On the recordJuly 13, 2021
Madam President, I am here to talk about two things. First, let me give a heartfelt congratulations to Zaila Avant-garde, this incredible--if we can get the poster up--14-year-old young lady, who just won the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She is Louisiana's first winner and is the first African-American winner of this spelling bee. She dominated, getting words that I don't think any of the rest of us would have been able to spell. By the way, I should also note that she holds a Guinness World Record for dribbling. I am told there is a YouTube video of her dribbling and, at the same time, juggling basketballs that is incredible to watch. She has a bright future. Zaila shows that hard work and dedication bring success. This week, Senator John Kennedy and I introduced a resolution congratulating Zaila. And Zaila, if you are watching, if you want to do it, when you are a little bit older and you want to do an internship in a Senate office in the U.S. Senate, please give me a call. Believe me, I will remember you. And if you wish to do that internship, we are here to encourage you as you embark on the rest of your life, a life that is going to be incredibly successful.





