[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 85 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3286-H3287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING JOEL KRETZ

  (Mr. NEWHOUSE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize a newly 
retired public servant and good friend of

[[Page H3287]]

mine from the State of Washington, representative Joel Kretz.
  Since 2005, Joel has been dutifully serving the people of 
Washington's 7th legislative district. As the largest and most rural 
district in the State, his dedication may be exemplified in just how 
long his commute is, over 600 miles round trip between Olympia and his 
ranch in central Washington.
  He has been a champion of responsible land management, a crucial 
advocate in the fight for wildfire management, and a true defender of 
the western way of life.
  His legislative accomplishments, though many, are not the most 
interesting thing about Joel. He is a true cowboy, world-class horse 
breeder, and the embodiment of what it means to be from rural America. 
Did I say that he is also a great friend of mine.
  Now it is time for Joel to hang up his coat and tie, put on his 
cowboy hat and kerchief, and focus on the long honey-do list of his 
wife, Luska, that she has waiting for him.
  I am delighted about Joel's retirement. He has more than earned it.

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