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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Betty McCollum. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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June 22, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. BETTY McCOLLUM
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the distinguished life and career of Samuel L. Kaplan on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
raised and graduated from Central High School. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota, earning both his undergraduate and law degrees with high distinction. While in law school, he served as President of the Minnesota Law Review, a preview of the exceptional legal career to come.
P.A., where he built a long and distinguished career practicing corporate law for more than six decades and earning a reputation for legal excellence. He has advised businesses across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest on complex legal matters and has served on several corporate boards, including Piper Jaffray, where he was lead director.
and political life for many years, including as a leader within the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. He has supported numerous political campaigns and social justice causes, including serving in leadership roles for Senator Paul Wellstone's campaigns, as State co- chair for Senator John Kerry's 2004 Presidential campaign, and as a member of the National Finance Committee of Barack Obama's Presidential campaign.
United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, a position he held until 2013. In this role, he worked to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the United States and Morocco.
One of a very small number of American Jews to serve as U.S. Ambassador to a Muslim-majority nation. Sam traveled extensively across the country, engaging with everyday citizens, civil rights leaders, and government officials to build partnerships based on mutual respect.
exceptional skill and distinction in representing the United States. His wife, Sylvia Kaplan, a beloved community leader, activist, renowned host, and talented chef, also brought impressive diplomatic skill to Morrocco, winning over the hearts of Moroccans and dignitaries from all around the world. Just as in Minnesota, guests at Sam and Sylvia's dining room table in Morocco received a home-cooked meal with friends old and new, along with robust and dynamic conversation. Their hospitality compares to none.
Soccer and Minnesota United FC to Saint Paul's Hamline-Midway neighborhood, helping to bring home a project that has strengthened the city's economy and established a permanent home for Minnesota's vibrant soccer community and its passionate supporters.
advisors and friends throughout my service in Congress. Sam's career reflects a lifelong commitment to law, public service, and civic engagement. His contributions have had a lasting impact on Minnesota and our Nation.
Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Samuel L. Kaplan in commemoration of his 90th birthday and in celebrating his extraordinary career of leadership and service to Minnesota and the United States.