OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Family, Sacrifice, and the Rocket Spirit

Floor Speech

Date: Feb. 4, 2026
Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heart full of joy to celebrate a story that reminds us why sports, family, and community matter.

At the University of Toledo, sophomore Rocket Miriam Diala was greeted after a hard-fought win by her mother, Francisca. Her mom had traveled 4,300 miles from Germany to see her daughter play women's college basketball at UT in person for the very first time.

Francisca often stays up past midnight to watch Miriam's games on TV because of the 6-hour time difference. We can just imagine the embrace in the stands, the tears, the joy, and the gratitude.

Miriam's performance showed talent, discipline, and resilience, but the real victory was love made visible. This community wrapped an international student in a sense of belonging, friendship, and a second family. That is the spirit of Toledo. That is the promise of America.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Francisca for her sacrifice to Miriam and for inspiring us. To the Rocket family, keep lifting one another higher.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward