Greg Gianforte

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership on this. Taxpayers do have a right to know, and hopefully as that bill moves to the President's desk, it will actually happen. At this time, I welcome the gentleman from Texas' 27th Congressional District, Representative Michael Cloud, here today. He was a member of the GEAR Task Force and really brought a number of ideas to the table, and he is here today to reflect on a number of those. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud).

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Armstrong for his work. Permitting is an area where we can really make advances to make the process more deterministic so we can get projects on the ground going. I thank the gentleman for his leadership there. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan's Seventh District, Representative Tim Walberg, and I want to recognize him for his work on the Taxpayers Right-to-Know effort. I thank the gentleman for his leadership. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to hold this Special Order on the Republican Study Committee's GEAR Task Force. I thank Mike Johnson, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, for his leadership to make this task force possible. We started GEAR, which stands for Government Efficiency, Accountability, and Reform, to develop a playbook of commonsense, nonpartisan solutions for improving our government. We came up with more than 100 improvements. They are all recorded in our report, which is now available, and I am excited to yield to my colleagues to talk about them here today. We will start with my good friend from North Dakota, Representative Kelly Armstrong, who was a member of the task force and really led our efforts to find these areas where we could reform. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Armstrong).

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Emily Hergenrider of Laurel for her resilience as she faces life's challenges and her leadership. A senior at Laurel High School, Emily was born with 16 congenital heart defects and has had seven open-heart surgeries. They are a huge part of Emily's life, but she has not let them define her. Emily faced one of her most challenging times in seventh grade. She had gone through her seventh open-heart surgery and was missing a lot of school. As a result, it was recommended she be held back for a year. Not wanting to do that, Emily refused to let the circumstances get the best of her, and instead used it as motivation. Emily worked diligently to catch up in school, even as she recovered from surgery and attended numerous follow-up visits. Today, five years later, her hard work and drive have paid off. Emily is reaching her full potential and is expected to graduate in May. In addition to her success in the classroom, Emily serves as president of the Laurel High School chapter of Future Farmers of America. She says she fell in love with agriculture because of her dad. She dreams of one day becoming a rancher and owning cattle. Emily says FFA, along with her other extracurricular activities, have motivated her to come to school even when she isn't feeling well. Emily says she plans to continue her education and earn a degree in ag business or ag management. She even already has a few heads of her own cattle. Madam Speaker, for her persistence and perseverance in the face of life's challenges and for her leadership and service, I recognize Emily Hergenrider of Laurel for her Spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, many Montanans live in frontier and rural areas where access to doctors and specialists is a big challenge. They don't worry about when they can see a doctor; they worry if there is even a doctor to see. For Montana seniors with mobility issues, getting out to see a doctor can be difficult and can delay their care leading to worse health outcomes. Montana, unfortunately, also has the highest suicide rate in the Nation. Thousands of Montanans lack adequate access to mental healthcare. Telehealth can fix these problems. Telehealth increases access to care, brings down healthcare costs, and, in some cases, saves lives. Unfortunately, Federal telehealth programs have been poorly managed. Currently, 10 different Federal agencies operate telehealth programs with little or no coordination between them. That is why Chairwoman Eshoo and I have worked for months on ways to improve and increase telehealth services. I appreciate her leadership on this important issue. Today, we introduce the National Telehealth Strategy and Data Advancement Act. Our bill reauthorizes telehealth grant programs, provides greater oversight of Federal agencies, and helps implement telehealth programs across the country. Using modern technology to make healthcare more accessible is a commonsense solution. It will particularly help us with our rural doctor shortage in Montana. This bill will ensure that patients can have access to doctors and specialists in a way that is convenient for them. I look forward to working on this bipartisan bill. It is a critical step as we ensure all Americans, particularly those in our rural and frontier areas, have access to better, affordable healthcare.