Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of LaVern ``Vern'' Harvey. Vern passed away on August 8 at age 81 with his family by his side. Vern was born and raised in Iowa and attended the University of Iowa where he got a bachelor's degree in economics. In 1996, he married his wife, Christine Bullington, and entered the United States Army. Vern served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He received many accolades for his service and was later discharged as a captain in 1970. For over 50 years, Vern called Bettendorf home. Vern managed two businesses, Harvey Homes and Kirkwood Investors Realty, where he contributed greatly to the community by building affordable homes. Vern went on to serve three terms as an Iowa State House representative for district 779. As a fellow veteran, I understand Vern's services, sacrifices, and commitment to our Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Christine; his children, Mitchell and Megan; and the rest of his family. Vern was unwaveringly kind. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and committed to the betterment of Iowa, Bettendorf, and our Nation. Recognizing His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize His All- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is the spiritual leader and the ``primus inter pares''; ``first among equals'' of Greek Orthodox Christianity worldwide, a church of over 300 million people. His All-Holiness is visiting the United States to receive the Templeton Prize, the world's most prestigious award in religion and science. I congratulate His All-Holiness on this amazing achievement. I know people in Iowa are extending that congratulations, and I welcome him to the United States.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, it is great to be back in our Nation's Capital, especially now that President Trump has cleaned up Washington and made this city safer for all residents and visitors. Madam Speaker, there is no place like home, and it is really hard to leave Iowa. August was an incredible month, working across Iowa's First District. I went corner to corner, visiting all 20 counties. I met with manufacturers, farmers, hospital leaders, nonprofits, issue advocacy groups, emergency services, law enforcement, county supervisors, and small businesses. They all highlighted the wins we have delivered, which is the largest tax cut in history for working- and middle-class Americans. Madam Speaker, there is a 20 percent tax cut for small businesses, permanent relief from the death tax for family farms, historic investments in trade schools, and manufacturing provisions that keep jobs and innovation in America. I was proud to lead a Made in America Manufacturing Tour with stops at Cemen Tech, Vermeer, and SSAB to showcase how these progrowth policies are driving investment and creating jobs in Iowa. I also held roundtables with hospitals, EMS, and small businesses to discuss lowering costs, cutting red tape, and ensuring our communities remain strong. Of course, I joined thousands of Iowans at the great Iowa State Fair, celebrating our traditions, supporting agriculture, and talking with families about the issues that matter most. August was not a break. It was a work period filled with results. Under President Trump's leadership, we are cutting taxes, bringing jobs back, unleashing American energy, securing our borders, and restoring America's strength. I am proud of the progress we made, and I am committed to working for Iowa and our great Nation. Congratulating University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Iowa's Department of Physics and Astronomy for their critical role on the NASA TRACERS mission. On July 23, 2025, the Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites, also known as TRACERS, was successfully sent up from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This innovative mission is being led by David Miles, a professor at the University of Iowa. I had the honor of touring the TRACERS lab at the University of Iowa. I saw the impressive work being carried out by Professor Miles and his team. Aboard the rocket are two twin satellites that will be used to study how the solar wind's energy enters space and how the Sun transfers energy and mass throughout the solar system. They will also study how Earth's magnetic shield protects our planet from the effects of space weather. I am proud of the team that is home to such groundbreaking work and innovation. I congratulate Professor Miles and the TRACERS team on a successful launch. Go Hawks. Remembering Colleta ``Lettie'' Louise Hardebeck

