[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 122 (Monday, July 17, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H3617-H3618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING THE 17U SIX PACK VOLLEYBALL CLUB

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaMalfa). The Chair recognizes the 
gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I take this time to congratulate the 
17U Six Pack Volleyball Club from northeast Iowa, for winning the 2023 
USAV Junior National Championship in Chicago last week. The team went a 
perfect 11-0 as they claimed the national division title.
  This team showed unbelievable talent throughout the tournament, 
showing dedication and overcoming adversity in all aspects of the game. 
I congratulate Coach Grassley and the entire team, especially Emma 
Stammeyer of Iowa City West High School in Iowa's First District. You-
all made Iowa proud.


        Recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the State of Israel

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th 
anniversary of the State of Israel. This week, Congress welcomes 
Israeli President Isaac Herzog to commemorate this milestone and speak 
about the special relationship between our two nations.
  After the horrors of the Holocaust, the Jewish people fled to their 
homeland and declared Israel a nation. The United States was the first 
country to recognize Israel as a nation. The United States has been 
paving the way for an everlasting friendship.

  For the past 75 years, Israel has been a crucial partner and a 
shining beacon of democracy in the Middle East. With anti-Semitism and 
anti-Israeli hate at home and abroad rising, it is now more important 
than ever that the United States stand with Israel.
  I am honored to welcome President Herzog to Washington, D.C., and I 
look forward to continuing our enduring partnership.


                  National Parks and Recreation Month

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, July is National Parks and Recreation 
Month.
  There are many parks in Iowa's First Congressional District, four 
national parks, from the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site to the 
many State parks, such as Lake Macbride State Park or the Maquoketa 
Caves State Park. These parks provide opportunities for exercise or 
relaxation with friends and family.
  I am proud to have sponsored the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks 
Act, which unanimously passed the House last Congress. This legislation 
provides free lifetime access to national parks and Federal 
recreational lands for our honorable veterans, Active-Duty military, 
and Gold Star families.
  I encourage all Iowans to explore Iowa's natural beauty and 
appreciate God's creation this month and every month.


                    Support for Oral Contraceptives

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I am proud to sponsor the Orally 
Taken Contraception Act of 2023, or OTC Act, which directs the FDA to 
issue guidance for drug manufacturers who make prescription oral 
contraceptives, daily contraceptives, which may be suitable for over-
the-counter availability over age 18.
  As a physician and former director of the Iowa Department of Public 
Health, I recognize the need for increased and consistent access to 
oral contraceptives and have prioritized expanding access since I was a 
State senator. As a pro-life individual, preventing pregnancy is the 
best way to prevent abortion.
  Oral contraceptives are not emergency contraceptives and do not 
terminate existing pregnancies. Furthermore, this is a market-based 
solution

[[Page H3618]]

that incentivizes competition which will, in turn, lead to greater 
options and affordable prices for women.
  I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I will take a moment to recognize my brother-in-law 
Ralph Martino on his birthday.
  Happy birthday to Ralph Martino.

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