Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible students from over 16 Quad Cities high schools who raised 787,186 meals for the River Bend Food Bank during the 38th annual Student Hunger Drive. Through their hard work, creativity, and leadership, these students have had a profound impact on their community. By organizing events like penny wars and competing to raise the most meals, they not only provided vital resources but also united the community in their fight against hunger. Every meal they collected will go to those in need. I am incredibly proud to represent these young leaders in Congress, and I have no doubt they will continue to make a difference in the Quad Cities and beyond. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them for their dedication and commitment to service. Honoring Jon West

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Jon West, an exceptional Iowan who passed away far too soon. Born on May 24, 1971, in Mason City, Jon was a devoted husband to Tammy, father to TJ and Ashley, and grandfather to Rhea Lou and Lyra Jon. He dedicated 30 years to Winnebago Industries, rising from an entry-level position to lead manufacturing engineer where his innovations benefited both the company and his community. Jon served two terms on the city council of Forest City, showing his deep commitment to giving back. A fourth-generation Iowan, he cherished his heritage and loved farming with friends, Jay and Kevin. Above all, Jon's greatest joy was his family. His legacy lives on through them and his impact on his community endures. Jon was a proud Iowan dedicated to his family, his work, and his State. He will be deeply missed. Go Hawks

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, this weekend on Saturday, November 23, the Iowa Hawkeyes play the Maryland Terrapins. Go Hawks. Birthday Wishes to Austin Harris

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I wish a very happy birthday to my good friend, Austin Harris.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8371, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. As a veteran, physician, a caregiver myself, and a Member of Congress actively addressing these issues, I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges that caregivers face, especially as our veteran population continues to age. Access to mental health services remains inconsistent, leaving many caregivers struggling to find the support they desperately need. The weight of caring for veterans with complex conditions can lead to significant stress, anxiety, and burnout. That is why it is crucial for us to pass this bill which includes critical provisions to enhance and reform the delivery of care and services at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among its key measures, this legislation expands access to home- and community-based services, allowing aging veterans to receive care at home instead of at institutions. It also fully funds the VA's VET TEC program which provides high-tech career training for veterans, with an 84 percent graduation rate and an average starting salary of over $66,000. This bill would also improve the timeliness and quality of care for veterans under community care, ensuring that medical records are returned more quickly, and veterans receive the care they need in a timely manner. Additionally, it includes important provisions to help address veteran homelessness by increasing funding for services that assist veterans with transportation to medical, housing, and employment appointments. As a Member of Congress and as Americans, we have a responsibility to care for those who bravely fought for our country. By advocating for meaningful solutions that genuinely support our veterans and their caregivers, we can take important steps toward improving the lives of our Nation's heroes and those who care for them.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 9929, the Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act. This critical legislation, which I introduced, creates a grant program to fund mental health screenings and provide essential resources for corrections officers, men and women who face some of most dangerous and mentally taxing work in law enforcement. Correction officers are exposed daily to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, creating an environment that takes a profound toll on their mental health. Tragically, suicide rates among these officers are far higher than the national average. It is unacceptable that those who protect our communities are left without the support they need to protect their own well-being. This bill is backed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, representing over 377,000 officers who stand with us in calling for action. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this vital legislation, ensuring our corrections officers get the mental health care they deserve. Honoring World War II Veteran Henry Langrehr on his 100th Birthday

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of World War II veteran Henry Langrehr, who turned 100 on November 4. As a native of Clinton, Iowa, Henry left school in 1942 to join the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division, and at 19 years of age, was one of the first paratroopers to jump in during the landing at Normandy. Following the battle, Henry was wounded and taken as a prisoner of war, sent to Czechoslovakia to work in a camp mining coal, which he later escaped in a harrowing runaway. Following his escape, he returned to Clinton and began a successful career in business. All in all, Henry has been the recipient of two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the French Legion of Honor. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Henry, a true American hero and an example of Iowa's best, a very happy birthday. Congratulating Head Coach Kirk Ferentz on his 200th Big Ten Conference Win