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life of my aunt, Colleta ``Lettie'' Louise Hardebeck, who passed away August 16 at the age of 102. Her celebration of life is tomorrow on September 3. I won't be able to be there because we are here in session. Lettie was the energy and the adventurer of our family. She was born in 1923 to German immigrants in Simi Valley, California. She grew up on the family farm which was taken over by eminent domain for Interstate 5. She helped harvest oranges and walnuts. After high school, she moved to Los Angeles where she worked for Prudential Life Insurance; rode the Red Bus with her sister, my Aunt Ellie; and met her husband, Bob, a Coast Guard sailor. They married in 1947 and raised four children together. Lettie's life was marked by devotion to her family, to her Catholic faith, and to her community. She helped raise four children: Cathi, Larry, Jim, and Bobby. She also helped raise her grandson, Joey. She remained active in her church. Even at 100 years old, she was still attending Mass in person. She loved the outdoors and adventure. She hiked Yosemite in her nineties, took her family camping in national parks, and even went sledding with her grandchildren in her eighties. She traveled widely, but she returned to the joy of family. Because we were in the military, we didn't get to be with Aunt Lettie very much, but we remember her energy, her spirit, her love, her compassion, her adventurism, and her love for her youngest brother, Freddy, my dad. Madam Speaker, though I am sorry I won't be there with Aunt Lettie and her family tomorrow, we remember Aunt Lettie in our thoughts and our prayers. Madam Speaker, I also wish my sister-in-law, Susan Branthoover, a very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Susan.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce I am introducing legislation to designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 1019 Avenue H in Fort Madison, Iowa, as the Martin L. Graber Post Office. Martin served our country for 32 years in the Iowa National Guard. He was a devoted public servant, a principled legislator, and a man of deep faith who lived to serve others. He always put southeast Iowa first and made everyone around him feel seen, heard, and valued. Alongside his beloved wife, Coni, Martin helped lead one of Fort Madison's most iconic traditions and events, the Tri-City Rodeo. Together, they were the heart and soul of that event, which draws visitors from not only across the region and the tristate area, but across the country, and it showcases the best of our community. Their dedication to the rodeo reflects the same commitment they brought to everything they touched--family, service, and community. I thank Coni, their daughters, and granddaughters for sharing Martin with all of us. His legacy of service and leadership in Lee County, and in Fort Madison in particular, has left a mark that won't fade. Naming the Fort Madison Post Office in his honor is a small but lasting tribute to a man who gave so much to the place he loved. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say happy birthday to Blake Dickerson and wish him a very wonderful day. Happy birthday, Blake.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Chair, America's warfighters rely on more than courage and training. They rely on an uninterrupted supply of expertly manufactured weapons, parts, and ammunition. That lifeline begins with our Army arsenals. My amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act protects that lifeline by prohibiting any Federal funds from being used to reduce the workforce at Rock Island Arsenal, Joint Munitions Command, Army Sustainment Command, or any other active U.S. Army arsenal. Rock Island Arsenal is more than just a military installation. It is a critical node in our Nation's defense infrastructure. Its civilian experts, many of them veterans, produce, repair, and innovate the equipment our troops depend on from the front lines to forward operating bases. Every rifle sight calibrated, every artillery shell inspected, and every 3D-printed replacement part shipped from Rock Island shortens the time between a soldier's need and the answer that keeps that soldier alive. When rumors surfaced of workforce reductions at the island, I wrote to Secretary of the Army Driscoll, made a site visit with him, and spoke directly with the men and women whose skills cannot be replicated overnight. This amendment cements their mission readiness. It prevents talent loss, preserves irreplaceable know-how, and keeps our defense industrial base resilient against any adversary who hopes to see it weakened. In addition to being a pillar of our national defense, Rock Island Arsenal supports more than 15,000 jobs. Nearly one-half of those workers live in Iowa. It also contributes over $1.2 billion annually to the economy of the Quad Cities region. These are good-paying jobs that support families, grow our communities, and, most importantly, provide the backbone of our military supply chain. As a 24-year Army veteran, I know how vital these arsenals are, not just to the military, but to the Nation. This is about protecting readiness, our military, and America. With the assurance of the chair that he will work with me to ensure that this amendment does what we intend it to do and continues to supply our military with the munitions they need, I will always fight for Rock Island Arsenal, and the men and women in and out of uniform who power its mission and protect our Nation. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Chair, with the assurance that the chairman and I will work together, I yield back the balance of my time, and I withdraw the amendment.