[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 160 (Tuesday, September 30, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E912-E913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING ASHLEY MILLER FOR PLACING SECOND IN THE 2025 3M CLASH OF THE 
                          GRINDERS COMPETITION

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. LLOYD SMUCKER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2025

  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Ashley Miller, 
who placed 2nd in 3M's 2025 Clash of the Grinders, a national welding 
and fabrication competition.
  The Clash of the Grinders competition is an annual event hosted by 
3M's Abrasive Solutions division at FABTECH, North America's largest 
metalworking trade show. This metalworking competition challenges the 
skill and speed of welding school students across various applications 
in welding and grinding. It serves as an inspiration for young 
individuals to pursue careers in skilled trades. This year, only six 
applicants from across the Nation were invited to compete in the 
competition to showcase their skills.

[[Page E913]]

  Ashley is from Hanover, Pennsylvania and was inspired to pursue 
welding by her father. Although she didn't know any welders personally, 
a high school welding course sparked her interest, leading her to 
enroll in the fabrication and welding program at Thaddeus Stevens 
College of Technology. At Thaddeus Stevens, Ashley has advanced her 
skills in Shielded Metal Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, also known as 
Metal Inert Gas welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, commonly called 
Tungsten Inert Gas welding, and oxyacetylene welding.
  Ashley placed 2nd at this year's Clash of the Grinders competition, 
an amazing achievement. For her great work, she was awarded a $9,000 
cash prize. Outside of welding, Ashley enjoys spending time with her 
family, friends, and dogs, cherishing the joy and memories they bring. 
Upon completing her program at Thaddeus Stevens, Ashley plans to start 
her career in a shop or field setting to build her skills and has an 
interest in Non-Destructive Testing.
  I commend Ashley for her amazing work and her interest in pursuing a 
career in the trades. It is thanks to young people like Ashley, who 
will drive our Nation's economy for decades to come. It is important 
that we recognize and encourage young people to participate in the 
skilled trades and competitions like the Clash of the Grinders are 
crucial to increasing visibility for these in-demand industries.
  I congratulate Ashley on her 2nd place finish. I wish her the best in 
all her future endeavors.

                          ____________________