[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H652-H653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          WICHITA REMEMBRANCE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Kansas (Mr. Mann) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, January 29 is typically a day of celebration 
in Kansas. From Manhattan to Goodland, Topeka to Liberal, Kansas City 
to Dodge City, Kansans come together to celebrate the rich history of 
Kansas and to celebrate the anniversary of our statehood.
  January 29, 2025, changed the meaning of this day for Kansans 
forever. The entire world stood in disbelief as we watched a tragedy 
unfold in the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 out of Wichita and 
a U.S. Army helicopter. The world lost 67 bright, innocent souls that 
day, and I speak for all Kansans when I say that this is a day that we 
will never forget.
  When we celebrate our statehood in years to come, we will also feel 
the nudging of the somber emotions aroused by last month's accident. We 
will remember our fellow Kansans whose lives were tragically lost. They 
were farmers, parents, professors, college students with bright 
futures, all taken from us far too soon.
  Audrey and I continue to grieve, and we are praying for the victims 
and their families. We express our deepest gratitude to the efforts of 
local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers and first 
responders. It is our prayer that God would continue to provide comfort 
to their families, communities, and loved ones.

  There will be a lot to uncover in the days ahead. For now, we join 
Wichita, our beloved Kansas, and the Nation in mourning the lives lost.
  Psalms 34:18 states: ``The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and 
saves those who are crushed in spirit.''
  God is near us.
  Kansas is the heartbeat of the country. As our State motto reminds 
us, we will persevere together through this difficult time.


                       Farewell to Laura Francis

  Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Laura Francis, an 
American

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patriot, a selfless neighbor, and a great friend.
  Since 2018, Laura has served as the chair of the Kansas Republican 
Party's Big First District. Over the last 6 years, Laura oversaw the 
helm of a historic chapter of the Kansas GOP's First Congressional 
District.
  Laura led our district in a historic election of delegates to secure 
President Trump's nomination. She rigorously defended our Nation's 
motto from being erased from law enforcement vehicles, fought to 
protect our children and their parents' ability to choose an education 
that is right for them, and grew our conservative base that will 
reverberate through Kansas politics for many years to come.
  Somewhere in the middle of her historic term, she fell in love with 
her husband, Drew. On the same day as their first date, they attended 
an event that I hosted in my district in Garden City. They shared a 
phone call with President Trump that day, and the rest of their love 
story is history.
  Laura and Drew married nearly 2 years later.
  Laura is a fierce and loyal leader, but she is an even brighter 
neighbor, law enforcement community member, friend, mom, wife, and 
follower of Jesus.
  Kansas is the pilot light of the country, and I can attest that the 
pilot light burns stronger and brighter because of Laura.
  I thank Laura for her commitment and dedication to our congressional 
district, State, and Nation. It is so deeply appreciated.

                          ____________________