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Norman Benjamin Schmeltzer, III, a proud son of Iowa and a remarkable American whose legacy of service and love continues to inspire. Born in Davenport in 1949 and a graduate of Bettendorf High School, Norm never stopped representing the values of his home State. After earning a degree in criminology from California State University at Long Beach, Norm joined the U.S. Army Intelligence School, graduating first in his class. He then served as a special agent with the United States Secret Service. Norm's passion for justice led him to Loyola University School of Law where he graduated third in his class before founding his own successful law practice. He was a dedicated public servant, a devoted husband, and a proud father and grandfather. Norm's journey was one of purpose and perseverance. He and his wife, Jane, both Secret Service agents, became the first two agents to marry within the agency. Being a fellow veteran and having a brother in the Secret Service, I know how challenging that is. Their 50-year love story is a testament to their shared courage and commitment. To his family watching today, including his beloved sister Christine and his niece McKenna, who is here in the gallery today, please know that this Chamber recognizes Norm's extraordinary life and mourns his loss with you. Norm embodied the spirit of honor, integrity, and service. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and excellence that will not be forgotten.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Matt Harding, a dedicated physics teacher at Liberty High School in Iowa City and one of five Iowa finalists for the 2025 Presidential Awards in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest honor in his field. Mr. Harding exemplifies Iowa's deep-rooted commitment to academic excellence. His passion for science and education has inspired countless students, and his influence reaches far beyond the classroom. He invests in every student's success, helping to build not just stronger minds, but a stronger community. As the proud Representative of Iowa's First District, I am honored to recognize individuals like Mr. Harding, educators who go above and beyond to prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities ahead. His well-earned recognition is a reminder that great teachers do more than teach; they shape the future of our Nation. I thank Mr. Harding for his extraordinary service to Iowa's students and congratulate him on this outstanding achievement. Remembering Marin Michael Rose

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Iowa National Guard Specialist Marin Michael Rose, a young man who, at just 19 years old, represented the very best of Iowa and the very best of our Nation. Specialist Rose joined the Iowa Army National Guard in 2023 and served with the 1133rd Transportation Company based out of Iowa City. He was a transportation driver, a student at Southeastern Community College, and a beloved son, brother, and friend. Marin was known for his work ethic, his positive spirit, and his deep commitment to his fellow soldiers. Whether he was studying gaming on his PS5 or chasing the next big storm, Marin brought light and energy to those around him. As a 24-year Army veteran, I know what it means to wear the uniform and to serve with heart. Marin did just that. His smile, his hugs, and his unwavering kindness will never be forgotten. May God bless the Rose family, and may we always remember Specialist Marin Rose for the joy he brought and the service he gave. Madam Speaker, I would like to extend the warmest of birthday greetings to the youngest of my seven siblings. Happy birthday, Mari Eleanor. Madam Speaker, I would like to wish my brother-in-law, Ralph Martino, a very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Ralph.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievement of the Davenport Assumption girls' soccer team, who have once again made Iowa history. With a 2-0 victory over the number one ranked Denver Cyclones, the Knights captured their record-setting 12th Iowa State Championship. This win marks their first title since 2021 and is a testament to the perseverance, heart, and teamwork that defines Iowa athletes. Led by senior Dru Dorsey and freshman Ruby Stevens, the Knights showed skill, leadership, and grit on the field. Dorsey scored one goal and assisted on the other, setting the tone and sealing the win. From defense to offense, the entire squad played with unity and determination. This moment is more than a victory. It is a legacy, and it speaks to what young women in sports can accomplish when they believe in each other, never give up, and have a level playing field. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Elizabeth Maus, the players, and the entire Davenport Assumption community. They have made their sport, their school, and their State proud. Recognizing Carla Eysink

