[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING BRETT TOWNS OF WREC

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                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, rise today to recognize Mr. Brett Towns, 
an OPC Lineman with Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), 
for his dedicated service as part of WREC's second mission supporting 
the Light Up Navajo Project. Through this important initiative, skilled 
utility professionals volunteer their time and expertise to help bring 
electricity to Navajo families who have lived without power for 
generations. Mr. Towns used his specialized skills as a lineman to help 
carry out the demanding work necessary to extend electrical service to 
families in need. Electricity is something many of us rarely have to 
think about, but for those who have lived without it, access to 
reliable power can transform daily life. It provides light after dark, 
allows families to safely refrigerate food and medicine, and brings 
greater safety, comfort, and opportunity.
  Mr. Towns' willingness to put his skills to work for families far 
from his own community is a testament to his character and the spirit 
of service found throughout WREC. His work demonstrates that the 
cooperative tradition of neighbors helping neighbors extends well 
beyond geographic boundaries. I commend Mr. Brett Towns for his 
professionalism, hard work, and commitment to this life-changing 
mission. His service reflects great credit upon WREC and our entire 
community.

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