Greg Gianforte

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Allen and Linda Erickson of Kalispell for their commitment to local veterans, and their families, through the North West Montana Veterans Service Center. The nonprofit organization was born from Allen's vision to serve Montana veterans. He organized and executed a two-day event, Stand Down, to provide supplies and services to homeless veterans. The now annual Stand Down event led to the creation of the Veterans Service Center, which Allen founded and leads as president. The service center includes a food pantry, a thrift store, and medical equipment loans-- all tailored to serve veterans. Allen and Linda opened the Food Pantry in 2002 and have helped organize the community to provide over 156,000 pounds of food to those in need. They have helped provide food to over 2,000 veteran households and over 500 children. The Veterans Thrift Store provides services such as ``move in'' assistance, basic furniture, and seasonal clothing. The service center also includes access to shower and laundry facilities for homeless veterans in the community. In addition to the Stand Downs and the North West Montana Veterans Service Center, the Ericksons have been working on creating Camp Ponderosa Veterans Retreat. The live-in treatment facility will provide veterans with counseling and group therapy. Similar to the Stand Downs, the facility will offer a community for veterans battling homelessness to learn job skills and apply for jobs. The Ericksons have spent so much of their time dedicated to making this vision become a reality. With the help of countless volunteers and a generous anonymous donor, the camp will become a place for veterans to heal, recover, and rebuild. Madam Speaker, for their selfless work to provide greater opportunity for our veterans, I recognize Allen and Linda Erickson of Kalispell for their spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judy Preston of Ronan, for serving her community and her leadership of the Bread Basket in Ronan. An experienced project manager, Judy understands the importance of building effective business logistics. She serves as the organizational leader for Skill Builders, a company aimed at helping businesses improve overall performance. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Montana program which helps enhance participants' leadership skills. Judy recently concluded her two-year term as board chair of the Ronan Bread Basket, a nonprofit organization that has provided food to neighbors in need for more than 30 years. Under her leadership, the emergency food pantry grew to triple its original size, increasing its capacity to serve others. The group's board expanded to 11 members. Before her departure, The Montana Food Bank Network presented Judy with the Glacier Award: For Moving Mountains to End Hunger for reducing hunger in Montana and promoting food security through her work with the Ronan Bread Basket. As chair of the board, Judy also implemented the BackPack Program in the Ronan school district. The program provides students with nutritious foods before weekends and holidays so they can have proper nutrition when school is out of session. During her term as chair, Judy led the fundraising efforts that enabled over 4,500 meals to be distributed to students in Ronan. Madam Speaker, for her leadership of the Ronan Food Basket and her dedication to making sure no family or student in Ronan went hungry, I recognize Judy Preston for her spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the House leaders to give farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and businessowners the certainty they need, and ratify the USMCA. Nearly 1 year ago, the United States, Mexico, and Canada concluded their negotiations and released the full text of a trade agreement. But I stand here today nearly 1 year later, and the trade deal with our top trading partners is stalled. Why? Well, the Speaker objected to the trade deal. Those objections were addressed, and yet the American people are still waiting. Mr. Speaker, the USMCA will create 176,000 new American jobs. It will secure open access to markets in Mexico and Canada, markets critical to Montana farmers and ranchers. Ratifying the USMCA should be a priority for this Congress, not impeachment fever. I again call on the Speaker to work with the White House to get this trade deal with our top trading partners across the finish line.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Morford of Livingston for his many years of dedicated service to Montana and the Livingston community through his participation and leadership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. John has served selflessly through the local and state Elks Lodges, including as president of both lodges. His project management skills have helped turn many Elks programs into well-oiled machines that reach hundreds of people throughout our communities. For over a decade, John has been the director of the annual Hoop Shoot program in which thousands of Montana students compete against students nationwide to be one of the six national champions. This competition is aimed at helping children develop and reinforce perseverance. He also assists with the Elks' food basket distribution project, which coordinates community efforts to provide families in need with a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Last