[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING CHRIS TUNGSETH

  (Mrs. Fischbach of Minnesota was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chris 
Tungseth from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on earning a golden ticket to 
Hollywood on ``American Idol.''
  Chris proved that the American spirit is built on more than just hard 
work. It is built on resilience, faith, and the power of song.
  Chris' journey to the golden ticket was not an easy one. He spoke of 
his family's battles with illness, his mother's diagnosis of multiple 
sclerosis, and the loss of his father, whom Chris called his Superman.
  When Chris stood before the judges and performed his original song, 
``Lonely Road,'' he was not just singing for a TV show. He was singing 
to honor his father's legacy and his family's strength. His performance 
earned him a unanimous ``yes'' to advance to Hollywood.
  On behalf of Fergus Falls and all of Minnesota, I wish Chris the best 
of luck in the next round.


 Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA Named 2025 National Model of Excellence Winner

  Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glencoe-
Silver Lake FFA chapter for being named the 2025 National Model of 
Excellence winner.
  Glencoe-Silver Lake was selected for this award out of nearly 10,000 
chapters. This is the highest honor a chapter can achieve, marking them 
the gold standard for leadership, community impact, and innovation.
  By fostering student-led initiatives that strengthen our rural 
economy and prepare the next generation of leaders, these students have 
proven that the future of American farming is in excellent hands.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the students, 
advisers, and the entire Glencoe-Silver Lake community on this 
prestigious award.
  I congratulate the Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA on being the best in the 
Nation.


                    Commemorating National FFA Week

  Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
National FFA Week.
  Since 1925, FFA has changed lives and developed young leaders in the 
areas of leadership, personal growth, and career success through 
agricultural education. It is the top school-based youth leadership 
development organization in the United States.
  Opportunities within the agriculture sector are vast, and FFA fosters 
the talents of members so that they can achieve real-world success. 
They participate in leadership conferences, career development events, 
and community service projects. The skills that these students develop 
serve them well when they embark on their future career paths.
  Not only are the students who participate in FFA future farmers, but 
they are also future business leaders, entrepreneurs, teachers, 
bankers, veterinarians, public servants, biologists, and so much more.
  Every year, thousands of the iconic blue FFA jackets from across the 
country visit our offices on Capitol Hill. In my home State of 
Minnesota, FFA has 15,000 members and 220 chapters, as well as 97 
alumni chapters. This year, Minnesota FFA chapters will participate in 
local events aligned with the National FFA Week calendar.
  I always appreciate having the opportunity to visit with these 
students and future leaders. Anyone who spends time with these young 
leaders will leave with a sense that our future is in good hands.

                          ____________________