[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4412-H4413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT OF 1956

  (Mr. Mann of Kansas was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th anniversary 
of President Dwight D. Eisenhower signing the Federal-Aid Highway Act 
of 1956.
  President Eisenhower, a proud son of Abilene, Kansas, understood that 
a strong transportation network was essential to America's future. His 
vision for the Interstate Highway System helped fuel generations of 
America's growth.
  In Kansas, we see that legacy every day. Interstate 70 runs through 
the heart of our State, connecting communities like Goodland, Colby, 
Quinter, Hays, Russell, Salina, Abilene, Manhattan, Topeka, Lawrence, 
and Kansas City. It helps farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and first 
responders move through the center of America while serving as a 
lifeline for Kansas.
  Seventy years later, President Eisenhower's legacy still reminds us 
that

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commonsense infrastructure strengthens our economy, improves our 
national security, and connects America's families. I am proud that the 
father of the Interstate Highway System called Abilene, Kansas, home, 
and I look forward to getting America back to building again.


                        Honoring Martha Mendoza

  Mr. MANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martha Mendoza for 
25 years of dedicated service to the people of Kansas.
  In July 2001, Martha began working for Senator Pat Roberts in his 
Dodge City office. Over the next two decades, she earned the trust of 
Kansans across the region and ultimately served as Senator Roberts' 
district director for 8 years.
  When I was elected to Congress in 2021, Senator Roberts personally 
recommended I hire Martha because he knew her character, her work 
ethic, and the genuine care she brings to every Kansan who asks for 
help. I am grateful that she agreed to continue her service as my 
constituent services director.
  Today, Martha still works in the same Dodge City office where she 
began her public service career 25 years ago. During that time, she has 
helped countless Kansans navigate Federal agencies, resolve difficult 
casework, and find answers during some of the most stressful moments of 
their lives.
  Martha works long hours, follows through, and treats every person who 
calls her or walks through the door with dignity and compassion. She 
understands that public service is about helping people, and she has 
spent her career putting others' lives in front of her own.
  Martha is a trusted colleague, a devoted mother of Joe, Gio, and 
Alexyss, and a tireless advocate for the people of the Big First 
District.
  I thank Martha for her 25 years of faithful service to Kansans. Our 
State is better because of her work and I am honored to have her on our 
team.

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