Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career and recognize the retirement of Skamania County Commissioner Tom Lannen.

Tom wasn't born here, but he got here as fast as he could. He is internationally famous in Washington State, serving as the chair of the Washington State Association of Counties' Timber Caucus.

Tom pioneered the use of ``the stick,'' a yardstick that visually demonstrates the fact that our county, Skamania County, has only 1.8 percent of our acreage which can generate tax revenue.

Tom won't let his Federal Representatives forget how much Skamania County needs their mills to produce timber, the Secure Rural Schools program to keep our schools open, and economic development opportunities to ensure that communities thrive.

Madam Speaker, I thank Tom for his mentorship and leadership and for spending time working on behalf of things that matter, our community. I hope he enjoys his retirement with Sophia and wish him the very best.

Ballot Box Fire

Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the fire that was set to a ballot box in my district on October 28. We still don't know who did this, but we know who did not do this. Real patriots don't torch each other's ballots. It was an attack on our democracy and our rule of law.

The fire destroyed hundreds of ballots. Although our incredible election workers tried to recover as many votes as possible and contact those whose ballots were partially burned, many votes were lost.

If people want to live in a society where ballots are burned, they can move there. My community will not stand for this spineless, shameful, and unpatriotic BS.

I thank our first responders for dealing with this fire in such a timely and efficient manner. Ballot recovery would not have been possible if it were not for them.

Another thank-you goes to those who stood guard at the local ballot boxes 24/7 following the fire, a precaution that never should have been necessary in the first place.

I promise to all of southwest Washington that I will always fight against political violence and protect our sacred right to vote in our communities.

Dennis Weber Retirement

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dennis Weber on his upcoming retirement from the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners after serving as commissioner for 12 years and in the public sector for 40 years.

Dennis has spent his career being a pillar for our community. He spent many years as a social studies teacher before transitioning to roles in public office.

He has been an excellent advocate with the Spirit Lake/Toutle-Cowlitz River Collaborative to help protect downstream communities, project collaboration, and good, accessible data.

I have been privileged to work with Dennis over the years. When I helped reintroduce the National Landslide Preparedness Act, Dennis helped to provide testimony from Cowlitz County.

Dennis Weber has shown time and again what it means to be a public servant. He has always worked to ensure his community gets the resources and support they need. His priority has always been for the betterment of his hometown, and that has been evident in every chapter of his career. I thank Dennis for all he has done for southwest Washington. I hope retirement treats him well.

Christmas Trees

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a beloved holiday tradition and an important part of my district's culture: Christmas trees.

My district produces the second-most number of Christmas trees in the country. Coming from a family of loggers myself, I know firsthand how important it is to be a steward of the land, to depend on it, not just as a terrarium, but as part of your culture.

Our support and value for the forest products that come from our woods is engrained in our ethos. For generations, Washingtonians have used our trees to build and furnish their homes.

The holiday season offers us a unique opportunity to display and decorate the trees that we are so proud of. This holiday season, I encourage everybody to go out and visit a Christmas tree farm. Better yet, go into the woods, get a permit, cut down a tree yourself. This is not the time to be supporting petroleum-based Christmas trees, but our own homegrown trees that support our economy and our culture.

Congratulating Sharon Pesut on her Retirement

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sharon Pesut on her retirement as executive director at Partners in Careers, also known as PIC.

PIC is a nonprofit organization that connects jobseekers with workforce training and opportunities with local businesses and community members. PIC aims to assist low-income parents, domestic violence survivors, homeless veterans, and others get a second chance at a career.

PIC has been a huge asset to our local Ukrainian community, helping refugees and immigrants secure job opportunities.

Sharon has led PIC for 13 years where she has helped to expand youth and veteran programs throughout her community. Recently, Sharon, along with her partners at PIC, were honored as the Community Partner of the Year at the Washington Workforce Association Conference.

I thank Sharon for all of the work she has done for our community. I wish her all the very best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I unfortunately missed votes today due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 492.

Mr. Speaker, I unfortunately missed votes today due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 484, YEA on Roll Call No. 485, YEA on Roll Call No. 486, NAY on Roll Call No. 487, YEA on Roll Call No. 488, NAY on Roll Call No. 489, NAY on Roll Call No. 490, and NAY on Roll Call No. 491.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Rob Gordon of Bucoda, who passed away this June after a 7-month battle with stomach cancer. Rob Gordon was born in Centralia, Washington, and remained a lifelong, loyal resident of southwest Washington. He was elected mayor of Bucoda, a town of about 580 people, in May of 2021, and served as its mayor until his passing.

Before and during his tenure as mayor, Rob was the assistant chief of the Bucoda Fire Department where he had been serving as a firefighter since he was 16 years old.

In addition to his decades of public service, Mayor Gordon also worked for his family's company, which he co-owned with his brother, driving dump trucks and log trucks. Outside of work, he enjoyed raising cattle on his family farm, collecting old International Tractors, and he passed down his love of fixing stuff to his children, Jakob and Anna.

It is fitting to rename this post office after Rob, a place where rural neighbors convene and routine and profound work is done quietly, diligently, and honorably. Honor, diligence, and community were all qualities that Rob exemplified.

On behalf of Rob's family, his fellow firefighters, and friends across Bucoda and southwest Washington, and with the support of the Bucoda Town Council and Thurston County Board of Commissioners, it is my privilege to lead this bill to honor Rob's life of service.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to its being signed into law. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jordan Chiles, a Gold Medal Olympic gymnast representing Team USA on her incredible performance in Paris.

Chiles grew up in Vancouver and attended Prairie High School. She was raised by parents who were both pastors, a unique identity I proudly relate to.

By the time Jordan had graduated high school, she had already made a national name for herself. At only 12, she made the U.S. gymnastics national team, a truly remarkable feat for any age.

Jordan's incredible journey as an athlete, where she navigates the pressure of being watched by millions, is nothing short of inspiring.

Mr. Speaker, Jordan Chiles has made her community in southwest Washington and her country very proud.

Recognizing Vancouver Police Chief Jeff Mori

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Police Chief Jeff Mori of the Vancouver Police Department and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement.

Chief Mori has served the Vancouver Police Department for 5 years and spent over 31 years working in law enforcement.

While serving as chief, Chief Mori oversaw the rollout of the VPD camera program, the recruitment and hiring of over 75 officers and staff, and advocated for a southwest Washington regional Criminal Justice Training Academy, which is now successfully training new recruits.

The Vancouver Police Department is our first line of defense to keep our communities safe, and it is a responsibility I know they don't take lightly.

Although we are losing a valued member of the team, I know his impact will remain.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chief Mori for all that he has done for our community. I am honored to have gotten to know him and for the chance to work with him, and I hope that retirement treats him well.

SkillsUSA's National Leadership & Skills Conference

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the six high school students from my district who placed in the top three for their category at SkillsUSA's National Leadership & Skills Conference this past June.

The SkillsUSA competition highlights skilled trades and the accomplishments of career-ready leaders in a nationwide, weeklong event.

Sebastian Nejar and Luke Twiss from Evergreen High School in Vancouver won a silver medal in the category of interactive application and video game development.

Zachariah Hubbard and Kaiden Wood from Rochester High School won a silver medal in the category of commercial sUAS drone.

Daniel Dugas and Mason Young from Rochester High School also won a silver medal in the category of robotics--urban search and rescue.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate each team for such a great accomplishment. They all have made us very proud in southwest Washington.

Recognizing Retirement of Bill Draper

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Bill Draper, who has been a construction technology instructor at Cascadia Tech for 28 years.

Cascadia Tech Academy is a premier career and technical education institution that was created in partnership with 10 school districts in my community. Cascadia Tech provides hands-on learning opportunities for students so they can develop talents and gain credentials that will make them ready to hit the ground running after graduation.

After 11 years in the construction field, Bill became a steward of the next generation of doers and makers. I have seen firsthand the incredible respect his students have for him and the pride

he cultivates in them for the trades, which is why he so deservingly earned the Evergreen School District's Educator of the Year award in 2021.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Bill for all he has done for our community and our students. I wish him the very best in his last year in the classroom and in his well-deserved retirement.

MIA Air Force Sergeant David Stanley Price Finally Comes Home

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the return home to Centralia for Air Force Sergeant David Stanley Price, who has been considered missing in action for the last 56 years.

On March 11, 1968, while serving in the Vietnam war, Sergeant Price was declared missing in action when the outpost he was manning was attacked.

On that day, he, along with 10 other servicemembers manning that post, were deemed to be killed or captured.

Finally, last year, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency recovered his remains and was able to identify Sergeant Price. This allowed for him to finally return home and end the decades of worry and wondering his family has gone through.