November they delivered food baskets to over 300 families in Livingston and surrounding communities. John also created a scholarship for Montana students interested in studying music. Stemming from his love of music, he created a unique music scholarship program through the Elks almost 10 years ago, securing the necessary funding and creating a panel of musically-versed Elks members. High school seniors throughout Montana, who plan to major or minor in music performance or education, send their musical pieces to the panel for a chance to win a scholarship. Madam Speaker, for his dedication to charitable giving in the community and the state of Montana, I recognize John Morford of Livingston for his spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the nearly 3,000 people who were killed on this day in 2001. At dawn, September 11, 2001, was a morning like every other, that is until everything changed. Terrorists, who were intent on destroying our country and our way of life attacked. But through this tragedy we saw our country unite. We saw unmatched courage and bravery from our first responders, servicemembers, and everyday citizens. Now, 18 years later, we find ourselves with a new generation that did not experience the horrors of that day. They only know a post-9/11 world. That makes it all the more important that we teach them what happened that day, honor the victims, and discuss the impact those terrorist attacks have had on our world. But today, we remember. Today, we pray. Today, we honor Americans of every background who, in the aftermath of that fateful day, united under our flag, bound together by a sense of unflappable courage, duty, and patriotism.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Matt and Kristin Lundgren of Billings, Montana for their years of service and support to charitable organizations in the Billings community. It takes special kinds of people to dedicate their life to service. Matt and Kristin have impacted many lives in their community, helping to equip people and nonprofit organizations with the tools they need to succeed. Matt has over 25 years of experience with youth development as well as business and nonprofit management He serves as executive director of the Billings Leadership Foundation, which includes the Friendship House in Billings and the Montana Rescue Mission which aims to improve nonprofits' impact in their community. ``It's the Billings Leadership Foundation model where we can serve multiple nonprofits with the back-office skills that we've learned to help the front-office program-level stuff be more effective, more efficient,'' Matt said. Similarly, Kristin is the Director of Impact at the United Way, a charitable giving foundation that partners with other nonprofits and organizations to help identify and meet the community's biggest needs. The projects and partnerships aim to mobilize the caring power of the community, including improving kindergarten readiness and helping make changes to Montana211.org, an online directory for the region's resources She is also a part of the Yellowstone County Best Beginnings coalition, which focuses on increasing parents' access to support. The coalition ``seeks to get children on the right trajectory for life,'' said Kristin. That mission builds a stronger community where our kids have the tools they need to succeed. Madam Speaker, for their dedication to community, efforts to build successful nonprofits, and commitment to providing children with the tools they need to thrive, I recognize Matthew and Kristin Lundgren for their spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two young Montanans who are among the best in rodeo. In this month's National High School Finals Rodeo in Wyoming, Montana was well represented with competitors from across the State. The National High School Finals Rodeo drew about 1,500 finalists from 43 States, Mexico, Canada, and Australia. Two Montanans won buckles for placing in the top 10 in their event. Shai McDonald of Gardiner took second in barrel racing, and Brice Patterson of Bozeman took fourth in bareback riding. Rodeo is a time-honored tradition in Montana, and it is part of our way of life. The outstanding work ethic and dedication of these young athletes allows them to compete and succeed at this high level. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Shai and Brice on their accomplishments at the National High School Finals Rodeo.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, Montanans are bombarded with robocalls. Last year alone, Americans received over 48 billion robocalls. That is nearly 100,000 robocalls per minute. Too many robocalls are deceptive and destructive, from bogus insurance offers to threats of legal action. Scam artists scheme to steal hardworking Montanans' private, personal, and financial information. Sometimes, they go even farther. A young woman from Bozeman received a call from her little brother's phone number. She picked up the call, but it wasn't her brother. It was a scammer using her brother's number. Tragically, her little brother had died of a drug overdose a few months earlier. She was devastated and shaken. This is disgusting and should not happen. Today, we are taking a big step forward. We are empowering consumers. Phone companies will provide consumers with call authentication tools and blocking services at no cost. Illegal callers will face more jail time. Let's get robocall relief across the finish line for the American people. