Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-04

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO BETH RAGLAND

TaxesForeign PolicyDefenseHousingVeteransInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-02-04, Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO BETH RAGLAND" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered foreign policy, defense.

Full Text

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO BETH RAGLAND

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [House] [Pages H1986-H1987] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO BETH RAGLAND (Mr. Bacon of Nebraska was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Beth Ragland, who I call my honorary mother, a remarkable Nebraskan who is celebrating her 90th birthday this week. Beth represents the spirit of our district. After the passing of her husband, Ken, she chose not to slow down but to keep moving forward with a purpose. She returned to the classroom, pursued her long-held interest in law, and earned a degree with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She went on to serve as an intern at the Sarpy County Courthouse, where her curiosity and work ethic stood out immediately. I know firsthand that the county attorney from Sarpy, Lee Polikov, values her hard work and support. Beth is an inspiration to her fellow students. She reminded them, and all of us, that learning, service, and ambition never end at any stage of life. Her unyielding spirit inspires us all to work hard for whatever we desire. Her generosity, resilience, Christian spirit, and joy for learning continue to uplift everyone around her. On behalf of Nebraska's Second District, I wish Beth Ragland a very happy 90th birthday and thank her for being such a powerful example of perseverance and purpose and for being my friend. Celebrating Black History Month Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Black History Month, I rise today to honor two community leaders and two outstanding youth for their contributions to the Second Congressional District of Nebraska. Brenda Council has been described as a pure force, a trailblazer, a fighter, and a leader who has paved the way for so many in Omaha. As a prominent politician and community leader from North Omaha, she has established a historic career marked by several firsts for African- American women in Nebraska. She was the first African-American woman to serve on the Omaha City Council and president of the Omaha School Board and first to serve in the Nebraska Unicameral. She served on the Omaha Board of Education for 11 years and is president of the National Caucus of Black School Board Members and State senator for the 11th legislative district. Council has held leadership roles in many organizations such as the Urban League of Nebraska, North Omaha Community Care Council, and United Way of the Midlands. Ms. Council has been married to her husband for 40 years. Together, they have one son and five grandchildren. Fred Conley is a pioneering figure in Nebraska politics, recognized as the first African American elected to the Omaha City Council. His career, spanning over 50 years, is defined by breaking racial barriers and advocating for the revitalization of North Omaha. Raised in Omaha, Mr. Conley is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. His political career was born from community activism, specifically the right for district-based voting. Prior to the city's removal from at- large elections, a system that historically marginalized Black candidates, Conley ran for the city council twice. Following the transition to district elections in 1981, Mr. Conley was elected to represent North Omaha and dedicated his efforts toward infrastructure and economic development. His leadership was recognized by his peers who elected him city council president. In 1988, Mr. Conley served as Omaha's first African-American acting mayor. Mr. Conley's legacy includes the enforcement of fair housing laws and the physical reclamation of community landmarks. He was instrumental in their naming of the Malcolm X Park and supporting the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial. His continued civic work through service on the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board, and as a founding member of 100 Black Men of Omaha leave a great mark in our city. Mr. Conley and his wife, Teresa, have three children and have resided in the same North Omaha district they have dedicated themselves to for over 40 years. Earsul Banks IV exemplifies resilience, resilience in the face of adversity. Despite significant academic disruptions caused by a chronic battle with sickle cell disease, Banks utilized mentorship from 100 Black Men of Omaha to regain his academic standing. He is a dedicated member of the chorus, drill team, and marching band. Mr. Banks is an unstoppable force who transformed health challenges into an opportunity for personal and academic growth. Mara Johnson Anthony is a high-achieving high school student who maintains a 4.0 GPA with AP courses. She balances academic rigor with leadership in volleyball, the art club, and the Girls Inc. Eureka! program. [[Page H1987]] Her extensive history of community service includes the Open Door Mission and organizing gift drives for overseas troops and local seniors. Ms. Anthony is known for her compassionate leadership and is a role model for her peers. Mr. Speaker, I greatly admire these leaders in the Second District of Nebraska. They make our district better and our community better. ____________________