Sergeant Price was a husband and father and an active member of his community. I cannot imagine the pain his loved ones have had to endure over the last 56 years, but I hope the return of his remains brings them some measure of peace.

Sergeant Price made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and I am grateful that he can be properly laid to rest at home.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Ilwaco Fire Department, which was recently recognized as the Firehouse of the Year by the Washington State Fire Fighters' Association.

First responders and firefighters are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe, and many of them are doing this as volunteers because they are committed to serving their community.

At the Ilwaco Fire Department, the ambulance component is entirely run and operated by their volunteers. Whether it is a wildfire or a house flood, our first responders are constantly prepared for emergencies throughout our community.

In this last year, the Ilwaco Fire Department was responsible for transporting more than 200 patients and traveling over 23,000 miles. The crucial role they play can't be done without proper funding, which is why I will always fight to bring back the Federal dollars they deserve. I am honored to have such a hardworking and outstanding fire department in my district.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all of the brave members of the Ilwaco Fire Department, and a special thanks to Sparky, the fire dog, for keeping everyone's spirits high.

21-Year-Old Andrew Okerlund Summits 100 Highest Peaks in Washington

State in 85 Days

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Okerlund, a young mountain climber in my district. Last summer, Andrew became the 91st person to summit the 100 highest peaks in

Washington State, which he accomplished in just 85 days. This list of summits is known as the Bulger List or the Bulger 100.

Okerlund turned 21 this past March, making him the youngest person ever to complete the Bulger List. He started his climbing journey just 2 years prior, when he became inspired by the stories of other young people who had competed in the 100 summits.

Andrew's meticulous planning and grit was evident throughout his trek. From precise meal planning to his high standards for climbing partners, each decision made in the 85 days was deliberate.

Andrew Okerlund's accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and strength. I applaud him for such an impressive feat.

Angelina Rodriguez-Caldwell Named STEM Rising Star

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angelina Rodriguez- Caldwell, a freshman at Kelso High School. Angelina was just named the Southwest Washington STEM's Rising Star in recognition of her work as an active member in her school's medical club, known as ClubMED. Her time in ClubMED has allowed her to participate as well as lead a variety of events and conferences.

This upcoming school year, Angelina will serve as the ClubMED president, allowing her educational opportunities to continue to grow in the medical field. Her teachers have shared that she excels in communication, work ethic, and spirit, rising to challenges above her grade level.

Angelina Rodriguez-Caldwell has made her teachers and community extremely proud. I have no doubt that this is just the beginning. Her success with ClubMED shows how much students can accomplish when they are given the tools to work on issues they are interested in. I congratulate Angelina. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.

PSP Shuts Down Shellfish Fishing in Willapa Bay

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a recent harmful spike in paralytic shellfish poisoning, known as PSP, that has partially shut down shellfish fishing in Willapa Bay.

The PSP biotoxin is caused by a harmful microorganism that can spread in coastal waters. This spike was the first to cause commercial closures in Willapa Bay since 1997.

The shellfish industry plays a critical role in southwest Washington's economy and ecosystem. However, due to this outbreak, most commercial shellfish farming was halted for over 10 days, costing growers, their families, and employees financial hardship and challenges.

Testing requirements have put constraints on growers, and shutting down harvesting operations has threatened the jobs of hundreds of southwest Washingtonians. Imagine what 10 days of lost pay would do to your ability to pay rent or make a payment on your car.

I stand by the shellfish farmers during this difficult time. Local farmers are a staple in southwest Washington, and it is essential that they get the support they need to be able to continue their operations. My staff and I are closely monitoring the situation as more information is discovered.

Remembering Mayor Rob Gordon

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Rob Gordon of Bucoda, who recently passed away after battling stomach cancer.

Mayor Gordon was born in Centralia and remained a lifelong resident of southwest Washington. Before and during his tenure as mayor, Gordon was the assistant chief of the Bucoda Fire Department and has been serving as a firefighter since the age of 16.

In addition to serving the public, Mayor Gordon also worked for his family's company that he co-owned with his brother, where he drove dump and log trucks. Outside of work, he enjoyed raising cattle on his family farm, collecting old International tractors, and teaching these skills and values to his children, Jakob and Anna.

Mayor Gordon was the epitome of a servant leader, and the impact he had on our community cannot be overstated. He was old school, tough, fair-minded, and at times reserved, but he always gave people the chance to be the best version of themselves.

