[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 104 (Monday, June 22, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SAMUEL L. KAPLAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 2026

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the distinguished life and 
career of Samuel L. Kaplan on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
  Sam Kaplan is a son of Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he was born and 
raised and graduated from Central High School. He went on to attend the 
University of Minnesota, earning both his undergraduate and law degrees 
with high distinction. While in law school, he served as President of 
the Minnesota Law Review, a preview of the exceptional legal career to 
come.
  In 1978, Sam co-founded the law firm Kaplan, Strangis and Kaplan, 
P.A., where he built a long and distinguished career practicing 
corporate law for more than six decades and earning a reputation for 
legal excellence. He has advised businesses across Minnesota and the 
Upper Midwest on complex legal matters and has served on several 
corporate boards, including Piper Jaffray, where he was lead director.
  In addition to his legal work, Sam has been active in Minnesota civic 
and political life for many years, including as a leader within the 
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. He has supported numerous 
political campaigns and social justice causes, including serving in 
leadership roles for Senator Paul Wellstone's campaigns, as State co-
chair for Senator John Kerry's 2004 Presidential campaign, and as a 
member of the National Finance Committee of Barack Obama's Presidential 
campaign.
  In 2009, Sam was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as 
United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, a position he held 
until 2013. In this role, he worked to strengthen diplomatic, economic, 
and cultural ties between the United States and Morocco.
  One of a very small number of American Jews to serve as U.S. 
Ambassador to a Muslim-majority nation. Sam traveled extensively across 
the country, engaging with everyday citizens, civil rights leaders, and 
government officials to build partnerships based on mutual respect.
  While visiting Morocco in 2013, I witnessed firsthand Sam's 
exceptional skill and distinction in representing the United States. 
His wife, Sylvia Kaplan, a beloved community leader, activist, renowned 
host, and talented chef, also brought impressive diplomatic skill to 
Morrocco, winning over the hearts of Moroccans and dignitaries from all 
around the world. Just as in Minnesota, guests at Sam and Sylvia's 
dining room table in Morocco received a home-cooked meal with friends 
old and new, along with robust and dynamic conversation. Their 
hospitality compares to none.
  In 2015, Sam played a key role in the effort to bring Major League 
Soccer and Minnesota United FC to Saint Paul's Hamline-Midway 
neighborhood, helping to bring home a project that has strengthened the 
city's economy and established a permanent home for Minnesota's vibrant 
soccer community and its passionate supporters.
  It is a privilege to know Sam and his wife, Sylvia, as trusted 
advisors and friends throughout my service in Congress. Sam's career 
reflects a lifelong commitment to law, public service, and civic 
engagement. His contributions have had a lasting impact on Minnesota 
and our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Samuel L. Kaplan in 
commemoration of his 90th birthday and in celebrating his extraordinary 
career of leadership and service to Minnesota and the United States.

                          ____________________