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an exceptional Iowan, Carla Eysink, who retired after 29 years of service as the executive director of the Marion County Development Commission. Carla was the very first to hold this role. For nearly three decades, she worked tirelessly to strengthen economic growth, support local businesses, and champion the people of Marion County. From launching the Business Retention and Expansion Program to the Best of Red Rock Awards and the Red Rock StartUP! pitch contest, Carla's leadership left a lasting mark. What stands out most is her deep love for the people she worked with, the partners across Iowa, and the local citizens who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and believed in the future of their community. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Marion County, Iowa, and the U.S. House of Representatives, I thank Carla for her extraordinary service. Her legacy will continue to shape Marion County for years to come. Anti-Semitism Has No Place in America

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with urgency and determination to address the alarming rise in anti-Semitic violence that is sweeping across our Nation. In recent weeks, two young Israeli Embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum here in Washington, D.C., by a radical Hamas supporter shouting: ``Free Palestine.'' These two young people were soon to be engaged. Their future was stolen in an instant. In Colorado, a man attacked a peaceful march supporting Israeli hostages with a makeshift flamethrower, injuring eight innocent people, some who are in critical condition. Across our college campuses, anti-Semitic incidents have surged by over 80 percent, with students facing threats, vandalism, and violence simply because of their identity or their support for Israel. Enough is enough. That is why I am introducing the commission to study acts of anti-Semitism in the United States Act, a bipartisan effort to investigate these hateful acts, uncover their root causes, and deliver concrete recommendations to Congress, local communities, and the President on how we can prevent further violence. This is not a partisan issue. It is, however, a moral imperative. No American should live in fear for their faith or their safety. We must stand united in saying that anti-Semitism has no place on our campuses, no place in our streets, and no place in the future of this country. I am committed to ensuring that we act, not just speak, because the time to confront rising hate is now. Celebrating U.S. Army's 250th Birthday

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army. As a 24-year Army veteran who is married to a 30-year Army veteran, this moment hits close to home. For 2\1/2\ centuries, the Army has answered the call--not for glory but for country. It is not just the history books or the battlefields that define the Army. It is the people. It is the young men and women from small towns and big cities who raise their hands, lace up their boots, and swear an oath to protect this Nation and its values. I have seen what that sacrifice looks like. I have worn the uniform. I have served beside heroes, and I know what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. The Army isn't just celebrating a birthday. It is marking 250 years of grit, honor, service, and rolling along. Here is to those who came before us, those serving now, and those yet to wear the uniform. Happy birthday to the United States Army. Army Strong, always. Celebrating Richard Miller on His Birthday

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to a very special person, the eldest of eight children, my brother, Richard Miller. Richard Miller served in the Army, served in the coal mines in Pennsylvania, joined the Secret Service, and guarded four Presidents during their Presidency and Ronald Reagan post-Presidency. After retiring from the Secret Service, he then joined the Los Angeles Police Academy, completing rigorous police academy work and then serving in local law enforcement. Mr. Speaker, I wish Richard a very happy birthday. I am so proud that he is my brother.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of the Orphan Drug Act in driving rare disease therapy clinical research in my district at the University of Iowa. As a physician, a legislator, and a member of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, I have seen firsthand the life-changing impact that medical innovation can have on patients battling rare diseases. Iowa's first congressional district is home to clinical trials for several rare diseases that lack a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- approved therapy, including Becker muscular dystrophy, Gaucher disease type 3, and limb girdle muscular dystrophy. For these patients, and the millions of Americans suffering from rare diseases, scientific advancements represent more than just medical progress--they offer hope where none previously existed. That hope would not be possible without the Orphan Drug Act, which has served as the foundation for rare disease drug development for over four decades. The Orphan Drug Act's most critical incentive is orphan drug exclusivity, which is a seven-year period of market exclusivity. This incentive ensures that innovators willing to take the extraordinary risk of developing a first-in-class treatment for a complex condition affecting a small patient population are appropriately rewarded. For many rare diseases, the first FDA-approved treatment is a lifeline. These therapies often require years of research, billions in investment, and considerable perseverance to bring these medicines to patients. Without a strong and reliable