[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CONGRATULATING BULGARIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                  in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2026

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as founder and co-chair of 
the Bulgaria Caucus, I am grateful to congratulate Bulgaria on winning 
its first ever Eurovision Song Contest.
  Ever since my service as an election observer in Bulgaria, 36 years 
ago today, I have been inspired by the talented people of Bulgaria with 
its extraordinary history from the time of ancient Thrace.
  I have seen firsthand brave Bulgarians emerge from communist 
oppression to achieve dynamic EU and NATO membership.
  Eurovision 2026 marked the 70th edition of this celebrated 
competition, showcasing musical talent from nations across the 
continent. Held from May 10 through May 16, the contest brought 
together 35 nations competing for the prestigious Crystal Microphone at 
the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria.
  Choreographed by Fredrik Rydman and Keisha von Arnold, the winning 
display was as dominant as it was energetic as they became the first 
team in nearly a decade to win the televote and jury vote.
  The winning song, ``Bangaranga,'' was performed by Darina Nikolaeva 
Yotova, known as ``Dara,'' and written by Anne Judith Wik, Cristian 
Tarcea, and Dimitris Kontopoulos.
  This win is the culmination of hard work by the team of performers, 
writers, and choreographers. I congratulate Bulgaria on their victory 
and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________