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Haven Meged, of Miles City, for his outstanding success as a rookie on the rodeo circuit. The Miles City native became involved in rodeo around the age of 11, and at 21, he is ranked in the top 10 in the world for tie-down roping. After his win at the College National Finals in June, he continues to take the American rodeo scene by storm. With his mare named Beyonce, Haven is working toward his goal ``to be rookie of the year, qualify for the National Finals Rodeo, and win a gold buckle.'' At Custer County High, Haven won over 10 high school rodeo championships before going on to be a true freshman roper in college. After his first year, he transferred to a renowned rodeo school in Texas. At Tarleton State University, his professors and rodeo coaches work with him to balance his books and his rodeo career. As busy and successful as Haven has been, he continues to focus on his studies and tie downs. Rodeo is part of our Montana way of life. While the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association was founded in 1936, the roots of rodeo go back even further. During the summer, almost every city in Montana hosts a rodeo, either amateur or professional, making the cowboy sport a welcome sight. Hundreds of young men and women participate, carrying on the tradition of life on the cattle trail. Madam Speaker, for his outstanding accomplishments as a young rodeo competitor, for his dedication to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and for preserving the American cowboy tradition, I recognize Haven Meged of Miles City for his spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Doug Follett of Whitefish for guiding countless visitors through Glacier National Park, one of our nation's natural wonders, for 70 years. Ranger Doug has spent decades in and around Glacier National Park. His family moved to Whitefish, Montana when he was a toddler, and he's made the area his home ever since. Before working at Glacier National Park, he worked for the railroad and served the United States in the Air Force during World War II. He began working seasonally in Glacier National Park during the summer while he taught high school history in the winter. Ranger Doug has spent 58 seasons as an interpretive ranger in Glacier National Park, making him one of the longest-serving employees of the National Park Service. He has led thousands of visitors through trails in the park's expansive forests and beautiful glacier-carved mountains and valleys. Ranger Doug greets visitors with a fist bump and is known for reciting his original poetry dedicated to the park. An ambassador of Glacier National Park, he shares his knowledge and experience with the thousands of visitors he guides each year. Those who cross Ranger Doug's path each season walk away from Glacier with his infectious passion and enthusiasm for the park. A well-known figure in Glacier National Park and in the community, Ranger Doug has no plans to slow down and retire anytime soon, saying, ``I'll never know until it's over.'' Many more stories and experiences will come from those who cross paths with Ranger Doug. Madam Speaker, for serving 70 years as an ambassador of Glacier National Park and Montana to the millions of visitors who visit the park each year, I recognize Ranger Doug Follett for his spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the members of the House Armed Services Committee for their hard work on this year's National Defense Authorization Act. Malmstrom Air Force Base is home to the 341st Missile Wing, which maintains and operates one-third of the U.S. ICBM force. Servicemembers at Malmstrom protect our country, but the base can do more to keep America safe and secure. With some work, the base's runway can, once again, host flying missions. I especially thank and recognize Mr. Turner from Ohio. We worked on a measure that could reform the basing process to focus on improving existing facilities like Malmstrom instead of building new ones. This bill begins the process of including Malmstrom in future Air Force basing decisions to host aircraft, potentially increasing the number of men and women serving there. I appreciate the Montana Defense Alliance for its advocacy on behalf of Great Falls and all the servicemembers at Malmstrom and elsewhere who keep our country safe.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ellen Crain of Butte for her 29 years of service as the Director of the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives and for transforming the public archives into a renowned source of research and community pride. Ellen, a native of Butte, began her work as director of the archives in 1990. She immediately set out to acquire additional collections of historical documents, maps, books, and articles. Outgrowing their current location, the old Butte Fire Station No. 1, Ellen led an expansion project in 2007. Butte-Silver Bow voters overwhelming supported her efforts and passed a $7.5 million bond for the archives. The project included the renovation of the historic fire department station that had been home to the archives since 1981, and an expansion of two archival vaults and a community meeting space. Under Ellen's leadership, the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives has become a recognized source for research. Approximately 5,000 academic and family historians visit each year from all over the world. The community room is a busy place with bi-weekly brown bag lunches attracting large audiences and well-known speakers. Outreach efforts include workshops on preserving family archives and connecting with various ethnic populations in the community. ``Butte has had such a historic impact'' said Ellen. ``Much of the copper that electrified the country came from Butte. Hand-in-hand with that is the historic contributions to organized labor from a diverse ethnic population. It is such an honor for me and my staff to represent Butte. We are always uncovering new ways to look at old stories.'' Madam Speaker, for her leadership and dedication to preserving Montana's historic impact on the country and the world, I recognize Ellen Crain for her spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a bright and talented group of young women from Kalispell, Montana, who excelled in the recent Code Girls United Northwest Regional App Challenge. Taylor Pooton won first place for her project that uses radio frequency identification to provide real-time tracking information for students. Emma Anderson, Kyra Hutchison, and Trinity Hutchison took second place for creating an app that reminds users to exercise throughout the day. Meara Greer and Abby Stillo placed third with their prototype of a robotic self-driving vehicle. Code Girls United is an after-school computer science program teaching fourth through eighth grade girls to become problem-solvers through coding and business training. Congratulations to all the participants. The skills and ideas they are developing could help tackle the challenges we face today and in the years to come.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kyla Johnston of Columbia Falls and Karlee Albertson of Billings for their entrepreneurial spirit that has contributed to their communities. Kyla conducts a children's reading program, donates books, and encourages kids to read. Karlee paints nails for charity and has raised more than $20,000 for Christmas gift-giving programs. Kyla is a recent graduate of Columbia Falls High School. As part of a monthly community dinner program that brings together area families, Kyla reads to the children and brings them books to read at home. She is raising funds to purchase new books and to expand the program. Kyla's strong sense of volunteerism also leads her to shovel snow for seniors and plant flowers at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Karlee recently completed sixth grade at Castle Rock Elementary in Billings. She began her ``Nails for a Cause'' program as a first-grade student. By painting nails at school and community events and through donations, Karlee has raised more than $20,000 for charity. Every year, she shops for Christmas presents and wraps them with the help of other volunteers. Her efforts have reached over 250 less fortunate people in her community. For their work in their communities, Kyla and Karlee were recently recognized as Montana's top youth volunteers by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Prudential Financial, Inc. Madam Speaker, for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to serving their communities, I recognize Kyla Johnston and Karlee Albertson for their spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the need to ensure quality healthcare for our veterans and military members who may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the Military Health System, 14 percent of servicemembers who served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from PTSD. The condition can lead to substance abuse and cause serious physical and mental health problems. In Montana, 1 in 10 residents are veterans. That is one reason I have acted to expand mental health services in Montana. With increased resources for the VA system, improved access to community healthcare, and the expansion of telemedicine, we can help to ensure that those who have served get the treatment they need, regardless of where they live. June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month. I encourage my colleagues to support our veterans and military members who suffer from PTSD. We must keep our commitments to them and provide the highest quality of care.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Speaker to immediately schedule this important bill so the American people know where we stand.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the staff, instructors, and mentors of the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Dillon for helping thousands of at-risk youth turn around their lives toward a more promising, productive future. Celebrating its 20th year, the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy (MYCA) provides young Montanans from 16 to 18 the opportunity to develop academically and hone workforce and social skills in a secure, structured setting. The 22-week program, sponsored by the Montana National Guard and the State of Montana, focuses on academics, responsibility, service, leadership, and health. Nearly 3,000 students have graduated from MYCA since 1999, with volunteer mentors supporting and guiding them following graduation. Every cadet in the academy has a story of personal struggle and perseverance. Many have faced circumstances that put