[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING JAY BLOMMEL OF WREC

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jay 
Blommel, an OPC Lineman with Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative 
(WREC), for his outstanding service as part of WREC's second mission 
supporting the Light Up Navajo Project. Through Light Up Navajo, 
skilled utility professionals volunteer their time and expertise to 
help bring electricity to Navajo families who have lived without power 
for generations. As a lineman, Mr. Blommel put his specialized skills 
to work performing the challenging, hands-on work necessary to help 
extend electrical service to families in need. For most Americans, 
reliable electricity is part of everyday life. For families who have 
gone without it, however, turning on the power can be transformational. 
Electricity provides light after dark, allows food and medicine to be 
safely refrigerated, and provides greater safety, comfort, and 
opportunity.
  Mr. Blommel's willingness to leave his own community and use his 
professional skills in service to others embodies the cooperative 
spirit at its very best. His hard work helped advance a mission that is 
not simply about connecting electrical lines--it is about connecting 
families to greater opportunity and a better quality of life. I commend 
Mr. Jay Blommel for his professionalism, hard work, and commitment to 
serving others. His efforts reflect great credit upon WREC and our 
entire community.

                          ____________________