Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the selfless service of Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly, a man who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to preserving and protecting America's best idea, our National Park system.

Cam Sholly is the son of a career National Park Service employee. He grew up hiking, fishing, camping and learning in our parks, to include attending elementary school in Crater National Park, middle school in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and graduated high school a Gardiner Bruin in Yellowstone National Park. This upbringing shaped a deep love for public lands and America's great outdoors.

Truly born for the National Park Service, Cam started his career in 1990 working in Yellowstone's backcountry before serving as Chief of Ranger Operations at Yosemite National Park, Deputy Associate Director and later Associate Director for Visitor and Resource Protection at the National Park Service, Superintendent of Natchez Trace Parkway, and Regional Director for the NPS Midwest Region, overseeing 61 national park units across 13 states before returning to Montana and being chosen to lead Yellowstone National Park as Superintendent in 2018.

Cam's experience and deep knowledge of our National Parks molded him into the perfect leader Yellowstone needed through several of the park's most significant challenges since its founding in 1872. Cam led park operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and unlike many public lands managers, Cam made the call to keep the park open. With the pandemic limiting activities worldwide, Americans sought outdoor destinations. Yellowstone National Park hosted 3.8 million visits in 2020 and a record-breaking 4.8 million visits in 2021, while working to provide millions of visitors with a safe experience.

Cam's greatest challenge, and a defining moment of his leadership, came directly after the pandemic when historic floods triggered what hydrologists described as a 500-year flood. In 2022, the flooding destroyed miles of roads, washed away bridges, triggered massive mudslides and rockslides, damaged water and wastewater systems, and completely severed the North Entrance between Gardiner, Montana, and Mammoth Hot Springs. In one of the most successful emergency recoveries in National Park history, Cam was able to reopen 93 percent of the park within 20 days and rebuild two major road corridors in only four months. This recovery not only saved the public park experience, but the surrounding Montana communities that rely on tourism. Cam's resilience in the face of adversity turned what many expected to be a years-long closure into a recovery that allowed Yellowstone to welcome millions of visitors again while rebuilding for the future.

Cam Sholly's career reflects the very best of the National Park Service and the American spirit. Through decades of dedicated service, he has protected our Nation's greatest treasures while ensuring that millions of Americans can experience the beauty and wonder of our public lands.

Mr. Speaker, as our Nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, it is fitting that we recognize individuals like Cam Sholly, whose commitment to conservation, public service, and the stewardship of America's great outdoors will benefit generations to come. I thank Cam Sholly for his unwavering dedication to Yellowstone National Park, the State of Montana, and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, as our Nation marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, I rise to recognize Sheriff Dan Springer, an extraordinary Montanan who works every day to ensure the safety and security of his community.

Sheriff Springer has a long history of serving Montana. For more than 30 years, Sheriff Springer has been involved in the community of Gallatin County, Montana, and became Sheriff in 2021. In that 30 years he has served as a patrol deputy, K9 officer, school resource officer, sergeant of the patrol and detective divisions, member and commander of the Special Response Team, commander of the Detention Center and the Missouri River Drug Task Force, chief deputy coroner, and undersheriff before rising to his current role with a unanimous vote

Since becoming Sheriff, Dan Springer has worked to uphold and strengthen the Gallatin County Sheriffs Office reputation of hard work, integrity, and service. Through his leadership, he has continued the department's commitment to public safety while fostering trust with the people of Montana.

Sheriff Springer takes on the tough jobs. When the crisis at the southern border reached a tipping point and spilled into Montana. Sheriff Springer looked for solutions. He was on the front lines fighting against cartels who were trafficking victims and drugs, murdering and assaulting our neighbors, and shaking down our business owners. Sheriff Springer worked with federal law enforcement partners to clean up the cartels and deport the criminals. In just a year of his plan being enacted, the bad actors know that they will find no safe harbor in the Gallatin.

Outside of law enforcement, Sheriff Springer has continued to serve his community through his active involvement in youth sports and leadership programs. As coach of the Varsity Boys Lacrosse team, he has led his team to seven state championships. Sheriff Springer works tirelessly to instill the values of leadership and integrity in the youth through his Leadership and Growth classes even off the field.

