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

On 2026-07-14, Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS-1) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT OF 1956" in the House.

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

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [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 [[Page H4413]] 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. ____________________