[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3464-H3465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TWELVE COUNTIES IN TWELVE DAYS

  (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I believe that every Member of Congress 
claims to have the most beautiful and wonderful district in the 
country, but I know it with the Fifth District of

[[Page H3465]]

Washington State and the good people of eastern Washington.
  Over the last break, I had the opportunity to do a 12-county and 12-
day whistle-stop tour across my district, and I want to share with the 
good Members of Congress and the people of America what I learned.
  Mr. Speaker, the inspiration for this trip was actually former 
Speaker of the House Tom Foley, who once represented the congressional 
district that I am now pleased to represent. Many people in eastern 
Washington think fondly of Tom Foley, including myself. In 1998, I 
received a Foley scholarship to Washington State University. I am often 
inspired by him, and he made whistle-stop tours.
  In that spirit, I was inspired by him to make a 12-day tour across 
all 12 counties in my district, the largest congressional district in 
Washington. I had the honor of meeting with constituents at townhall 
meetings, county courthouses, schools, small businesses, and 
manufacturing facilities, to hear directly about their concerns, 
priorities, and ideas for the future.
  The people of Washington's Fifth Congressional District spoke about 
many important issues, expressing support for progress in areas such as 
passage of the farm bill, which will benefit our farmers and ranchers, 
as well as continued congressional backing for the defense and 
aerospace industries that are vital to our region's economy and 
national security.
  We also discussed the ongoing challenges facing our communities, 
including access to rural healthcare, rising gas prices, burdensome 
regulations, concerns surrounding trade policy, and ensuring the 
competitiveness of college sports.
  I am so proud to serve as the voice of my constituents here in 
Washington, and I will continue working to advance legislation that 
strengthens the communities of eastern Washington.
  Whether from Ione to Inchelium, from Clarkston to Colville, the wheat 
fields of the Palouse to the vineyards of Walla Walla, we have such a 
beautiful district, and it was wonderful to visit it over these last 12 
days.


                   recognizing colville's rocket club

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
outstanding achievements of the Colville High School Rocket Club, whose 
team recently qualified as a finalist in the national American Rocketry 
Challenge.
  This team of 10 talented and dedicated students devoted months to 
designing, building, and launching model rockets in pursuit of 
excellence in science, engineering, and teamwork. Earning a place 
amongst the top 100 teams nationwide is an extraordinary 
accomplishment, especially in a competition that included more than 
1,000 teams from across the country.
  I am proud to welcome the Colville High School Rocket Club to 
Washington, D.C., this week. I met with them earlier on the Capitol 
steps. They truly represent the best of the future, and I can assure 
the American people that our future is bright as a country because of 
the young men and women of the Colville Rocket Club.


                   recognizing the swinging doors bar

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Spokane 
institution and celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Swinging Doors 
Bar in Spokane, Washington.
  Founded by Bob and Barb Materne on May 11, 1981, The Swinging Doors 
has been a go-to spot for delicious food and a warm, friendly 
atmosphere in Spokane for years. From the Doors mozz to Swinging Doors 
broasted chicken, from Barb's bacon burger to the German sausage 
sandwich, you can't go wrong with what you order at The Swinging Doors.
  Over these past 45 years, The Swinging Doors has been more than just 
a restaurant. It has been a gathering place for families, friends, and 
neighbors. The Swinging Doors employs over 40 people. An experience 
with 60 televisions, it is an ideal spot to catch your favorite team on 
game day.
  I congratulate The Swinging Doors and Bob and Barb. Everyone in 
Spokane knows how wonderful they are. It is wonderful to share their 
story with the good people of America and have them entered into the 
Congressional Record.

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