Michael Baumgartner
Representative for Washington · Republican · United States
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H4690] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING WES ANDERSON (Mr.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H4690] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING WES ANDERSON (Mr.”
“The moments in Vietnam crystallized a lifetime of determination to serve veterans when, on his return to the United States, he had to fight his way through a crowd of war protesters on his flight home.”
“The moments in Vietnam crystallized a lifetime of determination to serve veterans when, on his return to the United States, he had to fight his way through a crowd of war protesters on his flight home.”
“The Eastern Washington Eagles have a stacked schedule this fall with away games at Northern Arizona, South Dakota, University of Washington, UC Davis, University of Idaho, and Utah Tech, while welcoming schools like Northern Iowa, Cal Poly, Northern Colorado, Montana, Montana State, and Portland State to Cheney.”
“The Eastern Washington Eagles have a stacked schedule this fall with away games at Northern Arizona, South Dakota, University of Washington, UC Davis, University of Idaho, and Utah Tech, while welcoming schools like Northern Iowa, Cal Poly, Northern Colorado, Montana, Montana State, and Portland State to Cheney.”
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“When they noticed that the leprechaun was not there, they reached out to the president, and today, there is this leprechaun statue at gate 10 of the Purcell Pavilion, the very gate through which the Leprechaun Legion enters the arena to cheer on their basketball and volleyball teams. This is a tremendous story. Tim is also a very proud graduate of the University of Idaho, and upon presenting the leprechaun, he said: I guess it takes a Vandal to make sure that the students of Notre Dame have a leprechaun to celebrate. Mr. Speaker, Tim is a great American and a great friend. I love him and Beth. Go Vandals. Go Irish. ____________________”
“Tim built a multimillion dollar business in Spokane from the ground up, Old World Christmas, which was known across the country and across the world as providing the best Christmas ornaments anyone can find. Today, I also want to recognize a bit of trivia about Tim. When he sent his son and daughter to Notre Dame, he realized that there was not a leprechaun sculpture on Notre Dame's campus, and Tim set out to rectify that. Tim and Beth Merck, along with their children, Jon and Katherine, have long demonstrated a commitment to preserving stories and dreams in their operation. Jon and Katherine fulfilled a dream for their grandmother by attending and graduating from Notre Dame.”
“The Eastern Washington Eagles have a stacked schedule this fall with away games at Northern Arizona, South Dakota, University of Washington, UC Davis, University of Idaho, and Utah Tech, while welcoming schools like Northern Iowa, Cal Poly, Northern Colorado, Montana, Montana State, and Portland State to Cheney. I look forward to a great season of Eastern football, and I know the Eastern Eagles will be very competitive. I am sure the coach, his staff, every student-athlete, and the student body of Eastern all look forward to this exciting season. Go Eags. {time} 1045 recognizing tim merck Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Spokane native Tim Merck, an outstanding businessman, philanthropist, and family man. He and his wife, Beth, have raised an outstanding family.”
“I speak for the entire Spokane community when I say that he will be sincerely missed. recognizing the ewu eagles football team Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Eastern Washington University Eagles football team as they prepare for what promises to be a fantastic 2026 season. Everyone in eastern Washington knows that EWU plays some of the most exciting brands of football in the Western United States, and I know personally that their tailgating in Cheney is second to none. They are led by Coach Best, a former All-Big Sky center and Eastern Washington alum who has had an exemplary career as coach of the Eags.”
“The moments in Vietnam crystallized a lifetime of determination to serve veterans when, on his return to the United States, he had to fight his way through a crowd of war protesters on his flight home. His service to veterans took the form of over five decades of service through leadership roles in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he was honored for his work as a chaplain, and through various initiatives, small and large, that included his support for the residents of Spokane's veterans homes, 20 consecutive years of cleaning the Spokane Vietnam Veterans Memorial on each Memorial Day, and his volunteer work for veterans organizations such as Heroes Homestead. With Wes' passing, there is a void in our community that will be felt for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, Wes was a patriot, a great American, and a friend.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H4690] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING WES ANDERSON (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the passing of a great American, a great patriot, and a friend, Mr. Wes Anderson of Spokane, Washington. Wes was known across the communities of Spokane County for his exemplary service to fellow veterans who knew him best as ``Doc.'' Wes was a lifelong Spokanite whose life was defined by service, first in Vietnam where he served as a hospital corpsman and later across our communities where he had time for every veteran.”
