HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MELISSA HORTMAN

On 2026-02-12, Representative Kelly Morrison (D-MN-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MELISSA HORTMAN" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered trade policy.

HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MELISSA HORTMAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026)] [House] [Page H2208] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MELISSA HORTMAN (Ms. MORRISON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and service of Minnesota State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, whom we lost to an unspeakable act of political violence last year. The Minnesota House of Representatives will convene next week for the first time in more than 20 years without Melissa's presence. She was the single longest serving female speaker in Minnesota State history. She always led with a calm and steady demeanor, emphasizing the importance of conversation and listening to one another. She rejected the idea that our political differences should prevent us from working together, and she always encouraged us to focus on our shared desire to make our State and our country a better place for the next generation. Melissa was a giant among Minnesota lawmakers and modeled leadership qualities that we all should emulate. She recognized that true leaders do not bully and coerce. They listen and sacrifice, and they compromise while remaining true to their convictions. They lead with humility above all else. I think of her mentorship and her example every day and call on my colleagues to honor her legacy by prioritizing civility and humility in our service and always striving to make our communities just a little bit better for someone else. ____________________