[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H668-H669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING INDIANA UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Indiana, Ms. Houchin, for 5 minutes.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On January 13, 2026, page H668, in the third column, the 
following appeared: (Mrs. HOUCHIN of Indiana was recognized to 
address the House for 5 minutes.)
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: The SPEAKER pro 
tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Indiana, Ms. 
Houchin, for 5 minutes.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 15-0 
Indiana University football team for their historic season, winning the 
Rose Bowl, then the Peach Bowl, and now advancing to the College 
Football Playoff National Championship.
  This team rose to the occasion when few expected it. Without a roster 
full of five-star recruits, they were often underestimated, but they 
responded again and again with discipline and toughness. Week after 
week, they proved that hard work and preparation still matter.
  Under the leadership of Coach Curt Cignetti, this team has put 
Indiana football on the map. A perfect regular season, a Big Ten 
Championship victory over Ohio State for the program's first conference 
title since 1967, and Indiana's first Heisman Trophy reflect what can 
be accomplished when a team fully commits to the standard set before 
them.
  On behalf of Indiana's Ninth District, the home of our Indiana 
University Hoosiers, I commend Coach Cignetti, quarterback Fernando 
Mendoza, and players on the team like Charlie Becker, D'Angelo Ponds, 
Pat Coogan, Elijah

[[Page H669]]

Sarratt, and the entire Indiana football program for the achievement 
that has made our State so proud.
  I am rooting for the Indiana Hoosiers in the national championship 
this weekend. I hope they bring it home from Miami, and I have no doubt 
they will.
  As Coach Cignetti has said himself: This would make one heck of a 
movie.
  Good luck to the Hoosiers on Monday.


        Congratulating Indiana State Fair Queen Presley Hampton

  Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Presley 
Hampton of Jackson County on being named the Indiana State Fair Queen.
  Presley represents the very best of Indiana. She has shown dedication 
to agriculture, leadership in her community, and a strong work ethic 
that reflects the values so many young people across our State are 
raised with.
  The Indiana State Fair is more than a tradition. It is a celebration 
of farming, youth leadership, and the families who work every day to 
feed our country. Presley's achievements highlight the importance of 
programs like 4-H and FFA that prepare young leaders for the future.

  I know Presley will represent Indiana with integrity and pride. I 
congratulate her family, mentors, and everyone who helped support her 
along the way.
  Southern Indiana is immensely proud of Presley, and we wish her all 
the best as she takes on this role.


                    Recognizing Starlight Distillery

  Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Starlight 
Distillery, an outstanding family-owned business in southern Indiana.
  Operated by the seventh generation of the Huber family, Starlight 
earned global recognition when its Japanese Mizunara Reserve finished 
bourbon was named the best overall bourbon at the San Francisco World 
Spirits Competition.
  That is right, Kentucky, Indiana's bourbon is the world's best.
  This prestigious award reflects the family's dedication to hard work 
and a commitment to quality that has guided their business for 
generations.
  Starlight is more than just a distillery. It has put southern Indiana 
on the map. The Huber family has built a business that supports local 
agriculture, creates jobs, and showcases what family-run enterprises in 
rural Indiana can achieve on the world stage.
  I am proud to represent the Huber family and the many hardworking 
people behind Starlight Distillery. Their success is a testament to the 
strength of family businesses and the communities that support them.

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