[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4413-H4414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING PELLA HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING DUTCH

  (Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Pella High School Marching Dutch on their trip to our Nation's Capital 
for the 250th National Independence Day celebration.
  Led by 21-year band director Dameon Place, the Pella Marching Dutch 
includes 225 talented high school students. Participation in the band 
gives students the opportunity to develop leadership, discipline, 
teamwork, and a commitment to excellence that will serve them well 
after graduation. I know this firsthand because my children 
participated in band and orchestra.
  While the Independence Day Parade was, unfortunately, canceled 
because of the extreme heat, the students made the most of their once-
in-a-lifetime trip. They adapted and played a special popup performance 
at the Upper Senate Park, allowing visitors to experience this talented 
Iowa band. They also attended the National Symphony Orchestra's Fourth 
of July concert and fireworks, visited our Nation's iconic monuments, 
and explored the Smithsonian museums.
  Our community in Pella is extremely supportive of its band program. 
These students work hard, represent Iowa with pride, and demonstrate 
the positive impact school music programs have on our youth.


                   Recognizing Sheriff Robert Rotter

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
constituent, Sheriff Robert Rotter, who was recently confirmed by the 
Senate to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa.
  Sheriff Rotter joined the Iowa County Sheriff's Office in 1990 and 
has dedicated more than three decades to public service. Before his 
nomination, Sheriff Rotter was serving his fifth term as the Iowa 
County Sheriff, earning a reputation for leadership, service, and 
commitment to the people of Iowa County and Iowa.
  Throughout his career, Sheriff Rotter has remained dedicated to 
keeping our communities safe. As Iowa County Sheriff, he spearheaded a 
program to properly dispose of expired and unused prescription and 
over-the-counter medications, preventing drugs from falling into the 
wrong hands. He also initiated a countywide active shooter program that 
helped train over 1,500

[[Page H4414]]

students, teachers, and industrial and retail employees.
  Sheriff Rotter's hard work, leadership, and commitment to protecting 
others have earned him this amazing opportunity to continue serving our 
State and Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sheriff Rotter and thank him for his 
dedicated service to Iowa County and Iowa.


                    Fighting for the American Dream

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the Iowa families 
who have been priced out of the American Dream.
  Across this country, the average first-time home buyer is now 40 
years old, an all-time high. In contrast, I purchased my first home as 
a young captain in the Army at age 22.
  Our Nation is short as many as 5.5 million homes. The share of first-
time home buyers has fallen by one-half since 2007.
  Iowa families feel this every single day. Young couples work hard, 
save diligently, and still cannot afford a home in the communities they 
grew up in. Rental prices have increased, as well.
  The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act changes that. It cuts the red 
tape strangling home construction, so we build more homes and lower 
costs for buyers and renters alike. It stops big Wall Street firms from 
buying up single-family homes because Iowa homes belong to Iowa 
families, not hedge funds. This is the most significant housing reform 
in a generation, and it is now law.
  To every Iowan chasing their first home, help is on the way. The 
American Dream is worth fighting for, and I will never stop fighting 
for my constituents.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend a birthday greeting to the oldest 
of seven siblings, Richard Miller.
  Happy birthday, Richard.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend birthday greetings to the 
youngest of my seven siblings, MariEleanor Martino.
  Happy birthday, MariEleanor.

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