REAL RELIEF FOR WORKERS RELYING ON TIPPED WAGES

REAL RELIEF FOR WORKERS RELYING ON TIPPED WAGES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2489-H2490] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REAL RELIEF FOR WORKERS RELYING ON TIPPED WAGES (Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, hardworking Americans deserve to keep more of what they earn. For millions of workers across our country, especially in restaurants and the service industry, tips are not extra income. They are a critical part of the paycheck. That is why I was proud to support the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which reduces Federal taxes on tips and delivers real relief to workers who rely on them to support their families. Nearly 6 million Americans report tipped wages. Under this reform, workers can now deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips each year. The impact will be especially meaningful in States like Iowa. In the first year alone, tipped workers across Iowa are expected to save approximately $59 million in Federal income taxes. That is money that will stay in the pockets of hardworking Americans who earned it. That is money for groceries, rent, childcare, prescription drugs, and everyday expenses. It is real relief for workers who put in long hours serving in our communities. Reducing taxes on tips rewards hard work, strengthens families, and supports the local businesses that power our economy. I was proud to help pass the Working Families Tax Cut Act, and I will continue fighting to ensure that hardworking Americans can keep more of what they earn. Congratulating Kevin McKee Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Davenport native Kevin McKee, who represented Team USA at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games in Italy and has now earned his fourth Paralympic Gold Medal. Kevin competed in his fourth Paralympic Games as a member of the United States sled hockey team, continuing a remarkable career of representing our Nation on the world stage. A proud Davenport native, a player at the Quad City Veterans Outreach adaptive sports center, and member of the Chicago Blackhawks sled hockey team, Kevin has worn the Team USA jersey since 2012. Born with a rare spinal disorder, Kevin has turned determination into excellence, helping to lead Team USA to a Paralympic Gold Medal in 2014, 2018, 2022, and now again in 2026. With a 6-2 victory over Canada, Team USA once again captured the gold medal, demonstrating the strength, teamwork, and resilience that define American athletes. Kevin McKee's perseverance and leadership make Davenport, the Quad City Veterans Outreach Center, the State of Iowa, and our entire Nation proud. I congratulate Kevin and the entire Team USA sled hockey team on this incredible achievement, and I thank them for representing our country with such pride and excellence. Congratulating Jeff Bladel Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Jeff Bladel on his retirement after 31 years of dedicated service with the Davenport Police Department. Appointed chief in 2022, Chief Bladel followed in his father's footsteps, who served as Davenport's police chief from 2000 to 2008. A lifelong Davenport resident, Chief Bladel returned home after serving our Nation as an airborne military officer in the United States Army and committed his career to protecting his community. Under his leadership, the department strengthened data-driven crime reduction efforts and advanced key public safety initiatives, including the Department of Justice's Public Safety Partnership, the Smart Policing Initiative, the National Network for Safe Communities, the Quad City NIBIN initiative, and a co-responding program [[Page H2490]] pairing officers with mental health professionals. Chief Bladel also helped to implement group violence intervention strategies that connected at-risk individuals with community resources to break cycles of violence. Over the past 3 years, the city has seen a reduced number of crimes. Chief Bladel leaves behind a safer Davenport and a lasting legacy of service, leadership, and community partnership. Mr. Speaker, I wish a very happy birthday today to Lola VanDeWalle, who happens to be the genesis behind the Quad City Veterans Outreach Center. Happy birthday, Lola. Mr. Speaker, I wish my daughter, Taylor, a very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Taylor. Mr. Speaker, I extend happy birthday greetings to Davenport's Vince Martinez, a soon-to-be 100-year-old on April 5 and World War II veteran. May he continue to live long and continue to help all of our veterans. ____________________