[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             BACK THE BLUE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa 
(Mr. Feenstra) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Police Week. It is a 
time to recognize and thank our police and law enforcement officers for 
risking their lives to protect our families.
  These heroes work long hours and make incredible sacrifices to keep 
our communities safe, never seeking recognition or praise for what they 
do. We cannot thank them enough for their service to our country.
  Today, we also honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in 
the line of duty, including Algona Police Officer Kevin Cram and those 
who sadly passed away due to medical complications, such as Iowa State 
Trooper Rose Hoyt Ives, who was based in Council Bluffs for years. Our 
prayers remain with their families and loved ones.
  In Congress, I will continue to stand with our law enforcement 
community and back those in blue. They deserve our deepest appreciation 
in all that they do.


                   Recognizing National Hospital Week

  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Speaker, during National Hospital Week, I recognize 
our incredible hospitals in Iowa and thank our doctors, nurses, 
healthcare workers, and administrators who keep our hospitals running 
each and every day. Their work is critical in keeping our families and 
communities safe and healthy.
  On my 36-county tour, I met with healthcare workers and families 
about the importance of keeping our hospitals open and operational in 
our rural communities. That is why I introduced the Rural Hospital 
Stabilization Act, which just passed out of Ways and Means Committee, 
to help our hospitals meet payroll, retain quality staff, make needed 
improvements, and deliver exceptional care.
  As a past city administrator, I can fully say that when a rural 
hospital closes, it is truly devastating to the community and to Iowa 
as a whole.
  Fortunately, this bill will deliver the financial support that our 
hospitals need to provide high-quality healthcare to our families.
  As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to 
advocate for policies that keep our rural hospitals strong and vibrant 
and protect access to affordable, reliable healthcare in Iowa.
  Again, I thank all of our healthcare workers for creating true 
quality care in Iowa.


       Recognizing Dordt University Women's Basketball Champions

  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Speaker, on March 26, Dordt University women's 
basketball won the 2024 NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship.
  Led by Head Coach Bill Harmsen, the Defenders defeated the University 
of Providence by a score of 57-53 to secure their first-ever national 
championship. With this championship victory, the Defenders finished 
the season with a nine-game winning streak and ended with a program-
best 35-2 record. This is an incredible milestone in the history of 
this program.
  I thank the head coach and the girls' basketball team for their hard 
work, dedication, and sportsmanship that has elevated Dordt's women's 
basketball team on the national stage.
  I congratulate women's basketball Coach Bill Harmsen on a successful 
season and look forward to cheering him on in the Defenders' 2025 and 
2026 seasons.

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