[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY BOBCATS

  (Mr. DOWNING asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I have risen before the House several times 
to recognize the historic rivalry between the Montana State University 
Bobcats and the University of Montana Grizzlies, but today I rise with 
enormous pride to honor the Montana State University Bobcats for their 
historic FCS National Championship victory in Nashville.
  The Cats left it all on the field. They played with grit, heart, and 
determination, carrying the weight of a State that believed in them. 
From blocked kicks and dramatic momentum swings to a fourth-quarter 
comeback and the first overtime finish in FCS title game history, this 
contest delivered everything that makes college football unforgettable.
  This win marked Montana State's first national championship in 41 
years, ending a drought that stretched back to 1984. With Montana 
programs reaching the championship stage in four of the last five 
seasons, it was only fitting that the trophy finally returned to the 
home of the Treasure State.
  The young men in blue and gold made Montana proud. Their victory 
belongs not only to this university but to an entire State.
  Mr. President, if you are watching, we would love to see them in the 
White House. Go, Cats, go.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to direct their remarks 
to the Chair.

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