[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3208-H3209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        THE GREAT STATE OF IOWA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my home 
State of Iowa being ranked the sixth overall State to live in.
  Scoring third in opportunity and in the top 10 for education, Iowa 
has proven that regardless of where you come from or where you are 
going, you can find success in the Hawkeye State.
  Looking for a great place to study? Iowa has some of the Nation's top 
schools. Want to buy a house and start a family? Iowa is one of the 
most affordable States to live in and a beautiful State to raise a 
family.
  Want to start a new career? Iowa is home to several booming 
industries, entrepreneurship flourishes, and we would be happy to have 
you.
  Iowa is historically known for being a farming State, but recently 
our State has emerged as one of the Nation's leaders in clean energy 
production.
  In Iowa, the American Dream is alive, well, and waiting for you. God 
bless the Hawkeye State.


             celebrating national teacher appreciation day

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National 
Teacher Appreciation Day, which took place this past Tuesday on May 7.
  America's teachers are heroes who take on the monumental task of 
shaping our Nation's future leaders with the utmost grandeur and grit.
  Growing up, we never forget those teachers who have left a marked 
impact on our lives and mentor us through the grueling process of 
maturation.
  As a matter of fact, I remember my second grade teacher, Ms. 
Tenniswood in Michigan, who helped me to know that I was special enough 
to one day achieve my dreams.
  Thanks to the tireless efforts of America's teachers, our upcoming 
generation stands poised to confront the complexities of the future 
with resilience and readiness.
  Iowa is home to over 35,000 teachers who play a key role in the 
future of our State. As we honor their invaluable contributions, let us 
unite in recognition of their dedication and pray for their continued 
success in nurturing the youth and steering the course of America's 
future.
  Together, let us commit to supporting and uplifting our educators who 
are the bedrock of our society.


                          national nurses week

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
National Nurses Week, which takes place from May 6 to May 12 every 
year.
  In 1974, President Nixon declared that one week in May should be 
dedicated to our amazing nurses. Then in 1993, the American Nurses 
Association board of directors declared that May 6 through May 12 would 
be the official dates, coinciding with National Nurses Day on May 6 and 
Florence Nightingale's birthday on May 12.
  As someone who has dedicated their life to healthcare and public 
service and was a former nurse before becoming a physician and married 
to a nurse, I can confidently say that our nurses are community heroes. 
The sacrifices they make for the well-being of our communities are 
commendable.
  Let's take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to these 
dedicated healthcare heroes and thank them for their unwavering care 
and compassion.


                    celebrating national police week

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National 
Police Week. National Police Week stands as a beacon of honor, 
remembrance, and solidarity, allowing us to pay homage to the heroes 
who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
  Since its inception in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, this week 
holds profound significance as we commemorate Peace Officers Memorial 
Day on May 15 and the surrounding days as Police Week.
  It is a time when tens of thousands of law enforcement officers, 
survivors, and citizens converge on our Nation's Capital to partake in 
events that honor and remember our fallen heroes.
  National Police Week isn't just a commemoration; it is a testament to 
the resilience and dedication of those who wear the badge. It is a 
reminder that the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers will 
never be forgotten.
  Let us stand together in gratitude and solidarity, honoring the 
heroes

[[Page H3209]]

who have given their all for the safety and well-being of others. In 
Iowa, we will always back the blue.

                              {time}  1015


                       Honoring Coach Lisa Bluder

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
incomparable career and influence of Iowa women's basketball Coach Lisa 
Bluder, who announced her retirement from coaching this week.
  In her 24-year career coaching the Hawkeyes, she has led the team to 
five Big 10 tournament championships and two Final Fours. She is 
finishing her tenure as the Big Ten's winningest women's basketball 
coach of all time. Her wide-ranging influence over women's basketball 
is undeniable, and her time spent mentoring and molding young women 
into this generation's elite assembly of athletes is worthy of the 
utmost commendation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Coach 
Bluder's immaculate career and in wishing her well on a well-earned 
retirement.
  As always, go Hawkeyes, and I congratulate Coach Bluder.

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