[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 99 (Tuesday, June 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TAKING AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR RURAL AMERICA

  (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the One Big 
Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on rural communities.
  The House took an important step for rural America by passing the One 
Big Beautiful Bill Act. For communities across eastern Washington, the 
relief cannot come soon enough.
  For years, rural communities with large amounts of Federal land faced 
a structural disadvantage. They can't collect property taxes on those 
lands, yet they are still expected to keep schools open, maintain 
roads, and provide public safety. The Forest Service manages millions 
of acres in our region, but it is our local government that is left 
holding the bag.
  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act helps fix that broken system. It 
restores stable, reliable funding to rural counties that host Federal 
forests by reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program through 
fiscal year 2026.
  That means that our county commissioners and local leaders can plan 
with confidence, knowing that the Federal Government will keep its 
promise to pay predictable-share forest revenues to the school 
districts that I represent.
  I have heard directly from our county leaders in Asotin, Ferry, Pend 
Oreille, Stevens, and Walla Walla Counties. The uncertainty is real. 
Some are facing a 40 percent cut. This puts rural services and teaching 
jobs at risk.
  Fortunately, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers the kind of 
support that they need and deserve.
  Now, it is time for the Senate to act. Let's get it to the 
President's desk and deliver for rural America. Our communities have 
waited long enough.


               Celebrating U.S. Army's 250th Anniversary

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say happy birthday to 
the U.S. Army.
  On June 14, we will celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 250th 
birthday of the United States Army. For 2\1/2\ centuries, the Army has 
stood as a pillar of strength, sacrifice, and service. From the 
earliest days of our Nation's founding to today's complex challenges, 
Army soldiers have defended our freedoms, upheld our values, and 
protected the American people with unwavering courage.
  This historic anniversary reminds us of the countless sacrifices made 
by generations of men and women in uniform, those who have answered the 
call to serve, often at great personal cost.
  On this special occasion, we honor their legacy of dedication and 
resilience that continues to inspire all of us. To the brave soldiers, 
past and present, I thank them for their service.
  Happy 250th birthday, U.S. Army.


                     Congratulating Dr. Anjan Bose

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, as a proud alumnus of Washington State 
University, I rise today to celebrate a tremendous achievement that 
brings national recognition to our State and to one of our leading 
institutions of higher learning.
  Please join me in congratulating Regents Professor Anjan Bose of WSU 
for receiving the prestigious IEEE Power and Energy Society's Lifetime 
Achievement Award.
  This is one of the highest honors in the field and a testament to Dr. 
Bose's groundbreaking work in power grid automation, control, and 
education. His research not only shaped the future of global energy 
systems but has also inspired and educated generations of engineers in 
eastern Washington and beyond.
  We are fortunate to have such world-class expertise in our region, 
and this award is a proud moment for WSU and our entire State.
  I congratulate Dr. Bose. As always, Go Cougs.

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