[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 15, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMENDING MISS MONTANA ALEXIS WINEMAN

  (Mr. DAINES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. DAINES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alexis Wineman. 
This 18-year-old from Cut Bank, Montana, represents my State as Miss 
Montana, and she recently made history, not only as the youngest 
participant in this year's Miss America competition and the recipient 
of the People's Choice Award, but as the first young woman in the 
competition's history to have been diagnosed with autism.
  Alexis stands as an example for all Montanans of what it means to 
overcome obstacles and to help those in need. She's worked to spread 
awareness of autism so that we can all gain a better understanding of 
those affected by it.
  Alexis recently said, and I quote:

       We cannot cure what is not a sickness, but we can begin to 
     understand autism and help those with the condition to unlock 
     the potential that lies within all of us.

  I'm grateful for the work that she's done to increase the 
understanding of autism, and I'm very proud that she calls Montana 
home.

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