A beloved father, Sheriff Springer is supported by his wife, Marchelle, as well as his three children. Springer's success shines on through his children. His eldest daughter is excelling at Queens University, his son is in his second year at the U.S. Naval Academy, and his youngest daughter is a nationally recognized cheer performer and lacrosse player.

Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Dan Springer serves as a living example of the character of American law enforcement. He embodies the heart of the Gallatin County community and the spirit of Montana law. On this 250th anniversary of our Nation, we honor his tremendous integrity and his commitment to instilling those virtues in generations to come. I thank Sheriff Springer for his virtuous service to Montana and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Glacier Range Riders and their growing impact on the Flathead Valley and the State of Montana.

Baseball has long been considered America's pastime, bringing communities together through a shared love of competition and tradition. The Glacier Range Riders have brought professional baseball back to Northwest Montana since their founding in 2021. As members of the Pioneer League, an MLB Partner League, the Range Riders provide athletes with an opportunity to continue pursuing their dreams while giving Montana families the chance to experience professional baseball in their own backyard.

The creation of the Glacier Range Riders required a community coming together to build a home for baseball in Northwest Montana. Through the vision and commitment of community leaders, Glacier Bank Park rose from an empty field into one of the best venues in the Pioneer League. This undertaking proved the desire of the local community to create opportunities for families, athletes, and visitors while investing in the future of the Flathead Valley.

The name ``Range Riders'' was chosen to reflect Montana's rich western heritage and pays tribute to the generations of ranchers, outdoorsmen, and pioneers who forged a life on the frontier. These men and women left a legacy of hard work and determination that remains woven into the fabric of our state and is carried on through the Range Riders.

From the name of the team to the stadium, even the logo has a history. The Glacier Range Riders' logo reflects the rich cultural heritage of Montana and pays homage to the Native American traditions that remain an important part of our state's identity. The arrowhead design honors the history of the region while serving as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and community. Like the game of baseball itself, the logo brings people together to celebrate Montana's history and create new memories for future generations.

More than a baseball team, the Glacier Range Riders have created a place where families can gather, veterans can be honored, and lasting memories can be made. Each summer, friends and neighbors come together at the ballpark to enjoy America's pastime, celebrate their community, and share experiences that span generations. In an age when opportunities to bring people together are increasingly important, the Range Riders have created a venue that strengthens community ties and shows the very best of Montana. Throughout the summer months, thousands gather to watch the Range Riders, making a trip to the ballpark, another memorable part of the Flathead Valley experience.

Beyond the game itself, the Glacier Range Riders have had a meaningful impact on the local economy and community. The organization has helped attract visitors to Northwest Montana, supported local businesses, and created opportunities for young athletes to engage in the sport. The team's success demonstrates that professional sports can thrive in Montana while remaining closely connected to the people and communities they represent.

Mr. Speaker, the Glacier Range Riders represent more than wins and losses on a baseball field. They represent community, opportunity, and the enduring spirit of the American West. In just a few short years, they have become an important part of the Flathead Valley's identity and a source of pride for Montanans across our great state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Brash Rodeo and its continued contribution to preserving Montana's western heritage and way of life.

For more than 150 years, rodeo has been an important part of Montana's culture, celebrating the tradition and values that defined the American West and made the official state sport of Montana in 2025. Today, the Brash Rodeo carries on that legacy by providing an opportunity for cowboys and cowgirls from across the region to showcase their talents while sharing the excitement of rodeo with families and visitors from around the world. Starting each day of events off with prayer and the pledge of allegiance, events from bull riding and saddle bronc riding to barrel racing, team roping, and breakaway roping showcase the tasks that Montana family ranchers do every day, the way the generations before them did. Brash Rodeo brings together cowboys from every comer of the world, from Conrad and Kalispell to vaqueros from Brazil and Argentina. This diverse group of people coming together highlights the determination and grit that have long defined this western way of life.

