[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E634-E635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING MRS. CARMEN BLOOM-HARVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SCOTT PERRY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 29, 2026

  Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mrs. Carmen Bloom-Harvey 
on earning the title, ``Mrs. East Coast International 2026.''
  Carmen's journey to the Mrs. International stage has been special and 
unique. Through her platform and influence, she promoted her ``Welcome 
Without Worry'' initiative that raises awareness about the seriousness 
of food allergies, advocates for inclusive practices in schools and 
public spaces, and helps parents gain the confidence and tools they 
need to advocate for and protect their children. Her three-year-old 
son, Charlie, has severe food allergies and experienced anaphylaxis 
twice. Carmen's advocacy not only helps her son, but every child who 
suffers from severe allergies to feel safe, included, and understood in 
school, on sports teams, and elsewhere. In the future, she hopes to 
work with community organizations, speak at local events, and use her 
platform to support increased awareness and preparedness regarding food 
allergy safety.
  Outside of pageantry, Carmen is a full-time attorney who leads a 
state school boards association, instructs a group fitness class at a 
YMCA, and carries the critical roles of mother and wife. Her pageant 
experience gives her the opportunity to amplify a mission that affects 
millions of individuals and families, and her advocacy is driven by 
love of her son and a commitment to creating a world where every child 
may completely and confidently participate in life.
  From July 21 to July 24, 2026, Carmen will compete for ``Mrs. 
International'' in Chicago, a pageant developed 37 years ago with 
higher standards than other pageant systems, and the focus of which is 
to showcase women 21 to 56 years of age, married at least six months, 
and a resident of the state/citizen of the country she represents. Each 
contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice, 
which she spends the year promoting. As a contestant for Mrs. 
International and a representative of the ``Welcome Without Worry'' 
platform, Carmen is proud to stand as a representative of advocacy, 
leadership, and inclusion for individuals with allergies, highlighting 
that allergies should not stop them from fulfilling their dreams.

[[Page E635]]

  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 10th District of Pennsylvania, I am 
honored and proud to recognize Mrs. Carmen Bloom-Harvey on earning the 
title of ``Mrs. East Coast International 2026,'' and wish the best in 
her competition for ``Mrs. International'' in July. Her focus, 
platform, and advocacy on behalf of others sets the standard by which 
all should be judged.