[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 148 (Monday, September 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE MEMORY OF SAM MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 23, 2024

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
memory of Sam Martinez and to commemorate how his legacy has inspired 
change in Congress.
  This week, the House of Representatives will consider the Stop Campus 
Hazing Act. This bill was brought to my attention by the advocacy of 
Mr. Martinez's family, and I cosponsored this bill shortly after 
meeting his parents. Today, I address the House as a proud cosponsor of 
this legislation, and I urge its passage.
  Mr. Martinez was a Bellevue resident and Washington State University 
student whose life was tragically cut short on November 12, 2019, at 
the age of 19. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend, and my heart 
is with the community he leaves behind.
  Mr. Martinez was born in 2000 to parents Hector Martinez and Jolayne 
Houtz. He grew up as a brother to Ariana Martinez in Bellevue, 
Washington, and throughout his life he was surrounded by friends and 
loved ones. Those who loved him remember his fierce athleticism on the 
soccer pitch, his dry sense of humor, his intelligence, his commitment 
to volunteer work locally and abroad, and his loyalty to his friends 
and family. He was in the Bellevue School District's Spanish immersion 
program and graduated from Newport High School in June 2019. In the 
fall of 2019, Mr. Martinez matriculated at Washington State University, 
where he planned to study business and entrepreneurship.
  Mr. Speaker, as the House considers the Stop Campus Hazing Act this 
week, let us remember Mr. Martinez and call attention to this critical 
issue that impacts students like Mr. Martinez nationwide. My thoughts 
are with his family and loved ones as we honor his legacy today.

                          ____________________