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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Gus Bilirakis. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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March 30, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary advocate, educator, and volunteer, Sally Wellman, whose selfless dedication and tireless service to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community are truly deserving of recognition. After an impressive 40-year career at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, where she served as both a teacher and coordinator, Sally relocated to Florida with a clear mission: to remain an active part of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community. In December 2021, she joined Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Florida (DHHSF), and her presence has strengthened the organization in countless ways. Sally tutors students ranging from elementary school through college, helping each reach their full potential. She supports DHHSF in every capacity— assisting with events, fundraisers, and innumerable behind-the-scenes tasks—always quietly ensuring that the work of the organization moves forward seamlessly. She serves as the backbone of many DHH-related activities in the community, yet rarely seeks recognition for her efforts.
Her impact is wide-ranging; she tutors children through the Deaf Literacy Center, volunteers at major Deaf community events, teaches American Sign Language (ASL) to interpreting students at St. Petersburg College, and provides evening tutoring to support student success. She also serves on the Wine Tasting and Silent Auction fundraising committee, contributing her time, energy, and expertise to secure sponsorships, assemble auction baskets, and coordinate logistics— efforts essential to the event's success.
community. She volunteers with the American Cancer Society, coordinating the Tampa area's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk for Survivors, and serves on her sorority's scholarship committee, which awards $1.3 million annually. She participates in service projects such as the New Life Program for the Homeless and initiatives supporting Moffitt Cancer Center, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping others in every facet of her life. Sally humbly describes her favorite work as engaging personally with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals through tutoring and social events, yet her quiet leadership extends far beyond what most ever see. Her dedication, generosity, and passion for improving the lives of others leave a lasting impact on countless individuals and on the community as a whole.
commitment to empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, I am honored to recognize Sally Wellman as a 2026 Hero Among Us. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sally Wellman for her remarkable contributions, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our community.