[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1045
                HONORING HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR ANDRA BUCCI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Bera) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BERA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Andra Bucci, a 
Holocaust survivor whose remarkable story of resilience, survival, and 
education continues to inspire generations.
  Andra and her sister, Tatiana, were just 4 and 6 years old when they 
were taken from their home in Italy and sent to Auschwitz. A tragic 
case of mistaken identity saved their lives. Josef Mengele, the so-
called Angel of Death, believed they were twins and spared them for his 
inhumane experiments.
  Their father, a prisoner of war in South Africa, had no idea if his 
family had survived. Their mother, in an act of extraordinary courage, 
risked her life to visit them inside the camp, reminding them never to 
forget their names and never to let their identity be reduced to a 
tattooed number.
  After the war, the sisters were placed in an orphanage run by Anna 
Freud, daughter of Sigmund Freud. They believed they were alone in the 
world until a picture, the same picture they had kissed every night in 
Auschwitz, arrived with a letter. Their parents had survived. They were 
among the rarest of Holocaust survivors: children whose entire family 
made it through.
  Today, Andra Bucci calls Sacramento County home, but she and her 
sister have never stopped telling their story. Since 1995, they have 
returned to Auschwitz bringing hundreds of students with them to ensure 
the world never forgets. Just recently, Andra spoke in my district 
where she shared her harrowing testimony.
  Madam Speaker, as the years pass, the voices of Holocaust survivors 
grow fewer, but their stories never fade. Never Again is not just a 
phrase. It is a command. It is our responsibility to remember, to 
educate, and to stand against hatred in all forms.
  May Andra's story and the stories of all survivors live on.


         Congratulating Rio Americano High School AM Jazz Band

  Mr. BERA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the exceptional students of Rio Americano High School AM Jazz Band for 
outstanding achievement.
  This talented group has been selected to compete at the prestigious 
Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival at 
Lincoln Center in New York City. This is one of the most distinguished 
honors in high school jazz, and Rio Americano has now earned this 
recognition for the 12th time, the most of any high school in 
California.
  Sacramento has long been known for its vibrant arts and music 
community. Rio Americano High School is helping put our city on the map 
as one of the best music programs in the country.
  This year's festival is particularly special as it celebrates its 
30th anniversary, bringing together 30 high school bands, including 
three from international schools.
  Hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center, this competition not only showcases 
talent but also promotes jazz education and appreciation, carrying 
forward the legacy of the legendary Duke Ellington.
  This is a moment of pride not only for Rio Americano but our entire 
Sacramento community.
  Madam Speaker, let us recognize and celebrate this extraordinary 
accomplishment.
  Congratulations to Rio Americano High School AM Jazz Band. Let's go 
win.

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