Located in the Flathead Valley at the Majestic Valley Arena beside the historic Blue Moon Nite Club, the Brash Rodeo is deeply rooted in the community. For generations, the Blue Moon has brought people together through hospitality and entertainment, while the Brash Rodeo carries forward Montana's western traditions in the arena just outside its doors, Together, they have become gathering places where families, friends, and visitors create lasting memories and experience the spirit of Montana.

The competitors who enter the arena represent a proud legacy of hard work. discipline, and perseverance, while the rodeo itself serves as a reminder of the skills that once defined daily life across the frontier. The Brash Rodeo helps preserve these traditions and share them with future generations. Within multiple events, teams of father- daughter duos compete, showcasing not only their skills on horseback but a deeply rooted family bond and tradition. These events and the Brash Rodeo help ensure that Montana's history remains alive and relevant in the modern era.

Mr. Speaker, the Brash Rodeo represents more than competition. It represents family, tradition, and the enduring spirit of the American West. Through its commitment to preserving Montana's heritage and bringing people together, the Brash Rodeo continues to strengthen the communities it serves and inspires appreciation for the values that helped build our great state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the historic legacy and lasting impact of the Blue Moon Nite Club, a Montana staple that for generations has served as a gathering place, dance hall. and symbol of community in the Flathead Valley.

Established in 1948 near Columbia Falls, Montana, the Blue Moon quickly became more than just a local dance hall. Built during a time when Northwest Montana was rapidly growing through the timber industry, railroad expansion. and hardworking families building communities across the Flathead Valley. During this time of change, the Blue Moon became a place for bringing these new neighbors together to share stories and enjoy live music. For decades, Montanans from all walks of life walked through their doors.

The Blue Moon earned a reputation throughout Montana for its live music, welcoming atmosphere, and deep connection to the local community that still lives on to this day. Generations of musicians, travelers, workers, and families spent evenings dancing beneath its lights, making it one of the most recognizable establishments in the region.

Beyond entertainment, the Blue Moon represented the character of small-town Montana. It reflected the values that continue to define communities across our state: hard work, resilience, hospitality, and the importance of bringing people together. Its legacy serves as a reminder that local establishments like the Blue Moon help shape the identity and history of the communities they serve.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize and remember small town institutions that represent an important part of our Nation's culture. The Blue Moon Nite Club stands as a lasting symbol of Montana's heritage and community spirit. Its impact on the Flathead Valley will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Al Schellinger from Flathead Valley, Montana, for a lifetime of leadership and service to the people and communities of Northwest Montana.

Mr. Schellinger, president of Schellinger Construction Company, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Montana Contractors Association in recognition of his contributions to Montana's construction industry, his support for local communities, and his longstanding commitment to Montana workers.

Schellinger Construction began as a family construction business in 1956 and, over time, grew into one of the most respected construction companies in our great state. After taking over the company in the early 1980s, Al Schellinger helped shape the infrastructure and growth of Montana.

During the decline of the local logging industry, Mr. Schellinger successfully transitioned the company toward road and highway construction, positioning Schellinger Construction for long-term success while continuing to meet the needs of Montana's communities. The expansion of Schellinger Construction not only laid the foundation for a lasting impact across our state but also created jobs and opportunities for hardworking Montanans. Under Al Schellinger's leadership, the company has remained committed to the people behind its success, taking pride in its employees and the strong workforce that continues to carry the company forward today.

Mr. Schellinger's dedication to our Montana communities extends far beyond his own company. Whether supporting 4-H programs, rallying behind local youth initiatives, or sponsoring scholarships through Montana State University, Mr. Schellinger has consistently invested in the next generation. His generosity has also reached those who serve and protect our communities--contributing to local law enforcement and supporting air ambulance services that provide critical, life-saving care to Montanans in some of their most vulnerable moments. Additionally, he remained actively involved with the Montana Contractors Association for decades, serving as MCA President in 1993 and advocating for fair wages and strong opportunities for construction workers across our state.

Mr. Speaker, Al Schellinger's life reflects the values that built Montana and continues to define our state today: hard work, leadership, and commitment to our neighbors. Whether mentoring the next generation or helping build the roads and infrastructure that connect our communities, Al Schellinger has left an undeniable mark on Montana.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 250th year since our Nation's founding by recognizing the legacy and lasting impact of George Ostrom, a legendary voice of Montana's Flathead Valley.