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today, ahead of the Super Bowl, to honor Mike Person of Glendive for his resiliency and determination and for serving as an example of never giving up on your dreams. Two weeks ago, Person helped the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers to earn a spot in Super Bowl LIV. As an offensive lineman, he helped the 49ers rack up 287 rushing yards and set a new franchise record for rushing yards from one running back in a game. Person's story starts in Glendive where he was born and raised. In high school, he was a three-time all-conference selection in Montana's Eastern A division. He earned offensive lineman of the year honors twice while playing for the Red Devils. For his junior and senior seasons, he was all-state and selected for Montana's East-West Shrine Game as well as the Knights of Columbus Badlands Bowl. Person then went to play for Montana State University where he became a first-team all-conference selection, first-team all-American, and a Big Sky Conference champion. Person's story, however, is about more than statistics and honors. It's about Person's challenging journey to get to where he is today. In 2011, Person was a seventh-round draft pick for San Francisco. Nothing is guaranteed in the National Football League, especially for a seventh-round pick. For the first part of his career, Person was a journeyman, playing for six different teams. He was released midseason from three different teams which eventually made it to the Super Bowl. For some players, that much adversity would lead to an early retirement, but Person stood strong and kept moving forward until he eventually returned to the 49ers. In May 2018, Person's hard work and dedication paid off, and he signed a contract to play with the 49ers. Then in March 2019, San Francisco gave him a three-year extension, and now he'll play in the Super Bowl on Sunday. Madam Speaker, for his tenacity and resiliency, I recognize Mike Person of Glendive for his Spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Washington for yielding. He has been a leader in our efforts to reform the Endangered Species Act and to return management of wolves back to the States. I also thank the chairman of the Western Caucus, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar). Congressman Gosar has been instrumental in putting together this package of 17 bills to modernize the Endangered Species Act. I wish we were here tonight to celebrate the successful recovery of the grizzly bear in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and elsewhere. The great news is the grizzly has recovered. Unfortunately, constant litigation has prevented the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from delisting the bear and returning management to the States. I brought Secretary Bernhardt of the Department of the Interior to meet with families, ranchers, and local leaders in Choteau, Montana, just last fall. Parents told us how they put bars on their windows because the grizzly bears were looking in their children's bedrooms. One mom told me of a grizzly bear that chased her into her home when the bear heard the sound of her child crying. At the point bears view children as a food source, we need to make changes. We have to put human safety ahead of the recovered grizzly bear. Misuse and abuse of the Endangered Species Act are also shutting down responsible forest management. Every forest service project in Montana seemingly ends up in court. The result: We are unable to manage our forests, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce the severity of wildfires. We must put commonsense guardrails on the Endangered Species Act. We must restore it to its original purpose of recovering species, not serving as a tool for frivolous lawsuits from extreme special interest groups that work to shut down critical projects in our State. To address these abuses of the ESA, I introduced the Less Imprecision in Species Treatment Act, or the LIST Act. The LIST Act helps modernize the ESA. The LIST Act empowers the Fish and Wildlife Service to promptly act on sound, established science to delist species that have recovered--and that should be our goal. The bill allows the Fish and Wildlife Service to reverse listings that were made due to bad data, and the bill prohibits abuses of the listing process. It will ban those who intentionally submit false information from submitting listing petitions for 10 years. These are commonsense reforms. I am proud to sponsor the LIST Act and support the rest of the package to better protect species, increase collaboration, and improve forest health. These pieces of legislation focus efforts on recovering species native to the U.S. They ensure that data used to make listing decisions is publicly available on the internet, and they promote voluntary wildlife conservation agreements and candidate conservation agreements with assurances. We can and must modernize the Endangered Species Act to work better, and the Western Caucus has offered a path forward. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Washington State for his leadership on this.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Elizabeth Rink and Monica Skewes of Bozeman, and Adriann Ricker of Fort Peck for their dedication to and pursuit of finding solutions to public health issues confronting Montana. Rink, Skewes, and Ricker, an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, have spent years working with members and leaders of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation community on public health issues it faces. Through community-based research, they are helping develop trauma-informed policies for reservation agencies. All three are working vigorously alongside tribal members to find solutions. Montana State University faculty members Rink and Skewes as well as Ricker from Fott Peck Community College were recently selected for the Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Program, which is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The fellowship allows them to continue this important work. Their goal is to equip Fort Peck's leaders with data that can guide their policymaking. Their research supports a more compassionate, community-centered approach to address the long-term needs of those seeking help. The three researchers say if a person never heals from tragic circumstances like substance