Michael Baumgartner

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Spokane High School. Brycen was named a two-time U.S. Paralympics Track and Field High School All-American, and he is somebody who has overcome tremendous challenges. After suffering a stroke at age 3, Brycen was left with paralysis on his right side, a condition called hemiplegia. Despite having to relearn how to walk, talk, and perform daily tasks, he never gave up. Brycen found his competitive spirit on the track. Representing Mt. Spokane, he has won multiple State titles and competed on the national stage, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Brycen Phillips is a total stud, and the entire Congress and the entire Republic deserve to hear his story, and they now have.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Sarah served as chief operating officer of CHAS Health and spent her career lifting up others. From her work at Providence to CHAS and beyond, she led with vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to her community. She made a lasting impact on healthcare in eastern Washington. Sarah is survived by her husband, Erick, and her two teenage children. Their loss is unimaginable. It is a loss felt deeply by the entire Spokane community. May her memory live on in the lives she touched. Future Farmers of America Inspire the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. All are deeply rooted in rural Washington. Our conversation highlighted how growing up in farming communities shapes their values. With hard work, responsibility, and a strong connection to the land, their experiences keep them grounded and committed to preserving the future of agriculture. The Future Farmers of America plays a critical role in educating and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. It was inspiring to hear firsthand how these students are embracing that responsibility with humility, passion, and purpose. I truly valued our conversation and look forward to strengthening this connection and championing the FAA's mission to inspire and empower the next generation of agricultural leaders. Honoring Bryan Braman

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Despite these challenges, Bryan's deep Spokane roots and the strength of his family shaped a resilient young man determined to rise above adversity. That determination would go on to define his life and his career. Bryan attended Shadle Park High School where he was an outstanding track and field athlete before deciding to join the football team. With exceptional athletic talent and unwavering resilience, he conquered every obstacle in his life, ultimately rising to prominence as an NFL linebacker and earning a Superbowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. Known for his relentless spirit and generosity, even in his final days, Bryan rallied family and friends for a joyful ice cream night during the final stages of his battle with cancer. His spirit was and remains unbreakable. Bryan passed away last week, but his legacy lives on in his daughters, Blakely and Marlowe; his family; and all who were fortunate to know him. Spokane is proud to call Bryan Braman one of its own, and his beautiful life will continue to inspire us all.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Larry's career is a testament to true public service. Before serving as a prosecutor, he was a B-1 and B-52 pilot in the U.S. Air Force and a lieutenant colonel who answered the call to duty after 9/11, serving bravely in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. After retiring from the military in 2005, Larry returned to Spokane to continue his work in the prosecuting attorney's office, where he was elected in 2014 and has since dedicated himself to justice in our community. Over the years, Larry has tackled some of the toughest cases--murder, assaults, gun crimes, gangs, witness intimidation--always with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service. Larry once said that being elected to his office was one of the greatest honors of his life, and it is clear he poured his heart and soul into this work. He also showed wisdom and humility, knowing when it is time to pass the torch. As Larry steps into retirement, I thank him for his courage, dedication, and service, both in uniform and in the courtroom. Spokane County and our entire region owe Larry Haskell a debt of gratitude. I congratulate Larry on a job well done and wish him all the best in his next chapter. Firefighters Run Toward Danger

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Every day, nearly 1 million volunteer and career firefighters across our country suit up, knowing they may not return home. They run toward danger when many others run away. They give up holidays, time with their children, and nights of sleep so we can live safely. Today, I rise to honor three of them, three men from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue who answered the call of duty and paid the price for their courage in an act of senseless and evil violence. Mr. Speaker, Battalion Chiefs John Morrison and Frank Harwood were not only respected leaders in the fire service, they were pillars of the Coeur d'Alene community. They were proud husbands, fathers, and friends. They were the kind of men who showed up before anyone asked, who did the work no one saw, and who led not with titles but with strength and humility. Gabe Eckert, president of Local 710, recalled his last memory with John Morrison. They were just two men on the patio, quietly drinking beers and talking about their dads. That is who these men were, constantly striving to serve the public and the people closest to them. We lost more than firefighters. We lost role models. Engineer David Tysdal was also critically injured in the attack. He has now endured three major surgeries. By God's grace, he is steadily recovering. If he is listening today, we encourage David to stay strong. He carries the prayers of gratitude of a nation with him. Mr. Speaker, this violence was not just a tragedy. It was an outrage. An attack on these men was an attack on the very fabric of our community. That anyone would target them with such brutality should chill us to the bone. The deaths of John Morrison and Frank Harwood and the injury of David Tysdal are a devastating reminder of the cost of service. To the loved ones mourning these brave men, no words will ever be enough. May they find comfort in knowing their courage echoes far beyond Coeur d'Alene.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. I am inspired in thinking about the big, beautiful bill of not only this President but two of my favorite former Presidents. The first would be President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who realized-- getting the appropriate quote--realized the negative impacts of high tax rates. Indeed, roughly 60 years ago, President Kennedy warned: ``The largest single barrier to full employment of our manpower and resources and to a higher rate of economic growth is the unrealistically heavy drag of Federal income taxes on private purchasing power, initiative, and incentive.'' Indeed, I have little doubt that President Kennedy would be a big fan of the big, beautiful bill. Similarly, President Reagan realized peace through strength was how America could defeat the communist Soviet Union. He realized how missile defense was key to facing up to the challenge of the communists. Today, the big, beautiful bill puts much-needed funding into missile defense through the Golden Dome system. I encourage every American that cares about making our country wealthier and safer to support the big, beautiful bill.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Born in Los Angeles, educated at WSU, an Army veteran, a professor in geography, and a coach in the truest, oldest, most honorable sense of the word. From 1968 to 1994, Chaplin transformed WSU from a modest program into a global track and field powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Cougars captured 19 Top-4 NCAA trophies, won 218 All-American honors, and crowned 17 individual NCAA champions. His dual-meet record--202 wins to just 15 losses. Nine undefeated seasons. Six national dual meet titles. He coached Olympic gold medalists, world record holders, and world champions--and he did it not in Los Angeles or Austin, but in Pullman, Washington, on the rolling hills of the Palouse. Chaplin's recruits came from Spokane, Seattle and from all corners of the globe--young men chasing opportunity, education, and excellence. Henry Rono, Julius Korir, Bernard Lagat--these weren't just track stars. They were ambassadors of what college sports can be: meritocratic, international, and transformational. But Chaplin was more than a coach. He was a statesman of the sport. He served as U.S. Olympic Head Coach in Sydney in 2000, where his athletes won six gold medals. He chaired the USA Track & Field Men's Committee, refereed NCAA and international championships, advised federations from Russia to Senegal, and lectured on coaching from Argentina to China. He brought honor to his profession and to Washington State. Mr. Speaker, I must tell you this: The very program he built is being hollowed out. Just last week, WSU announced the elimination of field events and a dramatic reduction in sprints and hurdles. Of the forty- five Cougar Olympians, twenty of them came in field events. The legacy of Chaplin, and the athletes he coached, is being boxed in by a system that no longer rewards broad-based opportunity. Yes, these cuts come in the shadow of the House v. NCAA settlement. A legal sledgehammer that forces schools like WSU into an unsustainable economic model that drains the lifeblood from Olympic sports. Chaplin's world record holders? His All-Americans? In today's system, they're expendable. We can fix this. We must. Not with more lawsuits, not with blank checks for the Power Four--but with federal reform that restores equity, sustains opportunity, and honors the values that John Chaplin stood for. If we lose the spirit of Cougar Track, we're not just losing a program. We're losing a piece of what college sports was meant to be.