Erin Houchin

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Lipuma of Downers Grove, Illinois, and J.D. McCourt of Las Vegas, Nevada, for an extraordinary charitable undertaking they are completing this year.

Jim and J.D. are riding their bicycles approximately 2,500 miles along the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, in approximately 30 days as part of their ``We Ride for Heroes'' journey.

Their mission is to honor America's heroes and raise money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports our nation's military members, veterans, first responders and their families.

The timing of their journey makes it particularly meaningful. 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, as well as the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. These milestones provide a powerful opportunity to remember the men and women who have sacrificed for our country and the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th.

Jim and J.D. are honoring those individuals in a very personal way-- by dedicating approximately 2,500 miles of their lives to raising money and awareness for an organization that carries forward the promise to never forget.

What makes their story even more remarkable is that this is not simply a fundraising campaign. It is an expression of a lifelong friendship and a belief that ordinary citizens can make an extraordinary difference.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jim and J.D. previously rode approximately 400 miles in a journey called ``We Ride for Jack,'' supporting, Jack Clark Bender, a two-time cancer survivor. That experience demonstrated their willingness to put themselves through a significant physical challenge to help someone else.

Today, their focus is much broader: We Ride for Heroes.

Jim and J.D. are riding for the men and women who have served our country, for first responders who put themselves in harm's way, and for the families who have sacrificed alongside them.

In this anniversary year, I believe their journey represents some of the qualities that have made America strong for 250 years--friendship, courage, perseverance, generosity and service to others. Congratulations to Jim and J.D. for their achievement. I wish them continued success in their future endeavors, and I thank them for their dedication to this meaningful cause.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two exceptional leaders from Indiana's Ninth District, Steve and Julia Moore, whose commitment to protecting children has earned them the honor of having their names added to the founders wall at Johns Hopkins University.

The founders wall honors individuals whose generosity and commitment have made a lasting impact on the mission at Johns Hopkins.

Through their support of the MOORE Center to prevent child sexual abuse, Steve and Julia have played a vital role in furthering groundbreaking research, education, and prevention efforts, focused on ending child sexual abuse.

For the Moores, this mission is deeply personal. After experiencing the lasting effects of child sexual abuse within their own family, Steve and Julia made a courageous decision to use their story and family name to bring awareness to an issue that has often remained hidden and to help break the cycle of abuse.

Through the MOORE Center, they have transformed a personal hardship into a mission of help, bringing a greater awareness, supporting prevention-based solutions, and helping protect future generations from experiencing the lasting effects of child sexual abuse.

Mr. Speaker, the addition of Steve and Julia Moore's names to the founders wall at Johns Hopkins is a fitting recognition of their dedication to serving others and improving the lives of children and families. I am proud to recognize them on this well-deserved honor and thank them for their extraordinary generosity and service to protecting children and strengthening families for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkably talented young artist, Olivia Briscoe, a senior at Salem High School, for winning first place in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Indiana's 9th Congressional District.

Each spring, Members of Congress sponsor the Congressional Art Competition to encourage and celebrate the artistic talents of high school students across the country. The competition provides young artists with the opportunity to showcase their work while representing their home districts on a national stage.

Olivia's winning acrylic painting, Teal Flowers, stood out for its exceptional detail and creativity, in recognition of her achievement, her artwork will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside winning pieces from congressional districts across the Nation. Her painting is also featured on the House of Representatives' Congressional Art Competition website, where it can be viewed by people across the country.

This accomplishment not only reflects Olivia's talent and dedication, but also the support and encouragement of her teachers, family, and the Salem High School community.

I congratulate Olivia on her outstanding achievement. I wish her continued success in all her future endeavors, and I thank her for representing Indiana's 9th Congressional District with creativity and excellence.