Floor Speech2026-03-25

SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE WINS NRECA

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Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)] [House] [Page H2685] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SULPHUR SPRINGS VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE WINS NRECA (Mr. Ciscomani of Arizona was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative in southern Arizona for receiving the 2026 Electric Cooperative Purpose Award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Electric cooperatives are unique. They are owned by the people they serve. Every customer is a member-owner. Every member has a voice. Decisions are made locally by neighbors who understand their communities' economic realities. This creates accountability, transparency, and a relentless focus on safety, reliability, and affordability. In 2022, when global fuel prices surged, families and small businesses across Cochise County felt the impact. Energy costs rose sharply, pressuring household and business budgets. SSVEC's board and leadership team needed to protect the very members who own the cooperative while maintaining long-term stability, and that is exactly what they did. They responded with ingenuity and resolve, launching direct communication with members, working with its cooperative partner AEPCO to establish a fuel hedging program, and directing 100 percent of its annual operating margin to buy down more than $8 million in member fuel bank debt. That action delivered immediate bill relief. Behind the decision were employees who stayed focused on service to their members during a period of uncertainty. Now, SSVEC is stronger and better positioned to manage future volatility. Families and businesses in southern Arizona saw how local ownership translates into local solutions. I congratulate the board of directors, the employees, and the member- owners of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative. I thank them for their commitment to protecting affordability and serving rural Arizona. Salpointe High School Girls' Soccer Wins 4A State Title Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Salpointe High School girls' soccer team on winning the 2026 4A State Championship title. The Lady Lancers were led by Coach Jessica Rushton, a Tucson native who graduated from Salpointe in 2008. Rushton continues her coaching career at Salpointe following time spent at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. Despite the loss of their beloved and longtime coach, Kelly Pierce, only a few months before the start of the season, the team gave all they had under the leadership of Coach Rushton and earned yet another State championship title. After an intense game, Salpointe defeated Mesa High School with a score of 5-4. Senior keeper Ani Jimenez was named the 4A championship MVP after an amazing save that sealed the Lancers' victory. I congratulate Coach Rushton, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and our entire community very proud. The Lancers should enjoy their victory. They have earned it. Here is to another successful season and to many, many more to come. Three Members of Cienega High School Wrestling Win State Championship Mr. CISCOMANI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Cienega High School wrestling team and its three 2026 State champions. For the first time in Cienega history, the Bobcats have three State wrestling champions. Daesiah Varner became Cienega's first-ever three-time State champion. Varner made history by becoming the first wrestler in the school's program to finish an entire season undefeated, going 36-0 and finishing her run with the State championship. The other two champions, AJ Berryhill and Luke Ferguson, beat the record for the most wins in a season with a total of 50. This championship caps off an amazing season of growth and commitment for the entire team, where each student worked day in and day out to improve their skills and strength. I congratulate Coach Cole Hickey, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and our entire community very proud. The bobcats should enjoy their victory. They have earned it. Here is to another successful season and to many, many more. ____________________

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