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Iowa Football Head Coach Kirk Ferentz on recording his 200th win in the Big Ten Conference, moving him into second place of all time. Coach Ferentz's historic victory came at home against the Washington Huskies where the Hawkeyes dominated with a 40-16 win. Since then, Iowa has earned two more victories, bringing Coach Ferentz's total to 202 wins, just three shy of an all-time record for the Big Ten coaching victories. Coach Ferentz has led Iowa since 1999, guiding the team to two Big Ten championships and earning four Big Ten Coach of the Year honors, along with the prestigious AP College Football Coach of the Year award. Beyond wins, Coach Ferentz has built a culture of excellence that has shaped countless young athletes, and I know personally that he considers these athletes like his family. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Ferentz on his remarkable achievement. We look forward to celebrating his future success as the all-time winningest coach in the Big Ten. Go Hawkeyes. Recognizing Meghan Purcell

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and dedication of Meghan Purcell. Mrs. Purcell has worked as an art teacher at Mark Twain and Herbert Hoover Elementary Schools in the Bettendorf Community School District for the past 15 years. Her outstanding performance has earned her the title of Iowa's Outstanding Elementary Art Educator of the Year. It is educators like her that shape the minds of young future generations and lead us toward excellence. Her dedication to the education of Iowa's youth has been inspirational. She has been honored as the district's employee of the quarter and received the National Artsonia Educational Leadership Award. She has attended six National Art Education Association national conventions and presented workshops on curriculum design and bookmaking techniques at the 2024 National Art Education Association conference in Minneapolis. It is my hope that she can continue to inspire educators across the Nation to go above and beyond in our institutions of learning. Mrs. Purcell knows that it is the pursuance of excellence that sets us apart. It would serve us all well to remember that.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, one of the most joyous things we do in Congress is to speak about people in our district. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a remarkable milestone for a fellow Iowan and a fellow veteran. Richard Keep, Jr., is about to turn 100 years old on September 28, 2024. Richard's life is a shining example of bravery and dedication. As a World War II Army veteran, he served in the 12th Armored Division and the 92nd Reconnaissance Squadron from 1943 to 1945 in Germany. His courage during a crucial time in our history is an inspiration to us all. Richard fought for the freedoms we enjoy today, demonstrating great strength and commitment to his fellow soldiers and our country, and he did this starting at age 19. Richard's story doesn't end there. He met his wife, Carol, while they were students at Delta High School. They got married about 5 months before he was deployed to Germany. They graduated together in 1942, married in 1943 before deployment, and have now shared an incredible 81 years of marriage together. They are about to celebrate their 100th birthday together, as well as their 81st anniversary. Their family includes two children, Kelli and Karen, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, all influenced by Richard and Carol's strong family values and love for one another. As we honor Richard on his special occasion, his 100th birthday, let us celebrate his incredible life as a soldier and, on their 81st wedding anniversary, his life as a family man. Here is to Richard, a true American hero and a proud Iowan.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 443.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. David Lee Ireland. David died on September 17 following a long battle with cancer. He spent his professional life protecting and serving the people of Iowa as a police officer in the Lee County Sheriff's Office. When he was not working, he was collecting antique Model T memorabilia or enjoying the outdoors with his wife, canoeing on the Mississippi River. David was also a lifelong member of the Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, and eventually seeing both of his sons achieve the same rank. He later served as Scoutmaster for Troop 30 in Montrose, Iowa, where he proudly taught these young boys essential life values, such as hard work, love of the outdoors, self-reliance, and commitment. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and his two sons, Matthew and Shawn. Let us not despair in the loss of this great man, but, rather, praise God for sending David here to make the world a better place. Reckless Policies