abuse or addiction then the harmful cycles don't end. Rink, Skewes, and Ricker empower Fort Peck leaders with data. As a result of their work and collaboration, tribal leaders have more information to better understand these complex public health issues. Their research and work are making a difference: many of members of the community are more accepting of and sensitive to these challenges and hardships than they were before. Madam Speaker, for their community collaboration and tireless work to promote positive community change, I recognize Elizabeth Rink and Monica Skewes of Bozeman, and Adriann Ricker of Fort Peck for their Spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gina Loss, founder of the Great Falls Project Linus chapter, for leading efforts to provide comfort to Montana's children. Project Linus is a national organization with chapters throughout the country. Its primary mission is to create handmade blankets to give to children who face a challenge, crisis, or emergency. Facing her own challenges, Gina was inspired to create a local chapter of Project Linus. When faced with personal challenges, Gina believes many people often ask, ``Why me?'' When she confronted her own challenges, she asked herself, ``How do kids get through hard times in life?'' Considering that question led her to found the Great Falls chapter of Project Linus in March 2006. Since its launch, the chapter has given more than 15,000 blankets to kids through hospitals, dentist offices, and neonatal intensive care units, among others. The entire community has embraced the effort, and now hundreds of volunteers across Montana offer handmade gifts of comfort for thousands of kids in need. Volunteering her time and resources, Gina uses her home as the chapter's headquarters, overseeing everything from storage to quality control. Her home is also the distribution center where the blankets are sent around the state. Gina says people don't realize how much a blanket means to a child who is thrust into difficult, challenging circumstances. She says as soon as a kid gets one of their blankets, they immediately settle down and never let it go. Madam Speaker, for bringing together people across the state to provide comfort to children when they need it most, I recognize Gina Loss and the Great Falls chapter of Project Linus for their Spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, today this Chamber is pushing through the most partisan, baseless Articles of Impeachment in our history. House Democrats' hyperpartisan impeachment has been a sham since day one, driven by those whose bitter rage against President Trump has blinded their better judgment. The fact is they resolved to overturn the results of the 2016 election the day President Trump won. Earlier this year, Speaker Pelosi said: ``Impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path.'' None of those standards have been met--none. The committee hearings were a scripted, substance-free, made-for-TV show. They would be comedy if impeachment weren't so serious and grave. Witnesses denied awareness of an impeachable offense. And because the majority has failed to make the case for impeachment, there is no bipartisanship. Compelling? Overwhelming? Bipartisan? Speaker Pelosi has not met her own criteria for impeachment, but here we are. Despite Democrats testing and tweaking their impeachment message, the American people have rejected it. I will vote against this partisan impeachment sham. Let's get back to the work that the American people sent us here to do on this sad day of an impeachment charade.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I appreciate the intent that the gentleman has here with this bill. The costs of prescription drugs have continued to rise, putting Montanans with critical health issues in jeopardy. I recently heard from a senior in Libby, Montana, with colon cancer. He was diagnosed in 2010, and his disease has bankrupted his family. He confided that the cancer drug he takes costs $17,000 per month. It is the only drug that works for his cancer, and Medicare only covers $11,000. He is forced to either give up his fight against cancer or pay an extra $6,000 a month for a lifesaving drug. That is an extra $72,000 a year. As he put it: ``I find it rather disconcerting that one must sell his home and all his possessions just to survive cancer.'' I agree. This has to stop. No one should have to end up like my constituent in Libby. The fact is that we could lower prescription costs while capping seniors' out-of-pocket costs by the end of 2019. It is also disheartening that Republicans have been working in good faith all year on a bipartisan basis to do just that. Unfortunately, House Democrats, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are putting partisan politics in front of patients. Her plan would have devastating consequences for Montanans. It will lead to rationing of lifesaving medication, Big Government price fixing, and government bureaucrats between you and your medication. The truth is her partisan bill will never move past the House floor. We have heard from Majority Leader McConnell that the Pelosi plan is dead on arrival in the Senate, and it doesn't have a chance of being signed into law by President Trump. Unfortunately, as we wait on Democrats to act in a bipartisan way, costs continue to rise and hardworking Montanans continue to choose between their needed medication and paying their bills. On the other hand, Republicans have introduced the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. This is a bipartisan bill that could be signed into law by the end of 2019. This bill increases transparency, encourages innovation for new drugs and cures, and places a cap on seniors' out- of-pocket costs. I have also been working to lower costs and shed light on the true cost of prescription drugs. Last week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to bring much-needed transparency into the practice of middlemen in the pharmaceutical supply chain, called pharmacy benefit managers. My bill increases competition between PBMs and lowers costs for patients. It is truly a win-win. Waiting any longer to pass bills that lower costs for patients to score political points is unacceptable. Enough is enough. Let's stop the political theater and get back to work.