country.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Boardmember Michelle Newman for her service on the Ohio State Board of Education, and my sincere gratitude for all that she has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated her partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

Her drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that she has bettered countless lives as a result of her steadfast service. Throughout her time in office, she proved to be a true public servant and leader. She has led by example through her perseverance, compassion, and dedication to her role in the community.

As she goes on to continue serving our community in new ways, I wish her all the best in her future endeavors. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank her for her commitment to the people of Northeast Ohio and our entire state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Judge Dixie Park for her service as a Stalk County Probate Judge, and my sincere gratitude for all that she has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated her partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

Her drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that she has bettered countless lives as a result of her steadfast service. Throughout her 21 years in the position, she has proven to be a true public servant and leader. Since taking the bench, she has been a champion for seniors and the disabled, and led by example through her perseverance, compassion, and dedication in her role in the community and those she served.

As the first woman to serve as a Stark County Probate Judge, she has undoubtedly inspired the coming generation of young women to stand strong for what they believe in and strive for positions of leadership.

For her outstanding devotion, she has earned the respect and esteem of many, and in the wake of her departure, I know her numerous contributions will not be forgotten. I am confident that her fine character and decisive leadership will be solely missed.

As she goes on to continue serving our community in new ways, I wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Again, on behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I would like to thank Judge Dixie Park for her commitment to the people of Stark County and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Reggie Stoltzfus for his service in the Ohio General Assembly, and my sincere gratitude for all that he has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated his partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

His drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that he has bettered countless lives as a result of his steadfast service. Throughout his time in office, he has proven to be a true public servant and leader. He led by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As he goes on to continue serving his community in new ways, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank him for his commitment to the people of Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Sheriff George Maier for his service as the Stark County Sheriff, and my sincere gratitude for all that he has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated his partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

His drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that he has bettered countless lives as a result of his steadfast service. Throughout his time in office, he proved to be a true public servant and leader. He led by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As he goes on to continue serving our community in new ways, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank him for his commitment to the people of Stark County and Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Judge John Wise for his service on the 5th District Court of Appeals, and my sincere gratitude for all that he has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated his partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

His drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that he has bettered countless lives as a result of his steadfast service. Throughout his time in office, he has proved to be a true public servant and leader. He led by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As he goes on to continue serving our community in new ways, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank him for his commitment to the people of Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Councilwoman Gloria Rodgers for her service on Summit County Council, and my sincere gratitude for all that she has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated her partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

Her drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that she has bettered countless lives as a result of her steadfast service. Throughout her time in office, she proved to be a true public servant and leader. She led by example through her perseverance, compassion, and dedication to her role in the community.

As she goes on to continue serving our community in new ways, I wish her all the best in her future endeavors. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank her for her commitment to the people of Summit County and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Judge Scott Gwin for his service on the 5th District Court of Appeals, and my sincere gratitude for all that he has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated his partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

His drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that he has bettered countless lives as a result of his steadfast service. Throughout his time in office, he proved to be a true public servant and leader. He led by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As he goes on to continue serving our community in new ways, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I thank him for his commitment to the people of Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Commissioner Janet Weir Creighton for her service as a Stark County Commissioner, and my sincere gratitude for all that she has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated her partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.

Her drive to lead is commendable, and I have no doubt that she has bettered countless lives as a result of her steadfast service. Throughout her 40 years in public service, she has proven to be a true advocate and leader. She led by example through her perseverance, compassion, and dedication in her role in the community and those she served.

As a woman in a position of influence, and sometimes the first woman in her various roles throughout her career, she has undoubtedly inspired the coming generation of young women to stand strong for what they believe in and strive for positions of leadership.

For her outstanding devotion, she has earned the respect and esteem of many, and in the wake of her departure, I know her numerous contributions will not be forgotten I am confident that her fine character and decisive leadership will be sorely missed.

As she goes on to continue serving our community in new ways, I wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Again, on behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I would like to thank Commissioner Janet Weir Creighton for her commitment to the people of Stark County and to Northeast Ohio.