Congratulating the 17U Six Pack Volleyball Club
Floor Speech
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I take this time to congratulate the 17U Six Pack Volleyball Club from northeast Iowa, for winning the 2023 USAV Junior National Championship in Chicago last week. The team went a perfect 11-0 as they claimed the national division title.
This team showed unbelievable talent throughout the tournament, showing dedication and overcoming adversity in all aspects of the game. I congratulate Coach Grassley and the entire team, especially Emma Stammeyer of Iowa City West High School in Iowa's First District. You- all made Iowa proud. Recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the State of Israel
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel. This week, Congress welcomes Israeli President Isaac Herzog to commemorate this milestone and speak about the special relationship between our two nations.
After the horrors of the Holocaust, the Jewish people fled to their homeland and declared Israel a nation. The United States was the first country to recognize Israel as a nation. The United States has been paving the way for an everlasting friendship.
For the past 75 years, Israel has been a crucial partner and a shining beacon of democracy in the Middle East. With anti-Semitism and anti-Israeli hate at home and abroad rising, it is now more important than ever that the United States stand with Israel.
I am honored to welcome President Herzog to Washington, D.C., and I look forward to continuing our enduring partnership. National Parks and Recreation Month
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, July is National Parks and Recreation Month.
There are many parks in Iowa's First Congressional District, four national parks, from the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site to the many State parks, such as Lake Macbride State Park or the Maquoketa Caves State Park. These parks provide opportunities for exercise or relaxation with friends and family.
I am proud to have sponsored the Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act, which unanimously passed the House last Congress. This legislation provides free lifetime access to national parks and Federal recreational lands for our honorable veterans, Active-Duty military, and Gold Star families.
I encourage all Iowans to explore Iowa's natural beauty and appreciate God's creation this month and every month. Support for Oral Contraceptives
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I am proud to sponsor the Orally Taken Contraception Act of 2023, or OTC Act, which directs the FDA to issue guidance for drug manufacturers who make prescription oral contraceptives, daily contraceptives, which may be suitable for over- the-counter availability over age 18.
As a physician and former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I recognize the need for increased and consistent access to oral contraceptives and have prioritized expanding access since I was a State senator. As a pro-life individual, preventing pregnancy is the best way to prevent abortion.
Oral contraceptives are not emergency contraceptives and do not terminate existing pregnancies. Furthermore, this is a market-based solution that incentivizes competition which will, in turn, lead to greater options and affordable prices for women.
I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I will take a moment to recognize my brother-in-law Ralph Martino on his birthday.
Happy birthday to Ralph Martino.
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