[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 55 (Monday, March 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H1442-H1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LOWELL DIBBLE AND MAX WILSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania). The Chair 
recognizes the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two World 
War II veterans who recently celebrated their 100th and 101st 
birthdays.
  Lowell Dibble of Iowa City, Iowa, celebrated his 101st birthday on 
St. Patrick's Day. Mr. Dibble served as a radio operator for the 
Merchant Marines during the Second World War, using Morse code and 
other communications to receive and record time signals, weather 
reports, and other information important to the smooth operation of 
their vessels.
  Mr. Dibble starts each day with a workout and still talks to his 
friends in Morse code every night. He attributes his longevity to his 
positive attitude, his faith, and keeping busy. We can all learn a 
valuable lesson from Mr. Dibble, who should be an inspiration for 
people of all ages who struggle to find motivation in their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I also recognize Max Wilson from Maquoketa, Iowa, who 
celebrated his 100th birthday last month.

  Mr. Wilson was drafted in 1941 and served as a bombardier during the 
Second World War, flying 43 missions in a B-17 in five different 
countries. As bombardier, he was responsible for landing more than 
240,000 tons of bombs on target during critical missions throughout the 
war.
  Mr. Wilson is a humble man who doesn't see himself as a hero, though 
he certainly is deserving of recognition. On his birthday, he received 
a special gift from the University of Dubuque's Jet Center--a private 
flight around Dubuque and down to his hometown of Maquoketa.
  Mr. Dibble and Mr. Wilson are two heroes from the Greatest 
Generation, and I am honored to recognize them both on the House floor. 
I hope each enjoyed a wonderful and memorable birthday.


                  China is our Greatest Foreign Threat

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss China's 
growing role in international relations and its impact on American 
national security.
  In just the last few weeks, China has brokered a peace deal between 
Iran and Saudi Arabia and re-established diplomatic relations with 
Honduras following its break with Taiwan. Both negotiations are 
worrisome as Iran continues to target and kill Americans in Syria and 
China edges closer to invading Taiwan. Also, the Chinese Communist 
Party is fully supporting Russia in its unprecedented and unprovoked 
invasion of Ukraine.
  China's growing influence across Latin America is concerning, 
particularly as these relationships continue to appear lopsided. 
Nations are receiving investments from the Chinese, but in return are 
left dependent on the Chinese Communist Party.
  The Middle East is especially concerning, though. For decades, the 
United States has brokered peace negotiations in the region or, at the 
very least, been in the room as these deals have been agreed upon.
  Between Iran and Saudi Arabia, however, the United States was left 
out. The implications of this decision are profound, particularly as 
Iran continues to sponsor terrorist attacks as it is unclear what peace 
was agreed to and our response was weak.
  Our Nation has watched as the Chinese Communist Party has grown in 
power and influence, and has fallen victim to its espionage efforts 
whether through TikTok, Confucius Institutes, or even spy balloons.
  The Chinese Communist Party's goals are clear: Infiltrate and 
undermine American economic and national security. As the CCP's 
influence continues to grow, its threat to our national security does 
too. We must actively seek ways to decouple our economy, end our 
dependence on Chinese supply chains, and bolster our national security.
  China is our greatest foreign threat and it is time we begin to act 
accordingly.
  I wish a happy birthday to Joseph and Matthew Martino of Connecticut, 
who are my nephews. Happy 16th birthday, Joseph and Matthew.

[[Page H1443]]

  Congratulations to Kyle and Jill Jacobs on the birth of their 
daughter, Sierra Rose, on Saturday. I hope that they are able to get 
some sleep.

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