Michael R. Turner

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life of a dear friend and community leader, Washington Township Trustee Sharon Lowry, who passed away at the age of 81 on July 21, 2026.

Sharon Lowly was an extraordinary woman who set an inspiring example of a life well-lived. She was a dedicated community servant, a loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a friend to many. She literally worked until her last day on this earth to make the community she loved a better place to live and raise a family.

Sharon was elected to the Washington Township Board of Trustees in 2018. She served as trustee president in 2020 and 2022, and as vice president in 2019, 2021, 2024 and 2026. She was the Township's delegate to the First Tier Suburbs Consortium from 2018 to 2022, served on the Montgomery County Emergency Communications Policy Committee for three years, and the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission for one year.

During her tenure on the Board, Sharon oversaw the construction of a new fire station, hired a new township administrator, and began expansion on the RecPlex, a popular public recreation center. She served on the Montgomery County Land Bank Board from 2020 to 2024, and helped support the Land Bank's mission of revitalizing neighborhoods and creating opportunities throughout Montgomery County.

In addition to her years of public service, Sharon earned a Master of Education degree from Wright State University, and was an assistant superintendent at Great OaksJoint Vocational School District in southwest Ohio.

She was also active in a variety of civic, service, and charitable organizations in the Miami Valley, including chair of the Centerville Women's Civic Club Scholarship Committee, and was a member of the board for Sophie's Companions for Veterans, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton, and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.Through these organizations and others, her good work touched the lives of many.

On behalf of all of us who had the privilege of knowing Sharon and working alongside her, I offer her family my heartfelt condolences. I pray that her husband Bob, their children Jeffrey and Melissa, and their six grandchildren

may find comfort as they reflect on the many loving memories they enjoyed with Sharon through 58 years of love and marriage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life and memory of this beloved and respected community leader.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote in the House today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 221 and YEA on Roll Call No. 222.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this appropriations bill, and I support that this bill invests in the National Endowment for Democracy.

During my time in Congress, I have worked very closely with the National Endowment for Democracy's executive director, Damon Wilson, who is a great leader in democratic efforts throughout the world, and I can attest to the important work done under his leadership.

The National Endowment for Democracy is a critical tool for ensuring that prodemocracy movements have the resources they need to counter authoritarianism and confront human rights abuses. Countries such as Ukraine, Bosnia, and Georgia face constant pressure and interference from Russia, and the National Endowment for Democracy is on the front lines of efforts to ensure democracy and Western values prevail.

Additionally, the National Endowment for Democracy does important work to counter hostile, authoritarian regimes like the Chinese Communist Party and the Iranian regime. It is important for us to support this American institution and organization, which is based here in Washington, D.C., that defends our interests around the world in some of the most challenging environments.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this American-first legislation.