RECOGNIZING NATIONAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEK

On 2026-06-24, Representative Rudy Yakym III (R-IN-2) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING NATIONAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEK" in the House.

RECOGNIZING NATIONAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [House] [Page H4216] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1045 RECOGNIZING NATIONAL BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WEEK (Mr. Yakym of Indiana was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Boys & Girls Club Week and celebrate the incredible impact the Boys & Girls Clubs have on young people across our country. Before coming to Congress, I had the privilege of serving as board chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Indiana. Through that experience, I saw firsthand how these clubs do things like taking care of young people, how they change lives, how they create opportunities, and how they mentor our young people and the future generations. When I came to Congress, I knew I wanted to continue to support their mission. That is why I was proud to introduce a bipartisan resolution last night honoring the National Boys & Girls Club Week with my friends, Representatives Scholten and Fitzpatrick. Each year Boys & Girls Clubs serve more than 4 million young people nationwide, including over 180,000 Hoosiers. Through career readiness programs, these clubs help prepare the next generation for success in school, work, and life. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Americans to recognize the dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters who work tirelessly to build great futures for millions of young people. I also urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and celebrating National Boys & Girls Club Week. Honoring Deputy Jon Samuelson of LaPorte County Sheriff's Department Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a hero from Indiana's Second Congressional District, Deputy Jon Samuelson of the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office. On May 22, Deputy Samuelson did what good people do: He stopped to help a stranger stranded on the side of the road and drove him to the hospital. That act of decency nearly cost him his life, but before it did, he saved someone else's life. What began as kindness quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. Before the suspect opened fire, Deputy Samuelson intervened. He deflected the weapon away from a nurse who was directly in the line of fire. That nurse told investigators that Jon saved his life. That is the definition of sacrifice and service. There is a thin blue line, and it is a dangerous line, that separates chaos from civilization. Most of us will never see that line. However, men and women like Deputy Samuelson stand on it every single day so the rest of us don't have to. Jon comes from four generations of law enforcement in LaPorte County. He knew what the badge demanded, and he chose it anyway. To his wife, Quinn: We stand with you as Jon recovers. May God continue to have His healing hand on Jon. ____________________