Recognizing Shannon Bingham

Floor Speech

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Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shannon Bingham of Omaha, Nebraska.

Shannon is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and advocate whose life and service have been profoundly shaped by the power of adoption. Recently named a two-time Nebraska Merit Mother of the Year, Shannon has dedicated her life to strengthening families, supporting children, and raising awareness about adoption.

Her advocacy began in her own home when Shannon adopted her son Seth. She quickly realized that adoption is not simply about welcoming a child into a family. It is a lifelong commitment to unconditional love, understanding, and growth. Like many adoptive families, their story has been filled with both joy and significant challenges. Through it all, Shannon developed an understanding of the unique needs of adoptees and the importance of ensuring families have the resources they need to thrive.

What began as a personal family journey has grown into a powerful mission to help others. In 2023, Shannon, Seth, and their family stood alongside Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen as he proclaimed National Adoption Awareness Month in the State of Nebraska. Since then, this inspiring mother-and-son duo have continued to use their voices to support families navigating their own adoption paths.

Today, Shannon continues as an adoptive family mentor with the Nebraska Children's Home Society. In this role, she provides support and encouragement to prospective and adoptive families. She has also shared her family's story across numerous television media and speaking platforms, using every opportunity to educate, advocate, and inspire.

Through her platform, Adoption is an Option, Shannon works to increase awareness, encourage families to consider adoption, and advocate for children awaiting permanent loving homes. She believes that every child deserves a true sense of connection, belonging, and the knowledge that they are deeply loved.

By sharing both the beautiful moments and the real challenges of adoption, Shannon has become a champion for children and families across Nebraska and beyond. Her story is a testament to this belief that while adoption begins with a single act of love, its impact echoes for generations.

Shannon and her husband, Kurt, have three children, Seth, Ian, and Nora. Recognizing Sue Morris

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Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sue Morris, a leader and a true champion of community transformation in Nebraska.

For 25 years as president of Heritage Omaha, she shaped the culture and civic landscape of our region. Under her leadership, the organization realized over $1 billion of community projects and raised more than $750 million in private philanthropic funds. From the Holland Performing Art Center and the Joslyn Art Museum to the University of Nebraska Omaha's Baxter Arena and Charles Schwab Field, her work has transformed our community.

Sue's approach to philanthropy is to always focus on stewardship, ethics, and deep community impact. She mastered the art of aligning a donor's unique passion with a meaningful public need, viewing herself not just as a fundraiser but as a facilitator for the common good.

Her recent work represents what she calls the crown jewel of her professional life. As president of the Veterans Trust, Sue spearheaded the development of the new Ambulatory Care Center at the Omaha VA Medical Center, which serves thousands of veterans across Nebraska and western Iowa. The Ambulatory Care Center was the first-of-its-kind public-private partnership under the landmark legislation known as the CHIP-In for Veterans Act, which Sue helped shepherd through Congress. Her efforts on behalf of veterans continue to see the CHIP-In for Veterans Act become the permanent pathway for construction of veterans' healthcare facilities through public-private partnerships.

After leaving Heritage Omaha in 2020, Sue served as an adviser at Nebraska Philanthropic Trust until retiring in July 2026. Today, Sue remains a vital force in our community, driven by a simple and enduring desire to make a positive impact.

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