[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 73 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2637-H2638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONDEMNING ANTI-JEWISH DEMONSTRATORS ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.

[[Page H2638]]

  

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the anti-
Semitic and anti-Jewish, pro-Hamas demonstrators who, amidst Passover, 
are wreaking havoc on campuses around the country and threatening 
violence against local Jewish communities and students.
  Such violence is unacceptable anywhere, but to witness this at our 
universities is truly painful. Places of education are supposed to be 
of discourse and of learning and rising above, and all those who choose 
to attend deserve peace and respect.
  My heart goes out to all of the Jewish students who no longer feel 
safe at American universities. They deserve better than this.
  Mr. Speaker, the purveyors of anti-Semitism must be stopped. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in condemning these anti-Semitic protesters and 
continue the push to combat anti-Semitism and stand with our Jewish 
friends and neighbors.


            Recognizing Elivia Papcun's Equestrian Abilities

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Elivia Papcun, an 
Iowa native, who overcame a severe injury to become a top-ranked NCAA 
equestrian recruit.
  Just a short while ago, Elivia had an accident that shook her to her 
core. As she rode her beloved horse, a moment of misfortune turned into 
a nightmare as her horse stumbled, leaving Elivia critically injured. 
The severity of her injuries left her unable to move, her very future 
hanging in the balance.
  However, Elivia refused to give up. With each passing day, she fought 
tirelessly to reclaim her strength and through grueling rehabilitation 
and unwavering determination, she defied the odds and emerged stronger 
than ever before.
  Elivia has recently reentered and committed to Texas Christian 
University. This commitment is akin to being recruited to play football 
at Alabama or Georgia in the equestrian world. It underscores not only 
Elivia's remarkable talent and dedication, but also the recognition of 
her potential by one of the top programs in the Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, let us commend Elivia Papcun for her remarkable journey 
and wish her continued success as she embarks on this exciting new 
chapter.


          Recognizing 911 Operators Amy Kemner and Kris Decker

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Warren County 
911 dispatchers Amy Kemner and Kris Decker for their 30 years of 
service to their community.
  Despite the long shifts, difficult calls, and extended time away from 
family, Amy and Kris have remained dedicated to their work of ensuring 
the safety of Warren County residents.
  While the average tenure of a dispatcher is only 7 years, Amy and 
Kris have taken pride in serving Warren County. Their long tenures, 
while an anomaly in their field, are a reminder of the worthwhile 
pursuit of community service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Amy and 
Kris for their ever-present service to their community and thank them 
for being the front line of defense when emergency calls.


            Honoring Fire Chief Greg Chia on his Retirement

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
distinguished career of Indianola Fire Chief Greg Chia, who recently 
announced his retirement, which is set to take effect on December 31, 
2024.
  Chief Chia originally began his career in 1985 as a firefighter in 
Des Moines, and throughout his tenure worked up the ranks to reach 
chief officer.
  In May 2015, Chief Chia was appointed to become the first fire chief 
for Indianola and has since led the response to multiple crises with 
poise and gravitas.
  Under his leadership, the Indianola Fire Department has served as an 
illustrative example of top-notch community safety, and his absence 
will be felt by many.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to join me in celebrating 
Chief Chia's incredible career and his commitment to safety and in 
wishing him the best on a well-deserved retirement.


                        Iowa City Farmers Market

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the return 
of the Iowa City Farmers Market for its 52nd year on May 4, and to 
congratulate Bill Lane on being appointed director of the Iowa City 
Farmers Market.
  In recent years, the Iowa City Farmers Market has become a cultural 
staple in town with the market welcoming tens of thousands of residents 
yearly. The market puts Iowa's rich agricultural history on display for 
everyone with countless local vendors, serving a wide variety of Iowa's 
best agricultural products.
  With live music and activities for everyone to enjoy as well, the 
Iowa City Farmers Market is sure to enjoy another amazing year as a 
preeminent venue for residents to shop, dine, and enjoy time with 
friends and family.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this 
phenomenal Iowa City staple and, once again, congratulate director Bill 
Lane on what is sure to be another great year for the Iowa City Farmers 
Market.

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