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. His name is John Prescott Chaplin, born in Los Angeles, educated at WSU, an Army veteran, a professor in geography, and a coach in the truest, oldest, most honorable sense of the word. From 1968 to 1994, Chaplin transformed WSU from a modest program into a global track and field powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Cougars captured 19 top-four NCAA trophies, won 218 All-American honors, and crowned 17 individual NCAA champions. His dual meet record was 202 wins to just 15 losses, 9 undefeated seasons, and 6 national dual meet titles. Chaplin coached Olympic gold medalists, world record holders, and world champions, and he did it not in Los Angeles or Austin but in Pullman, Washington, on the rolling hills of the Palouse. John Chaplin's recruits came from Spokane, Seattle, and all corners of the globe, young men chasing opportunity, education, and excellence. Henry Rono, Julius Korir, and Bernard Lagat weren't just track stars. They were ambassadors for what college sports can be: meritocratic, international, and transformational. Chaplin was more than just a coach. He was a statesman of the sport. He served as U.S. Olympic head coach in Sydney in 2000, where his athletes won six gold medals. John Chaplin also chaired the USA Men's Track and Field Committee, refereed NCAA and international championships, advised federations from Russia to Senegal, and lectured on coaching from Argentina to China. John Chaplin brought honor to his profession and Washington State University. Mr. Speaker, I must tell you this. This very program he built is, unfortunately, being hollowed out. Just last week, WSU announced the elimination of field events and a dramatic reduction in sprints and hurdles. Of the 45 Cougar Olympians, 20 of them were in field events. The legacy of Chaplin and the athletes he coached is being boxed in by a college athletic system that no longer rewards broad-based opportunity. Yes, these cuts come in the shadow of the House v. NCAA settlement, a legal sledgehammer that forces schools like WSU to pay football and basketball players while draining the lifeblood of Olympic sports. Chaplin's world record holders and his All-Americans in today's system are expendable. We can fix this. We must fix this, not with more lawsuits, not with blank checks for the Power Four, not with unlimited authority to the commissioner of the SEC and the commissioner of the Big Ten, but with Federal reform that restores equity, sustains opportunity, and honors the values of folks like John Chaplin. If we lose the spirit of Cougar track, we are not just losing a program. We are losing a piece of what college sports were meant to be. Honoring Tony Canadeo

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Tony's grit and talent carried him all the way to the Green Bay Packers, where he became one of the NFL's greats. He wasn't just a player. He was a pioneer and Hall of Famer whose No. 3 jersey was retired, a symbol of his lasting impact on one of college football's most storied franchises. Tony's legacy goes beyond the field. A proud son of Italian immigrants, a dedicated family man, and a man of faith and character shaped by Gonzaga's Jesuit principles, he helped build the Packers' dynasty and even played a role in bringing Vince Lombardi to Green Bay. Tony was Gonzaga's first national star. As Gonzaga makes its historic entry into the PAC-12, joining institutions that will now be showcased nationally, the storied legacy of Tony's athletes will be told to the Nation. Tony's story had been forgotten for some time until local Spokane resident Dave Parks rediscovered it, and I want to honor Dave Parks for his heartfelt research and his call to hang the jersey of Tony Canadeo in the rafters of Gonzaga University's sports hall. I thank Dave for bringing this story back to light and for the work he does for our community.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. However, the Washington State high school record books will tell a different story. Last weekend, a transgender athlete claimed the Class 2A girls' State title in the 400-meter dash for the second year in a row. Every person in this country deserves dignity and respect, but this outcome is unfair and deeply troubling. Keeping women's sports female is common sense and an issue that unites the vast majority of Americans. Transgender males should not be competing in girls' athletic events. It is not just unfair. It is a betrayal of the young women who dedicate themselves to excellence through hard work and training. Like many others, I welcomed President Trump's executive order earlier this year, keeping men out of women's sports, as a step in the right direction. However, in Washington State, the law still requires schools to allow participation in sports based on gender identity, not biological sex. That violates Title IX and Federal protections for women's athletics. We honor these young ladies like Lauren Matthews for their commitment, their discipline, and their performance. Moreover, we will keep fighting to ensure fairness in women's sports is not just a talking point but a promise kept. Their achievements deserve to be celebrated. Here in this Chamber, Lauren Matthews and all the young female athletes out there just like her are celebrated. Here in the Halls of Washington, D.C., in our Nation's Capitol on the floor of Congress, I am proud to recognize Lauren as the champion of the State 400-meter dash. She is an outstanding athlete and an inspiration to so many young girls and young athletes out there, including my own. Mr. Speaker, I encourage Lauren to keep running hard, keep working, keep inspiring, keep winning, and know that we in Congress have her back.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. For communities across eastern Washington, the relief cannot come soon enough. For years, rural communities with large amounts of Federal land faced a structural disadvantage. They can't collect property taxes on those lands, yet they are still expected to keep schools open, maintain roads, and provide public safety. The Forest Service manages millions of acres in our region, but it is our local government that is left holding the bag. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act helps fix that broken system. It restores stable, reliable funding to rural counties that host Federal forests by reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program through fiscal year 2026. That means that our county commissioners and local leaders can plan with confidence, knowing that the Federal Government will keep its promise to pay predictable-share forest revenues to the school districts that I represent. I have heard directly from our county leaders in Asotin, Ferry, Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Walla Walla Counties. The uncertainty is real. Some are facing a 40 percent cut. This puts rural services and teaching jobs at risk. Fortunately, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers the kind of support that they need and deserve. Now, it is time for the Senate to act. Let's get it to the President's desk and deliver for rural America. Our communities have waited long enough. Celebrating U.S. Army's 250th Anniversary

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. For 2\1/2\ centuries, the Army has stood as a pillar of strength, sacrifice, and service. From the earliest days of our Nation's founding to today's complex challenges, Army soldiers have defended our freedoms, upheld our values, and protected the American people with unwavering courage. This historic anniversary reminds us of the countless sacrifices made by generations of men and women in uniform, those who have answered the call to serve, often at great personal cost. On this special occasion, we honor their legacy of dedication and resilience that continues to inspire all of us. To the brave soldiers, past and present, I thank them for their service. Happy 250th birthday, U.S. Army. Congratulating Dr. Anjan Bose

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Please join me in congratulating Regents Professor Anjan Bose of WSU for receiving the prestigious IEEE Power and Energy Society's Lifetime Achievement Award. This is one of the highest honors in the field and a testament to Dr. Bose's groundbreaking work in power grid automation, control, and education. His research not only shaped the future of global energy systems but has also inspired and educated generations of engineers in eastern Washington and beyond. We are fortunate to have such world-class expertise in our region, and this award is a proud moment for WSU and our entire State. I congratulate Dr. Bose. As always, Go Cougs.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. As such, Mike Leach will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2027. Mike Leach wasn't just a coach. He was the most influential mind in college football in the last 30 years. No one is more deserving of being in the Hall of Fame. Mike was a pioneer. He was the architect of the Air Raid offense, a system that changed the game and launched the careers of countless players and coaches. It revolutionized football from the high school level to the heights of the NFL. More than that, Mike Leach was a thinker and a storyteller. In life, for me, he was a cherished friend. Most Hall of Fame coaches inherit programs steeped in tradition. Mike didn't. In fact, he didn't even play football at the college level. He was a rugby player who earned a law degree. He took on the challenge of rebuilding, starting at the lowest levels of college football. He worked his way up in the true American Dream fashion. He coached at Texas Tech, Mississippi State, and, most importantly for me, at Washington State University. He didn't just win games; he changed cultures. He made football fun, fearless, and innovative. Off the field, Mike was just as remarkable. A few years back, together, we created and taught the insurgent warfare in football class at Washington State University, which we then taught on a special basis at Mississippi State University. When I first met Mike, I had come off some time working with the State Department in Iraq where I had the privilege of working very closely with General Petraeus and came to know General Mattis. When I thought about Mike and the connection to football and how he was an innovator and an insurgent warrior, I thought about the football analogy. General Petraeus and General Mattis would be a little more like Nick Saban. How do we win when we have all the heavy firepower, the four-star and five-star recruits? Mike was more like Ho Chi Minh, sitting out in the jungle. How do we win with two-star recruits and three-star recruits? We created this class to look at asymmetric strategy. It was a great success and great fun. Mike and I would speak two to three times per week, often about politics and culture. Together, we traveled the world, visiting over 10 countries, from Israel to Dubai, Tanzania to Panama. He was a pirate with a playbook. He was intellectually curious, endlessly witty, and genuinely kind. His insights on leadership, war, and human nature are a fundamental reason of why I am here today. Mike and I also talked about him running for office someday. Not many folks know that, but he looked seriously at coming to Congress. At the time he did so, I told him that he has a young team. He is making over $5 million a year. He can always run again. Unfortunately, he was taken from us too soon when he passed. His legacy lives on, and his greatest love was for people, for his players, his friends, and his family. Coach Leach finished with a career just .004 below the previous threshold-winning percentage for the Hall of Fame. With last week's decision by the National Football Foundation to revise the rule, the door is now open, and rightfully so. If the Hall of Fame is about more than just numbers, if it is about impact, innovation, and legacy, then Mike Leach belongs there without question. I urge the foundation to complete this long overdue recognition. Mr. Speaker, I say to my friend, who I have no doubt is watching Congress every day, that he always did things his own way. Now, even the Hall of Fame is catching up to him.