“When they noticed that the leprechaun was not there, they reached out to the president, and today, there is this leprechaun statue at gate 10 of the Purcell Pavilion, the very gate through which the Leprechaun Legion enters the arena to cheer on their basketball and volleyball teams. This is a tremendous story. Tim is also a very proud graduate of the University of Idaho, and upon presenting the leprechaun, he said: I guess it takes a Vandal to make sure that the students of Notre Dame have a leprechaun to celebrate. Mr. Speaker, Tim is a great American and a great friend. I love him and Beth. Go Vandals. Go Irish. ____________________”
“Tim built a multimillion dollar business in Spokane from the ground up, Old World Christmas, which was known across the country and across the world as providing the best Christmas ornaments anyone can find. Today, I also want to recognize a bit of trivia about Tim. When he sent his son and daughter to Notre Dame, he realized that there was not a leprechaun sculpture on Notre Dame's campus, and Tim set out to rectify that. Tim and Beth Merck, along with their children, Jon and Katherine, have long demonstrated a commitment to preserving stories and dreams in their operation. Jon and Katherine fulfilled a dream for their grandmother by attending and graduating from Notre Dame.”
“The Eastern Washington Eagles have a stacked schedule this fall with away games at Northern Arizona, South Dakota, University of Washington, UC Davis, University of Idaho, and Utah Tech, while welcoming schools like Northern Iowa, Cal Poly, Northern Colorado, Montana, Montana State, and Portland State to Cheney. I look forward to a great season of Eastern football, and I know the Eastern Eagles will be very competitive. I am sure the coach, his staff, every student-athlete, and the student body of Eastern all look forward to this exciting season. Go Eags. {time} 1045 recognizing tim merck Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Spokane native Tim Merck, an outstanding businessman, philanthropist, and family man. He and his wife, Beth, have raised an outstanding family.”
“I speak for the entire Spokane community when I say that he will be sincerely missed. recognizing the ewu eagles football team Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Eastern Washington University Eagles football team as they prepare for what promises to be a fantastic 2026 season. Everyone in eastern Washington knows that EWU plays some of the most exciting brands of football in the Western United States, and I know personally that their tailgating in Cheney is second to none. They are led by Coach Best, a former All-Big Sky center and Eastern Washington alum who has had an exemplary career as coach of the Eags.”
“The moments in Vietnam crystallized a lifetime of determination to serve veterans when, on his return to the United States, he had to fight his way through a crowd of war protesters on his flight home. His service to veterans took the form of over five decades of service through leadership roles in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he was honored for his work as a chaplain, and through various initiatives, small and large, that included his support for the residents of Spokane's veterans homes, 20 consecutive years of cleaning the Spokane Vietnam Veterans Memorial on each Memorial Day, and his volunteer work for veterans organizations such as Heroes Homestead. With Wes' passing, there is a void in our community that will be felt for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, Wes was a patriot, a great American, and a friend.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H4690] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING WES ANDERSON (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the passing of a great American, a great patriot, and a friend, Mr. Wes Anderson of Spokane, Washington. Wes was known across the communities of Spokane County for his exemplary service to fellow veterans who knew him best as ``Doc.'' Wes was a lifelong Spokanite whose life was defined by service, first in Vietnam where he served as a hospital corpsman and later across our communities where he had time for every veteran.”
“His new book is a memoir of faith, family, and wonderful moments of the sport, including the time that he brought my good friend and WSU legend Mike Leach to the Palouse. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Bill on his many years of service to Cougar athletics and in this exciting new chapter of his life--even in retirement. Madam Speaker, I will also note that Bill Moos is a Cougar legend that should be in the WSU Hall of Fame, and I look forward to seeing him receive that distinct honor very soon. ____________________”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a former Washington State University athletic director, Bill Moos, and highlight his outstanding new book, ``Crab Creek Chronicles: From the Wheat Fields to the Ball Fields and Beyond.'' Bill Moos was a star football player for WSU in the early 1970s and later took a job as the student assistant football coach in 1973. After holding various jobs, he returned to WSU as the assistant athletic director. His career skyrocketed after that as he became the athletic director and oversaw the rise of two major universities, Montana and Oregon. Bill was a storyteller shaped by the land of eastern Washington and a family that has deep roots in both agriculture and politics.”
“``This is a significant gift from a remarkable family, and we are deeply grateful to their generosity,'' said Coach Few. ``Their investment will have a lasting impact on student-athletes and help ensure future generations of Bulldogs have every opportunity to grow and succeed.'' The three-time all-star and two-time all-NBA Third Team selection led the NBA in rebounds over previous seasons. He has made a significant contribution to the NBA and now has a lasting legacy at Gonzaga, one that will benefit future generations of Bulldogs. Well done, Mr. Sabonis. Honoring Bill Moos Mr. BAUMGARTNER.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a Gonzaga men's basketball legend, Domantas Sabonis, and his significant contribution to Gonzaga University. Sabonis starred at Gonzaga in 2014 to 2015, before embarking on an outstanding NBA career. Recently, Sabonis provided the school with a transformative gift and had the program's basketball strength and conditioning center named after him in a dedication ceremony last week. The Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center will serve as a training foundation for Bulldog basketball student-athletes, supporting year-round strength development, injury prevention, and recovery and performance optimization. The ceremony was held on Thursday afternoon in front of an invited audience of donors, alumni, student-athletes, and university leadership, where Sabonis and Coach Mark Few both spoke.”
