Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-12
HONORING WINNERS OF IOWA STATE AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS ASSOCIATION HIGH SCHOOL SKILLS CONTEST
Mariannette Miller-Meeks
RIA-1 · Representative
TaxesEnvironmentInfrastructure
Context
On 2026-01-12, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING WINNERS OF IOWA STATE AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS ASSOCIATION HIGH SCHOOL SKILLS CONTEST" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, infrastructure.
Full Text
HONORING WINNERS OF IOWA STATE AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS ASSOCIATION HIGH SCHOOL SKILLS CONTEST Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 8 (Monday, January 12, 2026)] [House] [Pages H618-H619] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING WINNERS OF IOWA STATE AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS ASSOCIATION HIGH SCHOOL SKILLS CONTEST (Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituents, Jack Winslow and Charlie Winslow, on earning first place at the Iowa State Automotive Dealers Association High School Skills Contest in Des Moines. Jack and Charlie worked hard to represent Pleasant Valley High School and to show their skill and dedication to automotive technology and repair. These students advanced through two rigorous phases of competition, beginning with a written assessment focused on automotive repair, followed by a demanding hands-on evaluation. During the hands-on section of the competition, Jack and Charlie took measurements, diagnosed faults, and completed repair processes, earning the highest scores among Pleasant Valley competitors. As a result of their outstanding achievements, Jack and Charlie were awarded first place along with a new tool cart and a scholarship to Des Moines Area Community College's automotive program, helping them to continue the pursuit of their passion for automotive technology. Mr. Speaker, I could not be prouder to recognize Jack and Charlie for all of their hard work and for this amazing accomplishment. Recognizing Kate Giannini Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my constituent, Kate Giannini of Washington County, for receiving the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Award to the Netherlands. Kate will complete a project at Deltares, a major technological institute in the Netherlands, focused on environmental science, knowledge sharing, and building lasting partnerships that benefit communities in the United States and abroad. Kate is 1 of over 400 Americans selected each year for this honor based on professional achievement, leadership, and commitment to international cooperation. Kate works full time at the Iowa Flood Center; co-owns a small business with her husband, Ryan; serves with Bur Oak Land Trust; is a mom of two; and is an active community volunteer. We are proud to have her representing Iowa and to recognize this amazing achievement and opportunity. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dave Streb Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of a friend and pioneer in Iowa, Dave Streb. Dave was the co-owner of Streb Construction Company along with his brother, Steve, where for decades, they helped build the backbone of our communities by paving subdivisions, parking lots, city streets, county roads, interstates, and airports across our great State. Dave's legacy goes far beyond concrete and construction. He was a man who believed in hard work, craftsmanship, showing up every day to make Iowa stronger than it was the day before, and he was a proud Hawkeye. [[Page H619]] Through Dave's leadership, Streb Construction became a trusted name, supported good-paying jobs, and helped communities grow and connect. Dave Streb leaves behind a lasting imprint on Iowa's landscape and an even greater impact on the people who knew him. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will endure in every mile laid and every life connected. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend birthday greetings to my sister. Happy birthday, Marianne. Before I yield, I will raise the podium in memory of my great colleague, Representative Doug LaMalfa. Doug will be sorely missed. ____________________