TWELVE COUNTIES IN TWELVE DAYS

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Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3464-H3465] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TWELVE COUNTIES IN TWELVE DAYS (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I believe that every Member of Congress claims to have the most beautiful and wonderful district in the country, but I know it with the Fifth District of [[Page H3465]] Washington State and the good people of eastern Washington. Over the last break, I had the opportunity to do a 12-county and 12- day whistle-stop tour across my district, and I want to share with the good Members of Congress and the people of America what I learned. Mr. Speaker, the inspiration for this trip was actually former Speaker of the House Tom Foley, who once represented the congressional district that I am now pleased to represent. Many people in eastern Washington think fondly of Tom Foley, including myself. In 1998, I received a Foley scholarship to Washington State University. I am often inspired by him, and he made whistle-stop tours. In that spirit, I was inspired by him to make a 12-day tour across all 12 counties in my district, the largest congressional district in Washington. I had the honor of meeting with constituents at townhall meetings, county courthouses, schools, small businesses, and manufacturing facilities, to hear directly about their concerns, priorities, and ideas for the future. The people of Washington's Fifth Congressional District spoke about many important issues, expressing support for progress in areas such as passage of the farm bill, which will benefit our farmers and ranchers, as well as continued congressional backing for the defense and aerospace industries that are vital to our region's economy and national security. We also discussed the ongoing challenges facing our communities, including access to rural healthcare, rising gas prices, burdensome regulations, concerns surrounding trade policy, and ensuring the competitiveness of college sports. I am so proud to serve as the voice of my constituents here in Washington, and I will continue working to advance legislation that strengthens the communities of eastern Washington. Whether from Ione to Inchelium, from Clarkston to Colville, the wheat fields of the Palouse to the vineyards of Walla Walla, we have such a beautiful district, and it was wonderful to visit it over these last 12 days. recognizing colville's rocket club Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Colville High School Rocket Club, whose team recently qualified as a finalist in the national American Rocketry Challenge. This team of 10 talented and dedicated students devoted months to designing, building, and launching model rockets in pursuit of excellence in science, engineering, and teamwork. Earning a place amongst the top 100 teams nationwide is an extraordinary accomplishment, especially in a competition that included more than 1,000 teams from across the country. I am proud to welcome the Colville High School Rocket Club to Washington, D.C., this week. I met with them earlier on the Capitol steps. They truly represent the best of the future, and I can assure the American people that our future is bright as a country because of the young men and women of the Colville Rocket Club. recognizing the swinging doors bar Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Spokane institution and celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Swinging Doors Bar in Spokane, Washington. Founded by Bob and Barb Materne on May 11, 1981, The Swinging Doors has been a go-to spot for delicious food and a warm, friendly atmosphere in Spokane for years. From the Doors mozz to Swinging Doors broasted chicken, from Barb's bacon burger to the German sausage sandwich, you can't go wrong with what you order at The Swinging Doors. Over these past 45 years, The Swinging Doors has been more than just a restaurant. It has been a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors. The Swinging Doors employs over 40 people. An experience with 60 televisions, it is an ideal spot to catch your favorite team on game day. I congratulate The Swinging Doors and Bob and Barb. Everyone in Spokane knows how wonderful they are. It is wonderful to share their story with the good people of America and have them entered into the Congressional Record. ____________________

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