“After retiring from coaching in 1994, Jim showed his Crimson pride by returning to the Palouse, where he served as Bob Robertson's broadcast sidekick for 11 seasons. Jim Walden was inducted into the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009 and the University of Wyoming Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 for his play as a quarterback when he was a student there. Madam Speaker, I commend Coach Jim Walden for his unwavering passion for Cougar athletics and his lasting commitment to the game of football. His leadership helped shape the proud tradition and identity of Cougar football that generations, including myself, have known and cherished. Jim Walden will be deeply missed and his legacy will continue to inspire Cougs. Honoring Domantas Sabonis Mr. BAUMGARTNER.”
“The Cougs displayed many of the same characteristics Jim exhibited, including a passion for the sport and an outspoken and charismatic personality. Taking the reins after WSU had three coaches in 3 years, Jim Walden assured the Cougar faithful he would not only stay around, but he would stay around and build a winning team. Four years [[Page H4418]] later, he guided WSU to its first bowl game in many years, the 1981 Holiday Bowl. That was WSU's first post-season game since 1931. Jim delivered on his promises while defeating nearly every team in the PAC-10 conference. He finished his 9-year stint with 44 wins, at that time the second most among Washington State's all-time list, while also being named PAC-10 Coach of the Year twice, once in 1981 and again in 1983.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4417-H4418] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JIM WALDEN (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a legend and the life of a legend, Washington State University Coach Jim Walden, who passed away recently. Coach Walden served as the Cougars head football coach from 1978- 1986. From the time he took over between the 1977 and 1978 seasons, he was not one to hold back as a coach, and neither was his Cougar football team.”
“His new book is a memoir of faith, family, and wonderful moments of the sport, including the time that he brought my good friend and WSU legend Mike Leach to the Palouse. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Bill on his many years of service to Cougar athletics and in this exciting new chapter of his life--even in retirement. Madam Speaker, I will also note that Bill Moos is a Cougar legend that should be in the WSU Hall of Fame, and I look forward to seeing him receive that distinct honor very soon. ____________________”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a former Washington State University athletic director, Bill Moos, and highlight his outstanding new book, ``Crab Creek Chronicles: From the Wheat Fields to the Ball Fields and Beyond.'' Bill Moos was a star football player for WSU in the early 1970s and later took a job as the student assistant football coach in 1973. After holding various jobs, he returned to WSU as the assistant athletic director. His career skyrocketed after that as he became the athletic director and oversaw the rise of two major universities, Montana and Oregon. Bill was a storyteller shaped by the land of eastern Washington and a family that has deep roots in both agriculture and politics.”
“``This is a significant gift from a remarkable family, and we are deeply grateful to their generosity,'' said Coach Few. ``Their investment will have a lasting impact on student-athletes and help ensure future generations of Bulldogs have every opportunity to grow and succeed.'' The three-time all-star and two-time all-NBA Third Team selection led the NBA in rebounds over previous seasons. He has made a significant contribution to the NBA and now has a lasting legacy at Gonzaga, one that will benefit future generations of Bulldogs. Well done, Mr. Sabonis. Honoring Bill Moos Mr. BAUMGARTNER.”
“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a Gonzaga men's basketball legend, Domantas Sabonis, and his significant contribution to Gonzaga University. Sabonis starred at Gonzaga in 2014 to 2015, before embarking on an outstanding NBA career. Recently, Sabonis provided the school with a transformative gift and had the program's basketball strength and conditioning center named after him in a dedication ceremony last week. The Sabonis Family Strength and Conditioning Center will serve as a training foundation for Bulldog basketball student-athletes, supporting year-round strength development, injury prevention, and recovery and performance optimization. The ceremony was held on Thursday afternoon in front of an invited audience of donors, alumni, student-athletes, and university leadership, where Sabonis and Coach Mark Few both spoke.”
“After retiring from coaching in 1994, Jim showed his Crimson pride by returning to the Palouse, where he served as Bob Robertson's broadcast sidekick for 11 seasons. Jim Walden was inducted into the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009 and the University of Wyoming Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 for his play as a quarterback when he was a student there. Madam Speaker, I commend Coach Jim Walden for his unwavering passion for Cougar athletics and his lasting commitment to the game of football. His leadership helped shape the proud tradition and identity of Cougar football that generations, including myself, have known and cherished. Jim Walden will be deeply missed and his legacy will continue to inspire Cougs. Honoring Domantas Sabonis Mr. BAUMGARTNER.”