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the Biden- Harris administration border crisis that has plagued our Nation for over 3 years. Under the failed leadership of President Biden and his border czar Kamala Harris, we have witnessed the worst border crisis in American history, with over 10 million illegal immigrants having crossed our border, while nearly 300,000 unaccompanied children are left unaccounted for and at risk of trafficking and exploitation. The horror doesn't stop there. Fentanyl, the poison that has claimed over 200,000 American lives, flows unchecked across our border, with over 2,000 pounds seized each month. This administration's negligence has created a perfect storm for crime, with a shocking 52,058 arrests of illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds, a staggering 130 percent increase since President Trump was in office. Biden and Harris have failed us. Their reckless policies are jeopardizing our children and communities. It is time for a return to a strong border security, time to hold them accountable and assure that every child is safe, every community is secure, and every American life matters. In Recognition of the Eighth Annual National Clean Energy Week

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the eighth annual National Clean Energy Week. As chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus and a Representative of Iowa, where 59 percent of our net energy generation comes from wind turbines, I am proud to highlight our State's leadership in harnessing renewable energy, and wind isn't the only type of renewable energy we have. We show how emissions can responsibly be reduced without sacrificing reliable energy production by tapping into our abundant resources, like wind, ethanol, biodiesel, manure, and hydro. Investing in innovation, we have strengthened our energy independence, created good-paying jobs, and kept energy costs low for families and businesses alike. This is what responsible, forward-thinking energy policy looks like, driven by innovation, not government mandates. National Clean Energy Week reminds us that we can secure a cleaner, healthier planet through practical, market-driven solutions that work for our economy, not against us. We must continue to support innovation that grows our economy, meets our energy needs, keeps our energy costs down, and respects the hardworking people that depend on affordable, reliable energy. Cleaner energy, more innovation, and a stronger economy is the path forward. Americans Deserve Better Than Failed Policies

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the disastrous impact Kamala Harris and Joe Biden have had on our economy. Inflation has risen as high as 20.2 percent. Eggs are up 46.8 percent. Gas is up 49.9 percent. Bread is up 24.3 percent. Sugar is up 31.4 percent. The list goes on and on. In just the past year, 1.2 million U.S.-born citizens lost their jobs to illegal aliens crossing our wide-open southern border. Everyday essentials, from food to fuel, have seen outrageous price hikes. Families in Iowa are paying over $13,000 more annually just to get by. Real wages have plummeted. Interest rates are at a 23-year high. Credit card debt has now surpassed $1 trillion for the first time, and our national debt has crossed $35 trillion. Instead of finding practical solutions, this administration thinks the solution is to print more money and to spend more by the government. The American people deserve better than Kamala Harris and Joe Biden's failed policies. Recognizing 1-Year Anniversary of Hamas Terrorist Attack on Israel

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the upcoming 1-year anniversary of the heinous Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. On that fateful day, Hamas terrorists launched inhumane and barbaric attacks on Israeli civilians by land, air, and sea. The world watched in horror as these terrorists slaughtered and burned innocent Israeli families in their homes; abducted and killed Americans; murdered over 200 young people enjoying a music festival; kidnapped innocent people, including Holocaust survivors, women, and children; and wounded thousands. It was, in fact, the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The trauma continues to this day as Hamas continues to hold hostages, including American citizens. In August, I joined Senator Joni Ernst on a congressional trip to meet with heads of state to advocate for the release of all hostages in Hamas' captivity. Hamas' recent murders of six hostages, including American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin, is yet another tragedy that underscores the brutality of this terrorist organization. We will continue to forcefully push for the release of all hostages. At home, we have seen anti-Semitism rear its ugly head over the past year, especially on college campuses. This is unacceptable in America. In Congress, we will continue to fight this heinous scourge of anti- Semitism. Mr. Speaker, on this upcoming October 7 anniversary, the United States must ensure that Israelis have the tools they need to defend their citizens, and I will continue to urge Members of Congress to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish people and the State of Israel during their time of need.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 433.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Matt Stutzman of Fairfield, Iowa, for winning the gold medal in archery in the 2024 Paralympics. Matt is a distinguished athlete who has overcome the immense obstacle of being born without both arms to set the new Paralympic record of a score of 149 points out of 150 points possible. In admiration of his father, Matt developed an interest in bow hunting. Upon noticing his interest in hunting, Matt's father bought him his first bow at age 16. From that point on, he was passionately dedicated to enhancing his skills. His first achievement came in the form of an Olympic silver medal in the 2012 Paralympics. Next, in 2015, he set a new world record by hitting a target from 283 meters away, a record previously held by an able-bodied athlete. Matt is a testament to the will and determination of Iowa's First District, and we expect further great things from him in the future. University of Iowa's Space Technology Innovation and Education Project

