[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3459-H3460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING MICHAEL ``GATOR'' HARROD

  (Mr. Taylor of Ohio was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael ``Gator'' 
Harrod, who recently eclipsed an impressive 1 million miles as a truck 
driver--accident-free.
  Michael moved from Florida to Chillicothe, Ohio, and started his 
journey to a million miles just 7 years ago. One of the perks Michael 
shared from his experience has been seeing many of the beautiful parts 
of America and Canada.
  Responsible for making hundreds of decisions on the road every day 
that impact the safety of both himself and other drivers, Michael has 
an exceptional track record of safe driving. He is known for taking 
necessary precautions, following speed requirements, and vigilantly 
looking out for potential obstacles.
  Generating nearly $906 billion in revenue in 2024, America's trucking 
industry powers our economy, creates 8.5 million jobs, and secures 
America's supply chains.
  Michael is just one of the Nation's highly skilled truck drivers who 
we all depend on to transport valuable goods and keep our Nation's 
economy moving forward.
  In Congress, I am a vocal advocate of this industry, ensuring that 
our truck drivers are fully equipped to be safe on the road. I proudly 
founded the first-ever Bipartisan Congressional Trucking Caucus to 
create a forum for lawmakers to address issues relating to the industry 
and policies that promote integrity, safety, and growth.
  I also introduced a bill called Connor's Law, which was included in 
Dalilah's Law and passed through the Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee. My bill will ensure that all truck drivers are proficient in 
the English language before being granted a commercial driver's license 
to prevent any more Americans from being killed or injured at the hands 
of truck drivers who can't read road signs.
  It is outstanding drivers like Michael who set the standard of 
excellence in our trucking industry, and I commend him on this 
tremendous achievement. I look forward to continuing to advocate for 
the needs of our amazing truck drivers in Congress.


                       recognizing budder manley

  Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Budder Manley of 
River Valley High School. Budder recently won the first State wrestling 
championship in River Valley history and the third State championship 
in the history of the school.
  Budder, who is only a sophomore, dominated the tournament in the 190-
pound Division III weight class by beating competitors across Ohio on 
the way to the State championship. He was supported along the way by 
southern Ohio and the River Valley community.
  A special streaming party was even held for those who could not make 
it to the tournament in Columbus, so they could watch Budder compete.
  All of southern Ohio is proud of Budder for his achievement and 
cannot wait to see his continued success during his junior and senior 
years and beyond.
  Everybody ought to watch out for Budder Manley. He means business.


              recognizing portsmouth high school athletes

  Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of 
outstanding Portsmouth High School athletes, including the Lady Trojans 
girls'

[[Page H3460]]

basketball team, Serinity Kalb, and Bailey Waughtel, all of whom 
recently won back-to-back State championships.
  The Lady Trojans basketball team repeated as Division V State champs 
by beating Ottawa-Glandorf 53-48 on the back of junior Keke Woods' 26-
point performance. Portsmouth's victory ended Ottawa-Glandorf's 28-game 
winning streak.
  Additionally, Serinity Kalb and Bailey Waughtel won State 
championships for the second year in a row in powerlifting in each of 
their respective weight classes. Claiming her title, Serinity lifted a 
total of 730 pounds between the squat, dead lift, and bench class. 
Bailey lifted an impressive 930 pounds.
  These girls' dedication, hard work, and skill are evident through 
their high achievements, and I commend them for their outstanding 
accomplishments.
  Portsmouth High School is a force to be reckoned with. I give a 
heartfelt congratulations to all these stellar athletes. I know I speak 
for all of southern Ohio when I say we are proud of the Trojans.

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