[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E180-E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING MONTANA PHOTOJOURNALIST LARRY MAYER FOR UNCOVERING THE 
                          CHINESE SPY BALLOON

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MATTHEW M. ROSENDALE, SR.

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2023

  Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, when a Chinese balloon invaded Montana's 
airspace, the Biden Administration intended to keep the American people 
in the dark.
  But what President Biden didn't count on was the diligent work of 
Billings Gazette photographer Larry Mayer.
  Larry pointed his lens skyward when federal regulators shut down 
Billings Logan International Airport and captured one of the first 
public images of a strange object floating in American skies.
  Larry may not have known it at the time, but by following his 
instincts, he uncovered a national security risk from Communist China 
that

[[Page E181]]

Biden and his allies had not disclosed to Congress or the American 
people.
  China remains one of the greatest foreign threats to American 
national security. It's inexcusable that the Administration failed to 
inform the public when this threat was identified and even more 
alarming that the President didn't take steps to prevent such a breach 
of American sovereignty.
  The government is responsible for ensuring our safety, security, and 
privacy. But thankfully, when the Administration failed to take this 
threat seriously, Larry Mayer was there.
  Larry's images of the Chinese spy balloon represent the best 
qualities of American journalism. By uncovering this inexcusable lapse 
in our Nation's security, Larry has proven that even seemingly 
innocuous situations can have much more serious implications.
  Larry Mayer's dedication to the job is the definition of patriotism 
in action. His work uncovering this disappointing failure by President 
Biden allows me and countless other public officials to hold the 
administration accountable.
  Americans everywhere owe Larry a debt of gratitude for documenting 
this dangerous violation of American airspace. I hope all will join me 
in commending Larry Mayer's actions, and it is my pleasure to 
acknowledge him in the United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________