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. For nearly 90 years, this unit has called the city of Spokane home. Once stationed downtown, it now stands watch near the banks of the Spokane 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. The 161st Infantry carries a storied legacy. They fought with honor in the Philippine Insurrection, stood guard along the southern border during the Pancho Villa raids, and served in France during World War I. These citizen soldiers served with distinction across the Pacific in World War II, and deployed multiple times as part of the 81st Brigade Combat Team during the global war on terrorism. Their battle streamers reflect the best of American valor and commitment. Yet, just as importantly, they have answered the call at home, mobilizing in the face of wildfires; floods; snowstorms, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. When Washingtonians needed their help, the Guard was there. These are our neighbors, our coworkers, and our sons and daughters. For generations, they have trained and deployed from Spokane, not just for war but for peace, safety, and recovery. On this Memorial Day, we thank them. We remember those who laid down their lives in uniform, and we honor the Spokane Readiness Center as a pillar of strength in both our Nation's defense and our local community. May their legacy never be forgotten, and may our gratitude be as enduring as their service. Honoring the Holstine Family and Heroes Homestead

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. This wasn't only a walk; it was a community coming together to honor service, support healing, and walk alongside veteran families who have borne the burden of war long after coming home. Andrew served in the Marines and survived a tragic Osprey crash in 2000 that claimed the lives of 19 fellow marines, including his best friends. The invisible wounds he carried didn't just affect him, but they impacted his whole family. After years of struggle, the Holstines left everything behind to create something new: a place for veterans and their families to heal together. Heroes Homestead was born from that journey. The 5K and the community fair was part of a growing movement to restore purpose, connection, and joy to those who have served and those who stood by those who have served. They have a national vision: healing centers near every U.S. military hub. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Holstines and all who participated in the 5K. This is what serving veterans looks like.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, this week, the President travels to the Middle East on an important trip. It is a moment of great opportunity but also serious risk. As the U.S. pursues deeper partnerships across the gulf, we must remember that American leadership cannot rest on one- off deals or delusions of grand bargains. Our ambitions cannot outpace reality. Most importantly, Iran lurks in the background of every conversation. Tehran is itching to play spoiler. Its nuclear ambitions and proxy networks remain the chief threat to regional stability, yet we have a rare moment of leverage. Iran's economy is in shambles. Its proxies are degraded, and its air defenses have been exposed. That is why I introduced a resolution reaffirming that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is a nonnegotiable American priority. It reinforces deterrence, clarifies expectations, and ensures congressional oversight, especially regarding any use of force. We must not miss this moment. Iran continues to be a serious threat and the main detriment to peace in the Middle East. College Sports Are Broken

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. What used to be about school pride and student opportunity has turned into a chaotic, booster-fueled arms race. Regional conferences have been blown apart for television deals, Olympic sports are getting cut, and the balance between education and athletics is long gone. This isn't the first time a President has had to step in. In 1905, it was Theodore Roosevelt who summoned the top schools to the White House to save college football from itself. He didn't kill the game; he saved it by demanding rules, safety, and common sense. We need that same leadership today, and that is why I am so pleased by President Trump's potential actions. Let me be clear: College sports are a highly publicly subsidized enterprise. It runs on Federal exemptions, tuition subsidies, land grants, student fees, and State dollars. Yet, as public dollars prop up the system, the money is ballooning and concentrating. According to a 2023 report from the Knight Commission, annual revenues across all FBS athletic programs are expected to reach nearly $21 billion by 2032. Here is the kicker: More than $16 billion of that is concentrated in just 54 schools. While college sports are important to the entire country, roster spots across all sports are shrinking. That is why I introduced the Restore College Sports Act to put commonsense guardrails back into place. It restores regional conferences so student athletes aren't crisscrossing the country for absurd TV contracts. It reestablishes competitive balance so the richest programs don't write all the rules. It creates the same transparent revenue-sharing model that protects Title IX, sustains Olympic sports, and keeps student athletes, not donors and agents, at the center of college sports. Mr. Speaker, I thank President Trump for considering this action, and I call on Congress to work together in a bipartisan fashion to save competitive college sports by restoring competitive balance across the landscape.