[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 69 (Monday, April 20, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            PEDAL FOR IMPACT

  (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we all know why a bicycle can't 
stand up by itself. It is because it is two tired. We also go through 
life being too tired sometimes, but for two married veterans in 
northeast Florida, they are overcoming being too tired because they, 
Mr. Speaker, are on a mission.
  Ashton and Casey Kroner are undertaking an amazing journey. This 
June, they will leave Green Cove Springs, Florida, and travel all 737 
miles here to Washington, D.C., to advocate for change on bicycles.
  They call it Pedal for Impact. Casey is currently battling cancer. 
His journey reflects what too many veterans experience: a health system 
that should work better. His story is not about blame but about 
awareness, urgency, and getting this right for the next veteran.
  Mr. Speaker, veterans face higher cancer risks due to toxic 
exposures, yet screenings still rely largely on age rather than 
exposure history. That gap leads to delays, difficult treatments, and 
outcomes we can and must improve.
  Ashton and Casey are seeking solutions. As they ride through Florida, 
Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia, they carry a simple message: 
Screen earlier, detect sooner, and save lives.
  In a town where we talk about moving the needle and where we all talk 
about leadership, they show us that moving the needle is sometimes 
accomplished by moving the pedals and shifting into high gear.
  Mr. Speaker, sometimes we are all too tired, but Ashton and Casey 
show us that this is no moment to squeeze the brakes. We must keep 
moving forward for our veterans and in the fight against cancer.
  Godspeed on their mission and journey.
  Pedal on, Ashton and Casey.

                          ____________________