Michael Baumgartner

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Jack Daniels Holsclaw. Mr. Holsclaw was born in Spokane and, from a young age, demonstrated excellence. As a 15-year-old, he was the first African American to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in Spokane. Attending North Central High School, he excelled academically in sports and later attended both Whitworth College and Washington State University, where he played baseball for famed coach Arthur ``Buck'' Bailey. On October 5, 1942, Jack enlisted in the Army as a private and later entered flight school. He trained at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama and received his wings and commission in the Army Air Corps in 1943. In December 1943, his squadron was shipped overseas to Italy, where he became part of the famed 332nd Fighter Group. The aircraft of the 332nd had distinctive red tails to differentiate them from other P-51 outfits, leading to the nickname ``Red Tails.'' Lieutenant Holsclaw fought his most memorable aerial battle on July 18, 1944. That day, all four squadrons of the 332nd Fighter Group, each composed of 16 P-51s, were providing protection for B-17 bombing runs on German targets. The group leader was forced to return to base due to engine problems. Lieutenant Holsclaw, without being ordered, took over command. A German fighter force of nearly 300 ME-109s attacked the bomber formation. Three squadrons stayed with the bombers while Lieutenant Holsclaw, as flight leader of the day, took part in a mission. They were able to pursue in certain circumstances in the battle. Eleven German planes were shot down. Lieutenant Holsclaw shot down two ME- 109s. The effective 332nd Fighter Group reaction allowed the bombers to hit their targets with no losses. For his actions of taking the lead on July 18, 1944, and downing two enemy aircraft, Jack Holsclaw was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. By December 1944, he had completed 68 combat missions. Captain Holsclaw returned to the United States in June 1945 and continued on with service in what became the United States Air Force. He would rise to the rank of lieutenant colonel. On December 31, 1964, Lieutenant Holsclaw retired and received the Distinguished Service Medal for his accomplishments. Jack and his wife, Bernice, ultimately returned to Spokane, where he completed a second career in banking in 1983. Mr. Speaker, it is exemplary men like Lieutenant Colonel Jack Holsclaw who built the Air Force of today. Our Nation owes him and men like him a debt of gratitude. I would say, as a father of children who attend North Central High School, I hope that they one day grow up to be citizens like Lieutenant Holsclaw. Honoring Phil Kowzan

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. For 3,335 funerals at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, Mr. Kowzan stood in all weather to ensure every servicemember received a live, personal tribute. He began this mission in 2001 when he refused to let a friend's funeral rely on a recording, choosing instead to play taps himself. In March, Mr. Kowzan performed the melody for the final time, closing a quarter century of quiet, steadfast service. Though his bugle will now fall silent, the dignity he brought to each farewell will endure. Mr. Speaker, join me in honoring Phil Kowzan for his devotion, humility, and unwavering respect for those who served our Nation. Recognizing Spokane Pool Heroes

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. While swimming at the Mirabeau Park Hotel pool in Spokane Valley, Ben Wagele, Weston Collins, and siblings Rae and Ethan Overby noticed a man unconscious in the water and immediately sprang into action. Together, they pulled him to safety. Rae Overby began prompt administration of chest compressions. They were soon joined by hotel employees Tammy Hall and Donoven Bond, who assisted in performing CPR until first responders arrived on the scene. According to the paramedic captain who responded, the patient likely would not have survived were it not for the group's awareness, immediate response, and remarkable teamwork under pressure. In recognition of their lifesaving efforts, these six individuals were honored by the Spokane Fire Commissioners. I am proud to recognize them for their courage and commend each for their exemplary actions here on the floor of Congress. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, I also encourage families across the country to celebrate safely. May this inspiring story serve as a reminder of the profound difference ordinary people can make.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I believe that every Member of Congress claims to have the most beautiful and wonderful district in the country, but I know it with the Fifth District of Washington State and the good people of eastern Washington. Over the last break, I had the opportunity to do a 12-county and 12- day whistle-stop tour across my district, and I want to share with the good Members of Congress and the people of America what I learned. Mr. Speaker, the inspiration for this trip was actually former Speaker of the House Tom Foley, who once represented the congressional district that I am now pleased to represent. Many people in eastern Washington think fondly of Tom Foley, including myself. In 1998, I received a Foley scholarship to Washington State University. I am often inspired by him, and he made whistle-stop tours. In that spirit, I was inspired by him to make a 12-day tour across all 12 counties in my district, the largest congressional district in Washington. I had the honor of meeting with constituents at townhall meetings, county courthouses, schools, small businesses, and manufacturing facilities, to hear directly about their concerns, priorities, and ideas for the future. The people of Washington's Fifth Congressional District spoke about many important issues, expressing support for progress in areas such as passage of the farm bill, which will benefit our farmers and ranchers, as well as continued congressional backing for the defense and aerospace industries that are vital to our region's economy and national security. We also discussed the ongoing challenges facing our communities, including access to rural healthcare, rising gas prices, burdensome regulations, concerns surrounding trade policy, and ensuring the competitiveness of college sports. I am so proud to serve as the voice of my constituents here in Washington, and I will continue working to advance legislation that strengthens the communities of eastern Washington. Whether from Ione to Inchelium, from Clarkston to Colville, the wheat fields of the Palouse to the vineyards of Walla Walla, we have such a beautiful district, and it was wonderful to visit it over these last 12 days. recognizing colville's rocket club

