Michael Rulli

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of H.R. 28, and I urge the House to pass this bill. There is no reason we should even be having this conversation right now. H.R. 28 is a women's rights bill to protect Title IX, which was constructed to protect women's rights. This first came on my radar while I was a member of the Ohio Senate. I had a lesbian couple shopping in my store, and they asked me to step aside to talk to me for a minute. They said that I needed to protect women's sports. We had Title IX. Since we had Stonewall 50 years ago, this couple told me, they have worked their entire life for women's rights. What my opposition party is doing is blurring the lines of what is a woman and what is a man. My daughter has played soccer her entire life. She is scared to death to play right now. She has seen the videos of what trans athletes have been doing to women athletes, as far as breaking their faces in volleyball, basketball, and baseball. We do not have a clear, level playing field when we have the trans community participating in women's sports. We need to protect the concept of the woman, and women must be protected. H.R. 28 is the only path forward. It is shameful that the opposition party does not support the protection of women. We have to define what a woman is again, and H.R. 28 is the only vehicle that could actually protect women in America, whether it is in high school or whether it is in college, for them to pursue their dreams.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, The Honorable Troy Balderson, to congratulate the Indian Valley Braves on their victory over the Sandusky Perkins Pirates in the 2024 Ohio High School Athletic Association Division IV Football State Championship. Attendance topped 7,000 in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium that Saturday night, December 7, 2024. Amidst freezing and rainy conditions, the Perkins Pirates scored first to lead 7-0. The Braves responded with a touchdown but missed the extra point making the game 7-6. On the following kickoff, Sandusky Perkins fumbled, and Indian Valley recovered. They capitalized by driving down the field for a touchdown and successfully executed a two-point conversion pulling ahead 14-7. This back-and-forth battle characterized the game as neither team punted all night. Heading into the fourth quarter, Indian Valley trailed Sandusky Perkins 36-29. The Braves drove back down the field and scored their fifth rushing touchdown of the game making the score 36-35. They took a risk by trying for a two-point conversion and were successful. The Braves' defense held strong and forced a turnover with just over four minutes of regulation left to play. They ran out the clock to clench the win with the final score reading 37-36. This Division IV state final was historic as it marked the Braves' first football state championship in school history as well as the first for a Tuscarawas County school. The team finished with an overall record of 16-0 in the regular season and 5-0 in conference. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Indian Valley Braves' players, coaches, staff, families, and friends as we celebrate this victory of an undefeated season and a state championship title. Go Braves.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before you to shine light on the recent passing of my dear friend, mentor, and colleague, Kirk Schuring, a true giant amongst men and known around the State as the legislators' legislator. He passed away on November 22, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. Kirk Schuring was my mentor. He was the finest thing that ever came from Ohio. Being green, getting into the Ohio Senate, he mentored me as the chair of small business, and then I became chair for 4 years of government. When I was chair, he taught me how to really do policy. He also told me that every voice in Ohio must have a voice. He was proud of doing hard work in policy and doing amendments so all Ohioans could be represented. That was his point of focus, to do policy work, the hard, heavy lifting that most people will never see. Some of his accomplishments were he allocated $7 million for the jump-start of the expansion of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He was instrumental in getting $50 million from the brand-new movie of ``Superman'' that was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio. He was an advocate of the Canton Urban League, the Stark County Young Republicans, the Canton Jaycees, and a lot more than that. Kirk Schuring will be missed. He was a dear friend, and Ohio is better that he existed. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this opportunity to speak about my mentor.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of South Side Middle School in Columbiana, Ohio, as they were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024. I thank the Columbiana Exempted School District and their supportive educators and staff for leading students on the path to success. As a resident of Columbiana County, I am proud to be able to honor South Side Middle School for their exceptional work as upstanding academic leaders in the community. The teachers and faculty not only strive for students to achieve their academic goals but are also invested in the well-being of each student. They go above and beyond, focusing on academic success but also the students' growth as an individual. We are grateful for the gifted teachers and staff of the Columbiana Exempted School District for the countless hours of time and energy they invest into youth education, as it is having a profoundly positive impact on our children. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing South Side Middle School in Columbiana, Ohio, as we congratulate its students, teachers, staff, and families on their accomplishments and their contributions to the community. These admirable citizens illustrate the preeminent standard of the Ohio educators and community leaders I am proud to represent. May their work continue to be a blessing to our Nation.