them at risk of not completing high school. One such cadet is 17-year-old Crystal Whitedirt. Placed in foster care as a child, Crystal struggled with learning disabilities. As a high school junior, she was informed she was unlikely to meet graduation requirements. Crystal decided to enter MYCA. Though her first attempt at graduating MYCA was unsuccessful, she reentered the academy eleven months later. Through perseverance and the assistance provided by MYCA, Crystal graduated MYCA on June 15 as part of the academy's 40th graduating class. ``People always told me it would be tough, but to push through and do things because you'll have your family right beside you,'' Crystal said. ``I never knew what they meant. I never had that, but now I do. I never thought my family would be so big.'' Crystal plans on joining the Job Corps program. She hopes to someday enter the military and become a role model for her community. Madam Speaker, for twenty years of helping Montana's at-risk youth develop the skills and abilities they need to overcome challenges and turn their lives around, I recognize the staff, instructors, and mentors of the Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy for their spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Vicki Massie of Billings for developing a program to provide computers to students and organizations that need them, and for recently setting up two needed computer labs in a rural Montana school. Vicki is the former executive director of St. Vincent de Paul in Billings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing personalized service to those in need. Four years ago, as the volunteer coordinator, she developed Project R.E.B.O.O.T., or ``Refurbished Electronics Bringing Out Opportunities Together.'' Project REBOOT refurbishes donated computers and distributes them to schools, students, and organizations in need. Since its inception, Project REBOOT has given nearly 100 computers to Montana students. This spring, Vicki's project helped fill a tremendous need for students of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School. Elementary and high school students at the small, rural school shared one computer lab. Students faced another challenge: the high school curriculum required supplemental work online, and there were only nine laptops for 78 high school students. In one day, that changed. Through Project REBOOT, Vicki brought 50 computers to the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School. Vicki and her two sons, who work in information technology at a nearby school district, set up two new computer labs for students at the school. With greater resources and access to technology, the students of Northern Cheyenne Tribal School, and all students Vicki has helped through Project REBOOT, can improve their skills and further open the doors of opportunity, be it in higher education or in the workforce. Madam Speaker, for her vision and dedication to expanding access to technology for Montana students, I recognize Vicki Massie for her spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Vicki Massie of Billings for developing a program to provide computers to students and organizations that need them, and for recently setting up two needed computer labs in a rural Montana school. Vicki is the executive director of St. Vincent de Paul in Billings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing personalized service to those in need. Four years ago, as the volunteer coordinator, she developed Project R.E.B.O.O.T., or ``Refurbished Electronics Bringing Out Opportunities Together.'' Project REBOOT refurbishes donated computers and distributes them to schools, students, and organizations in need. Since its inception, Project REBOOT has given nearly 100 computers to Montana students. This spring, Vicki's project helped fill a tremendous need for students of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School. Elementary and high school students at the small, rural school shared one computer lab. Students faced another challenge: the high school curriculum required supplemental work online, and there were only nine laptops for 78 high school students. I one day, that changed. Through Project REBOOT, Vicki brought 50 computers to the Northern Cheyenne Tribal School. Vicki and her two sons, who work in information technology at a nearby school district, set up two new computer labs for students at the school. With greater resources and access to technology, the students of Northern Cheyenne Tribal School, and all students Vicki has helped through Project REBOOT, can improve their skills and further open the doors of opportunity, be it in higher education or in the workforce. Madam Speaker, for her vision and dedication to expanding access to technology for Montana students, I recognize Vicki Massie for her spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, 75 years ago, courageous Americans stormed the beaches of Normandy and parachuted behind enemy lines. Facing what Supreme Allied Commander Eisenhower described as the German war machine, they fought for the cause of freedom. Many Montanans were there: Ed Seifert of Polson parachuted into Normandy. He would go on to jump into Holland during the Battle of the Bulge; Bud Olson of Choteau came under fire in a glider. He was the only survivor of 28 aboard, and he would go on to liberate a concentration camp; Corky Apple of Lewistown came off a landing craft on Utah Beach. He would go on to earn five Bronze Stars during the war; John Nelson of Lolo also landed on Utah Beach. He was with Patton's army when it liberated a concentration camp near the Czech border. As we mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, remember the brave Americans who destroyed the German war machine, liberated a continent, and saved the world from tyranny.