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. This team of 10 talented and dedicated students devoted months to designing, building, and launching model rockets in pursuit of excellence in science, engineering, and teamwork. Earning a place amongst the top 100 teams nationwide is an extraordinary accomplishment, especially in a competition that included more than 1,000 teams from across the country. I am proud to welcome the Colville High School Rocket Club to Washington, D.C., this week. I met with them earlier on the Capitol steps. They truly represent the best of the future, and I can assure the American people that our future is bright as a country because of the young men and women of the Colville Rocket Club. recognizing the swinging doors bar

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. From the Doors mozz to Swinging Doors broasted chicken, from Barb's bacon burger to the German sausage sandwich, you can't go wrong with what you order at The Swinging Doors. Over these past 45 years, The Swinging Doors has been more than just a restaurant. It has been a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors. The Swinging Doors employs over 40 people. An experience with 60 televisions, it is an ideal spot to catch your favorite team on game day. I congratulate The Swinging Doors and Bob and Barb. Everyone in Spokane knows how wonderful they are. It is wonderful to share their story with the good people of America and have them entered into the Congressional Record.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, my amendment would include the Columbia Basin project in the Western Waters Regional Conservation Area. This area here would be included in this larger green area. Let's start with the facts. The Columbia Basin Project spans nearly 1.1 million acres in central Washington, one of the most productive agriculture regions in the United States. But here is the gap: Nearly 400,000 acres of land is in a conservation crisis. Farmers are basically out of water now. They are pumping from dry wells. Inclusion of this area as a critical conservation area will make this area eligible for Federal conservation efforts to make sure it is properly irrigated, and before our local family farms run out of time and water. This is a crisis--unrealized production, unrealized efficiency, and unrealized water management in the West. Of course, this underlying bill I hope is a bipartisan effort. I think it is. The original effort of the Columbia Basin Project was certainly a bipartisan effort, and it is good to give praise where praise is due. One of America's greatest Presidents, Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt, actually initiated the Columbia Basin Project, and it was wonderful at a time when America could get big things done to help make the desert bloom, and we need to do that again. This amendment helps in part do that. Under current law, the Food Security Act of 1985 gives the USDA discretion to prioritize conservation investments. This amendment simply ensures the Columbia Basin is given due consideration for programs like the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. It is not a mandate. It is not a change in water rights. It is not a new bureaucracy. If included in the Western Waters Critical Conservation Area, the Columbia Basin Project land-area will provide fertile ground to build irrigation and water conservation projects. This will provide targeted access to Federal tools and support structures to help farmers to use it more efficiently, improve soil health, and bring more of this land into productive, stable use. If we are serious about conservation in the West, which we certainly should be, and it is something Republicans and Democrats I think share together, we need to work with the lands and work on projects like this. This is a practical amendment. It is a profarmer amendment, and it is a smart use of water policy for the future. Mr. Chair, I urge adoption, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time. I think the 119th Congress has done a lot of great work, and I think this underlying farm bill is certainly going to be a highlight of that great work. I have enjoyed my first term in Congress immensely, and I enjoy being in this august Chamber with so many talented Republicans and Democratic colleagues. There are two written things in this Chamber. One is the statement ``In God We Trust.'' The other is the quote by the good Representative from Massachusetts, Daniel Webster, which is above your head. Mr. Chair, I will just close by reading a portion of that statement. I think about that frequently when we vote here. I don't think, frankly, all the time that everything we vote on rises to fulfill this statement that is listed in this Chamber but as the great Daniel Webster said: Let us develop the resources of our land and call upon their powers so that we in our time may do something that will be remembered. I think when Franklin Delano Roosevelt worked with Republicans and Democrats to develop the Columbia Basin Project, they did something that called forth the powers of the land, something that was remembered and benefited many future generations. I think with the adoption of this amendment to include this portion in our water conservation efforts we are doing something that will benefit future generations. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Because of the tremendous impact of GSI on our community, the Spokane region can expand business opportunities and promote a better life. It is always wonderful to see GSI every year, and they are most welcome in our Nation's Capital. Mr. Speaker, to everyone in eastern Washington, please know that I see enough people in this Washington on a daily basis. Everyone is most welcome, and it would be wonderful to host them here, as well.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Cole has a dream shared by many young people: to go to college, study alongside great students, and cheer on the Cougs. He is energetic, kind, and passionate about serving others, and he brings a love of music, basketball, and Cougar sports wherever he goes. He hopes to study communications and government affairs, build his public-speaking skills, and explore career paths that will help him live independently. WSU ROAR makes those dreams possible. As part of a federally- supported initiative under the model Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities, otherwise known as TPSID, ROAR reflects a proven model being implemented successfully on campuses across the country. The program provides inclusive coursework, on-campus living, hands-on internships, and real preparation for life after college, opening doors for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive. Just last week, ROAR received a $2.48 million Federal grant, funding I was proud to help secure. WSU ROAR opens up doors for students like Cole and other students across campus to develop the skills and experience needed to contribute meaningfully to our communities and economy. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of Coug Nation, I know what it means personally to be a Cougar. Cole is a Cougar, too, and programs like WSU ROAR ensure that every student with a dream has a chance to pursue it. Congratulating Sergeant Mike Swim