This loss will be felt by many, and his life of service and dedication to Bucoda will echo forever. My thoughts are with his family, Miriam, Jakob, and Anna and loved ones grieving this devastating loss.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the SPUR Act. I thank my colleague from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber) for introducing this bill.

The SBA is ensuring that small businesses are given a fair shot at competing for Federal contracting dollars. SBA publishes an annual small business procurement scorecard that grades each Federal agency on their spending toward the goal and gives agencies a score for their performance. We all know that these Federal contracts can be an incredible financial opportunity for our Nation's entrepreneurs, but even though the amount of dollars awarded to small businesses has reached record highs, the number of small businesses in the industrial base has declined dramatically.

Put simply, the Federal Government is not retaining current small business government contractors, and new small businesses are not choosing to enter the Federal market. This is a serious problem.

For our local economies to thrive, it is important that we level the playing field and ensure that more southwest Washington small businesses can benefit from these opportunities. This bill would require the SBA to include the number of new entrants into the Federal market in the methodology for scoring each Federal agency's small business performance.

By way of example, after the 2020 pandemic hit, my husband and I spent basically the better part of a year on upgrades to our auto shop, including investments in infrastructure, like ventilation systems to keep our employees and our customers safe.

Our friends, who own another auto repair shop, instead spent the entire year learning how to navigate the contract system with the city. This is a perfect example of how it is a real loss to our communities and our local economies when small business owners have to spend a year navigating a bureaucracy and figuring out how to do business with the government.

Our bill will help shed light on how successful Federal agencies are at making sure that new businesses see the value in contracting with the Federal Government and have the capacity to overcome the regulatory burdens to tap into these resources.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to co-lead this bill with Representative Stauber, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colvin Ranch, a family-owned ranch in Thurston County in my district.

Colvin Ranch started soon after Ignatius Colvin came to Washington State on the Oregon Trail back in 1851. Since then, the family has continued to raise livestock in a humane and sustainable way. The ranch is currently run by Jennifer Colvin, making her a fifth-generation rancher.

Local farms are the backbone of a resilient and sustainable local food supply chain. However, in recent years we have seen growing consolidation in the agricultural industry. Multinational, corporate- run farms are known to cut corners and prioritize profit over community-minded farming practices.

Colvin Ranch has been an advocate for building a meat processing plant with a storefront in the park near their ranch so they can establish what they like to call ``the world's shortest supply chain.''

By supporting farmers like Colvin Ranch, we are investing in sustainable agriculture practices and supporting our local economy and local jobs.

National Police Week

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to recognize the brave men and women in law enforcement across southwest Washington.

Recently, I had the honor of going on a ride-along with Sergeant Ripp of the Vancouver Police Department, and I had the pleasure of watching his profound knowledge and deep engagement with the local community. He literally knew 9 out of 10 people we saw walking on the streets, what their lives were like, what their struggles were, and how he could support them.

Sergeant Ripp talked to me about the biggest challenges he sees in our community, including the increasing devastation of drugs like fentanyl and meth, as well as the challenges of folks struggling with serious mental health issues.

The work our officers do is dangerous and often unrewarding, and I am deeply committed to ensuring they receive the resources, regard, and support they deserve.

By providing our law enforcement adequate funding and ensuring they are given the respect and support they deserve, communities like mine will be able to recruit and retain the best public servants possible.

You cannot pay people enough to be disrespected, and we need a cultural shift that values the sacrifices these officers make along with their families.

I am so grateful to have such a strong team working in my district. I sincerely thank them all.

Recognizing Andrew Webber

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Webber, a proud husband, father, and veteran who was raised in Raymond, a small town in my district.

Last year, Andrew signed up to volunteer for the Ukrainian army's 59th Motorized Brigade.

He went to Ukraine in order to provide combat training to their soldiers; however, when he noticed that a young man next to him did not have any protective gear, Andrew gave him his.

Andrew passed away on July 29 of 2023 while serving in Ukraine. To this day, his family firmly believes his death would have been prevented if the Ukrainians had proper resources.

That is why it is critical and crucial that after passing the House and Senate on April 24, the President signed the lethal military aid package to send $61 billion to Ukrainian soldiers.

Andrew was a soldier, but he was also a father, a husband, and a son. My thoughts are with Andrew's family and loved ones as they navigate their profound loss. His heroic service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Recognizing Doris Bier

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Doris Bier, who was one of the original Rosie the Riveters during World War II in Fort Lewis.

