Hillary J. Scholten

Madam Speaker, during Roll Call Vote No. 270 on the motion to recommit H.R. 6955, I mistakenly recorded my vote as NAY when I should have voted YEA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the International Hearing Society's 75th anniversary and to recognize its decades-long commitment to making our world more accessible. The organization's positive impact extends far beyond its home here in Michigan, connecting hearing professionals across the country and internationally to mentor hearing aid specialists and patients. That is why I am proud to have introduced H. Res. 1214, which would recognize its years of significant efforts to promote better hearing care and visibility.

The predecessor organization to the International Hearing Society was founded in Chicago in 1951, later moving its headquarters to Michigan, where it established longstanding community ties to the Detroit area. There, it promoted the interests of hearing aid dispensers, now known as hearing aid specialists, and their patients. The International Hearing Society is responsible for connecting thousands of professionals, organizations, and partners in hearing care, and has consistently improved the quality of hearing healthcare by promoting dialogue across the field.

The International Hearing Society also made strides in hearing aid specialist education and training over the past 75 years. Alongside this work, it has consistently and meaningfully advocated for increased hearing health care access for veterans at the state and federal levels. In addition, the organization has produced numerous annual reports and editions of The Hearing Professional (THP) magazine, advancing the public understanding of hearing health care.

Mr. Speaker, I once again ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the International Hearing Society on its 75th anniversary. Michiganders, Americans, and thousands of impacted specialists and patients from across the world are so grateful for the contributions its staff and volunteers have made to patient care, visibility, and accessibility.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Airman First Class Keon Talik McDaniel of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who passed away on June 16 during the influenza outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

Keon was just 25 years old. Keon chose to serve his country, and his passing has left a family grieving, fellow airmen mourning a brother, and a west Michigan community heartbroken.

When someone raises their hand to put on our country's uniform, they make a commitment to all Americans. In return, we owe them a debt of gratitude, our support, and our promise that their service will never be forgotten or taken for granted.

Today, we remember Keon, and we stand with everyone who loved him.

We also keep in our thoughts all those serving in uniform both here at home and abroad and promise to do everything in our power to protect them as they protect us.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in standing for a moment of silence to honor Airman First Class Keon McDaniel.