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Buffy Smith of Helena for encouraging female students to study computer science and for emphasizing the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Buffy grew up in and graduated high school in Gardiner. She then went to Carroll College where she majored in English and minored in Computer Science. Following her undergraduate studies, she earned a secondary high school teaching endorsement in computer science. It was there she found her call to teach. As an educator for 27 years, Buffy is breaking down barriers, paving the way for female and minority students to find their way into computer science. This year, Buffy received the National Educator Award from the National Center for Women and Information Technology. The award honors educators who encourage underrepresented students to participate in computer science. Buffy won statewide awards in 2014, 2015, and 2017. When Buffy began teaching, she thought she would focus mostly on academics. Years later, she came to believe the relationships developed in the classroom are as critical. With her commitment to her students and her knowledge of computer science, Buffy has created an all-inclusive approach to the subject. She prioritizes encouraging students to work with others who have different views and thus enhance the outcome of a project. Buffy mentors' girls in her class and encourages them to explore computer science and technology careers. She says, as with her classroom, computer science and other STEM fields can only improve with greater diversification. Madam Speaker, for her dedication to educating Montana students and for encouraging more young people, particularly young women, to study computer science and other STEM fields, I recognize Buffy Smith of Helena for her Spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill. Robocalls are not only a nuisance, they are a threat to honest, hardworking Montanans. Illegal robocalls seek to exploit them and steal their personal, private information and their money. Montanans hate robocalls. It is time to put an end to the stories I hear too often from Montanans about illegal robocalls. Today, we are taking a huge step forward, providing relief from robocalls with the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act. It gives consumers tools to block illegal robocalls at no cost. It also holds illegal robocallers accountable for their scams, including higher fines and more prison time. This bill includes language from my bipartisan bill that helps identify and prosecute illegal robocall companies. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this bill and providing the American people with needed relief from robocalls.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Peggy White Well Known Buffalo and Susan Kelly of Garryowen for their work to fight hunger in their community. In 1999, Peggy and Susan launched the Center Pole Foundation, a Native grassroots organization that promotes knowledge, justice, and sovereignty in Native communities. The foundation seeks to serve the needs of the community, including hunger within the Crow Indian Reservation. As part of the foundation, Peggy and Susan created a community food bank which serves not only the reservation but also the surrounding community. Their mission to fulfill a fundamental need, such as nourishment, is personal for Peggy and Susan. For Peggy, confronting hunger began when she attended a boarding school. There, she experienced hunger and made it a life mission to feed people in a loving and kind environment. For Susan, she has seen firsthand how hunger impedes a child's progress. Wanting every kid to do well in school, Susan says a kid can't be creative if his or her stomach isn't full. Each week, the food bank's staff goes to Billings to collect food from grocery stores. Their efforts provide food to the reservation and surrounding communities, feeding more than 300 people a week. To Peggy and Susan, their work is about more than providing people with food. It's about providing their community nourishment, boosting its health, helping combat illness, and reinforcing the benefits of a healthy, positive lifestyle. Their commitment to the future of their communities is front and center of all they do through Center Pole Foundation. Madam Speaker, for their dedicated work to fight hunger in their community, I recognize Peggy White Well Known Buffalo and Susan Kelly of Garryowen for their Spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, it is time. Actually, it is past time. It is past time for Congress to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Today, I am pleased to join with my colleague and friend, Senator Steve Daines, to draw attention to the USMCA's importance to Montana. President Trump and his trade negotiators have done a great job negotiating this trade deal. USMCA will secure open access to markets in Mexico and Canada, markets critical to Montana farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and businesses. USMCA will bring over $68 billion in new economic growth. USMCA will create 176,000 new American jobs. USMCA helps family farmers and ranchers, which is why 1,000 ag groups from across the country have endorsed it. USMCA increases agricultural exports by $2 billion a year. USMCA supports American