Doris was raised in Adna, Washington, a small town in my community. From owning the second bicycle in Adna to being hired to drive trucks in cornfields at the age of 14, she has always surpassed expectations.

At the age of 16, she was one of just a few chosen women, along with a few other women, to take a mechanics course at the Clover Park Vocational School.

Upon graduation, she became an official Rosie the Riveter and worked at assembly lines at Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot. No matter what pushback she faced, she continued to work and excel. Doris received an Army-Navy E Award, also known as an Excellence in Production pin, for producing twice as many axles as her colleagues each day.

Doris Bier, along with all of the Rosie the Riveters, helped pave the way for freedom. She still resides in my district where she continues to share her remarkable stories.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Doris for all she has contributed and still contributes to our community.

Lewis County Public Utility Department

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five Lewis County Public Utility Department crew workers who were recently honored by the Northwest Public Power Association with a Safety Heroism Award.

On January 22, Brad Peters, Bob Hadley, Joel Chandler, Travis Merriman, and Hunter Blair saved the life of man who was disabled by pulling him out of a burning RV.

The five PUD crew workers were working in the Mossyrock area when they noticed smoke nearby. While attempting to extinguish the fire, they realized a man was trapped inside and was not able to escape on his own.

Our PUD workers are crucial to our community, but saving lives is well out of their expected duty. The quick thinking and choices of these five men was literally lifesaving, and I applaud them for their heroic work.

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today with immense pride to recognize DJH Kids, a remarkable nonprofit organization in my district. This exceptional group has successfully obtained a key permit for the proposed Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center in Ilwaco.

This community center honors the life of Dylan Jude Harrell, who was 4 years old when she was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare and incurable brain cancer, before passing away 20 months later.

This community center will strengthen the foundations of Ilwaco by addressing the childcare crisis working families are facing and bringing together folks for recreational activities and community-led events.

Community centers like this one are key at a time when the average cost of childcare in the U.S. has risen by 220 percent in the last 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the folks at DJH Kids and the entire team supporting the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center. I am excited for what the future of Ilwaco has in store.

Honoring Deputy Drew Kennison

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the remarkable resilience and dedication of Deputy Drew Kennison of the Clark County Sheriff's Office. With his 15-year tenure, Deputy Kennison embodies the essence of a public servant.

Just a year following an incident that led to the amputation of his left leg above the knee, Deputy Kennison made a return to patrol duty. His injury resulted from a duty-related accident where a falling tree branch trapped him in his patrol vehicle. It was the efforts of his fellow SWAT team members and emergency responders who saved his life in a moment that reflected the best of those who serve our community.

Deputy Kennison remained positive and determined to return to service throughout his recovery. His journey is a testament to his character and passion for service.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with my community in honoring his unwavering commitment to duty and wish him success as he works toward rejoining the SWAT team. Deputy Kennison embodies the best of southwest Washington and our law enforcement community, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his service and the inspiration he provides to us all.

Honoring Douglas ``Bill'' Swartz on His 100th birthday

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a remarkable individual in my district, Mr. Douglas ``Bill'' Swartz, a distinguished World War II veteran who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

Bill's service journey began in the Navy, where he achieved the prestigious rank of radioman first class while stationed on the USS Clark Mills. While serving on the USS Clark Mills, the vessel was struck by a torpedo in the Mediterranean and sank.

Remarkably, Bill survived this dire situation, being rescued by a British tug, and his service journey didn't end there. Bill's service took him to the USS Kingsbury, and from there to Hiroshima.

Following World War II, Bill met and married his beloved Nancy in 1947, and they were happily married for 68 years. During this period, Bill was called back to the Navy to serve in the Korean war as a seaplane tender in Japan.

After his Navy career, he worked for the Federal Home Loan Bank as a loan examiner.

In recognizing Bill Swartz today, we honor not only his personal journey but also the indomitable spirit and sacrifice of countless veterans who have selflessly served our Nation. Bill's story serves as an example of courage, resilience, and dedication to the principles we all hold dear as Americans.

Honoring the Life of Sergeant Alec Langen

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Sergeant Alec Langen, who was a graduate of Washougal High School in my district and one of the five marines killed in the February 6 helicopter crash during a training flight near San Diego.

Sergeant Langen graduated from Washougal High School, where my son would attend high school, in 2018. He enlisted right out of high school.