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Navy, to nearly three decades protecting the community he loves. His courage was tested on September 27, 2017, when a suspect fired nine rounds into his patrol vehicle at point-blank range. Miraculously, he survived. The bullet-ridden door he keeps in his garage is a powerful reminder of both the blessings and the dangers that law enforcement faces every day. Even in retirement, Sergeant Swim will continue serving as a special deputy, assisting with crime scenes, cold cases, and emergency response. Mr. Speaker, I thank Sergeant Swim for his extraordinary dedication and wish him the very best in his next chapter. Congratulating Gonzaga Bulldogs and University of Idaho Vandals Basketball Teams

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Like many young people who grew up in the Inland Northwest and on the Palouse, I followed all of our local sports teams, including the Cougs, the Zags, the Eags, the Vandals, and the Whitworth sports teams. This year, the Zags and Vandals gave us plenty to cheer about. The Gonzaga men's team showed their relentless Bulldog spirit, powering through the season with a 31-4 record and a WCC championship. The Gonzaga women's team delivered a thrilling season of their own, finishing 24-10 and capturing their 11th WCC championship title. I also recognize the Vandals men's team for an impressive 21-15 season that kept fans on their feet and their appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Finally, I recognize the Vandals women's team that lit up the court with a phenomenal 29-6 record, earning their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2016, capped by a huge 60-57 win over rival Montana State. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all of these teams for an electric season and their truly remarkable performance. Go Zags. Go Vandals. All of the fans of the Inland Northwest should never forget how spoiled they are with all of our wonderful teams.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Captain Savino was one of our Nation's heroes, someone who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. We celebrate and mourn all of America's heroes who lose their lives in combat operations or in training, but this loss hits especially close to home for those of us from Washington State. While she was not based at Fairchild Air Force Base, the Fairchild Air Force Base community and all who serve the tanker mission exemplify extraordinary courage and quiet professionalism. Their work of keeping our aircraft fueled and our operations moving is essential to every mission that our Nation undertakes around the world. We are heartbroken by this tragedy. Eastern Washington stands with Captain Savino's family, friends, and the brave airmen and -women of Fairchild. May her memory continue to shine brightly, and may her loved ones find comfort in knowing that she served with honor and deep devotion to the United States of America. Honoring Airman 1st Class Kimberlynn Blood

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Airman Blood is the third generation of her family to serve the United States Air Force, following her great-grandfather and her grandfather. Her father also served in the United States Navy from 2003 to 2008, and several members of her family are veterans or currently serving. Each week, when I come to the floor, I try to recognize one of the bright lights of eastern Washington, and Airman Blood is certainly one of those bright lights. A former Civil Air Patrol member, Airman Blood graduated basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base on December 4, 2025, with honors, ranking in the top 10 percent in her class and as the only female in her squadron. She went on to earn the prestigious Flight Chief Air Award at Sheppard Air Force Base, placing among the top 5 percent of her aircraft fuel systems class. Her first duty assignment will be at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Airman Blood's achievement reflects the patriotism and dedication that run deep in eastern Washington, and her community is incredibly proud of her commitment to serve our Nation. celebrating national agriculture week

