What Michael Baumgartner said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Eastern Washington University Eagles football team as they prepare for what promises to be a fantastic 2026 season. Everyone in eastern Washington knows that EWU plays some of the most exciting brands of football in the Western United States, and I know personally that their tailgating in Cheney is second to none.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Spokane native Tim Merck, an outstanding businessman, philanthropist, and family man. He and his wife, Beth, have raised an outstanding family.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a legend and the life of a legend, Washington State University Coach Jim Walden, who passed away recently. Coach Walden served as the Cougars head football coach from 1978- 1986.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a Gonzaga men's basketball legend, Domantas Sabonis, and his significant contribution to Gonzaga University. Sabonis starred at Gonzaga in 2014 to 2015, before embarking on an outstanding NBA career.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a former Washington State University athletic director, Bill Moos, and highlight his outstanding new book, ``Crab Creek Chronicles: From the Wheat Fields to the Ball Fields and Beyond.'' Bill Moos was a star football player for WSU in the early 1970s and later took a job as the student assistant football coach in 1973.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a dedicated member of the city of Spokane Fire Department, Mr. Bill Grummons. Bill has been promoted to deputy chief of training and safety in the department.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to share the wonderful news that Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, is launching a new bachelor of science in nursing program to strengthen care and address critical nursing shortages across the Northwest.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a dear friend, a great patriot, and a wonderful citizen of eastern Washington, Mrs. Frankie DeWitt. Frankie was an extraordinary woman whose kindness, strength, and unwavering commitment to others and to public service touched countless lives across our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Washington State University's Bill Stevens as he retires after 21 years of excellence, helping to shape the story of Cougar athletics.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of this year's Congressional Award Gold Medal winners, Scarlett Kinville from Spokane, Washington. The Congressional Award is a public-private partnership by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America's youth ages 14 to 23.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible milestone of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1443 in Clarkston, Washington, which celebrated its 100th anniversary on May 26.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 24 years of service to the Nation by Chief Master Sergeant Lindsay Moon, Command Chief of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base.”

“Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to honor the 24 years of service to the Nation by Colonel Chad K. Cisewski, known to his airmen and the Fairchild community as ``Chewey,'' commander of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the passage of a major milestone for one of Spokane County's oldest institutions: the Nine Mile Store. Located in Nine Mile Falls, Washington, it has reached its 120th continuous year of operation.”

“A few years after its start, the automobile began to slowly replace the horse and buggy, and a hand-cranked gas pump was installed to meet customer needs. Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, in honor of Memorial Day, I rise to recognize a true gentleman who lived a life of honor and service to the Nation and the community of Spokane, Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the remarkable service of Phil Kowzan, an 88-year-old Spokane resident who spent 25 years honoring our veterans with the solemn sound of taps.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary heroism displayed by a group of individuals from Spokane, including four remarkable teenagers whose quick thinking and selfless action saved a man's life on April 18.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Colville High School Rocket Club, whose team recently qualified as a finalist in the national American Rocketry Challenge.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Spokane institution and celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Swinging Doors Bar in Spokane, Washington. Founded by Bob and Barb Materne on May 11, 1981, The Swinging Doors has been a go-to spot for delicious food and a warm, friendly atmosphere in Spokane for years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Greater Spokane, Incorporated, on their annual fly-in to Washington, D.C. Greater Spokane, Incorporated, is a regional chamber of commerce and a foundational advocate to all businesses across Spokane, serving as a supportive organization that drives job growth throughout our region and promotes public policy opportunities.”

“Mr. Speaker, on March 21, we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day. Today, I rise to honor a program that reflects that spirit of inclusion--Washington State University's ROAR program--and to celebrate one of its newest admitted students, Cole Rodgers.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sergeant Mike Swim of Stevens County on his well-earned retirement after 29 years with the Stevens County Sheriff's Department. Sergeant Swim has spent his entire life in service, from Explorers Search and Rescue at age 12, to the U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the University of Idaho Vandals, both men's and women's basketball teams, for outstanding seasons. It has been incredible to watch them bring true determination and passion to the court.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Captain Ariana Savino of Covington, Washington, who tragically lost her life in the KC-135 crash over Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Airman 1st Class Kimberlynn Blood of Fairfield, Washington, a shining example of the proud tradition of service that defines eastern Washington.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate National Agriculture Week. Agriculture is the backbone of eastern Washington, the heart of our economy, our culture, and our communities. In spite of escalating production costs and other challenges, our farmers and ranchers remain dedicated to feeding our families and strengthening our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, the Iranian terrorist regime has been at war with the American people for nearly 50 years through countless terrorist attacks, countless American servicemen and -women injured, and a persistent danger to the United States of America.”