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the success of Harding Middle School in Steubenville, Ohio, as they were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024. I thank the Steubenville City School District and their determined, compassionate, and caring staff for guiding students to success. I am proud to be able to honor Harding Middle School for their exceptional work as upstanding academic leaders in the community. The teachers and faculty not only strive for students to achieve their academic goals but are also invested in the well-being of each student. The educators of this district devote excessive amounts of their time and energy to the success of their learners because they understand the great impact it will have on the students' lives and the advancement of their region. I want to acknowledge and thank the Steubenville City School District's gifted teachers and staff for their dedication to the prosperity of Ohio's youth. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing these honorable leaders, pillars of Harding Middle School in Steubenville, Ohio, as we congratulate them on their accomplishments and their contributions to the community. These admirable citizens illustrate the preeminent standard of the Ohio educators I am proud to represent. May their work continue to be a blessing to our industrious Nation.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the success of Leona Ave Middle School in Shadyside, Ohio, as they were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024. I thank the Shadyside Local School District and their determined, compassionate, and caring staff for guiding students to success. I am proud to be able to honor Leona Ave Middle School for their exceptional work as upstanding academic leaders in the community. The teachers and faculty not only strive for students to achieve their academic goals but are also invested in the well-being of each student. The educators of this district devote excessive amounts of their time and energy to the success of their learners because they understand the great impact it will have on the students' lives and the advancement of their region. I want to acknowledge and thank the Shadyside Local School District's gifted teachers and staff for their dedication to the prosperity of Ohio's youth. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing these honorable leaders, pillars of Leona Ave Middle School in Shadyside, Ohio, as we congratulate them on their accomplishments and their contributions to the community. These admirable citizens illustrate the preeminent standard of the Ohio educators I am proud to represent. May their work continue to be a blessing to our industrious Nation.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, due to an issue with my staff getting me my vote card, I was unavailable for Roll Call No. 401. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 401.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, having worked in a family-run small business my whole life, I understand both the challenges and importance of running a successful small business venture. As you know, U.S. small businesses make up about 99.9 percent of all businesses and create more than 60 percent of all new jobs. Accordingly, I would like to take a moment to recognize the 2024 award recipients for the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber's annual Salute to Business. I am proud to be able to honor these recipients for their work as upstanding business leaders in the community. Mr. Greg Toporcer, owner of Top Property Holdings, will be presented with the Business Professional of the Year. Ms. Kristen Olmi, chief executive officer of KO Consulting, Inc., will be presented with the Business Advocate of the Year. Ms. Dionne Dowdy, executive director of United Returning Citizens, will be presented with the Non-Profit Professional of the Year award. Mr. Ronnell Elkins, president of YOGO Bikeshare, will be presented with the Entrepreneur of the Year award. Ms. Melissa Poland, owner of Sweet Melissa's Good Eats, will be presented with the Small Business Professional of the Year award. Mr. Antonio Di Tommaso, Jr., of Carpenters Local 171, will be presented with the Salute to Labor Achievement Award. Finally, Ms. Sarah O'Brien, owner of a chain of Little Tart Bakeshop locations in Atlanta, will be presented with the Valley Champion Award. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing these honorable leaders, pillars of the Youngstown Warren community, as we congratulate them on their accomplishments and their contributions to the community. These admirable citizens illustrate the thriving Ohio business community I am proud to represent, and may their work continue to be a blessing to our industrious Nation.

Mr. RULLI

Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Gertha Lee Stewart on her 100th birthday. Gertha Lee Stewart is a venerable matriarch who has become the heart and soul of her large family, consisting of 250 members. Her wisdom and love have prospered generations, making her a cherished figure in their lives. Known for her incredible life story, Gertha Lee has been a beacon of strength and resilience. A devout Christian, Gertha Lee's faith has been the cornerstone of her existence. She has spent countless hours in prayer and service, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her deep spirituality and unwavering commitment to her beliefs have inspired many in her community to find their own paths of faith and devotion. Beyond her family, Gertha Lee is recognized as a pillar of her community. Her charitable acts, wisdom, and leadership have earned her the respect and admiration of all who know her. Whether organizing community events, supporting local charities, or simply offering sage advice, Gertha Lee Stewart embodies the spirit of kindness and community service, leaving an indelible mark in her wake. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Ms. Gertha Lee Stewart and her family as we congratulate her on 100 years of life. May she continually be a blessing and light to all who know her.