HONORING LAILA EDWARDS

On 2026-02-12, Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LAILA EDWARDS" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered taxes.

HONORING LAILA EDWARDS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026)] [House] [Page H2207] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LAILA EDWARDS (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about Ohio's own Laila Edwards. Laila is a native of Cleveland Heights and currently represents the United States in the Winter Olympics, my favorite. Laila became the first Black woman to play for the United States in the Olympic women's ice hockey at this year's Milano Cortina Games. At 22, she didn't just make the roster, she contributed, recording her first Olympic point in a 5-1 win over Czechia. We have been saying it for years. Ohioans are awesome, and Laila truly proves it. She grew up skating on our lakes and ponds, working hard and believing in herself. She kept going even when she was the only girl on the ice, even when few people who looked like her had been given that chance. During Black History Month, her story reminds us that progress doesn't happen by accident. It happens because purposeful people show up, work hard, and refuse to be told they don't belong. I congratulate Laila Edwards. Laila has made northwest Ohio and all of Ohio extremely proud. I am proud of our country. Go Laila. Go team U.S.A. ____________________