HONORING NEW CASTLE COUNCILMAN PENROSE HOLLINS

HONORING NEW CASTLE COUNCILMAN PENROSE HOLLINS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)] [House] [Page H2534] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING NEW CASTLE COUNCILMAN PENROSE HOLLINS (Ms. McBride of Delaware was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Castle County Councilman Penrose Hollins, who was recently awarded the Order of the First State, Delaware's highest civilian honor. Councilman Hollins is a veteran, lifelong leader, and one of Delaware's most committed public servants, serving on the New Castle Council for the last three-and-a-half decades. During that time, I am proud to have been one of his constituents. For 36 years, he has worked tirelessly for his neighbors, advancing affordable homeownership, expanding access to libraries and community hubs, supporting programs for youth and seniors, all while promoting workforce diversity and economic development. Delawareans, and specifically my neighbors and me in District Four, know him as a committed voice for justice, a trailblazer, and a pillar of the greater Wilmington area. Councilman Hollins made history when he served as the first Black president pro tempore of the New Castle County Council. In every chapter of his career, he has sought to expand opportunity for those too often pushed to the margins of society. His legacy of leadership, courage, and fierce advocacy is an inspiration to all who know him, to his constituents, and to the entire State of Delaware. Mr. Speaker, we congratulate him on a well-deserved honor, and we thank him for his dedication and service to the First State. Honoring Michaela Kurinsky-Malos Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I often come to this Chamber to share about the work we get to do, the perspectives our neighbors share with us, and to highlight the struggles and the successes that define this work. Today, I want to uplift one of the behind-the-scenes actors who has helped me deliver for our neighbors during my first term in Congress. I rise to bid farewell to Michaela Kurinsky-Malos, who joined my team 2 years ago, long before I ever stepped into this Chamber. She has been a critical part of my team ever since. For the last year, Michaela has served as my deputy chief and communications director, as well as chief vibes enforcer, bringing incomparable guidance, experienced leadership, and unyielding commitment to our team. Michaela and I first met when she came on board as my campaign manager. While, technically, I was interviewing her for that job, it really felt like she was interviewing me. It was then that I saw her political acumen up close. Michaela is one of the most decisive, incisive, and effective leaders I have ever known. Through the highs and lows of the campaign trail and my first year in Congress, Michaela's tireless dedication to our mission, to her team, and to public service has always remained her North Star. Her work has shaped my life and our team immensely. She will be sorely missed by me and the entirety of our office. Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful for her partnership and for all that she has done to make this possible. I wish her all the best in her next exciting chapter. The doors of Delaware will always be open to her, to Dexter, to Bubba, and even to Todd back to the greatest State in the Union. Honoring Albert Firth Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Albert Firth of Millsboro, who passed away on February 19 of this year. For two decades, Mr. Firth served our country in the United States Air Force, dedicating his career to protecting our Nation abroad. After retirement from the Air Force, Mr. Firth continued his commitment to public service right here in D.C., where he joined the U.S. Capitol Police. Mr. Firth served with the U.S. Capitol Police from the late 1980s until nearly 2000, helping safeguard this institution and the people who work here. This was no small undertaking and far from the typical retirement scene. During the 1990s, he was entrusted with an especially important responsibility, serving on the personal security detail for then- Speaker Newt Gingrich. Throughout his career, his work required vigilance, professionalism, and a resolute dedication that Mr. Firth carried with honor, responsibility, and pride. Mr. Firth's legacy is a reminder that service to our country takes many forms--sometimes in uniform abroad and sometimes here at home, protecting the institutions that sustain our democracy. Delaware is grateful for his decades of service, and our Nation is stronger because of his selfless contributions to our country. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. ____________________