Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the Crestview High School Knights of Convoy, Ohio on their victory in the 2019 OHSAA boys state basketball tournament. This was their second championship in five years.

The Crestview Knights completed a historic season with an unexpected win. After a challenging semifinal, the Crestview Knights were considered the underdogs, heading into the championship ranked below their opponent, Berlin Hiland. In the end, they dominated with a 58-38 win, holding Berlin Hiland to 21 points below its season average.

The community of Convoy should be very proud of this team's hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Coach Best and the Knights on their state title.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize Jeff Sailer, the Executive Director of the Toledo Zoo, and his team for the opening of the ProMedica Museum of Natural History. After years of renovation, this beautiful museum is now open to the public.

An academic at heart, Jeff Sailer has made his mark on the city of Toledo with his visionary and unique approach to zoo management. Thanks to his work, Toledo is home to more than 9,000 animals that inspire and remind us of the importance of conservation. Families like mine have so many wonderful memories at the Toledo Zoo, and now the thoughtful exhibits and impressive building of this new museum offer a striking way to appreciate the past while looking forward to the future.

Its an incredible museum, and something Toledo can be proud of for generations to come. Congratulations to Jeff Sailer and his team.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the Antwerp High School Lady Archers of Paulding County on their victory in the 2019 Division IV state championship in softball. This was the team's first-ever state championship, the second state title in any sport for Antwerp, and one of a handful of state titles in Paulding County history.

The Archers held their opponent, Mechanicsburg, at bay, winning in a 5-0 shutout--the first for their opponent in the entire season. Another highlight of this historic win was the impressive performance of Pitcher Carlie Hanes, who tied the state record of 15 strikeouts in state DIV play and got her 300th strikeout of the season.

Congratulations to Antwerp softball for their state title.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for holding this Special Order tonight to honor all these individuals that did so much.

A lot of people probably watched last week on the evening news and during the day the tornadoes that struck Ohio. And one, in particular, struck my district in Mercer County in the city of Celina. And a lot of folks, when I was over there, said they didn't have very much time to react and seek shelter because of how fast the storms came on.

But I think it is really important to thank these individuals that responded immediately to what happened.

These are our first responders, our police, our fire, our emergency management, our emergency services out there. They are the ones that got out there to help, and they were on the front lines, right when it struck in the evening, and they worked all night long, all the next morning, and straight through.

I was there a day and a half after the tornadoes struck, and it is amazing to see how the community came together. But, again, at the same time, it was the individuals on the ground that made sure it happened.

So, again, I just really thank all of those individuals, and also our elected officials, for all that they did, and the countless hours that they spent making sure that the citizens of their city of Celina and their county of Mercer received the help that they needed.

I think it is also important, because of the resilience of the people that lived there--and out in the community, looking at all the destroyed homes, the damaged homes--but I think it is important, because one of the gentlemen I talked with really had his priorities.

When he was bringing out all the damage from his home, you know, he had told me when they built their house, and how long they had lived there. But he said, you know what, we got out with our lives.

And all the things that he said that they were hauling out of the house--and he just kind of pointed to it all, it was across the entire front--he said it was just stuff. And he had his priorities, because the families were safe, and they got out.

Unfortunately, we did have a fatality. A gentleman who was in his bed sleeping had a car lifted up from two doors down and it crashed and crushed him in his bed.

So, you know, it is when we have these tornadoes and we have these disasters across the country, I think it is important that we always remember to thank those who are on the front lines, day and night, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, making sure that we are safe and have that protection.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for having the Special Order this evening, for having the ability to thank those who needed to be thanked again and again and again for all that they do for us.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the Speaker to immediately schedule this important bill.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Brendon Johns of Archbold, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Brendan's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Brendon brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Archbold High School in Archbold, Ohio, Brendon was a member of the National Honor Society, Class President, and member of the Student Council, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and ranking first in his class.

Throughout high school, Brendon was involved with cross country and track among other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Brendon will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Brendon Johns on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Brendon will excel during his career at West Point, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Kevin Hileman of Toledo, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Kevin's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Kevin brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Ottawa Hills High School in Ottawa Hills, Ohio, Kevin was a member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll.

Throughout high school, Kevin was involved with soccer, having achieved his varsity letter and served as team captain. I am confident that Kevin will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kevin Hileman on his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Kevin will excel during his career at the Naval Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Kailyn Grant of Northwood, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Kailyn's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending

one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Kailyn brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, Ohio, Kailyn was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Dean's List.

Throughout high school, Kailyn was involved with soccer and track. I am confident that Kailyn will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kailyn Grant on her offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Kailyn will excel during her career at the Naval Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Nathaniel Erickson of Toledo, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Nathaniel's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Nathaniel brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio, Nathaniel was a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, and Student Body Council.

Throughout high school, Nathaniel was involved with football and track among other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Nathaniel will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nathaniel Erickson on his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Nathaniel will excel during his career at the Naval Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Devin Thiel of Edgerton, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Devin's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Devin brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Edgerton High School in Edgerton, Ohio, Devin was a member of the National Honor Society, Scholar Athlete Award recipient, and All-A Honor Roll, while ranking second in his class.

Throughout high school, Devin was involved with wrestling, cross country, football and track among other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Devin will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Devin Thiel on his offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Devin will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Maxwell Rutledge of Findlay, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Maxwell's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Maxwell brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Saint Francis de Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio, Maxwell excelled in several AP courses.

Throughout high school, Maxwell was involved with the varsity swim team. I am confident that Maxwell will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Maxwell Rutledge on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Maxwell will excel during his career at West Point, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that

Jake Stucker of Bowling Green, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Jake's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Jake brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, Ohio, Jake was a member of the National Honor Society, Scholar Athlete Award recipient, and 4.0 Honor Roll, while ranking second in his class.

Throughout high school, Jake was involved with cross country and track among other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Jake will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jake Stucker on his offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Jake will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Christian Lee of Findlay, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Christian's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Christian brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Findlay High School in Findlay, Ohio, Christian was a member of the National Honor Society, Distinguished Honor Roll, and Merit Honor Roll.

Throughout high school, Christian was involved with cross country and rugby, having served as captain of both his senior year, as well as participating in many other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Christian will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Christian Lee on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Christian will excel during his career at West Point, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Chelsea Taylor of Van Wert, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Chelsea's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Chelsea brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Crestview High School in Convoy, Ohio, Chelsea received numerous academic achievement awards and was ranked first in her class.

Throughout high school, Chelsea was involved with cheerleading, track, and gymnastics. I am confident that Chelsea will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Chelsea Taylor on her offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Chelsea will excel during her career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Olivia Skelton of Convoy, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Olivia's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Olivia brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Crestview High School in Convoy, Ohio, Olivia was a scholar athlete and received numerous academic achievement awards, as well as attaining a 4.0 GPA and ranked first in her class.

Throughout high school, Olivia was involved with golf and softball, as well as serving as the basketball statistician. I am confident that Olivia will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Olivia Skelton on her offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Olivia will excel during her career at West Point, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.