[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             HONORING WASHINGTON STATE SENATOR MIKE PADDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2024

  Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, my heart is full today as I 
rise to recognize my good friend and former colleague, Washington State 
Senator Mike Padden, who will retire at the end of the year after 
serving the people of Spokane Valley and the Fourth Legislative 
District for 28 years. I'd like to be the first of many to congratulate 
him on a distinguished career of service and wish him all the best in 
his retirement.
  Senator Padden, a graduate of Spokane's very own Gonzaga Law School, 
was first elected to the State House in 1980. He quickly earned the 
trust and confidence of his peers who elected him as their Majority 
Floor Leader in 1995. Shortly after, Senator Padden stepped away from 
the State House to accept an appointment as a judge on the Spokane 
County District Court, a position he would be re-elected to three more 
times before retiring--the first time--in 2007
  If there's one thing my colleagues should know about Mike, it's that 
he is a devout public servant who committed himself to putting people 
before politics. That's why, in 2011, Mike answered the call to serve 
once again, this time in the State Senate; a position he will hold 
until the year's end.
  For nearly three decades, Senator Padden cultivated a reputation 
built on principled conservatism. He is a staunch defender of life, a 
steadfast advocate for stronger public safety, and a fierce promoter of 
everything Eastern Washington has to offer. While serving in various 
leadership roles on both the House and Senate Law and Justice 
Committees, Mike made it a top priority to build relationships with his 
colleagues across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation and improve 
lives.
  Thanks to his dogged determination and commitment to delivering 
results, he successfully strengthened laws around DUI convictions, 
expanded access to housing by reducing barriers to condominium 
construction, and provided critical support to businesses trying to 
help their employees invest in the company's future. These are just a 
few of his most recent legislative achievements from a long career of 
service that will be remembered for years to come.
  In addition to serving in the State Senate, Mike has spent the past 
six years on his parish council, volunteers for Spokane Valley Meals on 
Wheels, is a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, and acts as a 
state commissioner--and one time Spokane chapter president--for 
American Legion Baseball.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Mike's committed service to his 
community and our great state. He has been a tremendous advocate for 
those he has represented, and as he looks ahead to his well-deserved 
retirement, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his 
almost three decades of devotion and public service. The best is yet to 
come.

                          ____________________