[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 25, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        LOWERING THE TEMPERATURE

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, it is time for Americans to lower the 
temperature. Political extremism and dangerous divisions among 
Americans are causes for serious reflection.
  As inexplicable hate is spewed out, my gratitude goes out to law 
enforcement in all forms working around the clock to keep our Great 
Lakes communities and Nation safe. Yet, rising gun violence, drugs, and 
outlandish behaviors, such as cars driving on the turnpike at 90 miles 
an hour, remain as fallout from the pandemic. They must be addressed.
  The heroic police deputies in Minnesota who addressed a deranged, 
extreme perpetrator did their job. We applaud them for their brains and 
valor.
  Restoring some calm to America is not a Democratic or Republican 
challenge. It is an American challenge.
  I welcome the suggestion of Sophie and Colin Hortman, children of 
slain Minnesota State House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, 
Mark. In their children's words: ``If you would like to honor the 
memory of Mark and Melissa, please consider the following: Plant a 
tree. Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a 
bike trail. Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do. 
Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it. Bake 
something--bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa--and share it with 
someone,'' like your local firefighters. ``Try a new hobby and enjoy 
learning something. Stand up for what you believe in, especially if 
that thing is justice and peace.''
  Mr. Speaker, I hope all listening today take this message to heart.

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