Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amanda Archer from Canton as the Ohio-13 Champion of the Week. Amanda is the first woman to lead Canton City Public Health as Health Commissioner in its 175- year history. In addition to working for the health department since 2014, she also worked as an epidemiologist in the Stark County Coroner's Office as an epidemiologist to inform decisions and policies to help prevent disease in the community.

This experience made her an easy fit as the lead epidemiologist for Canton's COVID-19 response in 2020, helping Canton residents understand critical information about the virus. Amanda has dedicated herself to the health and wellbeing of her community, and I am excited to see how she leads Canton City Public Health in her new role.

Congratulations once more to the Ohio-13 Champion of the Week, Amanda Archer.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Aarit Koul (Air-it Cool) from Jackson Memorial Middle School in Massillon as the Ohio-13 Champion of the Week. Aarit is the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. As part of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, Aarit designed an app called ``CareCivic,'' which is designed to encourage young people to become civically engaged.a

CareCivic includes information about our government and important events in United States history, as well as games like ping pong and trivia so you can learn while playing. Aarit's app is an impressive combination of technical skill and passion for civics rolled into one. Aarit's app helps teach younger generations just how precious our democracy is and why it's important they make their voices heard to create change on the issues they care about.

Congratulations once more to the Ohio-13 Champion of the Week, Aarit Koul.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1633, a bill originally introduced by Representative Johnson of Ohio, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Kathy Catazaro-Perry on her service as the Mayor of Massillon, 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.

Ms. Catazaro-Perry's 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 leads by example through her perseverance, compassion, and dedication to her role in the community.

As Ms. Catazaro-Perry 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 Ms. Catazaro-Perry for her commitment to the people of Massillon and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Bill Goncy on his service as the Mayor of Boston Heights, 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.

Mr. Goncy's 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 leads by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As Mr. Goncy 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 Mr. Goncy for his commitment to the people of Boston Heights and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Bernie Hovey on his service as the Mayor of Silver Lake, 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.

Mr. Hovey's 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 leads by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As Mr. Hovey 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 Mr. Hovey for his commitment to the people of Silver Lake and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Dan Horrigan on his service as the Mayor of Akron, 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.

Mr. Horrigan's 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 leads by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As Mr. Horrigan 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 Mr. Horrigan for his commitment to the people of Akron and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Richard Cole, Jr., on his service as the Mayor of Lakemore, 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.

Mr. Cole's 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 leads by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As Mr. Cole 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 Mr. Cole for his commitment to the people of Lakemore and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to David Kline on his service as the Mayor of Tallmadge, 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.

Mr. Kline's 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 leads by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As Mr. Kline 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 Mr. Kline for his commitment to the people of Tallmadge and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Gerard Neugebauer on his service as the Mayor of Green, 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.

Mr. Neugebauer's 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 leads by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As Mr. Neugebauer 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 Mr. Neugebauer for his commitment to the people of Green and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Thomas Bernabei on his service as the Mayor of Canton, 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.

Mr. Bernabei's 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 leads by example through his perseverance, compassion, and dedication to his role in the community.

As Mr. Bernabei 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 Mr. Bernabei for his commitment to the people of Canton and to Northeast Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Kyle Cunningham from the Akron Police Department as the champion of the week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Officer Cunningham heroically saved a man's life who was attempting to jump over the side of the bridge. However, Officer Cunningham held on until he and another officer were able to pull the man over the railing.

Officer Cunningham represents the very best of our dedicated law enforcement officers who answer the call to serve and dedicate themselves to protect members in our community.

Through swift action and incredible bravery, Officer Cunningham was able to save a life and give this person a chance to receive the care and resources they need.

We are grateful for Officer Cunningham's act of heroism and his continued service with the Akron Police Department and look to him as a leader in the birthplace of champions.

Once again, on behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I offer congratulations and thanks to our champion of the week, Officer Kyle Cunningham.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Walsh Jesuit High School girls soccer team as Ohio 13's Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Last month, the Walsh Jesuit Warriors girls soccer team won their first Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I State championship since 2016.

After a hard-fought game, the Warriors overcame Olentangy Liberty 2- 1. This win cements Walsh Jesuit's status as a soccer powerhouse with their 11th State title win since the year 2000.

The program holds the record for the most girls soccer State titles in Ohio, and their win is just more proof as to why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is the birthplace of champions.

This victory is not only a major accomplishment for these hardworking student athletes but also for their coaches, parents, and entire community that supported them along the way.

Congratulations again to the incredible Walsh Jesuit girls soccer team. I can't wait to see how you dominate on and off the pitch.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Massillon Tigers high school football team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District champion of the week.

With a record-breaking season of 16-0, the Tigers won their first- ever Ohio High School Athletic Association Division 2 championship last week.

In a repeat of the Massillon versus Archbishop Hoban High School, another Ohio 13th District high school, playoff rivalry for the fifth time in 6 years, the Tigers edged out their opponents with a hard- fought 7-2 victory.

More than 14,000 fans filled the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium to cheer on the best of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, demonstrating just how much this team and this championship mean to the entire district.

This victory is a testament to the hard work and determination of these exceptional student athletes both on the field and in the classroom.

Once again, our phenomenal student athletes in Ohio's 13th Congressional District are reaffirming our district's legacy as the Birthplace of Champions and the City of Champions, which is the motto of Massillon.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Massillon Tigers for their hard work, and I hope they continue to dominate the world of sports one play at a time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill Theiss from Jackson Township in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Bill was recently named Stark County 2023 Military Veteran of the Year by the Greater Canton Veterans Council.

As we head into Veterans Day, I am honored to celebrate Bill as one of our community's selfless, brave heroes who has served our Nation.

For Bill, service to our Nation and protecting democracy is a family tradition. Two of his brothers and his father also served our Nation.

Fifty-seven years ago, Bill received his military draft notice, going on to serve two tours overseas in the Vietnam war as an officer in the United States Army from 1966 to 1970.

Now, Bill is a leader in the Stark County veteran community, where he volunteers to plan social events and works to assist homeless veterans.

Serving our Nation is an enormous sacrifice, but for Bill, his service didn't end with his military career.

Madam Speaker, I thank Bill for his lifetime of service to our country and for protecting our freedoms, and I congratulate him on being Stark County Military Veteran of the Year.