[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 21, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1030
                          ALS AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. Feenstra of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize ALS Awareness 
Month, to honor those who have lost their lives to this awful disease 
and to share my support for our fellow Americans living with ALS.
  Last year, I had the opportunity to meet with Lori Hermstad from 
Spencer, Iowa, who tragically lost both of her daughters to ALS.
  At just 17 and 26 years old, Alex and Jaci Hermstad had their lives 
cut short by this horrible disease.
  They sadly became the youngest twin girls in history to lose their 
lives to FUS-ALS, an even rarer form of this disease.
  Lori's resilience in the face of unthinkable loss is inspiring, and 
she shared with me the positive memories that she had of her brave 
daughters.
  Jaci and Alex embraced life with remarkable strength, fearless 
hearts, and endless courage. They loved their families, friends, and 
faith, and they shared a passion for the outdoors and horses.
  Jaci and Alex's bravery in the face of overwhelming odds are helping 
to advance science in the ALS community today. Alex's brain tissue was 
donated to advance ALS research, and Jaci personally urged lawmakers 
and the FDA to fast-track a new personalized drug designed specifically 
for her rare and aggressive form of ALS.
  These sisters showed us what it means to be courageous, to live with 
purpose, and to never stop fighting for others.
  In the darkest moments, they were beacons of light.
  In honor of Alex and Jaci, and every American living with or who has 
lost their life to ALS, we must recommit our efforts to find new cures 
and therapies for ALS.
  We will never forget Alex and Jaci, and we will continue to fight to 
find a cure for this tragic disease.


                  congratulating dr. wendy wintersteen

  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, 
Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, on announcing her retirement as president of 
Iowa State University.
  Under her leadership, President Wintersteen prioritized students, led 
the State in research, and advanced Iowa State's incredible reputation. 
I have always enjoyed working with her to advance Iowa State's 
priorities at the Federal level.
  We also worked closely on protecting CIRAS to grow manufacturing in 
Iowa and to bring jobs to our rural communities. She played a pivotal 
role in supporting our veterinary diagnostic lab and the world-renowned 
Ames Laboratory. She will continue to be remembered as a phenomenal 
leader for our Iowa State University.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish President Wintersteen and her husband, Robert, 
all the best in this next chapter of life.


             Congratulating High School Seniors Across Iowa

  Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate high school 
seniors across Iowa who are graduating. This is an incredible milestone 
in their life that they will always remember. It marks the conclusion 
of 4 years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth.
  Whether they are off to a trade school, community college, a 4-year 
university, or heading straight into the workforce, their contributions 
to our communities are crucial, and their voices are needed
  They are the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and 
innovators who will make our State and country a better place.
  I especially want to congratulate my daughter, Savannah, who 
graduated yesterday and will be attending Iowa State University this 
fall.
  Savannah's mom and I are so proud of her accomplishments, and I can't 
wait to see her future.
  I congratulate the class of 2025. Now go chase your dreams.

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