exclusivity framework, these treatments simply would not exist. Congress intended orphan exclusivity to serve as ``a marketplace-oriented solution that provide incentives for private enterprise to develop orphan drugs.'' FDA established regulations that aimed to protect this critical economic incentive while also encouraging continued innovation for a rare disease by allowing a follow-on product that is the same drug for the same use to break orphan exclusivity if it demonstrates greater efficacy, greater safety, or a ``major contribution to patient care'' relative to the original orphan drug. Congress codified these regulations in 2017. Congress has long recognized that the ``major contribution care'' prong of the ``clinical superiority'' standard is meant to be a high bar. We did not intend for minor modifications such as changes in dosing frequency or formulation to erode the exclusivity protections of the first innovator drug unless such modifications result in a significant clinical benefit in treating the underlying conditions. If we allow marginal improvements rather than true clinical advancements to justify breaking orphan exclusivity, we undermine the very incentive that encourages companies to develop first-in-class therapies in the first place. The FDA has a clear precedent for maintaining a high bar for clinical superiority determinations. If we lower the bar for breaking orphan exclusivity, especially for ``major contribution to patient care,'' we will undermine the future of rare disease drug development. Lowering the bar will deter investment in first-in-class therapies by reducing the certainty that companies will be able to benefit from the exclusivity protections Congress intended. Lowering the bar will create regulatory uncertainty, leading to litigation, market instability, and hesitation from investors who fund rare disease innovation. Lowering the bar will set a dangerous precedent for copycat products with few modifications, encouraging incremental changes rather than bold scientific advancements. Lowering the bar will hurt patients most of all, delaying or discouraging the development of a first-ever therapy for the nearly 10,000 rare diseases that still lack an FDA-approved treatment. As a physician, I know that true medical breakthroughs require bold investment, sustained commitment, and regulatory certainty. As a legislator, I am committed to preserving the integrity of the Orphan Drug Act and ensuring that it continues to drive life-changing treatments for patients. FDA must apply the law a Congress intended and not allow minor modifications to erode exclusivity protections that serve as the foundation for rare disease innovation. Today, I am calling on my fellow members of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus to stand together to protect the value of the incentives established in the Orphan Drug Act.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1969, the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act. As an Army veteran of 24 years, a physician, and a Member of Congress, I have seen the toll that service can take on our veterans, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I have heard from too many who feel forgotten once they have taken off the uniform. While I respect my colleague's comments from the other side of the aisle, to ask for data for metrics and for outcomes but not to provide a tool for these grantees seems to be the wrong path to take. Mr. Speaker, 17 veterans die by suicide every single day. That number should shake this Chamber. It is a national tragedy and a moral call to action. This bill reauthorizes and strengthens the VA's Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, one of the most effective tools we have to get local, trusted organizations the funding they need to help struggling veterans. In Iowa, I have seen incredible work being done by people like Shane Sawyer, an Air Force special operations combat veteran who helps lead the Quad Cities Veterans Network. He brings veterans together, not just to socialize but to survive, to reconnect with the tribe they lost, to rediscover their identity, and to talk to people who understand what they have been through. His work saves lives. It is that simple. This bill helps him and thousands like him do even more. It also includes my Veterans SPORT Act, which ensures veterans can access adaptive prosthetics for sports and physical activity. Recovery isn't just about prescriptions. It is about purpose. Whether it is walking a golf course or playing a team sport, these activities can be the difference between isolation and hope. Mr. Speaker, we made a promise to our veterans. This bill is about keeping it. It ensures no veteran falls through the cracks. No door should be the wrong door when a veteran is in crisis. No door should be the wrong door when it comes to making our veterans whole. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1969. Let's do the right thing by those who put everything on the line for us.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I will respond that, once again, we hear myth after myth when we talk about reforms to Medicaid, which its greatest threat is $37 trillion in debt. Yet, when we talk about reforms to a Medicaid program, it is to preserve Medicaid, and children, the disabled, and nursing homes would not be impacted. Honoring Chief Keith Kimball on His Retirement

