On the recordMarch 14, 2024
Mr. President, I am here today for a really fun update. Some of you have been here before when I have had occasion to speak about the Last Great Race. The Last Great Race in Alaska is really all about the Iditarod. I note the presence of my friend from Vermont, who was sitting where the Presiding Officer is last year, and he was so captivated by the story of the Iditarod. He said: Lisa, when you come back and you give the great announcement, let me know. So I am pleased to be able to regale you with yet another Iditarod. This is an extraordinary tradition--51 years in Alaska--where dogs and mushers have left the starting in the Willow, Wasilla area to head north on an almost 1,000-mile--and in some years, an over 1,000-mile race--test of a musher and K-9 against all of the elements. And it is always a bit exciting, but this year, I am really excited to be able to announce that we have made history yet again with the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Dallas Seavey has won for the sixth time in a row. This is the first time any musher has ever won more than five Iditarods. This extraordinary young man from an extraordinary mushing family has made history in a way that is absolutely worth celebrating. Again, for those who are not familiar with the Iditarod, it is about a 1,000-mile sled dog race. It goes from the Anchorage area, where we host the ceremonial start--I was there a couple of weeks ago--and then they begin their actual race the following day, on Sunday.…
Source
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