[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 211 (Monday, December 15, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H5890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING USA MEN'S DEAF BASKETBALL TEAM

  (Mr. WIED asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WIED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the 
outstanding USA Men's Deaf Basketball team that recently earned the 
gold medal while competing at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.
  The team bested every other competing country, culminating in an 
electrifying 69-59 victory over Ukraine in the finals.
  I give special recognition to one of my constituents, Patrick Danen 
of De Pere, who was a key member of this team and brought the gold 
medal home to Wisconsin's Eighth District.
  Patrick, who attended my alma mater, St. Norbert College, had to 
learn to adapt to basketball after becoming deaf as a result of 
contracting meningitis at 6 months old. Despite this, he never let this 
stop him from excelling as a standout player in high school, college, 
and now the international level.
  Patrick Danen and the rest of his teammates showed incredible skill, 
determination, and fortitude, and their victory was well deserved.
  I also recognize the USA Women's Deaf Basketball team, who earned the 
silver medal in Tokyo, further demonstrating the strength of American 
athletes on the world stage.
  While these games may not have gotten the attention from the media 
they rightfully deserve, it is my honor to stand here today on the 
House floor to recognize their achievement and ensure that they know 
just how proud they have made our country.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me once again in 
congratulating the USA Men's Deaf Basketball team for their outstanding 
gold medal victory at the Deaflympics, and I look forward to their 
future success.

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