Becoming a marine was a lifelong dream of his, allowing him to follow in the footsteps of his father.

He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in October 2022 and was a crew chief for the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter just like his dad. Over his career, he earned several decorations, including Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Good Conduct Medal, and many, many others.

Sergeant Langen's story serves as a reminder of the sacrifice our military members and their families face while they serve our Nation.

To his family and loved ones both in Washougal and across the country: I will never understand how deeply you feel his loss every day, but I assure you that Sergeant Alec Langen's sacrifice and example for our country will not be forgotten.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment with Representative Edwards for the USE IT Act which would incorporate our bipartisan bill, the FULL Act, to inform how Federal office leases are renewed and ensure unused government office space can be effectively repurposed.

Flexibility in where Federal employees work has allowed public servants to spend more time coaching their kids' Little League team and less time commuting in traffic. In addition, telework has been beneficial to rural communities like mine.

However, Federal policy needs to keep up so taxpayers aren't footing the bill for empty office space. We want to see our tax dollars going to fixing aging infrastructure in our public schools, not to landlords.

With more than half of all Federal leases set to expire in the next 5 years, our FULL Act would help the government better utilize space and cut down on expensive building leases and furniture.

Our amendment will require important reporting on space utilization, occupancy, and availability, as well as ensuring agencies have written procedures in place to return unused office space to the GSA.

Instead of wasting tax dollars on empty buildings and their landlords, we should be using them to replace our crumbling infrastructure.

I am grateful for Congressman Edwards' partnership on this bipartisan, commonsense effort to reduce government waste and be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in praise of the resilience of my community in southwest Washington.

Last month, a fire broke out at one of two seafood processing facilities near the Port of Ilwaco in my district. In the aftermath of the catastrophic fire, the unity and support demonstrated by the Ilwaco community have been remarkable.

Whereas lesser men would have seen an opportunity for competitive advantage, these folks chose to stand together and see each other as neighbors, lending out crab pots to each other, which they didn't have to do.

I am incredibly grateful to come from a community that supports each other in the wake of a tragedy. Their community spirit is a competitive advantage that money cannot buy and natural disasters cannot shake.

I extend my thanks to the brave first responders who responded to the fire. Several of them were treated for heat exhaustion, a testament to their tireless effort in combating the blaze for hours.

I also recognize the folks in Ilwaco who stepped up to help local crabbers, dropping off sandwiches and shipping up crab pots from as far as California and Alaska.

Rebuilding and recovery will take time. They will never get back those hours of sleep, the heartache, or the monetary loss, but their moral fiber has been revealed in a way that is durable and will strengthen the community. It is its own reward.

Madam Speaker, I stand with them in their fight, and I am so grateful for their leadership.

Mr. Speaker, today I take a moment to recognize Jordan Duncan, an exceptional educator and firefighter in my district.

Jordan has been teaching in Washington State for a decade, and during this time, he has made a real impact on the students with his innovative teaching techniques.

From taking his students to nearby forests to teaching them the ecological importance of timber to using his firefighter experience to teach them about wildfire safety, he has continuously made his students excited to learn about STEM through real-world applications and outdoor, hands-on experiences.

Jordan's unwavering dedication to his students and contributions to the field of education have not gone unnoticed. This year, he was awarded the FieldSTEM Teacher of the Year award by the Pacific Education Institute. This recognition is a testament to his efforts in educating the next generation.

Jordan's passion for promoting outdoor learning for students is admirable, and I hope he continues to inspire and brighten the future of our youth through hands-on education.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Jordan for his hard work, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.

Plastic Trees Antithetical to Environmentalism

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to share that I was deeply disturbed to read some antifarmer propaganda in a national news publication.

Going out and buying a plastic Christmas tree that will take 5,000 years to degrade is antithetical to the real spirit of environmentalism.

My county, Lewis County, is the number one producer of Christmas trees in Washington State, and we grow Christmas trees for a living in the State, so this is a big deal.

This terrarium view of nature, where you can buy plastic to celebrate nature, is antithetical to the true spirit of American values and environmentalism.

I applaud all of our farmers who are fighting hard to keep this tradition alive.

Recognizing Importance of Cranberry Growers

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the hard work and the importance of cranberry growers in southwest Washington.

Washington is the fifth largest producer of cranberries in the country, and cranberry growers have been cultivating the land for more than 100 years.

