[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 202 (Wednesday, December 3, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING PELLA MARCHING DUTCH

  (Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pella 
Marching Dutch for their outstanding 2025 season and their well-earned 
invitation to perform at the celebration of our Nation's 250th birthday 
in Washington, D.C., next year.
  This remarkable ensemble consists of 226 students who represented 
their community with excellent success, competing across multiple 
prestigious competitions. The Marching Dutch delivered their strongest 
performance at the Band of America Regional Competition, where they 
claimed first place in Class 2A and earned the Outstanding General 
Effect award.
  They advanced to the open class finals and placed tenth overall. They 
celebrated competitive success in Iowa's largest class size for the 
first time in the program's history.
  Their invitation to perform on the 250th birthday of our great Nation 
is a tremendous honor. I am proud of all of the members of the Pella 
Marching Dutch and look forward to watching them represent Iowa at this 
historic celebration.


                       Recognizing Marley Morris

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
extraordinary young Iowan, 8-year-old Marley Morris, whose kindness and 
compassion are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children 
battling cancer.
  Marley has turned her passion for crafting handmade bracelets into a 
mission of hope and joy, donating 100 of her creations to young 
patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.
  Marley began making bracelets at just 3 years old, and she continues 
today to use that talent to brighten the lives of others. Her generous 
spirit and heartfelt efforts reflect the very best of Iowa.
  Even at such a young age, Marley reminds all of us that one person, 
no matter how small, can have a powerful impact on their community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Marley Morris for her inspiring 
generosity, for leading by example, and showing what it means to serve 
others.


                       Recognizing Corey Leonhard

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an 
outstanding Iowan, Corey Leonhard of Muscatine, on his induction into 
the Special Olympics Hall of Fame.
  For more than four decades, Corey has been a proud representative of 
Iowa in athletic competitions at every level, from local meets to the 
world stage.
  Corey's accomplishments are remarkable. At the 2003 Special Olympics 
World Games in Dublin, Ireland, he earned a Bronze Medal in the 100-
meter dash and a Silver Medal in softball.
  Mr. Speaker, 4 years later in Shanghai, China, he brought home a Gold 
Medal in the long jump, a Bronze Medal in the 400-meter dash, and 
placed fourth in the four-by-four relay.
  Mr. Speaker, Corey's impact extends beyond athletics. In 2015, he 
served as cocaptain for the United Relay Across America, helping carry 
the torch from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles.
  Today, he remains active in Special Olympics Muscatine, embodying the 
values of perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship.
  I congratulate Corey, who is an inspiration to all Iowans, and his 
legacy of excellence and determination is well deserving of this honor.


                          Honoring Julie Humes

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, 
Julie Humes of Donnellson, Iowa, a flight nurse with Air Evac Lifeteam 
and a recipient of the American Ambulance Association's prestigious 
Star of Life award.

  For over 30 years, this award has recognized the best of our EMS 
professionals, those who go above and beyond the call of duty. Julie 
was nominated by her peers for her heroism during a severe car 
accident, volunteering in dangerous icy conditions to help save the 
lives of multiple trauma victims. Thanks to her quick thinking and 
courageous actions, every victim survived.
  Julie's service is a shining example of the bravery and selflessness 
of our first responders, and they demonstrate this every day. It was an 
honor to meet Julie and hear about her incredible dedication firsthand.
  I congratulate Julie and thank her for her steadfast commitment to 
saving lives and protecting Iowans.


                       Recognizing Georgia Clark

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Georgia 
Clark, a student from West Liberty, Iowa, who represented our State 
with pride and excellence at the 2025 National Civics Bee.
  Competing against top middle schoolers from across the country, 
Georgia placed in the top ten, a tremendous achievement.
  Held in Washington, D.C., on Veterans Day, the National Civics Bee 
celebrates civic knowledge and encourages young Americans to engage 
with their communities and understand their government.
  Georgia was 1 of only 39 State champions invited to participate, 
representing the West Liberty community school district.
  Georgia's dedication, leadership, and love of learning reflect the 
best of Iowa's youth. Her passion for civic engagement and 
understanding of our Nation's founding principles are truly inspiring.
  I thank Georgia for her commitment to excellence and for stepping up 
as a young leader with ideas that will strengthen our community and our 
country. Her achievement makes all of Iowa proud.


                            Pearl Harbor Day

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I remark that Sunday, December 7, is 
the 84th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, the day that will live in 
infamy.
  Like 9/11, we must never forget. Always prepared, always ready.
  I ask for a moment of silence for those whose lives were lost on that 
fateful day.

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