Summary — H. Res. 700 (House Resolution 700)
Title: Happy Hitters of North Atlanta; commend
Introduced: January 23, 2025
Classification: House resolution (congratulatory/ceremonial)
Status: Read and Adopted by the House (Laid before the House and adopted April 17, 2025); reported enrolled April 21, 2025
Legislative Code: LC 112 3417/a
Purpose and intent
H. Res. 700 is a non‑binding, ceremonial resolution that commends the Happy Hitters of North Atlanta, an adaptive pickleball team, for their contributions to inclusivity, sportsmanship, and community support of athletes with special needs. The resolution recognizes coaches, founders, volunteers, donors, supporting facilities, and specific team members, and extends the House’s best wishes for the team’s continued success.
Note: the resolution text contains a naming line saying it “may be cited as the Maintaining Academy Culture and Assuring Retention of Tradition, Honor, and Unity of the Republic Act” (MACARTHUR Act), which appears atypical for a local commendation resolution.
Key provisions / findings
- Commends the Happy Hitters of North Atlanta for excellence in pickleball and for fostering inclusivity, perseverance, and personal growth among athletes with special needs.
- Recognizes the team’s co‑founders (Karla Blaginin and Arthur Jackson), Coach Karla Blaginin, and a roster of 12 athletes from Peachtree Corners, Roswell, Alpharetta, Dunwoody and nearby communities: Cici Rose, Colin Cooperider, Dana Lu, Elijah Nunn, Gracie King, Jack Chaplin, Jake Jeffries, Kirtana Bulusu, Luke Harriman, Max Bartholomai, Mimi Ngo, and Myles Henderson.
- Notes volunteer and donor support: six community volunteers, five parent volunteers, and donors who covered game fees, team shirts, and refreshments.
- Acknowledges facility support: ACE Pickleball donated practice/event space for two seasons and the Ace Pickleball Club of Roswell provided indoor courts/space.
- Highlights that athlete Mimi Ngo advanced to mainstream pickleball tournaments, demonstrating expanded opportunities for special needs athletes.
- Directs the Clerk of the House to make an appropriate copy of the resolution available for distribution to the team.
Who is affected
- Directly honored: the Happy Hitters of North Atlanta team, named athletes, coaches, volunteers, donors, and the supporting pickleball facilities.
- No regulatory, fiscal, or programmatic effects on federal agencies, funding, or private parties beyond symbolic recognition.
Sponsors and related measures
- Sponsors (listed primary/co‑sponsors in filing): Keith Self (primary), Emory Dunahoo (primary), Scott Hilton (primary), Bill Werkheiser (primary), Angela Moore (primary), Kimberly New (primary), Noelle Kahaian (primary); Elijah Crane (cosponsor).
- Introduced by Representatives including Hilton (48th), Dunahoo (31st), Werkheiser (157th), Kahaian (81st), New (40th), and others.
- Related/companion measure: S. 215 (companion).
Procedural timeline (highlights)
- Introduced and referred to House Committee on Armed Services: January 23, 2025
- Read and Adopted / Laid before the House: April 17, 2025 (record vote / nonrecord vote recorded)
- Placed on Congratulations & Memorial Resolutions Calendar: April 17, 2025
- Reported enrolled: April 21, 2025
Impact
H. Res. 700 is a ceremonial expression of congressional recognition. It does not create legal obligations, authorize spending, or change policy. Its primary effect is public recognition of the team’s achievements and encouragement for continued community and athletic inclusion.
