Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-09-16

HONORING THE CITY OF VALDEZ, ALASKA

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On 2026-09-16, Representative Nicholas J. Begich III (R-AK) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE CITY OF VALDEZ, ALASKA" in the House.

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HONORING THE CITY OF VALDEZ, ALASKA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E939-E940] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CITY OF VALDEZ, ALASKA ______ HON. NICHOLAS J. BEGICH III of alaska in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Mr. BEGICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Valdez on its 125th Anniversary. This anniversary marks an important milestone, one that allows the Nation to reflect on both the pioneer values of Valdez and the great Alaskan spirit. Founded in 1898 as a debarkation point for those seeking fortune in the Klondike goldfields, residents voted to formalize their city and built the foundation of a community. On Good Friday in 1964, a 9.2 magnitude earthquake, the most powerful ever recorded in North American history, struck the region and unleashed devastating tsunamis that claimed 33 lives and destroyed the town itself. Valdez did not throw in the towel but instead relocated, rebuilt, and returned stronger than before. In Alaska, we speak of people forged by long winters and hard resolve, and Valdez embodies that spirit of grit. In the 1970s, Valdez became the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and the largest crude oil port in North America. Then, on Good Friday in 1989, the grounding of the Exxon Valdez on Bligh Reef brought yet another challenge to the people of Valdez. The people responded and following that tragedy, Valdez became a world leader in oil spill preparedness and response. Today, Valdez stands as a city built by hardworking men and women, representative of the unyielding tenacity of those who call it home. On behalf of the people of Alaska, I congratulate the City of Valdez on 125 years of perseverance, resourcefulness, and resolve. For Alaska. [[Page E940]] ____________________

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HONORING THE CITY OF VALDEZ, ALASKA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E939-E940] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CITY OF VALDEZ, ALASKA ______ HON. NICHOLAS J. BEGICH III of alaska in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Mr. BEGICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Valdez on its 125th Anniversary. This anniversary marks an important milestone, one that allows the Nation to reflect on both the pioneer values of Valdez and the great Alaskan spirit. Founded in 1898 as a debarkation point for those seeking fortune in the Klondike goldfields, residents voted to formalize their city and built the foundation of a community. On Good Friday in 1964, a 9.2 magnitude earthquake, the most powerful ever recorded in North American history, struck the region and unleashed devastating tsunamis that claimed 33 lives and destroyed the town itself. Valdez did not throw in the towel but instead relocated, rebuilt, and returned stronger than before. In Alaska, we speak of people forged by long winters and hard resolve, and Valdez embodies that spirit of grit. In the 1970s, Valdez became the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and the largest crude oil port in North America. Then, on Good Friday in 1989, the grounding of the Exxon Valdez on Bligh Reef brought yet another challenge to the people of Valdez. The people responded and following that tragedy, Valdez became a world leader in oil spill preparedness and response. Today, Valdez stands as a city built by hardworking men and women, representative of the unyielding tenacity of those who call it home. On behalf of the people of Alaska, I congratulate the City of Valdez on 125 years of perseverance, resourcefulness, and resolve. For Alaska. [[Page E940]] ____________________