[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H1127-H1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF LARRY BATTERTON

  (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor another of the 
bright lights of eastern Washington, but I also rise with sadness as I 
honor the life of Larry Batterton, a devoted husband, father, and 
community leader from eastern Washington who passed away on January 16 
of this year.
  Larry dedicated his life to service--first to his country as an Air 
Force dependent, and later to his community in Spokane and Stevens 
Counties. He was active in We Believe, We Vote and active in civics, 
community, and government in Stevens County. In these roles he led with 
faith, kindness, and conviction, always working to strengthen trust in 
our elections and unity in our civic life.
  Larry and his wife, Susan, shared 54 years of marriage and built a 
wonderful family of four children and many grandchildren.
  His faith guided everything he did, and Larry's steady leadership 
left a lasting mark on eastern Washington.
  We give thanks for the life of Larry Batterton, his love of family, 
his enduring service to his community, and our State. When our Founders 
created this wonderful Republic that we live in, they thought of its 
foundation of good people like Larry Batterton. He will be deeply 
missed.


     In Opposition to Washington State's Proposed Millionaire's Tax

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to 
the tax proposal in Washington State of Governor Bob Ferguson and his 
so-called millionaire's tax.
  Mr. Speaker, I hear frequently from folks back home that they are 
very pleased with the work of this Washington and what Republican 
leadership has done to give our country the largest tax reduction in 
history. They tell me how much they enjoy and look forward to no taxes 
on tips, no taxes on overtime, a tax deduction on interest for loans 
for American-made cars, and new tax credits for education.
  All the work we have done here in Washington, this Washington, 
reduces the cost of living for Americans, but I hear very frequently, 
as well, while this is going on, in the other Washington, my home of 
Washington State, that the Democrat leadership there is increasing 
taxes.
  It is time for a reality check about budgets.
  In Washington State, the legislative session has just begun, and the 
Governor has proposed a new income tax that would push Seattle's top 
earners into one of the highest tax brackets of anywhere in the 
country. There would be higher taxes in Washington State than even deep 
blue States like New York and California.
  It doesn't stop there.
  Other taxes are being considered, too, such as higher payroll taxes 
and higher business taxes for starters. It is sad. Just 3 years ago, 
Washington State had a $14 billion surplus, and instead of saving for a 
rainy day, the Democrats in Olympia spent recklessly.
  State revenues went up by 25 percent, billions of extra dollars, but 
it was all spent, all to wind up $12 billion in the red today. That is 
after last year when the Democrats gave our State the largest tax 
increase in history, and now they want even more taxes.

[[Page H1128]]

  Implementing this tax will hurt job creators in Washington State, 
hurt our innovative economy, hurt our family farms, hurt job creation, 
and hurt growth.
  In the Federal Government we have a better record. Again, I voted for 
the largest tax reduction in history joining my Republican colleagues. 
The Democrats and Governor Ferguson in Olympia need to learn this 
lesson, not go even deeper into our pocketbooks and drive even more job 
creators out of the State.
  My message to Governor Ferguson is this: Get spending under control. 
Stop taxing the good people of Washington State.

                          ____________________