Mr. Ostrom's life was anything but ordinary, filled with adventures and excitement. As a young man, he worked with the United States Forest Service, served as a paratrooper during World War II, became one of the early smokejumpers protecting our Nation's wilderness, and regularly climbed mountains in his backyard, Glacier National Park. His passion for the outdoors and deep understanding of Montana would shape the rest of his life and career.

George Ostrom, who passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 96, was known to many as ``the voice of the Flathead Valley.'' A natural- born storyteller, Mr. Ostrom, when not creating his own remarkable stories, shared community stories around the Flathead for more than six decades through radio and newspaper. Mr. Ostrom remained active in journalism into his late 90s, becoming a staple voice on the airwaves, eventually owning and operating KOFI radio and later contributing to KGEZ. For many in the Flathead Valley, the day did not truly begin until they heard George Ostrom on the radio.

Beyond radio, Mr. Ostrom built the Kalispell Weekly News into one of the largest weekly newspapers in Montana and spent decades writing columns that captured the stories of the region. His work helped document the history of Montana and showcase our state's identity for future generations.

Mr. Ostrom's love for Montana extended beyond journalism; he played a role in conservation efforts, including contributing to the development of the Wilderness Act of 1964, and remained a passionate advocate for preserving the natural beauty of Montana.

George Ostrom's experiences and remarkable stories are all overshadowed by his biggest accomplishment: his family. He shared his love for adventure with his wife Iris and his four children.

Mr. Speaker, George Ostrom's life reflects the very best of Montana and the American spirit. He was a pioneer and a storyteller whose voice inspired people across our great state. His legacy is not only found in the stories he told, but in the stories he created. Reflecting on his remarkable life, we are reminded that individuals like George Ostrom help define the character of our Nation and his voice will continue to echo throughout Montana.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Daniel Baca and Jeremiah Hall from Montana's Flathead Valley, who both played key roles in NASA's historic Artemis II mission.

On April 1, 2026, the Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a journey around the moon and back, marking our Nation's first crewed return to the Moon in more than half a century. This mission is testing critical systems that will eventually pave the way for future lunar landing and an eventual mission to Mars.

For the first time since the Apollo era, astronauts are venturing beyond our planet. The Artemis II mission is a symbol of American leadership in space and a bold step toward the future. Among those contributing to this historic effort are Flathead Valley natives Daniel Baca and Jeremiah Hall. Working as aerospace engineers they help ensure the performance and success of this mission, showing the talent and determination that is found in Montana.

Jeremiah Hall works within the thermophysics group on the spacecraft and Daniel Baca is the lead for the European Service Module, the spacecrafts powerhouse. Both Montanan's work with essential systems that keep the astronauts aboard alive in the harsh environments of space and their contributions are the foundation to the mission's success.

For the Flathead Valley, this achievement is a source of immense pride. These two engineers' journeys from local schools in Montana to the forefront of space exploration prove that no dream is too big. Their success serves as an inspiration to the next generation of scientists and engineers across Montana.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate this historic mission, I ask we also honor the hardworking Americans behind it. The West has always been home to pioneers and adventurers. From those who risked everything to homestead in the Dakota Territory to those pushing the frontier today, that spirit of exploration and willingness to brave the unknown still lives in our communities. Daniel and Jeremiah embody that tradition and have made Montana proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 250th year since our Nation's founding by recognizing the legacy of Conrad Kohrs and the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site in Deer Lodge, Montana for their historical impact on the American West.

Grant-Kohrs Ranch was established as a unit of the National Park Service in 1972; the ranch preserves the story of the frontier cattle industry and the people whose determination and grit helped to shape the American West. What began as a modest ranch in 1862, founded by John Francis Grant, was later purchased and expanded by Conrad Kohrs in 1866. Through vision and hard work, Kohrs transformed the property into one of the largest open-range cattle empires in the country, operating over 10 million acres and earning him the nickname ``the Cattle King of Montana.''

