FAMILY, SACRIFICE, AND THE ROCKET SPIRIT

On 2026-02-04, Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9) delivered a floor speech titled "FAMILY, SACRIFICE, AND THE ROCKET SPIRIT" in the House. The speech addressed taxes.

FAMILY, SACRIFICE, AND THE ROCKET SPIRIT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [House] [Page H2016] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] FAMILY, SACRIFICE, AND THE ROCKET SPIRIT (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 with a heart full of joy to celebrate a story that reminds us why sports, family, and community matter. At the University of Toledo, sophomore Rocket Miriam Diala was greeted after a hard-fought win by her mother, Francisca. Her mom had traveled 4,300 miles from Germany to see her daughter play women's college basketball at UT in person for the very first time. Francisca often stays up past midnight to watch Miriam's games on TV because of the 6-hour time difference. We can just imagine the embrace in the stands, the tears, the joy, and the gratitude. Miriam's performance showed talent, discipline, and resilience, but the real victory was love made visible. This community wrapped an international student in a sense of belonging, friendship, and a second family. That is the spirit of Toledo. That is the promise of America. Mr. Speaker, I thank Francisca for her sacrifice to Miriam and for inspiring us. To the Rocket family, keep lifting one another higher. ____________________