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Chief Keith Kimball, who served the people of Bettendorf and the State of Iowa with distinction for 35 years. Chief Kimball started on third-shift patrol and worked his way through the ranks with grit, integrity, and a heart for service. From becoming Bettendorf's first-ever school resource officer to leading the Investigative Services Bureau and, finally, being named chief in 2018, he never lost sight of his mission: to serve and protect with honor. He has been a mentor to many, a leader in his department, and a trusted figure in the community. Chief Kimball represents the very best of law enforcement: steadfast, compassionate, and committed to making a difference. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Kimball for his dedication to the people of Bettendorf and for setting an example that will inspire future officers for years to come. I congratulate Chief Kimball on his retirement. He has earned it. Recognizing National Small Business Week

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, this National Small Business Week, I rise to celebrate the small businesses that power Iowa and make our country strong. As a former small business owner myself, I know the early mornings, the long nights, the lack of vacations, and the risks it takes to keep a business running. These men and women are the heart of Main Street America, and they deserve leaders who will fight for them. In Iowa, small businesses represent 99 percent of all businesses in the State. In President Trump's first term, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, giving small businesses the relief that they needed to grow and hire. I will also say that there are no Fortune 500 businesses without first starting as a small business, or a mom and pop. If we don't act now, those tax cuts will expire, and Iowa's small businesses will be hit with a crushing 20 percent tax hike. We cannot let that happen. Let's extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, protect small business owners and farmers, and keep the American Dream alive in Iowa and across the country. In Memory of Jay Byers

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of President Jay Byers, a proud Iowan and dedicated public servant who has led Simpson College at Indianola until his untimely passing on April 17. Jay spent his life working to make Iowa a better place, from his years as CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, where he championed economic growth across the metro, to his time as president of Simpson College, where he put his students first every single day. He brought energy, vision, and a heart to everything he did. Jay is survived by his loving wife, Katie, and their daughters, and my prayers are with them, the entire greater Des Moines area, and Indianola during this difficult time. Iowa has lost a leader, Simpson College has lost a champion, and many of us have lost a dear friend. Mr. Speaker, may Jay rest in peace. Our prayers are with him.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Nurses Day to thank the women and men across our country who care for the sick, comfort the hurting, and keep our healthcare system running. I began my own medical career as a nurse. My sister was a nurse, and my husband was a nurse. I understand the long hours, emotional toll, and deep responsibility, commitment, and gratification that come with the job. Today, we face a nationwide shortage of nurses, especially in rural areas like many in Iowa. This isn't just a workforce issue. It is a public health crisis. We must do more to strengthen nursing by expanding training opportunities, reducing burnout, and investing in the future of care. Nurses don't ask for recognition, but they sure deserve it. Mr. Speaker, on National Nurses Day and every day, I thank all nurses, and I promise to keep fighting for nurses in Congress.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of World War II hero Henry Langrehr of Clinton, Iowa. Henry was the embodiment of the Greatest Generation: humble, courageous, and fiercely devoted to his country. On what should have been his high school graduation day, he instead jumped from a C-47 over France, crashing through a greenhouse during the D-day invasion. Captured by the Germans and sent to a work camp, Henry's indomitable spirit led him to escape, finding his way back to American forces almost 1 year later, still wearing his tattered D-day uniform. After the war, Henry returned home to build a business, raise a family, and serve his fellow veterans. He never stopped loving his country, once saying: ``Only America could do that.'' Henry Langrehr lived a life of service, sacrifice, and inspiration. We owe him and all like him a debt that can never be repaid. I had the pleasure of meeting his grandniece this weekend at the University of Iowa ROTC Military Ball. What a special event. May God bless his memory and comfort his family. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend birthday greetings to my younger sister, Mariette Stanson.