[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 166 (Wednesday, October 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MEGAN RAPINOE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PRAMILA JAYAPAL

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2023

  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor my 
constituent, Megan Rapinoe, who is retiring from professional soccer 
after an inspiring 17-year career.
  Over her distinguished career, Megan's athletic prowess and activism 
for equity have inspired Washington's 7th Congressional District and 
the world. Megan helped lead the United States to victory in two FIFA 
World Cups, received Olympic gold and bronze medals, and was named The 
Best FIFA Women's Player 2019. In addition to being a superstar on the 
field, Megan has courageously utilized her platform to advocate for 
social justice. She is an outspoken champion for equal pay and gender 
equality, knelt in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick in support of the 
Black Lives Matter movement, and continuously stands up for LGBTQ+ 
rights and other critical social justice issues. Through her sacrifice 
and hard work, the U.S. Soccer Federation now guarantees equal pay to 
men's and women's soccer teams and the state of women's soccer in the 
United States is in a much better place than when her career began.
  As she enters retirement, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating Megan's accomplishments and service to our country. Her 
achievements on the field, coupled with her fearless and unapologetic 
advocacy, have set an incredible example for young athletes everywhere. 
She changed the way that not only little girls could see themselves in 
soccer, but she also showed everyone what it looks like to be who you 
are and to fight for the things you believe in. Her legacy will 
continue to inspire those in Washington's 7th Congressional District 
and beyond.

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