workers. Speaker, USMCA is a win for Montana and America. But here we are, 355 days, almost a full year, since President Trump signed USMCA, and the deal has gone nowhere in the House. So, what is the holdup? The Speaker has stalled since the deal was announced. She objected to it. Those objections were addressed, yet here we are. The Speaker says she is on a path to yes on USMCA. A path to yes, however, isn't a yes. Farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and business owners deserve certainty, not just a path to yes and more delays. Unfortunately, just yesterday, Politico reported USMCA faces another delay because of House leadership--another delay. The House has 13 days left this year, 13 days to get this deal done. It is up to Congress to act. Speaker, the needless delays must end. The Trump administration has done its job and negotiated an agreement that works for Montana and our country. It is time for Congress to do its job. I urge House leaders to give farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and business owners the certainty they need. I urge House leaders to move forward with USMCA to create jobs, increase paychecks, and grow our economy. Let's consider USMCA. Let's vote on USMCA. Let's ratify USMCA.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas Straugh of Dillon for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service and leadership in his community. Mr. Straugh served with the U.S. Navy for 30 years and served in Vietnam. Mr. Straugh received many commendations during his time in the Navy, including the Vietnam Service Ribbon and the National Defense Ribbon. Mr. Straugh is a known leader in his community. He served on the city council and multiple committees to improve the community, such as the site selection committee for the Veteran Home in Butte. Mr. Straugh is active in the American Legion, serving as Commander and Vice Commander during his time. Additionally, Mr. Straugh volunteered his time driving with DAV van and logged more than 7,500 hours. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Thomas Straugh for his service to our country and his leadership in the community.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jodie Penrod Jolly of Dillon for Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for her service to her country and her support of fellow veterans in her community. Ms. Jolly is a veteran of the United States Air Force where she served as a nurse for over thirty years. She has received multiple commendations over her time in the Air Force including the USAF National Defense Medal and the Saudi-Kuwait Liberation Medal. Ms. Jolly had one goal when she came to Dillon: to support and help veterans in the community. She started the Beaverhead Chapter of Joining Community Forces and hosts an annual dinner to honor veterans, active duty personnel, and their family in the community. Ms. Jolly is known to be a go-to person in the community for veterans seeking assistance, connecting them with Veteran service providers. She is also active with the VFW Bill Carroll Post 9040, serving as Senior Vice- Commander. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Jodie Penrod Jolly for her dedication to and support of veterans in her community.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mason Stimatze of Bozeman for his quick thinking and bravery that saved his family. In the early hours of a June morning, Mason woke up to the sound of crackling and the smell of smoke. He looked out his bedroom door and saw fire. The flames in the hallway blocked his path to his parents' bedroom. Mason ran outside and started banging on his parents' bedroom window. Mason's father, Nathan, and mother, Sabrina, woke up, broke the window, and safely climbed outside. Mason's brother and sister, however, were still in their home. Mason and his parents ran to their bedroom window and got them out safely. Mason's swift actions saved what is irreplaceable--family. His father said if it wasn't for Mason alerting them quickly to the danger, the story would have had a tragic ending. For someone to have the presence of mind to act calmly and swiftly in such a tense moment is remarkable. For a ten-year-old to do it, is amazing. His family calls him a hero, and I couldn't agree more. Madam Speaker, for saving his family's life through his bravery and quick thinking, I recognize Mason Stimatze for his Spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize George Wright of Laurel for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to our country and dedication to his community. Mr. Wright served in the U.S. Army during World War II, operating construction equipment in order to create infrastructure for fellow troops. Mr. Wright received multiple commendations for his service, including the Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal. Following his service, Mr. Wright came home to serve his community. Mr. Wright owned equipment that made it possible for him to help fix what was needed, from cars to roads and much more. He was a fixture on ranches when roads washed out or cattle needed rescuing during floods. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending George Wright for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize James Watkins of Dillon for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and his community. Mr. Watkins served in both the United States Air Force and Montana Army National Guard, serving a combined 22 years. Mr. Watkins received multiple commendations during his service, including the Army Commendation Medal. Mr. Watkins has been a member of the American Legion Post 20 since 1968 and served in various capacities. Every year, he coordinated the placement of American Flags on the graves of veterans on Memorial Day. Part of this project was his work locating and arranging the headstones for all veterans in Dillon Mountain View Cemetery. In addition, Mr. Watkins makes, maintains, and places the white crosses for the Montana American Legion White Cross Highway Fatality Marker Program in Beaverhead County. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending James Watkins of Dillon for his dedication and service to his country and community.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harold Riensche Senior of Reed Point, a recipient of the 2019 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Riensche is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He is a Vietnam veteran who served in the 3rd Tank Battalion, 3rd Marine Division earning awards like the Navy Cross, and attaining the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. During the Vietnam War, Mr. Riensche and his crew were assigned to recover a disabled tank. During this mission, their vehicle detonated a mine. While repairing their vehicle, the Marines came under heavy fire. In an instant, two of Staff Sergeant Riensche's crew were killed and two others were wounded leaving him alone to defend his injured crew and damaged vehicle. With the help of a few grenades and unmatched bravery, Mr. Riensche was able to fight off the Northern Vietnamese soldiers by himself until backup arrived. His quick action and heroism saved the lives of his two fellow Marines. After completing his military service, Mr. Riensche served as a member of the Stillwater County Weed control Board and President of the local community landowner's association. His friends and neighbors say Mr. Riensche never hesitates to help when asked upon. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Harold Riensche Senior for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas Price of Eureka, a recipient of the 2019 Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Price is a veteran of the United States Navy. He served from 1944 to 1946 on the USS Missoula APA 211 earning the Pacific 2 Star Award and attaining the rank of Seaman First Class. He was on board the USS Missoula when the flag was raised on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. Serving his community, Mr. Price has worked with special needs children for 25 years. He's given ten scholarships to local high school graduating seniors. He's also spent many years serving on boards for the local nursing home and Lincoln County Fairgrounds. Mr. Price even puts on a weekly bingo game and donates the proceeds to local charities throughout his community. Mr. Price is a humble man who continually helps others. He has a generous heart and always blessed the people in his community. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Thomas Price for his dedication and service.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Neil Neary of Butte for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for is service to his country and commitment to the American Legion. Mr. Neary is a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. He was a member of the engineering corps and received commendations including the Good Conduct Medal. After his service in the Army, Mr. Neary brought back his spirit of service to his community as a member of American Legion Post 1 in Butte. As a member of the Montana American Legion for 62 years, Mr. Neary has been an important figure for the Legion. He served in various roles over the years and was the Department of Montana State Commander for three of those years. Mr. Neary's long service and leadership in the Montana American Legion has made him a patriotic role model for many in his community. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Neil Neary for his dedication and commitment.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Roger Knoell of Butte for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and leadership in his community. Mr. Knoell is a veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Vietnam War. Over his twenty years of service, Mr. Knoell received multiple medals and awards, including the Submarine Dolphin Warfare Pin, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal. Upon returning to his community, Mr. Knoell dedicated his time to veteran groups in Butte. As a member of the American Legion, he served as a key member in the selection of the of Butte for the new Southwest Montana Veterans Home. Outside of his work with veterans' groups, Mr. Knoell serves on the Board of Directors for the Legion Oasis Apartment Complex, which provides low- and medium-income housing for the residents of Butte. He is also known to be a great Butte promoter, bringing events to the community such as the Harley Owners State Rally, and the United States Submarine Veterans Incorporated. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Roger Knoell for his service to his country and his dedication to the Butte Community.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donald Helmbrecht of Victor for the Montana Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service to his country and dedication to veteran causes in his community. Mr. Helmbrecht served in the U.S. Army for seven years, spending time in both Vietnam and Korea. Mr. Helmbrecht received multiple commendations during his military service including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His dedication to his country and community continued after his time serving in the Army. Mr. Helmbrecht serves on the American Legion Honor Guard with Corvallis Post 91 where he helps maintain the American Legion roadway cross program, as well as veteran crosses. Additionally, he is an active volunteer in his church, and for many other community activities. I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Donald Helmbrecht for his service and dedication.