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Sargent of Great Falls, a strong, reliable advocate for Montana's agricultural and veterans organizations as well as Montana Special Olympics. As a media and public relations professional, Sarge has volunteered countless hours to promote outreach and fundraising efforts for these and other civic groups. ``Sarge,'' as he is known to his friends and radio listeners, grew up on a farm near Chester, in northcentral Montana. He began his media career 28 years ago covering agriculture news and sporting events. Sarge says the strength of Montana's close-knit communities grounds his connection to ag and civic organizations. In his service to Montana's agricultural organizations, Sarge is closely involved with the Montana FFA Association and Montana 4-H, helping promote and host events for both groups. He also helped launch the Electric City FFA chapter. Both organizations have recognized Sarge with distinguished service awards. ``Jim has always jumped in with both feet where ever we needed him,'' said Jim Rose, state advisor for Montana FFA. ``He's invaluable as a promoter, but I think his biggest contribution is in the support and encouragement he gives our youth. He helps them gain confidence in their abilities and develop their leadership skills.'' A member of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, Sarge served as membership director, and he served as vice president of the Cascade County Farm Bureau. For the past five years, Sarge has helped promote and host the Stand Down in Great Falls. The event is a benefits fair for Montana veterans and active-duty members of the military. Organizations at the event provide services, including clothing, health care services, and other resources and benefits. Sarge also contributes his time and talents to Montana Special Olympics. A past president of the Great Falls chapter, Sarge regularly hosts events and fundraisers for the organization. Jim and Sue, his wife of 35 years, also sponsor the Exceptional Rodeo for the group. In 2018, the organization recognized Jim as its Media Personality of the Year. Madam Speaker, for selflessly dedicating his time and talents to Montana's civic organizations, from our agricultural and veterans groups to Montana Special Olympics, I recognize Jim Sargent for his spirit of Montana.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, we have a crisis on our southern border, even if Democrat leaders try desperately to deny it. Nearly 100,000 people were detained last month trying to illegally cross our southern border. Mr. Speaker, imagine if the population of Billings, Montana, was caught crossing the border in just 1 month. That is the crisis our country faces. Last week, a U.S. district court judge in Billings sentenced a Mexican citizen to prison for possession of 34 pounds of meth with the intent to distribute. That is nearly 125,000 doses. With Montana facing a meth epidemic, we must secure our border and stop the flow of Mexican meth into our communities. Mr. Speaker, I saw firsthand the crisis on our southern border. Congress has an obligation to act. I have stood with President Trump to secure it. Let's build the wall where feasible. The safety and security of our country and our communities depend on it.

Mr. GIANFORTE

Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tanja Fransen of Glasgow, an award-winning meteorologist who is recognized nationally for her innovation and leadership. Tanja is the Meteorologist in Charge at the Glasgow Weather Forecast Office in Montana. Starting as a meteorologist in Glasgow in 2001, she has been a supervisor since 2015. In fact, Tanja is one of only 8 percent of female supervisors for National Weather Service (NWS) field offices. Tanja's research benefits Montana's ag producers. Tanja and colleague Bill Martin helped develop an innovative cold weather advisory tool that helps livestock producers take precautions during calving season, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Their work earned them the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Administrator's Award in 2011. In 2014, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) presented Tanja with the Kenneth C. Spengler Award for her collaborative approach to ensure weather forecasts result in timely and appropriate public responses. The NWS recognized her with the Isaac Cline Award for Outreach in 2011 and the Isaac Cline Award for Leadership in 2002. Throughout her 25-year career, Tanja has served in many public and professional advisory positions, and she has a passion for mentoring others. She mentors junior colleagues through the AMS and the NWS. She often encourages young people to embrace STEM courses and enhance their education with communication, business, and leadership training. Madam Speaker, for her accomplishments in the sciences, dedication to the public, and 18 years of service to Montanans, I recognize Tanja Fransen for her spirit of Montana.