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HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO BETH RAGLAND Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 4, 2026)] [House] [Pages H1986-H1987] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO BETH RAGLAND (Mr. Bacon of Nebraska was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Beth Ragland, who I call my honorary mother, a remarkable Nebraskan who is celebrating her 90th birthday this week. Beth represents the spirit of our district. After the passing of her husband, Ken, she chose not to slow down but to keep moving forward with a purpose. She returned to the classroom, pursued her long-held interest in law, and earned a degree with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She went on to serve as an intern at the Sarpy County Courthouse, where her curiosity and work ethic stood out immediately. I know firsthand that the county attorney from Sarpy, Lee Polikov, values her hard work and support. Beth is an inspiration to her fellow students. She reminded them, and all of us, that learning, service, and ambition never end at any stage of life. Her unyielding spirit inspires us all to work hard for whatever we desire. Her generosity, resilience, Christian spirit, and joy for learning continue to uplift everyone around her. On behalf of Nebraska's Second District, I wish Beth Ragland a very happy 90th birthday and thank her for being such a powerful example of perseverance and purpose and for being my friend. Celebrating Black History Month Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Black History Month, I rise today to honor two community leaders and two outstanding youth for their contributions to the Second Congressional District of Nebraska. Brenda Council has been described as a pure force, a trailblazer, a fighter, and a leader who has paved the way for so many in Omaha. As a prominent politician and community leader from North Omaha, she has established a historic career marked by several firsts for African- American women in Nebraska. She was the first African-American woman to serve on the Omaha City Council and president of the Omaha School Board and first to serve in the Nebraska Unicameral. She served on the Omaha Board of Education for 11 years and is president of the National Caucus of Black School Board Members and State senator for the 11th legislative district. Council has held leadership roles in many organizations such as the Urban League of Nebraska, North Omaha Community Care Council, and United Way of the Midlands. Ms. Council has been married to her husband for 40 years. Together, they have one son and five grandchildren. Fred Conley is a pioneering figure in Nebraska politics, recognized as the first African American elected to the Omaha City Council. His career, spanning over 50 years, is defined by breaking racial barriers and advocating for the revitalization of North Omaha. Raised in Omaha, Mr. Conley is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. His political career was born from community activism, specifically the right for district-based voting. Prior to the city's removal from at- large elections, a system that historically marginalized Black candidates, Conley ran for the city council twice. Following the transition to district elections in 1981, Mr. Conley was elected to represent North Omaha and dedicated his efforts toward infrastructure and economic development. His leadership was recognized by his peers who elected him city council president. In 1988, Mr. Conley served as Omaha's first African-American acting mayor. Mr. Conley's legacy includes the enforcement of fair housing laws and the physical reclamation of community landmarks. He was instrumental in their naming of the Malcolm X Park and supporting the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial. His continued civic work through service on the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board, and as a founding member of 100 Black Men of Omaha leave a great mark in our city. Mr. Conley and his wife, Teresa, have three children and have resided in the same North Omaha district they have dedicated themselves to for over 40 years. Earsul Banks IV exemplifies resilience, resilience in the face of adversity. Despite significant academic disruptions caused by a chronic battle with sickle cell disease, Banks utilized mentorship from 100 Black Men of Omaha to regain his academic standing. He is a dedicated member of the chorus, drill team, and marching band. Mr. Banks is an unstoppable force who transformed health challenges into an opportunity for personal and academic growth. Mara Johnson Anthony is a high-achieving high school student who maintains a 4.0 GPA with AP courses. She balances academic rigor with leadership in volleyball, the art club, and the Girls Inc. Eureka! program. [[Page H1987]] Her extensive history of community service includes the Open Door Mission and organizing gift drives for overseas troops and local seniors. Ms. Anthony is known for her compassionate leadership and is a role model for her peers. Mr. Speaker, I greatly admire these leaders in the Second District of Nebraska. They make our district better and our community better. ____________________