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. From wheat and apples to some of the finest chickpeas and lentils in the world, eastern Washington's producers help feed a hungry planet while building healthy soils and strong rural communities. Their resilience, innovation, and work ethic embody the best of the American spirit. Mr. Speaker, I thank all of our hardworking farmers and ranchers across the Nation for all they do and wish all of America a happy National Agriculture Week.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. After graduation, she will attend Gonzaga University School of Law, continuing the tradition of excellence and community commitment that has made Gonzaga a point of pride for so many families in Eastern Washington. Her academic dedication and leadership exemplify the hard work, talent, and community spirit that define the very best of Washington's 5th District. The Miss Spokane Scholarship Organization is a proud local preliminary to the Miss America Organization, providing scholarships to young women while promoting academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement. Tayla's own words capture the heart of that mission. She said, ``As Miss Spokane, I am deeply honored to represent a community that believes in opportunity, growth, and the power of young women to lead and inspire change.'' Tayla has a clear vision for building new community partnerships, expanding opportunities, and empowering other young women to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Tayla--our new Miss Spokane--and an outstanding representative of Eastern Washington.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. No other terrorist regime has claimed more American lives. When the Ayatollahs of Iran chant ``death to America,'' they mean it. President Trump's bold and decisive actions have helped protect American lives and defended our national interests. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind this body of the Iranian regime's ongoing and bloody campaign against the American people. The following is only a partial record. November 1979: Iranian students, backed by the regime, seized our embassy in Tehran and took 66 Americans for 444 days. April 1983: an Iran-backed terrorist group bombed the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, killing 77 Americans. October 1983: Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists bombed the marine barracks in Beirut, killing 241 U.S. military personnel, including 220 Marines. March 1984: Iran-backed terrorists kidnapped CIA Station Chief William Buckley in Beirut. He later died in captivity. July 1989: Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists murdered U.S. Marine Colonel William Higgins after kidnapping him while he was serving on a U.N. peacekeeping mission. Throughout the 1990s, Iran-backed terrorists repeatedly targeted Americans in Israel and the Palestinian territories. April 1995: a car bomb in the Gaza strip killed eight people, including one American citizen. 1995 through 1997: a series of suicide bombings on buses and shopping districts and public places in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv killed and wounded American citizens and dual nationals. June 1996: Hezbollah terrorists directed by Iran bombed the Khobar Towers housing complex in Saudi Arabia, killing 19 U.S. airmen and wounding hundreds more. August 1998: al-Qaida suicide bombers, facilitated by Iran-backed Hezbollah, bombed our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, killing 224 people, including dozens of Americans. In the 2000s, Iran and its proxies continued targeting Americans, including multiple bombings in Jerusalem and at Hebrew University that killed and wounded American citizens. October 2003: Iran-backed terrorists killed three U.S. diplomatic personnel in a bombing in Gaza. Between 2003 and 2011, Iran-backed militias killed at least 603 U.S. troops in Iraq, roughly one in six of every Americans killed in combat and fatalities in that war, including some of my friends. March 2007: former FBI agent Robert Levinson disappeared in Iran and is believed to have died in an Iranian prison, becoming one of the longest held American captives in history. In the last decade, the pattern has continued. December 2019: Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah terrorists killed an American contractor and wounded U.S. servicemembers in a rocket attack in Iraq. January 2020: Iranian ballistic missile attack on Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq left 109 U.S. troops with traumatic brain injuries. February 2021 and July 2021: Iran-backed militias launched rocket and drone attacks that wounded U.S. servicemembers and American contractors in Iraq and Syria. September 2022 and November 2022: Iran and IRGC-linked operatives killed American citizens in Iraqi Kurdistan and Baghdad. March 2023: an Iranian drone strike on a coalition base in Syria killed an American contractor and wounded five U.S. servicemembers and another contractor. October 7, 2023: Iran-backed Hamas terrorists murdered 46 Americans and kidnapped at least a dozen more in the October 7 massacre. Between 2023 and November 2024: Iran and its proxies conducted more than 180 attacks on U.S. Forces in the Middle East, wounding over 180 American servicemembers and killing three. January 2024: Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah terrorists killed three U.S. servicemembers and wounded more than 40 in a drone attack on a U.S. base in Jordan. November 2024: an Iranian national and IRGC asset was charged in a plot to assassinate President Trump on behalf of the Iranian regime. June 2025: Iran-backed militias attacked multiple U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq, again targeting American troops. Mr. Speaker, this is only a partial list of Iran's bloody war on American citizens. For decades, administrations of both parties have understood this threat. President Trump's actions are part of a necessary effort to defend American lives. I spent a lot of time in the Middle East in a lot of places, and there has been one constant: Iranian-backed terrorist groups have always been trying to kill Americans. That ends now.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. President Trump's actions are a long time coming, well-meaning, and well- deserved. I had the opportunity and the privilege to serve with the United States State Department during the Iraq surge, where I participated in putting together a joint U.S.-Iraqi interagency team to suppress Iranian-backed militia groups in Baghdad. These were very, very bad guys. One of the things that they did was use what is called an explosively form penetrator. Al-Qaida and the Sunni groups would bake a lot of explosives on their roof and make big bombs. What the Iranians would do was make a special kind of bomb with a copper plate that would get an explosive, and it could punch right through our armor. One day, on a trip to Sadr City, I watched a massive what is called an MRAP, armored personnel carrier, explode in front of me from an Iranian bomb and watched as that hulking metal burned to a crisp as American servicemen and -women sought to deal with the aftermath. This terrorist regime has killed thousands of their countrymen and killed Americans across the Middle East, and it is time for them to come to an end. This is a partisan political maneuver by the Democrats, and they should be ashamed for what they are doing to put our servicemen and -women in danger.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. After the 9/11 attacks, Josh enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve his country. During his second deployment to Afghanistan, he was gravely injured by an improvised explosive device, losing both legs above the knee. Despite these injuries, Josh returned home to continue to serve, founding Angel Peak Adaptive Sports with his wife, Samantha, to help other wounded veterans and athletes experience the freedom of adaptive skiing. Yet, the unlevel terrain and narrow spaces of their current home make daily life difficult. That is why the great group Homes For Our Troops is stepping in to build Josh a specially adapted home, giving him the safety, independence, and access he has earned through his service. Madam Speaker, Sergeant Elliott embodies the courage, resilience, and community spirit of eastern Washington, and we are proud to call him one of our own. We are also grateful to Homes For Our Troops for providing this needed assistance. Recognizing Military Recruiters