“Mr. Speaker, for nearly half a century, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, has brutally targeted and killed Americans. Through its own forces and its network of proxy militias, Iran has killed and injured thousands of Americans: diplomats, servicemembers, and civilians alike.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Tayla Tollefson, the Outreach Coordinator in my district office, who was crowned Miss Spokane on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Tayla is a senior at Eastern Washington University, one of the great institutions serving students across our region and expanding opportunity throughout Eastern Washington, where she is pursuing a double major in Political Science, Pre-Law, and International Affairs, along with a minor in Psychology.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marine Sergeant Joshua Elliott of Stevens County in eastern Washington and to highlight the incredible work of Homes For Our Troops.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated work of our military recruiters and their critical role in shaping the future of our Armed Forces. I recently met with recruiters from across eastern Washington to discuss the state of military recruiting and the challenges that they face in reaching new applicants.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Spokane Chinese Association and the Spokane Chinese Christian Church for hosting an outstanding Lunar New Year celebration in Spokane. The event was a vibrant tribute to our community's diversity and the rich cultural traditions that strengthen all of us.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the beloved Colfax boys' basketball coach, Reece Jenkin. Coach Jenkin is battling stage IV pancreatic cancer with the same courage and determination he has inspired in his players for years.”

“Mr. Speaker, today is World Pulses Day, and I rise to celebrate eastern Washington's pulse growers. What is a pulse, you say? One of the reasons I am standing on the House floor is to give rise to the new branding of the hardworking farmers who produce lentils, chickpeas, dried beans, and peas that feed our Nation and the world.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Pat Tully, one of the few remaining D-day veterans, as he marks his 105th birthday. Sprague's own Joseph Patrick ``Pat'' Tully stands as a shining example of dedication, resilience, and character through every chapter of his remarkable life.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 1984 Walla Walla High School girls' basketball team and to celebrate the long-overdue recognition of their State championship victory. The 1979 and 1984 Walla Walla High girls' teams remain the only State basketball champions in Wa-Hi history.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Driver and Lindsey families of Pend Oreille County, whose century-long story tells the very best of rural America: perseverance, hard work, and renewal.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 145th anniversary of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, a proud milestone honoring one of eastern Washington's oldest and most resilient communities.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor another of the bright lights of eastern Washington, but I also rise with sadness as I honor the life of Larry Batterton, a devoted husband, father, and community leader from eastern Washington who passed away on January 16 of this year.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the tax proposal in Washington State of Governor Bob Ferguson and his so-called millionaire's tax. Mr. Speaker, I hear frequently from folks back home that they are very pleased with the work of this Washington and what Republican leadership has done to give our country the largest tax reduction in history.”

“Implementing this tax will hurt job creators in Washington State, hurt our innovative economy, hurt our family farms, hurt job creation, and hurt growth. In the Federal Government we have a better record.”

“Mr. Speaker, my voters and my constituents sent me here to help solve problems, to help small business, to help employees, and to help grow the economy. As such, I am proud to support the Tipped Employee Protection Act.”

“Mr. Speaker, there are many things that make eastern Washington the greatest place to live in these wonderful United States of America. Today, I rise to recognize one of those wonderful things, the Eastern Washington University Adaptive Athletics Program, home of the first collegiate National Wheelchair Basketball Association team in the Western United States.”

“Mr. Speaker, last week was National Law Enforcement Day, and I rise to recognize wonderful Officer Kellsey Torres of the Spokane Police Department, who was named officer of the quarter, and to shine the eastern Washington spotlight on her outstanding service.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the North County Food Pantry in rural Elk, Washington. Nestled between the pristine forests and recovering farmland, this small 1982 mobile home has nourished hundreds of families in body and soul for decades.”