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Salo, who tragically passed on April 25th in an off-duty vehicle accident near Metaline, in Pend Oreille County. He was just 36 years old--a life full of promise, commitment, and courage, taken far too soon. Agent Salo was more than just a dedicated public servant--he was a protector of our Nation's borders, a proud member of the U.S. Border Patrol's Spokane Sector, and a valued agent assigned to the Metaline Falls Station. He carried out his duties with integrity, honor, and quiet strength. Those who served alongside him remember him not only for his professionalism, but for the kindness, loyalty, and sense of duty he brought to every shift. His sudden passing is a painful reminder of the risks and sacrifices that the men and women in law enforcement face--both on and off duty. Agent Salo's story is one of dedication, bravery, and selflessness. Today, we pause not only to mourn his loss, but to celebrate his life and express our gratitude. He leaves behind a legacy of service that will not be forgotten. To his family, friends, and fellow agents, I extend my most heartfelt condolences. May they find comfort in knowing that his life made a difference, and that his memory will continue to inspire us all.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Representing eastern Washington, these exceptional students, Sahil Ganjyal, Jack Carper, Leon Liu, Kevin Chi, and Nathan Kostenko, earned their spot at nationals by winning the Inland Northwest Regional Science Bowl this spring. At the competition, they joined 63 of their top high school teams from across the country to compete in one of the most prestigious science competitions in the Nation. This team from Pullman not only showcased their talent on the national stage, but they reminded us why it matters to invest in STEM education and to recognize young people who are willing to push themselves, think deeply, and work together in the pursuit of excellence. They have made their fellow Pullman Greyhounds proud, including myself, which includes their families and all of eastern Washington. I offer my heartfelt congratulations and encourage them to keep reaching higher. Their future and ours is bright.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Gabriel Fensler was a much-loved son and brother who had struggled with addiction but had fought hard for his recovery. Gabriel relapsed one day after his 24th birthday. Fentanyl is a crisis. In Spokane, we are feeling the weight of it. Last year alone, 270 lives were lost to fentanyl overdoses in Spokane County. It is a national epidemic that we must address with urgency. We must stop fentanyl from hitting our streets, and border security is a part of that. Last year, over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl were seized at our borders, enough to kill billions. A recent executive order ended duty-free treatment for low-cost goods from China, which have been exploited as a major pathway to smuggle illicit drugs into the U.S. It was a measure that had bipartisan support. Alongside law enforcement efforts, we must help those in recovery, like Gabriel, with comprehensive treatment and community support. Gabriel's remarkable mother, Kitara Johnson-Jones, has turned her immense heartbreak into a call for action, launching Gabriel's Challenge, a community response to fentanyl, starting on Mother's Day and extending to Father's Day. She is rallying the community to identify the gaps in support for addiction recovery and urging connection and action. It is a call to pray, a call to talk, and a call to engage. In Kitara's own words: No matter how many differences we have, we have one thing in common, and that is the serial killer in our community named fentanyl, and we can all rally behind that. Mr. Speaker, let us join her in this fight in honor of Gabriel and so many others and work together to combat this fentanyl crisis.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. Why? It is because college sports is on a downward trajectory, and the magic of what used to make it special is gone. Now the House v. NCAA settlement will unleash even more chaos with no plan to protect small schools, Olympic sports, or competitive balance. That is why tonight I am introducing the Restore College Sports Act. It replaces the NCAA with a new entity under Presidential authority to regulate public college sports as a public good. It fixes the NIL transfer process to eliminate chaos, and it equally shares revenue across all sports and all schools to increase opportunities in Olympic sports and create competitive balance. Mr. Speaker, indeed, tonight is a big moment with the Restore College Sports Act.