Pacific County's Long Beach Peninsula in my district is one of the three main cranberry regions in Washington, with about 1,300 acres of land dedicated to production.

This year, the price of cranberries is expected to increase to an estimated $42 per barrel, according to Malcom and Ardell McPhail, two Ilwaco-based cranberry growers.

While there was an oversupply of cranberries in 2017, the dry summer this past year caused a water shortage that has seriously affected bog irrigation. As the effects of climate change continue to reach across agricultural industries, I commend the resilience and dedication of cranberry growers in southwest Washington.

I remain committed to fighting for policies that sustain and strengthen the agricultural sector and will continue to focus on Federal policies that support small family growers like Malcolm and Ardell during times like this.

Supporting Ukrainian Refugees Enriches Communities

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a community effort in southwest Washington.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in countless Ukrainian citizens being forced to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they once knew. However, in the midst of all this chaos, turmoil, and pain, it fills me with hope to witness Washington extend a welcoming hand to many of these refugees, offering a safe haven and a chance to rebuild their lives.

One example of this is the School of Knowledge, a place where Ukrainian children can learn important subjects, like reading, math, music, and Bible studies, all in their native Ukrainian tongue.

For Ukraine refugees in my district, this Saturday school serves as a vital lifeline, allowing them to stay connected to their culture and heritage while forming new bonds with our community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering that as we support Ukrainian refugees in their journey to start anew, we also enrich our local communities' culture and self-sufficiency.

Knucklebusters Provide Hands-on Experience Through Community Engagement

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Skamania County Knucklebusters Association Skills Center in my district, a place that resonates with my own background as the owner of an auto repair and machine shop.

I visited the Skamania County Knucklebusters this past May, and I learned about the free auto repair program they offer to teenagers.

The diverse range of hands-on skills development classes they host include shop safety and tool usage and brakes and tires. These classes equip young students with essential life skills, like how to use a wrench.

Nobody sitting in these classes asks themselves when they will use this in real life, yet they deeply complement STEM and fields like geometry and physics.

In addition to their educational efforts, they also provide services to the community at a reasonable cost, making it accessible to all and providing teenagers with access to hard skills and self-sufficiency.

What is even more commendable is that the Knucklebusters are an all- volunteer organization, which means they are motivated by the simple desire to

pass on their knowledge to the next generation. They are discerning about their volunteers, ensuring that they are all quality mechanics committed to producing quality, safe work.

I am so grateful for folks like the Knucklebusters for embodying education principles beyond just theoretical learning and instead involving practical, hands-on experiences through community engagement.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to urge the support of two of my amendments in this bipartisan en bloc.

My first amendment supports farmers and healthy soils by asking the USDA to conduct research on the amount of microplastics in farmland.

Microplastics are showing up everywhere: in our bodies, in our waters, and our soils. My amendment would support efforts to understand microplastics and support healthy soil, which is essential for our farming communities and our agricultural sector.

My second amendment is the idea that the USDA should be able to fix its own stuff. We shouldn't waste taxpayer dollars on tractors and other farm equipment that cannot be repaired easily--and by USDA technicians--when it breaks.

My amendment allows the USDA to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars and supports the longevity of the equipment they use to perform groundbreaking research.

Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support my amendment.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to thank president Chris Bailey, who is retiring after dedicating 12 years to Lower Columbia College. Throughout his tenure, he diligently served students, staff, and the community, transforming Lower Community College into a vital educational hub in the region.

As a testament to Chris' leadership, Lower Columbia College developed the Lower Columbia Regional Center, enabling folks to work and access higher education pathways. Chris was pivotal in introducing the college's first two bachelor of applied science degrees, as well as a vocational skills center, reflecting his commitment to expanding career opportunities for those at the college.

We have been lucky to have a leader like Chris at Lower Columbia College. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chris for his dedication and wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement.

Recognizing Mallonee Farms

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mallonee Farms, a family-owned dairy farm in my district. A few weeks ago, I was able to visit the farm in Curtis, Washington, where I met the farm's owner, Maynard Mallonee. Maynard is a third-generation dairy farmer and a member of the Organic Valley co-op.

During my visit, I toured their farm, saw their new robotic milkers, and heard how Congress can support small, organic farms. Maynard is passionate about working for something bigger than himself. He works to be a good steward of his land, and he is already taking steps with his son, Jack, to ensure that the family farm continues for generations to come.