Conrad Kohrs became a United States citizen in 1857 after years of travelling and working in the American south. Conrad made his way to the Montana Territory in 1862 looking for gold and found it not in the mines, but in cattle. Kohrs recognized the growing demand for beef among miners and settlers. Conrad purchased the ranch in 1867 and by the 1880's held fifty-thousand grazing cattle.

Today, the ranch still stands as a museum that tells the story of a different era when millions of cattle roamed freely across the western plains. The historical site spans more than

1,600 acres and contains over 90 historic structures from preserved barns and blacksmith shops to the grand ranch house that once served as the center of a thriving cattle empire. Visitors can walk the same grounds where cowpunchers once saddled their horses, tended livestock, and prepared cattle drives that helped supply a growing nation with beef and agricultural prosperity.

Grant-Kohrs Ranch offers an immersive look into daily life on the frontier. Guests can watch a range of ranching traditions like cattle drives, roping, branding, blacksmithing, and haying. Observing these once daily tasks shows how generations of ranch hands and families sustained a way of life built on perseverance and responsibility. These traditions highlight the ingenuity and work ethic that defined the American frontier and contributed to the development of the West and still does.

Mr. Speaker, places like Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site remind us that America's history was not built solely in cities, but also on wide open landscapes where hard work and resilience shaped the future of our country. By preserving the story of the frontier cattle era, this historic site ensures that future generations can learn from and appreciate the people who helped define the American West.

Mr. Speaker, on the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is important to look back at our country's history and the people who shaped it. The story of the Grant-Kohrs Ranch shows us the true American spirit and the idea of the American dream.

Mr. Speaker, while we all in this body mourn the deaths of our six heroes, we should remember that earlier, as a deputy commander of the Special Forces of Iraq, I lost many friends as a result of Iran sponsoring weapons targeting. One of them was Command Sergeant Michael Stack killed by Iranian weapons and targeting in April 2004.

We should also recognize in Gaza the murder of over 2,000 innocent civilians in unspeakable ways would not have

happened without the direct support of Khamenei and his evil regime and partners, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Iran is an evil empire--not the people--the Khamenei regime, which controls their great Iranian people and does not allow prosperity. This resolution is pretty simple: for us all to recognize that evil exists, and the Khamenei regime is the epitome of evil.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 250th year since our Nation's founding by recognizing the legacy of the World Museum of Mining in Butte, Montana.

The World Museum of Mining has been in operation since 1956 and is one of the world's only museums that sits on a former mine. For seven decades, it has preserved and shared the remarkable story of Butte's mining heritage, offering visitors an immersive experience into the lives of the men and women who shaped the American West.

The museum brings history to life with exhibits that put visitors in the shoes of miners during the late 19th and early 20th-century mining boom. This includes exploring ``Hell Roarin' Gulch,'' a replica town from the 1890s when Butte was known as the ``richest hill on earth.'' Guests can step into shops and saloons of the era before heading underground to experience the realities of a miner's daily work.

On the underground tour, you descend 100 feet into the Orphan Girl Mine, a cornerstone of Butte's mining legacy. Established in 1875, the mine eventually reached 3,200 feet and produced silver, lead, and zinc that powered America's industrial rise. During the Copper Boom, Butte became the largest city between Chicago and San Francisco and one of the world's most important mining centers, representing half of all copper mined in America and a quarter of the world's copper. That copper wired cities, energized factories, and connected the Nation through telegraph and telephone lines. Decades of mining fueled the U.S. war effort in both World Wars, supplying the munitions, equipment, and power that helped secure victory from tyranny and fascism. Walking through the tunnels, it is impossible not to reflect on the generations of workers who built this backbone of industry and defense.

Like the town it belongs to, the World Museum of Mining has a long and rich history. In 2024, the museum became the official home of the Montana Mining Hall of Fame, further cementing its role in honoring the industry's legacy and protecting the artifacts and structures of an area that featured nearly 10,000 miles of tunnels.

Mr. Speaker, on the 250th anniversary of the United States, it is important to look back at our country's history and the people who built it. The World Museum of Mining has preserved the stories of America's biggest strength: hardworking people willing to risk everything in the pursuit of opportunity and freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and selfless service of Charles ``Charlie'' Russell Abell, a man who dedicated his life to his community.

