[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BROGAN DOLATA

  (Ms. Stevens of Michigan was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to share with you today's 
remarks and to have you hear them, because on January 3, 2019, it was a 
special day for many of us in this very Chamber. It was my first day 
here.
  Amid the ceremonies and celebrations and the chaos of that day, I 
will never forget watching my dear, sweet cousin, Brogan Dolata, who 
had just turned 12, run through the aisles of this very Chamber to join 
in the chorus of children at the rostrum and help swear in then-Speaker 
Pelosi.
  She also sat by my side as I raised my hand and was sworn in as a 
Member of Congress on behalf of Michigan's 11th District to the 116th 
session of Congress.
  Brogan helped send a message to the country that a new Democratic 
majority had come to Washington to protect America's children and to 
get our country back on track.
  Seven years later, that little girl who carried her pink coin purse 
everywhere she went, soliciting small, dollar donations from her 
friends and neighbors to send her cousin Haley to Congress, is now the 
talented, brilliant, beautiful young woman who fills our lives with joy 
and hope. This weekend she accomplishes a major feat as she graduates 
from high school and begins her next chapter.
  Brogan was born in Michigan's 11th District and raised along 
California's Central Coast. She is smart, funny, down to earth, and 
dynamic no matter what gets thrown her way. At a young age, she taught 
herself how to drive on her grandfather's farm and she hasn't stopped 
running circles around us since. That is the Michigan grit in her 
blood.
  Brogan is also a star athlete. She found her passion in lacrosse and 
recently took her high school all the way to the California State 
championships. She scored 7 goals in the semifinals, secured a coveted 
spot in the northern California all-star game, and led her team to 
victory. Brogan knows how to win, and she does it gracefully, always 
looking out for her teammates and making sure everyone around her 
shares in success.
  Brogan is the rock in our family, constantly defying expectations and 
making us proud. She sets her mind on her goals and works hard to 
achieve them. Nothing gets in her way. It has been such a treat to 
watch her grow into the dedicated and determined young lady she is 
today.
  We are so excited for Brogan to pursue her dreams this fall, 
attending Santa Barbara City College with the plan to transfer to UCSB 
and become an entrepreneur just like her mother. It is only a matter of 
time before she takes the whole world by storm.
  We know that achievements like this never happen on their own, so I 
congratulate my dear first cousin Chloe Dolata, and Brogan's father, 
Jay, on this important milestone in their lives. They have raised an 
exceptional daughter, and for that they deserve all the praise we have.
  From her mom and dad, to her l'oncle Brendan; to Grandberry Marcie 
and Gramps and Auntie Maria; to her cousins, Blake and Haley, we are so 
proud of her. She is the pride and joy of this family. She is our 
future and we can't wait to see all she accomplishes.
  We have always been at each other's sides through thick and thin, and 
I will always be there for her no matter the circumstances.
  I wanted to take a moment in this storied Chamber to recognize 
Brogan's accomplishments and to write her achievements into our 
country's history books.
  Congratulations on this milestone. I love you and I cannot wait to 
see you soon.

                          ____________________