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Chair, it is an honor to be a Member of this august body, and as the son of a university professor who cares deeply about higher education and a former State Department officer who cares deeply about American national security, I am excited and proud to sponsor this bill. Indeed, there are many wonderful things that happen on American university campuses, but there are also some nefarious and concerning issues on American campuses that deal with foreign adversaries. Indeed, Mr. Chairman, the numbers do not lie. Foreign adversaries have poured billions into American universities, and much of it remains hidden from public view. In just two universities alone, congressional investigators have uncovered nearly $40 million in unreported research contracts tied to the Chinese Communist Party. Nearly 30 percent of disclosed foreign funding lack even basic details like contract dates or intended purpose. Current regulations permit anonymous giving. These are not clerical errors. This is a systemic failure, one that has left our institutions wide open to foreign influence with real consequences for American society. Let's be clear. Every dollar from an adversarial nation comes with strings attached, expectations about what gets taught, which research gets funded, and who gets hired or silenced. We are already seeing the consequences. The committee report accompanying the DETERRENT Act highlighted research from the Network Contagion Research Institute, which analyzed foreign funding data between 2024 and 2019 and found that universities receiving undisclosed donations from Middle Eastern sources saw, on average, 300 percent more anti-Semitic incidents than other institutions. Correlation is not causation, but one thing is certain: Secrecy allows these influences to operate unchecked and unexamined. The less we know about where this money is coming from and what it is funding, the easier it is for malign actors to push their agendas without scrutiny. The problem is far bigger than any one country. Sixty percent of all foreign money in U.S. universities comes from just four sources, including China and Qatar, nations that oftentimes have strategic and ideological conflicts with U.S. interests. Despite this, 70 percent of universities fail to comply with foreign funding reporting requirements. Worse, universities can simply list foreign donors as anonymous, further obscuring the source of gifts. How can we claim to protect academic integrity when billions in foreign influence remain hidden in the shadows? This is why the DETERRENT Act is necessary. It closes reporting loopholes; it requires universities to fully disclose the source, purpose, and terms of all foreign gifts; and it imposes real consequences for noncompliance, including fines and loss of Federal funding. It also ensures transparency in private university endowments, preventing foreign adversaries from quietly shaping campuses' culture and academic research behind closed doors. The American people want to know when foreign countries, including our adversaries, are active on our college campuses. That is what this bill is about. Universities have a choice to lead now with accountability.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. 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. What happened last night was beneath the dignity of the House and beneath the dignity of the American people. I say that as someone who is new to this body. I also point out how it was perceived and how it may have been interpreted. As Members know, each Member of the House receives a guest ticket. I decided to give my guest ticket, the first one that I was able to give for this kind of occasion, to a teacher from eastern Washington. I gave it to her with the goal of inspiring an interest in civics and public service in the next generation of young people. In fact, we ran a competition for students to nominate their teacher, and the winning teacher that came had never before been to Washington, D.C., had never been to the Halls of Congress, and was so excited that she was here to watch the joint session. I have no idea what her political beliefs were, no idea whether she is Republican or Democrat or Independent. She was just excited to be here as part of this experiment in democracy that we have. All of her students were watching from home. While it can be regrettable, and it happens on both sides, when people have a spontaneous outburst of emotion and maybe say something they shouldn't, what I saw and what I worry about what her students saw last night was a continued premeditated attack, and some might even say the appearance of a violent and threatening action with the cane. That may not have been the intent, but I worry that those students perceived what I saw as I watched was a scene that was beneath the dignity of this House, beneath the dignity of the American people, and certainly beneath the dignity of our President. At some point, America cannot continue on this slide towards continual partisan fighting and all of the divisiveness. We all need to do better, including myself and I think every Member of this body. Let's join together on this. Let's join together and realize that this episode was beneath the dignity of what the American people expect from Congress. Let's have this be a new beginning in civility from a low point that this body can rise and behave in the manner, I think, that all of the American people want it to behave, and certainly those high school students that were watching from home, who were so excited that their teacher was here to experience this special moment.