Everyone at Mallonee Farms is fighting hard for their farm, and I am grateful to be in this fight with them. My focus is to ensure that Federal policy supports small, family farms like theirs.

Cowlitz Complex Fires in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the Cowlitz Complex fires in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Thirty fires might sound like a bad movie plot, but with 695 acres in flames and 342 hardworking folks trying to keep it all under control, it is the reality of our community.

To the diligent task forces--the California Incident Management Team 13 and Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 2--patrolling and monitoring the fires, especially around Pothole, Jackpot, and the Adams Fork regions--your steadfastness does not go unnoticed.

We are thankful that potential threats, like the heat near Pothole, turned out to be benign. The task forces' preemptive actions are the backbone of our community's safety.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the folks working these fires. Their tireless efforts protect our homes, our forests, and our future. Their commitment to contain these forests showcases the resilience of our community.

Honoring a Dedicated Public Servant, Sergeant Richard Kelly

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant and cherished member of our community, Sergeant Richard Kelly.

On August 10, we lost Sergeant Kelly unexpectedly due to a medical emergency while in the line of duty. He was only 54.

Sergeant Kelly's commitment to safeguarding our community was unwavering. He served the Battle Ground Police Department since 2005, where he ultimately rose to the rank of sergeant in 2019.

Not only was he an officer of the law, he was a husband, father, brother, and a pillar of our community. He was respected and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

I personally recall his attentive presence at my Battle Ground townhall, a testament to his deep sense of duty and connection to the people that he served. His loss leaves a void in our community and in the hearts of all who knew him.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and service of Sergeant Richard Kelly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his colleagues, and the entire Battle Ground community during this time. May his dedication serve as a lasting inspiration to us all.

Remembering and Honoring Corporal Zachary ``Zac'' Clayton Merrill

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Corporal Zachary ``Zac'' Clayton Merrill, who passed away on August 20.

After graduating from college, Zac joined the Army, distinguishing himself as captain of the 82nd Airborne and leading an explosive ordnance team in Afghanistan.

His commitment and valor earned him the Bronze Star, among other commendations. After the Army, Zac's call to service led him to the Vancouver Police Department, where he became an integral member of the crisis negotiation team and was eventually named unit leader. However, beyond the badges and commendations, Zac was a loving husband, son, brother, and uncle.

He also had a profound bond with his grandfather, Stanley Merrill, also a Korean war veteran, which speaks volumes about his deep roots in service and sacrifice.

Corporal Merrill's legacy of service, both on the battlefield and on our streets, will forever inspire and remind us of the sacrifices made by those who choose to serve.

Mr. Speaker, I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Grijalva for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1450, the Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act.

This bill is critical for districts like mine. Why? This bill gives back the flexibility that is critical to counties and Tribes, who understand that wildfires and natural disasters do not discriminate between Federal and non-Federal lands, and ensures that we use all of the tools at our disposal to mitigate the effects of wildfire and maintain healthy forests.

In the 2018 farm bill, Congress expanded Good Neighbor Authority to make Tribes and counties eligible to enter into Good Neighbor agreements. However, Tribes and counties were not afforded the same authority as States to retain the receipts from these GNA project revenues to reinvest in conservation. This fundamentally reduced the ability to engage and partner on critical management projects like wildfire mitigation, invasive species management, and habitat maintenance.

Additionally, the 2018 farm bill removed the ability to carry out restoration services that were agreed to under the Good Neighbor Agreements to take place off of Federal lands. You can literally get out in the woods, and you can see the boundaries and political boundaries between the treated land and untreated land that has resulted.

As a result, adjacent Tribal and county land that is essential to the health of national forests can no longer be restored as comprehensive landscapes.

Rural, timber-based Skamania County, my home county, is leading innovation with Good Neighbor Authority by hiring foresters with these funds to advance timber harvests for forest health, fire management, and invasive species management, all mounting issues in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that have not been addressed for decades.

Skamania County was the first to build a relationship with the State Department of Natural Resources to determine how this Good Neighbor Authority could help the forest health conditions of the national forests, which make up 80 percent of Skamania County.

This partnership between the Forest Service, the State agency, and Skamania County has been hugely successful. The additional flexibility provided by this bill is a commonsense fix to a program that has been proven to be highly successful.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I thank Congressman Fulcher for his leadership

on this bill. I thank Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Grijalva, as well as Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Scott, for their support of this critical legislation.