Charlie is a son of Whitefish, Montana. He was born there on July 10, 1939, graduated from Whitefish High School in 1958, and went on to earn a degree from the University of Montana in 1963. Like so many Montanans, Charlie came back, rolled up his sleeves, and went to work in his hometown. In June 1965, Charlie was hired by the Whitefish Credit Union where he would spend more than four decades building something that all of Montana is proud of.

When Charlie began, the credit union held $780,000 in assets. When he retired in 2009, it had grown to more than $1 billion, becoming the largest credit union in Montana. Even with this extraordinary success, Charlie always stuck to his mantra ``not to be the biggest, but the best,'' and this philosophy was certainly the catalyst for achieving both.

Mr. Speaker, Charlie's story goes well beyond professional success. For 62 years he has been a devoted husband to his wife Susan, and together they raised two sons who carry their values into the world.

Charlie's professional success is matched only by his extraordinary commitment to public service. Charles worked with State Senator Bob Brown to pass the Lakeshore Preservation Act through the Montana Legislature helping to preserve the pristine body of water known as Whitefish Lake. He also played a key role in the creation of the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCVB) enabling the state lodging tax to benefit Whitefish tourism.

Over the years, he devoted his time and leadership to the County Tax Appeal Board, the County Soil District, the North Valley Hospital Board, including two years as chairman, and the Whitefish School Board. He was also deeply involved in civic organizations such as Jaycees, Rotary, the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, and the Winter Carnival Ambassadors. Charlie's leadership of the Winter Carnival Parade, involvement with the Doug Betters Winter Classic for Children, and dedication to Whitefish Lake through the Boat Club and numerous regattas has left a lasting mark on the community. Charlie was also named one of the five most influential citizens during the Whitefish Centennial Celebration.

Charlie also answered the call to serve his county though the Army Reserve and continued that commitment through his involvement with the American Legion Post 108. The same sense of duty that called him to serve his community and his country runs through every chapter of his life.

Mr. Speaker, Charles Abell has shown us that success is best measured not only by professional accomplishments, but by service to others. He has a simple saying: ``work first, play second.'' That philosophy embodies his lifelong commitment to family, community, and Montana values.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Charlie and congratulating him on his life and legacy. Whitefish, Montana, and our Nation are stronger and better because of his lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, as our Nation marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, I rise to recognize a remarkable Montanan whose life story reflects both the resilience of this Nation during World War II and the enduring spirit of service that defines the Treasure State.

Today I honor Donna Stageman Roberts, born January 1, 1926, in Randolph, Nebraska, and now a resident of Swan Lake, Montana. On New Year's Day, Donna celebrated her 100th birthday, a milestone befitting a life that spans a century of change and achievement.

Donna's life is interwoven with one of the most extraordinary chapters in American sports history and our home front effort during World War II. In 1946, at the age of 20 and living in Billings, she read about tryouts for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, a professional league created in 1943 to sustain America's pastime while many major league players served overseas during the war.

After submitting her application and being selected from hundreds of hopefuls, Donna earned a contract with the Peoria Redwings, joining their inaugural 1946 season as a shortstop and outfielder. During that era, these teams kept baseball alive in communities across the Midwest, giving Americans a source of normalcy and pride as so many families worried about loved ones on distant battlefields. While her professional career with Peoria was brief, the experience marked a rare and historic contribution to both the sport and the wartime cultural landscape of the United States.

Upon returning to Montana, Donna invested her earnings in her education at Eastern Montana College, later dedicating 35 years as an elementary school teacher in Helena, shaping

generations of young Montanans. She and her late husband raised two children, and she remained an active and cherished member of her community for decades.

Donna's story connects Montana to a pivotal moment in American history, when the home front adapted to global conflict and extraordinary opportunities emerged from national necessity. Her journey from the sandlots of Billings to the professional diamonds of the Midwest and back again exemplifies Montana's contribution to the broader American story.