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. These men and women are often the first connection that young Americans have to military service. They open doors to opportunity, education, and leadership, while ensuring our Nation remains a strong and ready force. I call upon the memory of one of my favorite Presidents, President JFK, and think about his statement: ``Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.'' Madam Speaker, I call on all the parents of eastern Washington and all the teachers and principals to have a conversation with our fine recruiters and talk about what career paths their young people in their homes and their schools may have in protecting our country with our military. Recognizing Spokane Chinese Association and Spokane Chinese Christian Church

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. The music and dance performances showcase not only extraordinary talent but also the spirit of unity and joy that defines this wonderful celebration. In eastern Washington, we are proud to have such a vibrant Asian- American community. For more than 170 years, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander families have helped to shape the cultural fabric of the inland Northwest. As we celebrate this season of new beginnings, may it bring good health, prosperity, and joy to them and their families. I am proud to join in honoring the start of a new year filled with hope and good fortune. Madam Speaker, I thank the Spokane Chinese Association and the Spokane Chinese Christian Church for inviting me to such a wonderful celebration, and I wish them a Happy Lunar New Year.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Just this week, for the first time in over a month, he returned to Colfax High School not to coach but to cheer on his son, Adrik, on Senior Night. Despite the toll of his treatments, Coach Jenkin's trademark positivity and radiant smile lit up the gym as he hugged his seniors and encouraged his team from the sidelines. That night, Adrik delivered an incredible 38-point performance, leading the Bulldogs to victory and completing a perfect 20-0 season. Yet, the true victory was seeing Coach Jenkin there, living proof of the strength that love, faith, and community provide. The entire Colfax community, including the entire eastern Washington community, stands behind Coach Jenkin as he continues this fight. His perseverance, humility, and devotion remind us all of what real leadership looks like both on and off the court. World Pulses Day

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Pulses are a powerhouse crop, rich in protein, packed with nutrients, and a cornerstone of healthy diets across the globe. They are also a win for our soil and our climate. By fixing nitrogen naturally, they reduce the need for fertilizers that help sustain productive farmland for future generations. In communities on the Palouse like Pullman, Colton, and Moscow, chickpeas and lentils aren't just an agricultural success story. They are a symbol of innovation, stewardship, and community pride. As we mark World Pulses Day, let's recognize these growers and the vital role they play in strengthening both our food system and our rural economies. Celebrating Pat Tully