“The Cougs displayed many of the same characteristics Jim exhibited, including a passion for the sport and an outspoken and charismatic personality. Taking the reins after WSU had three coaches in 3 years, Jim Walden assured the Cougar faithful he would not only stay around, but he would stay around and build a winning team. Four years [[Page H4418]] later, he guided WSU to its first bowl game in many years, the 1981 Holiday Bowl. That was WSU's first post-season game since 1931. Jim delivered on his promises while defeating nearly every team in the PAC-10 conference. He finished his 9-year stint with 44 wins, at that time the second most among Washington State's all-time list, while also being named PAC-10 Coach of the Year twice, once in 1981 and again in 1983.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4417-H4418] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JIM WALDEN (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a legend and the life of a legend, Washington State University Coach Jim Walden, who passed away recently. Coach Walden served as the Cougars head football coach from 1978- 1986. From the time he took over between the 1977 and 1978 seasons, he was not one to hold back as a coach, and neither was his Cougar football team.”
“Gabriel's remarkable mother, Kitara Johnson-Jones, has turned her immense heartbreak into a call for action, launching Gabriel's Challenge, a community response to fentanyl, starting on Mother's Day and extending to Father's Day. She is rallying the community to identify the gaps in support for addiction recovery and urging connection and action. It is a call to pray, a call to talk, and a call to engage. In Kitara's own words: No matter how many differences we have, we have one thing in common, and that is the serial killer in our community named fentanyl, and we can all rally behind that. Mr. Speaker, let us join her in this fight in honor of Gabriel and so many others and work together to combat this fentanyl crisis. ____________________”
“Last year alone, 270 lives were lost to fentanyl overdoses in Spokane County. It is a national epidemic that we must address with urgency. We must stop fentanyl from hitting our streets, and border security is a part of that. Last year, over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl were seized at our borders, enough to kill billions. A recent executive order ended duty-free treatment for low-cost goods from China, which have been exploited as a major pathway to smuggle illicit drugs into the U.S. It was a measure that had bipartisan support. Alongside law enforcement efforts, we must help those in recovery, like Gabriel, with comprehensive treatment and community support.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [House] [Page H1735] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GABRIEL'S CHALLENGE (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, one day after National Fentanyl Awareness Day, to honor the memory of a special young man and to share a call for action. Gabriel Fensler was a much-loved son and brother who had struggled with addiction but had fought hard for his recovery. Gabriel relapsed one day after his 24th birthday. Fentanyl is a crisis. In Spokane, we are feeling the weight of it.”
“Gabriel's remarkable mother, Kitara Johnson-Jones, has turned her immense heartbreak into a call for action, launching Gabriel's Challenge, a community response to fentanyl, starting on Mother's Day and extending to Father's Day. She is rallying the community to identify the gaps in support for addiction recovery and urging connection and action. It is a call to pray, a call to talk, and a call to engage. In Kitara's own words: No matter how many differences we have, we have one thing in common, and that is the serial killer in our community named fentanyl, and we can all rally behind that. Mr. Speaker, let us join her in this fight in honor of Gabriel and so many others and work together to combat this fentanyl crisis. ____________________”
“Last year alone, 270 lives were lost to fentanyl overdoses in Spokane County. It is a national epidemic that we must address with urgency. We must stop fentanyl from hitting our streets, and border security is a part of that. Last year, over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl were seized at our borders, enough to kill billions. A recent executive order ended duty-free treatment for low-cost goods from China, which have been exploited as a major pathway to smuggle illicit drugs into the U.S. It was a measure that had bipartisan support. Alongside law enforcement efforts, we must help those in recovery, like Gabriel, with comprehensive treatment and community support.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [House] [Page H1735] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING GABRIEL'S CHALLENGE (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, one day after National Fentanyl Awareness Day, to honor the memory of a special young man and to share a call for action. Gabriel Fensler was a much-loved son and brother who had struggled with addiction but had fought hard for his recovery. Gabriel relapsed one day after his 24th birthday. Fentanyl is a crisis. In Spokane, we are feeling the weight of it.”
“NCAA settlement will unleash even more chaos with no plan to protect small schools, Olympic sports, or competitive balance. That is why tonight I am introducing the Restore College Sports Act. It replaces the NCAA with a new entity under Presidential authority to regulate public college sports as a public good. It fixes the NIL transfer process to eliminate chaos, and it equally shares revenue across all sports and all schools to increase opportunities in Olympic sports and create competitive balance. Mr. Speaker, indeed, tonight is a big moment with the Restore College Sports Act. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025)] [House] [Page H1444] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] PROTECT COLLEGE SPORTS (Mr. BAUMGARTNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, tonight is the NCAA championship, but the magic of March Madness is gone. Every number one seed has made the Final Four. There are no upsets, no Cinderellas, just bigger brands with bigger budgets. Why? It is because college sports is on a downward trajectory, and the magic of what used to make it special is gone. Now the House v.”