On this 250th anniversary of our Nation, we honor Donna Roberts for her athletic achievement and longevity and for embodying the character of service and community that has sustained this country through war and peace.

I congratulate Donna Roberts on her 100th birthday and thank her for a life of remarkable dedication and enduring impact on Montana and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, as a former Secretary, I don't think anyone in this body has spent more time on Twin Metals reviewing the science than I have, so I think we should separate the hype from the science and the bull from fact.

First of all, why are we here and why is it important at all?

Well, this behind me are a few things we need critical minerals for: particularly our military, medical, and supply chain.

What do all these have in common? The MQ-9 Reaper, the Javelin missile system, the Virginia-class submarine, the Tomahawk, the night vision, and Amron, what do they have in common? Those minerals are found in Twin Metals in the great State of Minnesota.

Now, is it in the boundary waters? Is it in the area that is protected around it? No, it is not.

I have seen these wonderful pictures of canoeing, of waters, of streams, of lakes, and they are absolutely beautiful. The problem is that is in the boundary waters. That is not where the mine is.

Then, oh, Deb Haaland--I respect Deb Haaland. I had her in committee, Mr. Speaker. I asked her one question after a few: What minerals were in the mine area which she rescinded and put a moratorium on? I was amazed at her answer. She couldn't name one. So let's follow the science.

I agree. There is a place to mine, and there is a place not to mine. I think probably I stand on the conservation side as much as any Member, but I have actually read the documentation. I have actually read the mining plans. I have a degree in geology and looked closely at it. Do you know what. There are good projects, and there are bad projects. We don't mine like we used to.

In Montana we have Virginia City. They took a paddleboard up the river stream, took everything, turned it around. We don't mine like that anymore.

We use science now, and when you look at the science and documentation on this mine, it uses the best technology.

Oh, by the way, water, it is a closed-circuit. What does that mean? That means effluent doesn't travel outside. Its reuse is compressed. When you do mine, what you do is you put core samples in. That core sample will tell you how much overburden you have to remove. After the core samples, then you have a mining plan that tells you where the material is moved. In this case it is not an open-pit mine. It is subsurface.

I would invite my colleagues to look at the science and look at the water tables. They say 100 percent of the mines in the past were pollutants. They are not pollutants if you have a mining plan that undergoes the scrutiny that this one has.

Lastly, I will speak about the law. Notification and memo are not the same thing as a rule. Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that people actually look at the mining plan and read it, just like reading the law, what the law says. It is not a trick. I am not here tricking anyone.

What I am saying is this: Once again there are good places to mine, and

there are bad places to mine, but you have got to go with the science and not the hype. When a mine is not located in the wilderness, it is not located in the buffer, it is located in a Forest Service holding, which by nature, which by law is multiple use, then mining is an appropriate use in it.

Mr. Speaker, on the basis of this, we are facing a crisis in our country because foreign adversaries hold our critical minerals, which are critical to everything we do in medical and in our military.

Secondly, follow the science and not the hype. I understand political gerrymandering and fundraising and showing pictures of wonderful canoes going across, and, oh, we are going to mine right in the middle of the wilderness area, but that is not the case.

Mr. Speaker, I ask and I urge my colleagues to support this. It is a good mine. It is a good project.

By the way, it doesn't approve anything. You still have to go through the process. So approving this act today you are not going to start the mine tomorrow. They still have to go through the process. It is about process, and that is what makes decisions good or bad is going through the process.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute of our friend and colleague, Doug LaMalfa.

When I arrived in Congress in 2015, I noticed a large man with long hair. He was a big man, but the biggest thing about Doug LaMalfa was his heart.

As Secretary, I got the opportunity to tour his district that had been devastated by wildfires. I walked with him and looked at the devastation, the despair of people losing their lives and everything they had, and Doug knew them by name.

He cared. He cared about every Member of this institution, but, more importantly, he cared about the people he represented. He cared about their life, their values, and represented them as well or better than anyone that has ever served in this great body.

Mr. Speaker, today, we mark the passing but also the privilege of knowing a great man. It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that we all learn from Doug LaMalfa and understand that we represent the people. We give prayer to his family, but take solace to know that Doug is with his maker.