On the recordSeptember 30, 2022
As we begin to take our work recess and engage with constituents, families, young people--in Texas sports are sort of the heart of our State, we love our Friday night football--I want us to think of a young woman who did everything right. Brittney Griner, her father was a Vietnam vet, grew up in Houston, Texas, went to high school in my district, was quiet but an outstanding athlete. Athletes are holistic persons with many talents. She even did better than that, graduating from Baylor University and becoming a two- time Olympian. I guess the Russians realized how important a person she is. She is now in a cage in Russia, as many of our hostages are in Iran and Russia. Putin, I believe, thinks that this is his own special pawn, a 6-foot-9-inch young woman in a cage. I ask my colleagues as they go home to their families to remember to tweet out to bring Brittney Griner home and direct it to Putin to stop the cruelty. Bring Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan and all of our hostages home. ____________________
