Wichita Remembrance

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, January 29 is typically a day of celebration in Kansas. From Manhattan to Goodland, Topeka to Liberal, Kansas City to Dodge City, Kansans come together to celebrate the rich history of Kansas and to celebrate the anniversary of our statehood.

January 29, 2025, changed the meaning of this day for Kansans forever. The entire world stood in disbelief as we watched a tragedy unfold in the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 out of Wichita and a U.S. Army helicopter. The world lost 67 bright, innocent souls that day, and I speak for all Kansans when I say that this is a day that we will never forget.

When we celebrate our statehood in years to come, we will also feel the nudging of the somber emotions aroused by last month's accident. We will remember our fellow Kansans whose lives were tragically lost. They were farmers, parents, professors, college students with bright futures, all taken from us far too soon.

Audrey and I continue to grieve, and we are praying for the victims and their families. We express our deepest gratitude to the efforts of local, State, and Federal law enforcement officers and first responders. It is our prayer that God would continue to provide comfort to their families, communities, and loved ones.

There will be a lot to uncover in the days ahead. For now, we join Wichita, our beloved Kansas, and the Nation in mourning the lives lost.

Psalms 34:18 states: ``The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.''

God is near us.

Kansas is the heartbeat of the country. As our State motto reminds us, we will persevere together through this difficult time. Farewell to Laura Francis

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Laura Francis, an American patriot, a selfless neighbor, and a great friend.

Since 2018, Laura has served as the chair of the Kansas Republican Party's Big First District. Over the last 6 years, Laura oversaw the helm of a historic chapter of the Kansas GOP's First Congressional District.

Laura led our district in a historic election of delegates to secure President Trump's nomination. She rigorously defended our Nation's motto from being erased from law enforcement vehicles, fought to protect our children and their parents' ability to choose an education that is right for them, and grew our conservative base that will reverberate through Kansas politics for many years to come.

Somewhere in the middle of her historic term, she fell in love with her husband, Drew. On the same day as their first date, they attended an event that I hosted in my district in Garden City. They shared a phone call with President Trump that day, and the rest of their love story is history.

Laura and Drew married nearly 2 years later.

Laura is a fierce and loyal leader, but she is an even brighter neighbor, law enforcement community member, friend, mom, wife, and follower of Jesus.

Kansas is the pilot light of the country, and I can attest that the pilot light burns stronger and brighter because of Laura.

I thank Laura for her commitment and dedication to our congressional district, State, and Nation. It is so deeply appreciated.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source