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill to establish a refundable tax credit for expenses incurred through in vitro fertilization, or IVF. For many, including some of my own family members, the struggle with infertility has been profoundly heart-wrenching. While IVF presents its own challenges, it offers a vital opportunity for pregnancy and parenthood that should be accessible to all families facing these difficulties. With the U.S. birthrate declining and IVF contributing to 2 to 3 percent of births, it is crucial to support families seeking to grow. As a physician, I value every life, and as a mother, I understand the importance of empowering families to expand on their own terms and their own timelines. This measure will provide a fully refundable tax credit for IVF- related medical expenses up to $30,000 over a lifetime. It will cover essential costs, such as transportation, egg retrievals, counseling, and medications. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, making the dream of parenthood more attainable and reaffirming our commitment to helping families. Horrific Acts in Gaza Strip

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today disgusted by the horrific acts which have taken place in the Gaza Strip. This brutal execution of six hostages taken by the Hamas war criminals is nothing more than the most recent development in a campaign of terror with one goal: the extermination of the Jewish State of Israel. One of these hostages, an American man by the name of Hersh Goldberg- Polin, was enjoying the Re'im music festival when this band of thugs turned this peaceful day into a living hell. During the attack, Mr. Goldberg-Polin's arm was blown off by a grenade. He spent the next 330 days terrified that he would never see his family again. On August 31, 2024, they executed this badly wounded American music lover. I recently visited the families of some of the hostages in Israel as well as here in the United States. I saw firsthand the unimaginable hope and strength these families have lived with for the past 11 months. Hope for Goldberg-Polin's family has run out, but strength remains as they mourn their loss. The thoughts and prayers of the American people will continue to be with the Israeli people. May God be with them. Honoring Kids for Vets

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Kids for Vets, which raised over $10,000 through lemonade stands for veteran causes in the Quad Cities. As a 24-year Army veteran, it warms my heart to see America's youth so deeply concerned about our servicemembers. Kids for Vets partners with amazing nonprofit organizations, such as the Quad Cities Outreach Center and SEAL Family Legacy, to provide support to Gold Star families, food banks, job placement, housing assistance, and so much more for America's heroes. Because of the outstanding work of Kids for Vets and their partners, veterans in the Quad Cities and greater eastern Iowa have a support system that puts their essential needs first. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the amazing work of Kids for Vets, and I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting and thanking this incredible organization. Congratulating Matt Stutzman

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the $1.5 million in Federal funding secured for a space technology innovation and education project at the University of Iowa's department of physics and astronomy. This funding will be used to build state-of-the-art space equipment to help train the next generation of cosmic leaders. I was happy to visit the university shortly after securing these funds to speak to students and faculty about the impact this will have. The University of Iowa is already a leading school for researching the skies above, and this critical investment will further the University of Iowa's standing as a leading university in the development of space instruments for NASA and for America's astronauts. Our country is in dire need of leaders in the astronomical field, which is why I am proud to secure this funding for one of America's leading educational institutions. With that said, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the best for the University of Iowa's future astronauts. Happy Birthday Curt Meeks

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I extend the warmest birthday greetings to a most amazing man and life partner, my husband Curt Meeks.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7208) to reauthorize the Traumatic Brain Injury program, as amended.