[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 25, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H4139-H4140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       WELCOMING THE HONORABLE MICHAEL A. RULLI TO THE HOUSE OF 
                            REPRESENTATIVES

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. 
Kaptur) is recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to welcome a new chapter for 
Ohio's Sixth Congressional District and all of us from the delegation 
on both sides of the aisle gather to extend a warm welcome to 
Congressman Michael Rulli, who steps into the shoes of our former 
colleague, the esteemed Bill Johnson.
  For 13 years, Bill served Ohio's Sixth District with dedication and 
commitment. Congressman Rulli prepares to continue this legacy of 
service to the people of Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, 
Jefferson,

[[Page H4140]]

Mahoning, Monroe, Noble, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Washington Counties.
  As the dean of Ohio's delegation and a fellow Ohioan who understands 
the profound responsibility that comes with representing the 
hardworking people of our State, I welcome Congressman Rulli to 
Congress. His background as the director of operations for Rulli 
Brothers Markets, a century-old family-owned grocery store in 
Youngstown brings a refreshing perspective to our delegation.
  Having grown up in a family business myself that also operated our 
family's grocery called Supreme Market in Rossford, Ohio, I already 
feel a special kinship with Michael.
  I hold high hope that his experience in business and community 
service, coupled with his time in the Ohio State Senate will help our 
delegation craft policies that foster economic growth and community 
well-being for our Buckeye State.
  Mr. Speaker, I welcome Michael. May he never lose sight of what 
brought him here. May he be guided by his faith to serve and make a 
difference in the lives of others.
  As members of the Ohio delegation, we are middle America and we know 
the importance of bipartisanship as we work together, across party 
lines, to tackle the challenges that face our State and Nation. The 
people of Ohio and our Nation deserve no less.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to embracing a spirit of collaboration 
with him and all of our colleagues with a shared commitment to the 
common good.
  Together, let us commit to working side by side, not as partisans, 
but as partners in progress for Ohio and America. We welcome his new 
ideas and energy that he will bring to our discussions and legislative 
discourse.
  Once again, I welcome Congressman Rulli. May his tenure in Congress 
be marked by success, fulfillment, good health, and a legacy of 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner), our 
diligent friend and chair of the House Intelligence Committee.
  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Kaptur for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the newest member of the Ohio delegation, 
Congressman Mike Rulli.
  In addition to his dedication to public service at the local, State, 
and now Federal levels, Congressman Rulli brings to this Chamber first-
hand knowledge and practical experience as a successful family-run 
small business owner.
  Mike and his family know the challenges that come with running a 
small business. They realize that small businesses are the job 
creators, an economic life blood of communities in Ohio and across the 
country.
  It is that real-world experience that will greatly benefit this 
institution as we debate key policies that affect every American 
household and business.
  Following in his predecessor's footsteps, Mike's business acumen and 
heart for service will represent Ohio's Sixth District well.

  On behalf of the growing Mike caucus and the entire Ohio delegation, 
I welcome Congressman Rulli; his wife, Kelly; and their family to the 
118th Congress.
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, it is now my distinct honor to yield to the 
newest Member of our body and delegation, the Honorable Michael Rulli.
  Mr. RULLI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Ohio delegation and the Speaker 
for the kind words, and I will give a shout-out to my daughter, Hayden 
Elizabeth, who is too sick to come tonight, and I know she is watching 
on C-SPAN. I love you, sweetheart.
  Mr. Speaker, in the spring of 1983, I was in Poland Middle School and 
Mrs. Hallobonich and Mr. Myers brought us for our yearly trip. It was 
always the fifth grade, I think, that came to Washington. We sat right 
there in the corner and the Chamber was quiet. It was moonlit. It was 
twilight. It felt really magical. The usher brought us in, and this is 
1983, maybe a kinder time in America, but the usher said take your 
time. You have 10 or 15 minutes and then we will move on with the tour. 
We were going to the Lincoln Memorial, which is probably my favorite 
place in Washington.
  We are up there and there are 230 of us. We were being out of control 
a little bit, so the teachers said let's really soak this in and be 
quiet. Then out of nowhere, this girl says to Mrs. Hallobonich: What 
makes this Chamber so special?
  Her response was so magical that it brings me here today to join your 
group.
  She said, in the history of man, that the world has been ruled by 
kings and tyrants and dictators and just pure evil people, and only 
once in the history of man has anything good ever tried to govern the 
people and that was in Greece many, many moons ago.

                              {time}  1915

  Then we had the experiment of the United States of America. This 
Chamber, a Chamber where the people actually rule the land, especially 
in this Chamber where we have to go to our people, the working men and 
women of America, and we have to explain ourselves every 2 years, 
whether it is a good job or a bad job.
  We apply for a job every 2 years, and we fulfill the obligations of 
our Founding Fathers that made this the greatest country in the 
civilization of man. If we don't succeed, mankind is done. There is no 
other option.
  If you read your history and are a lover of history, it has been 
horrific. The United States of America's history isn't perfect, but we 
try to correct ourselves. I think the American Civil War really showed 
that. We are still working on it. We are not there yet.
  I cannot believe that my God, creator, gave me this opportunity to 
join all of you, the whole body that is present.
  I don't want to let go those souls that were up there when they were 
told how this is the greatest experiment in the history of man.
  I wish you and every one of your family members, and especially the 
Republic, God's blessings.

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