Don Bacon

To encourage the development of specialized foster care programs designed specifically for large sibling groups, sibling groups with a wide age range, and sibling groups with complex needs.

in committee

Support for Ownership and Investment in Land Act of 2026

in committee

Foster Care Stabilization Act of 2026

in committee

“Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Women's History Month, to recognize and honor the late Mrs. Ruth Patrick Thomas, an Omaha icon and pioneer for the North Omaha community. Living a wonderful and blessed 105 years, Mrs. Thomas's life was marked by service and love for all, touching the hearts of many, in each of the various roles she maintained. Graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1943, Mrs. Thomas wed Mr. Francis Thomas the same year and joined him in caring for the home and family business, the Thomas Funeral Home. Active in the community, she also devoted her efforts to the League of Women Voters for nearly 2 decades, directed the YWCA, and focused on cultivating kinship within her neighborhoods. Beyond her service to others, Mrs. Thomas championed many milestones, such as being one of the first board members to vote in favor of desegregating Omaha Public Schools, first of three women at Zion Baptist Church to be appointed to deaconess, and in 1954, enrolling and graduating from the College of Mortuary Science in St. Louis as the only female and African American person in her class. Her lifetime of accomplishment has been recognized by the NAACP with the NAACP Freedom Fighter's Award and with the Diamond Award bestowed by the Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., for over 75 years of service. Mr. Speaker, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and North Omaha friends of Mrs. Thomas on her passing, and I stand with pride to have had such a wholesome and selfless person be a part of developing my community. ____________________”

2026-03-18 · Civil Rights

“Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a true example of resiliency, generosity and commitment to serving others: LaVon Stennis-Williams from Omaha, Nebraska. LaVon is a woman of many titles--attorney, author, entrepreneur, and mentor. But perhaps her most defining characteristic is her unwavering commitment to the idea that our past does not define our future, and that history, when preserved, can be a powerful tool for healing. A graduate of Creighton University with both her Bachelor's and Juris Doctor degrees, LaVon has spent her life building bridges. In 2012, drawing from her own personal journey, she founded ReConnect, Inc. This non-profit has served over 500 individuals, helping those currently or formerly incarcerated navigate the difficult transition back into society. Through her ``Success Prep'' curriculum, she teaches a philosophy that our communities desperately need: the mindset of being ``better, not bitter.'' But LaVon's service to Omaha doesn't stop at professional development. She understands that to move forward, we must also look back. She transformed her private doll collection into The Doll Museum of African-American History. This museum, which is open to the public free of charge, houses a collection of over 3,000 historic dolls. Far more than simple artifacts, these figures serve as a unique lens through which people can examine three centuries of Black history and culture. By meticulously curating this exhibit, Ms. Stennis-Williams offers our community--and particularly our youth--a tangible connection to the past. [[Page E232]] Her efforts ensure that the legacy of African-American resilience, creativity, and heritage is not only preserved but remains a living, breathing part of our public education. This museum stands as a testament to her belief that understanding where we have been is essential to determining where we are going. Whether she is writing children's books to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen through her publishing house, TwoBee Publishing, or coaching a client toward a new career path, LaVon Stennis-Williams is a builder of dreams. LaVon Stennis-Williams has made extraordinary contributions to Nebraska's 2nd District and we are grateful for her tireless work in preserving our Nation's history while empowering its future. ____________________”

2026-03-18 · Criminal Justice

“Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Command Sergeant Major Darrold D. DeGunia on his retirement from the United States Army Reserve. His career began in 1986 after enlisting in the Army from Crawford, Nebraska. CSM DeGunia served our country honorably for 34 years, culminating in his service as the Command Sergeant Major of the 472nd Chemical Battalion in Chicago, Illinois. CSM DeGunia's leadership positively impacted the lives of countless servicemembers. I am certain that his dedication and achievement will have a lasting impact on the Army's ability to fight and win our Nation's wars. Upon retirement, CSM DeGunia is recognized for his distinguished service and exemplary performance of duty, reflecting the highest tradition of the United States of America. CSM DeGunia is married to Heather-Lea DeGunia and they have three children: Steven, Brittany, and Jacob. CSM DeGunia will simultaneously retire from his civilian career as a Wage Leader at the Army Reserve Area Maintenance Support Activity 35 in Elkhorn, Nebraska, after 23 years. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate his commitment to service in the Army and his country. ____________________”

2026-03-18 · Veterans