Ensuring Our Corrections Officers Get the Mental Health Care They Deserve

Floor Speech

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 9929, the Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act.

This critical legislation, which I introduced, creates a grant program to fund mental health screenings and provide essential resources for corrections officers, men and women who face some of most dangerous and mentally taxing work in law enforcement.

Correction officers are exposed daily to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, creating an environment that takes a profound toll on their mental health.

Tragically, suicide rates among these officers are far higher than the national average. It is unacceptable that those who protect our communities are left without the support they need to protect their own well-being.

This bill is backed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, representing over 377,000 officers who stand with us in calling for action.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this vital legislation, ensuring our corrections officers get the mental health care they deserve. Honoring World War II Veteran Henry Langrehr on his 100th Birthday

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of World War II veteran Henry Langrehr, who turned 100 on November 4.

As a native of Clinton, Iowa, Henry left school in 1942 to join the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division, and at 19 years of age, was one of the first paratroopers to jump in during the landing at Normandy.

Following the battle, Henry was wounded and taken as a prisoner of war, sent to Czechoslovakia to work in a camp mining coal, which he later escaped in a harrowing runaway. Following his escape, he returned to Clinton and began a successful career in business.

All in all, Henry has been the recipient of two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the French Legion of Honor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Henry, a true American hero and an example of Iowa's best, a very happy birthday. Congratulating Head Coach Kirk Ferentz on his 200th Big Ten Conference Win

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Iowa Football Head Coach Kirk Ferentz on recording his 200th win in the Big Ten Conference, moving him into second place of all time.

Coach Ferentz's historic victory came at home against the Washington Huskies where the Hawkeyes dominated with a 40-16 win.

Since then, Iowa has earned two more victories, bringing Coach Ferentz's total to 202 wins, just three shy of an all-time record for the Big Ten coaching victories.

Coach Ferentz has led Iowa since 1999, guiding the team to two Big Ten championships and earning four Big Ten Coach of the Year honors, along with the prestigious AP College Football Coach of the Year award.

Beyond wins, Coach Ferentz has built a culture of excellence that has shaped countless young athletes, and I know personally that he considers these athletes like his family.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Ferentz on his remarkable achievement. We look forward to celebrating his future success as the all-time winningest coach in the Big Ten.

Go Hawkeyes. Recognizing Meghan Purcell

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and dedication of Meghan Purcell.

Mrs. Purcell has worked as an art teacher at Mark Twain and Herbert Hoover Elementary Schools in the Bettendorf Community School District for the past 15 years.

Her outstanding performance has earned her the title of Iowa's Outstanding Elementary Art Educator of the Year. It is educators like her that shape the minds of young future generations and lead us toward excellence. Her dedication to the education of Iowa's youth has been inspirational. She has been honored as the district's employee of the quarter and received the National Artsonia Educational Leadership Award.

She has attended six National Art Education Association national conventions and presented workshops on curriculum design and bookmaking techniques at the 2024 National Art Education Association conference in Minneapolis.

It is my hope that she can continue to inspire educators across the Nation to go above and beyond in our institutions of learning. Mrs. Purcell knows that it is the pursuance of excellence that sets us apart. It would serve us all well to remember that.

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