“Mr. Speaker, I applaud Congressman Lawler for this fine bill. We have heard about the loophole that exists, and I will provide a few more details. Mr. Speaker, this bill would allow the U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate $181 million in rural healthcare funding for the State of Washington. Not long ago, right here in this Chamber, I joined my House Republican colleagues to pass the Working Families Tax Cut Act, the largest tax cut in American history.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a special tradition of the congressional delegation of Washington State. Just 1 year ago, I was sworn in to the 119th Congress and welcomed as one of the two new members of the Washington congressional delegation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the new football coach of Washington State University, Coach Kirby Moore. Just before the holidays, WSU hired Kirby Moore, a Washington native, as our new head coach.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Christmas spirit in eastern Washington. As a boy, I remember Christmastime in eastern Washington, sledding in my boyhood home of Colton, Washington, going on shopping trips with the family to Toys ``R'' Us in Spokane, and perhaps stopping off to go sledding in Manito Park or visiting Riverfront Park.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Spokane Christmas Bureau and their 79th year of serving eastern Washington families and making each holiday season brighter. Coordinated by Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, Volunteers of America, and The Spokesman-Review, the Christmas Bureau runs on the generosity of local donors and volunteers who give their time, talents, and treasures.”

“Mr. Speaker, over the last few weeks, many of us have walked past the familiar red kettles and heard the ringing bells of The Salvation Army outside our neighborhood grocery stores.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the final passage of S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, which will now be sent to the President's desk.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of the bright lights of eastern Washington. In my view, eastern Washington is truly the home of the American Dream.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, which will be considered under suspension of the rules this week.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the timber industry and the harvest of trees in our forests. When I was growing up, my father was a forestry professor at Washington State University and my uncle was a smokejumper.”

“Mr. Speaker, with gray wolf populations reaching over 400 in Washington State and Oregon, I rise today to warn of the danger they continue to pose for hunters, farmers, and livestock.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of Ron Hauenstein, who has served as the executive director of the Spokane Fatherhood Initiative since 2018. Throughout my time representing eastern Washington in Congress, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that this organization has had under Ron's leadership.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Scouts Across America. Scouts Across America carries forward with a remarkable legacy that began with Robert Baden-Powell, a British Army officer whose simple idea was that outdoor skills, teamwork, and service could build better citizens and a better world.”

“Mr. Speaker, we are nearing 1 week since the end of the needless, 43-day-long Democrat government shutdown. That shutdown was a monumental waste of time that hurt a lot of people across the country.”

“Mr. Speaker, few moments as a Member of Congress are more meaningful than helping a hero receive long-overdue recognition. Recently, my office had the privilege of assisting Vietnam veteran John Gilman in securing the Silver Star Medal he earned more than 50 years ago, an honor long delayed but deeply deserved.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an inspiring moment in our community, the Spokane Impact's first home match this past Saturday at the HUB Sports Center in Liberty Lake.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the extraordinary success of Operation Rolling Thunder, a multiagency task force led by the U.S. Marshals Service in partnership with local, State, and Federal law enforcement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Roger Reed, a man whose legacy is defined not only by his distinguished legal career but his deep love of family, history, faith, and Cougar football.”

“Eastern Washington Attorney General's office before cofounding the respected law firm, Reed & Giesa. Roger was so much more than his resume. He was a history buff with a personal library focused on the Civil War.”

“Mr. Speaker, as the father of five, with my youngest daughter attending her very first cross-country practice today, I rise to commend the remarkable work of Active4Youth, a community-supported nonprofit that is transforming lives in Spokane.”

“Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing the Uyghur Policy Act of 2025 to increase awareness and advocacy for Uyghurs. We cannot be silent in the face of genocide.”

“Mr. Speaker, the AUKUS partnership is foundational to our global defense strategy. We must ensure it is implemented as it was intended. I am proud to support this legislation to improve existing AUKUS law, and I urge my colleagues to join me.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Representative Castro and Representative Kim, for introducing this important bill. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.”

“Mr. Speaker, the Undersea Cable Control Act will ensure America, not the Chinese Communist Party, is connecting the globe with critical undersea cable infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Meeks for this fine piece of legislation and appreciate his bipartisan spirit. I urge my colleagues to pass the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act and make clear that the United States will expose and hold accountable those who fund, enable, and profit from gang violence in Haiti.”

