[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DENNIS WASHINGTON

 Mr. SHEEHY. Mr. President, Montana's proud mining history has 
defined our State and powered America's growth and industrial strength. 
The copper mined in Butte electrified the Nation, fueled American 
industry, and helped our country win two World Wars. But by the 1980s, 
major mining operations had gone dormant, and the future of large-scale 
mining in Butte was uncertain.
  Dennis Washington made the decision to restart operations at the 
dormant Continental Pit. What began as a potential salvage effort 
became a long-term commitment: investing in Montana miners, modernizing 
equipment, and restoring confidence in one of the world's most historic 
mining districts.
  On July 16, 1986, the first blast at the reopened Continental Pit 
marked the return of large-scale mining in Butte under the leadership 
of his Montana-based, American-owned company.
  Since resuming operations, the mine has produced more than 2.5 
billion pounds of copper and over 300 million pounds of molybdenum, 
minerals essential to American infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, 
energy systems, and national defense. Today, Montana miners and 
engineers working in Butte continue to supply the materials that 
strengthen our Nation and support good-paying jobs here at home.
  As we honor the industry that helped build Montana and America, we 
recognize that responsible mining remains central to our State's 
future. Because of leaders like Dennis Washington--and the hard-working 
men and women of Butte--Montana mining continues to power opportunity 
for the next generation.
  Montana mining helped build America, and it continues to build 
Montana's future.

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