[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 16, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2401-H2402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING NATIONAL LIBRARIAN DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National 
Librarian Day, which is recognized every April 16.
  As we celebrate the profound impact of literature, let us not forget 
the unsung heroes behind its organization and dissemination, our 
dedicated librarians, of which my mother was one. With roughly 17,500 
public libraries spread across the Nation, including more than 550 
within Iowa, librarians are the pillar of our communities.
  In an era marked by rapid digital transformation, librarians have 
managed to adapt to the times. Libraries now offer audiobooks, e-reader 
materials, free computer skills classes, and access to free online 
resources. Many public libraries even offer language and citizenship 
classes, access to useful tools, technology like 3D printers and 
computers, and free workshops on a variety of hobbies and life skills. 
They provide a quiet shelter during hot or rainy days at no cost, and 
they serve as a safe, welcoming hangout for people of all ages.
  I am grateful for our librarians and thank them for all that they do.


In Recognition of Congressional App Challenge Winners Ishika Desai and 
                            Nishita Gudipat

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ishika 
Desai and Nishita Gudipat from Pleasant Valley High School on winning 
the 2024 Congressional App Challenge.
  Ishika and Nishita created an app called Orbit that manages the 
productivity of their fellow students. Every year, students around the 
country are asked to create an app that solves a district-specific 
problem, and this year, Ishika and Nishita rose to the occasion in 
Iowa's First Congressional District with Orbit.
  The app challenge was created in 2016 to foster an appreciation for 
computer science and STEM. Since its inception, over 40,000 students 
across 50 States have participated in the challenge. The winning teams 
get their app displayed at the Capitol Building for a year. They also 
get to fly out to D.C. and meet with their Representatives.

[[Page H2402]]

  I was happy to meet with these young ladies and their parents and see 
firsthand how their app works. I congratulate them and all the winners.


                 In Celebration of Modern Woodmen Park

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Iowa's 
very own Modern Woodmen Park for once again being named the number one 
minor league ballpark in the country.
  Modern Woodmen Park is home to the Quad City Bandits and seats more 
than 17,000 people. This stadium is perfect for baseball fanatics, as 
well as families who want to spend quality time together.
  Attached to the field is a kids' amusement park that features roller 
coasters and the State's only double-decker carrousel. This park has 
been a staple of Davenport since 1931 and provides the city with a 
much-needed economic boost.
  I am proud of all those who help maintain this beautiful park, and I 
look forward to my next game there.


                    In Recognition of Caitlin Clark

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Caitlin Clark, the University of Iowa's superstar player, for being 
selected first overall in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever.
  Following back-to-back seasons of playing in the national 
championship game, Caitlin now finds herself competing for the most 
prestigious award in all of women's basketball, a WNBA championship.
  Caitlin finished her illustrious college career as the highest scorer 
in NCAA basketball history, surpassing legends such as ``Pistol'' Pete 
Maravich and Kelsey Plum. She also won all major Player of the Year 
awards in her junior and senior years.
  I could not be prouder of Caitlin and all that she accomplished at 
her young age. Additionally, even Coach Lisa Bluder said: When she came 
into the locker room as a freshman, she said: We are going to go to the 
Final Four.
  No one believed her, but she inspired her coaches, her team, and her 
community to make it happen.
  I can't wait to see the impact she has on the WNBA. As always, Go 
Hawks.

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