Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-21

HONORING BROGAN DOLATA

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Context

On 2026-05-21, Representative Haley M. Stevens (D-MI-11) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BROGAN DOLATA" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING BROGAN DOLATA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3673] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BROGAN DOLATA (Ms. Stevens of Michigan was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to share with you today's remarks and to have you hear them, because on January 3, 2019, it was a special day for many of us in this very Chamber. It was my first day here. Amid the ceremonies and celebrations and the chaos of that day, I will never forget watching my dear, sweet cousin, Brogan Dolata, who had just turned 12, run through the aisles of this very Chamber to join in the chorus of children at the rostrum and help swear in then-Speaker Pelosi. She also sat by my side as I raised my hand and was sworn in as a Member of Congress on behalf of Michigan's 11th District to the 116th session of Congress. Brogan helped send a message to the country that a new Democratic majority had come to Washington to protect America's children and to get our country back on track. Seven years later, that little girl who carried her pink coin purse everywhere she went, soliciting small, dollar donations from her friends and neighbors to send her cousin Haley to Congress, is now the talented, brilliant, beautiful young woman who fills our lives with joy and hope. This weekend she accomplishes a major feat as she graduates from high school and begins her next chapter. Brogan was born in Michigan's 11th District and raised along California's Central Coast. She is smart, funny, down to earth, and dynamic no matter what gets thrown her way. At a young age, she taught herself how to drive on her grandfather's farm and she hasn't stopped running circles around us since. That is the Michigan grit in her blood. Brogan is also a star athlete. She found her passion in lacrosse and recently took her high school all the way to the California State championships. She scored 7 goals in the semifinals, secured a coveted spot in the northern California all-star game, and led her team to victory. Brogan knows how to win, and she does it gracefully, always looking out for her teammates and making sure everyone around her shares in success. Brogan is the rock in our family, constantly defying expectations and making us proud. She sets her mind on her goals and works hard to achieve them. Nothing gets in her way. It has been such a treat to watch her grow into the dedicated and determined young lady she is today. We are so excited for Brogan to pursue her dreams this fall, attending Santa Barbara City College with the plan to transfer to UCSB and become an entrepreneur just like her mother. It is only a matter of time before she takes the whole world by storm. We know that achievements like this never happen on their own, so I congratulate my dear first cousin Chloe Dolata, and Brogan's father, Jay, on this important milestone in their lives. They have raised an exceptional daughter, and for that they deserve all the praise we have. From her mom and dad, to her l'oncle Brendan; to Grandberry Marcie and Gramps and Auntie Maria; to her cousins, Blake and Haley, we are so proud of her. She is the pride and joy of this family. She is our future and we can't wait to see all she accomplishes. We have always been at each other's sides through thick and thin, and I will always be there for her no matter the circumstances. I wanted to take a moment in this storied Chamber to recognize Brogan's accomplishments and to write her achievements into our country's history books. Congratulations on this milestone. I love you and I cannot wait to see you soon. ____________________

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HONORING BROGAN DOLATA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3673] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BROGAN DOLATA (Ms. Stevens of Michigan was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to share with you today's remarks and to have you hear them, because on January 3, 2019, it was a special day for many of us in this very Chamber. It was my first day here. Amid the ceremonies and celebrations and the chaos of that day, I will never forget watching my dear, sweet cousin, Brogan Dolata, who had just turned 12, run through the aisles of this very Chamber to join in the chorus of children at the rostrum and help swear in then-Speaker Pelosi. She also sat by my side as I raised my hand and was sworn in as a Member of Congress on behalf of Michigan's 11th District to the 116th session of Congress. Brogan helped send a message to the country that a new Democratic majority had come to Washington to protect America's children and to get our country back on track. Seven years later, that little girl who carried her pink coin purse everywhere she went, soliciting small, dollar donations from her friends and neighbors to send her cousin Haley to Congress, is now the talented, brilliant, beautiful young woman who fills our lives with joy and hope. This weekend she accomplishes a major feat as she graduates from high school and begins her next chapter. Brogan was born in Michigan's 11th District and raised along California's Central Coast. She is smart, funny, down to earth, and dynamic no matter what gets thrown her way. At a young age, she taught herself how to drive on her grandfather's farm and she hasn't stopped running circles around us since. That is the Michigan grit in her blood. Brogan is also a star athlete. She found her passion in lacrosse and recently took her high school all the way to the California State championships. She scored 7 goals in the semifinals, secured a coveted spot in the northern California all-star game, and led her team to victory. Brogan knows how to win, and she does it gracefully, always looking out for her teammates and making sure everyone around her shares in success. Brogan is the rock in our family, constantly defying expectations and making us proud. She sets her mind on her goals and works hard to achieve them. Nothing gets in her way. It has been such a treat to watch her grow into the dedicated and determined young lady she is today. We are so excited for Brogan to pursue her dreams this fall, attending Santa Barbara City College with the plan to transfer to UCSB and become an entrepreneur just like her mother. It is only a matter of time before she takes the whole world by storm. We know that achievements like this never happen on their own, so I congratulate my dear first cousin Chloe Dolata, and Brogan's father, Jay, on this important milestone in their lives. They have raised an exceptional daughter, and for that they deserve all the praise we have. From her mom and dad, to her l'oncle Brendan; to Grandberry Marcie and Gramps and Auntie Maria; to her cousins, Blake and Haley, we are so proud of her. She is the pride and joy of this family. She is our future and we can't wait to see all she accomplishes. We have always been at each other's sides through thick and thin, and I will always be there for her no matter the circumstances. I wanted to take a moment in this storied Chamber to recognize Brogan's accomplishments and to write her achievements into our country's history books. Congratulations on this milestone. I love you and I cannot wait to see you soon. ____________________