“Mr. Speaker, the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2025 is not just about policy. It is about saving American lives. We must hold China accountable for its role in this deadly epidemic.”

“Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Foreign Arms Sales Task Force, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.”

“Mr. Speaker, reforming America's foreign defense sales is a top priority of this administration. We must do our part to codify the improvements initiated by President Trump. I am proud to support this legislation to improve the foreign defense system, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.”

“Mr. Speaker, eastern Washington and Spokane are home to many heroes and champions, but I would like to speak today of one particularly exceptional young man, Brycen Phillips of Mt.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sarah Doxey, a devoted wife, mother, and respected healthcare leader in Spokane, whose life was tragically taken last week while out for her morning jog.”

“Mr. Speaker, last week I had the privilege of meeting with a group of outstanding students from the Washington Future Farmers of America. These young leaders come from diverse agricultural backgrounds: one from a grain farming family, one a dedicated cattle showman, and one an experienced horse rider.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Bryan Braman, a true Spokane legend, whose life was as inspiring as it was beautiful. It was a long way from his tough upbringing in eastern Washington.”

“Bryan was born in Spokane's Hillyard neighborhood. Along with his sisters, he was raised alone by their mother, Tina Braman-Fields, after their father abandoned them. His childhood in Hillyard, Cheney, and north Spokane was marked by instability and hardship including periods of homelessness.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Larry Haskell, Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney, who recently announced his retirement after more than a decade of dedicated service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart not just to speak but to mourn, to honor, and to demand that we never grow numb to the unimaginable loss suffered by those who dedicate their lives to protecting ours.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the big, beautiful bill. At its heart, the big, beautiful bill is a measure that will make America both wealthier and safer.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a giant of athletics, not just in Cougar Country but in all of American sports and the world of track and field.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a true football legend from Spokane and also the man who rediscovered his story. Tony Canadeo, known as the Gray Ghost of Gonzaga, came from humble beginnings as a 5-foot-8, 150-pound kid on Chicago's North Side.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a giant--not just in Cougar Country, not just in American athletics, but in the world of track and field. His name is John Chaplin.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding Lauren Matthew of West Valley High School of Spokane, the rightful State champion in the girls' 400-meter race. Lauren is the winner.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on rural communities. The House took an important step for rural America by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say happy birthday to the U.S. Army. On June 14, we will celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 250th birthday of the United States Army.”

“Mr. Speaker, as a proud alumnus of Washington State University, I rise today to celebrate a tremendous achievement that brings national recognition to our State and to one of our leading institutions of higher learning.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Leach, a dear friend, a brilliant coach, and one of the most original minds college football has ever known. His long overdue path to the College Football Hall of Fame was finally cleared with last week's decision to revise the hall's eligibility criteria.”

“Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to mark Memorial Day, a time to honor those who gave their lives in defense of our country, I rise today to recognize the enduring service and sacrifice of the Washington Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment.”

“River at the Readiness Center next to the Spokane Falls Community College. Yet, its role has never changed: to stand ready in defense of our Nation and in service to our State.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Heroes Homestead, a grassroots nonprofit founded by marine veteran Andrew Holstine and his wife, Danielle. My family and I recently participated in their annual 5K walk in Spokane.”

“Mr. Speaker, there was welcomed news last week that President Trump is considering a Presidential commission on college athletics. I welcome the President's leadership because college sports are important, but college sports are also broken.”

“Mr. Speaker, behind every badge is a story, a family, and a heart committed to service. I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Border Patrol Agent Travis W.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Pullman High School's science bowl team for their outstanding performance in the U.S. Department of Energy's National Science Bowl held in Washington, D.C., on April 28.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today, one day after National Fentanyl Awareness Day, to honor the memory of a special young man and to share a call for action.”

“Mr. Speaker, tonight is the NCAA championship, but the magic of March Madness is gone. Every number one seed has made the Final Four. There are no upsets, no Cinderellas, just bigger brands with bigger budgets.”

“Mr. Speaker, I will start by thanking my colleague from Washington (Mr. Newhouse) for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump is not the Republican President. He is the American President.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Glen Lamar Hower, who passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at the age of 90. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and friend, Dr.”

“Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 31. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to vote today, as I was unavoidably detained.”