Operation Rolling Thunder

Floor Speech

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Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the extraordinary success of Operation Rolling Thunder, a multiagency task force led by the U.S. Marshals Service in partnership with local, State, and Federal law enforcement.

In just one coordinated effort, 55 violent fugitives were taken off the streets of Spokane County in the city of Spokane Valley.

These individuals were wanted for crimes including: homicide, kidnapping, sexual abuse, assault, domestic violence, and much more. Thanks to this operation, our communities are safer immediately and measurably so.

Operation Rolling Thunder carried added significance as the first- ever Homeland Security Task Force operation conducted in the Eastern District of Washington.

By uniting Federal, State, and local resources, law enforcement was able to focus on our region's most violent and repeat offenders; strengthening public safety, national security, and our ability to respond to emerging threats.

This kind of success doesn't happen by accident. It takes planning, trust, and exceptional teamwork. I commend the U.S. Marshals, Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Spokane Valley Police, Washington State Patrol, the FBI, ATF, Homeland Security, Department of Corrections, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and many other local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies that stood shoulder to shoulder in this effort.

I also give a special shoutout to two leaders of this operation: Sheriff's Sergeant Patrick Bloomer and Acting Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Carson Taylor. Their leadership helped make this possible.

Mr. Speaker, this is what public safety and action looks like. Honoring Roger Reed

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Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Roger Reed, a man whose legacy is defined not only by his distinguished legal career but his deep love of family, history, faith, and Cougar football.

Born in Portland in 1939 and raised in Wenatchee and Spokane, Roger was a lifelong learner with a passion for the law.

After graduating from Washington State University and earning his law degree from the University of Washington, he served as deputy Spokane prosecutor and later as chief of the Eastern Washington Attorney General's office before cofounding the respected law firm, Reed & Giesa.

Roger was so much more than his resume. He was a history buff with a personal library focused on the Civil War. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved Elvis, Jackie Robinson, rhubarb, and reading the newspaper.

Roger Reed was a great man, a great friend, and we honor his legacy. Commending Active4Youth

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Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, as the father of five, with my youngest daughter attending her very first cross-country practice today, I rise to commend the remarkable work of Active4Youth, a community-supported nonprofit that is transforming lives in Spokane.

Mr. Speaker, we have too many fat kids in America, and we need to get more of them out running cross-country.

Founded 25 years ago by local teacher Heidi Bresson and her husband, Mike, Active4Youth brings free cross-country programs to as many as 6,000 elementary students each fall. In a city where many families face economic hardship, this may be the only chance some children have to wear a uniform, be part of a team, and to feel that sense of belonging.

This is not a school-funded program. It exists because individuals in our communities step up. It is working. Research from Washington State University shows Active4Youth participants have better attendance and significantly higher achievement in both math and language.

This is more than running. It is physical activity, academic support, community connection, and character development all in one.

Mr. Speaker, as we begin a new school year, let us recognize the power of programs like Active4Youth to change lives.

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