On the recordJuly 19, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the all-girls robotics team from Afghanistan for taking home the silver medal at this weekend's FIRST Global Challenge. I speak on behalf of my colleagues who travel on our annual bipartisan trip to Afghanistan when I say that these girls are the embodiment of our hopes and dreams for the future of their country. We have learned on our trips that nothing is more important for global security than the development of human capital, and what better example could there be than these remarkable girls. I want to echo the sentiments of Afghanistan's First Lady and say to the girls, ``Saar Bolan demoom kar deen,'' literally, ``You make us hold our heads up high.'' We are proud of you. Mr. Speaker, it is important to remember that, when these girls were born, women were not allowed to get an education in Afghanistan. Now, because of the bravery of these girls and the tireless efforts of their teachers, the rest of the world can now see how remarkable Afghan women truly are. Congratulations on your remarkable achievement. ____________________





