CONGRATULATING PELLA HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING DUTCH

On 2026-07-14, Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "CONGRATULATING PELLA HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING DUTCH" in the House.

CONGRATULATING PELLA HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING DUTCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4413-H4414] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING PELLA HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING DUTCH (Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pella High School Marching Dutch on their trip to our Nation's Capital for the 250th National Independence Day celebration. Led by 21-year band director Dameon Place, the Pella Marching Dutch includes 225 talented high school students. Participation in the band gives students the opportunity to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence that will serve them well after graduation. I know this firsthand because my children participated in band and orchestra. While the Independence Day Parade was, unfortunately, canceled because of the extreme heat, the students made the most of their once- in-a-lifetime trip. They adapted and played a special popup performance at the Upper Senate Park, allowing visitors to experience this talented Iowa band. They also attended the National Symphony Orchestra's Fourth of July concert and fireworks, visited our Nation's iconic monuments, and explored the Smithsonian museums. Our community in Pella is extremely supportive of its band program. These students work hard, represent Iowa with pride, and demonstrate the positive impact school music programs have on our youth. Recognizing Sheriff Robert Rotter Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Sheriff Robert Rotter, who was recently confirmed by the Senate to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa. Sheriff Rotter joined the Iowa County Sheriff's Office in 1990 and has dedicated more than three decades to public service. Before his nomination, Sheriff Rotter was serving his fifth term as the Iowa County Sheriff, earning a reputation for leadership, service, and commitment to the people of Iowa County and Iowa. Throughout his career, Sheriff Rotter has remained dedicated to keeping our communities safe. As Iowa County Sheriff, he spearheaded a program to properly dispose of expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications, preventing drugs from falling into the wrong hands. He also initiated a countywide active shooter program that helped train over 1,500 [[Page H4414]] students, teachers, and industrial and retail employees. Sheriff Rotter's hard work, leadership, and commitment to protecting others have earned him this amazing opportunity to continue serving our State and Nation. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sheriff Rotter and thank him for his dedicated service to Iowa County and Iowa. Fighting for the American Dream Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the Iowa families who have been priced out of the American Dream. Across this country, the average first-time home buyer is now 40 years old, an all-time high. In contrast, I purchased my first home as a young captain in the Army at age 22. Our Nation is short as many as 5.5 million homes. The share of first- time home buyers has fallen by one-half since 2007. Iowa families feel this every single day. Young couples work hard, save diligently, and still cannot afford a home in the communities they grew up in. Rental prices have increased, as well. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act changes that. It cuts the red tape strangling home construction, so we build more homes and lower costs for buyers and renters alike. It stops big Wall Street firms from buying up single-family homes because Iowa homes belong to Iowa families, not hedge funds. This is the most significant housing reform in a generation, and it is now law. To every Iowan chasing their first home, help is on the way. The American Dream is worth fighting for, and I will never stop fighting for my constituents. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend a birthday greeting to the oldest of seven siblings, Richard Miller. Happy birthday, Richard. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend birthday greetings to the youngest of my seven siblings, MariEleanor Martino. Happy birthday, MariEleanor. ____________________