[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 19, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H1191-H1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING CHARLA SCHAFER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, every year, the Washington-
Centerville Public Library sponsors the Erma Bombeck writing 
competition, focused on humor and human-focused essays. Only four 
winners are chosen out of hundreds of entries from across the world. 
Among this year's winners is Charla Schafer from Muscatine, Iowa, who 
won the global humor category with her piece ``Funeral Notes.'' In a 
world often fraught with challenges, Charla's ability to infuse humor 
and humanity into her writing is a true gift.
  After serving with distinction in various leadership roles, including 
the vice president of marketing and retail banking at First National 
Bank of Muscatine, and executive director at the Muscatine Center for 
Social Action, she continues to lead by example as president of the 
Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine and as a board member of the 
Iowa Council of Foundations.
  I congratulate Charla on this remarkable achievement.


                        National Agriculture Day

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
National Agriculture Day.
  In Iowa, agriculture isn't just an industry; it is a way of life. Our 
farmers, with their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, not 
only feed our communities but also sustain our economy, nourish our 
Nation, and fuel the world.
  The fertile soils of Iowa have long been recognized as some of the 
most

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productive in the world. With over 80 percent of Iowa's land dedicated 
to agricultural purposes, our farmers serve as the backbone of our 
communities, economy, and State. Iowa stands as a leading producer of 
soybeans, corn, pork, and eggs in the United States. Notably, we also 
lead the Nation in ethanol biodiesel production, contributing to both 
domestic and global needs.
  Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have had the privilege of 
engaging with many of Iowa's farmers, listening to their concerns, and 
championing their ideas. Today, I am proud to recognize their hard work 
and vow to continue fighting here in Congress to ensure that farmers 
have access to the resources and incentives they need to continue to 
feed and fuel our Nation.


            Congratulating the United Way of Muscatine, Iowa

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate United Way 
of Muscatine for 70 years of service to Muscatine County and the 
surrounding area. United Way of Muscatine has played a pivotal role in 
feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and educating children for 
several decades, and I laud them and their staff for their tireless 
service to make our communities better.
  With rising food and rent prices causing mass uncertainty and anxiety 
among hardworking Americans, United Way serves as a beacon of hope for 
those in need of help. Their food and housing assistance programs, as 
well as their programs to help victims of abuse and trafficking, are an 
integral helping hand to southeastern Iowa. Their tireless work to 
serve their community is commendable, and I hope my colleagues will 
join me in celebrating the 70th anniversary of this wonderful 
organization.


                    Recognizing Dr. David C. Hilmers

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I 
announce the induction of Dr. David C. Hilmers, an Iowa-born former 
astronaut and retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, into the U.S. 
Astronaut Hall of Fame.
  Dr. Hilmers, raised in DeWitt, Iowa, began his journey after 
graduating from Central Community High School in 1968. With five 
academic degrees, he stands as the second-most formally educated U.S. 
astronaut, showcasing his intellectual prowess and dedication. His 
illustrious career spans four space missions with NASA, totaling over 
493 hours in space, and he is not the only Iowa-born and -raised 
astronaut.
  Beyond his space endeavors, Dr. Hilmers earned his M.D. with honors 
from Baylor College of Medicine. Today, as professor at Baylor College 
of Medicine in Houston, Texas, he continues his impactful work in 
global health and humanitarian relief efforts.
  Dr. Hilmers' remarkable journey inspires us to pursue knowledge, 
explore new horizons, and serve our fellow human beings with compassion 
and dedication.


   Celebrating Kaitlyn Thede, Madelyn Thede, Grady Claussen, Collier 
                        Rockow, and Lexi Henning

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate students 
Kaitlyn and Madelyn Thede, Grady Claussen, Collier Rockow, and Lexi 
Henning from Wilton Junior-Senior High School for being the statewide 
winners of the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM 
competition.
  They invented a grain elevator level tracker that will help farmers 
track the height of their grain with a system of lights that helps 
farmers determine the grain height inside the silo. This invention will 
protect hardworking Iowa farmers from dangerous grain elevator 
accidents and represents a monumental step forward in agricultural 
safety.
  The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition is a national competition 
that picks one winner from each of the 50 States. These students beat 
out hundreds of other submissions with their clever invention that will 
save lives and protect farmers across Iowa. These students will now aim 
to compete to be one of the 10 finalists, with 3 being named national 
winners.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this 
incredible achievement and wishing these students the best as they 
continue marching toward the finish line.
  Mr. Speaker, I extend birthday wishes and greetings to my daughter. 
Happy birthday, Taylor.

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