Focusing on Results
Floor Speech
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Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, we are nearing 1 week since the end of the needless, 43-day-long Democrat government shutdown. That shutdown was a monumental waste of time that hurt a lot of people across the country.
I am grateful that the families in eastern Washington can now breathe easier knowing their paychecks, benefits, and livelihoods are no longer being used as political bargaining chips.
The House passed three appropriations bills providing full-year funding for agriculture, the FDA, military construction, and the legislative branch.
I am especially proud that three priorities I fought for were included in the agriculture appropriations bill: $1 million for Washington State University's ARS building project, $2 million for NEW Health's Chewelah expansion and regional workforce center, and $1 million for TriState Health's Family Medicine Residency program.
These are meaningful wins for eastern Washington families and our rural economy.
Our budget also delivered more than $13 million for Fairchild Air Force Base, strengthening mission support and fueling operations to keep our Nation secure. Had the vote gone differently and the Democrats succeeded in pandering to their radical base, we might still be in a government shutdown and these critical victories for eastern Washington and the Nation might never have happened.
Mr. Speaker, I am glad we are getting back to what matters: delivering results for the people we serve. Honoring Vietnam Veteran John Gilman
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Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, few moments as a Member of Congress are more meaningful than helping a hero receive long-overdue recognition. Recently, my office had the privilege of assisting Vietnam veteran John Gilman in securing the Silver Star Medal he earned more than 50 years ago, an honor long delayed but deeply deserved.
On Veterans Day, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Gilman at the Heroes Awards night in Spokane. The event, hosted by Heroes Homestead, was a remarkable celebration of service, honoring not only those who wore the uniform but those who continue to serve our communities today.
Surrounded by his family, friends, and fellow veterans, Mr. Gilman finally received the medal that reflected his courage and selflessness in Vietnam.
Mr. Gilman of Airway Heights served valiantly in the American Division during the 1969 Tet Offensive. Amid intense combat near Phuoc Hoa, South Vietnam, his company was ordered to relieve a friendly unit under fire. Though wounded in action, Mr. Gilman refused to fall back. He steadfastly manned his M60 machine gun and continued providing suppressive fire, even while receiving medical treatment. Thanks to his courage under fire, his unit closed with and ultimately destroyed the insurgent force. For these extraordinary acts, the Army approved Mr. Gilman for his Silver Star. Yet despite that honor, he was never officially presented the award.
Earlier this year, Mr. Gilman contacted my office. Through the persistent efforts of my staff working hand in hand with Army Personnel Command, we confirmed that his Silver Star had been authorized decades ago but never delivered.
Last Tuesday night, more than 50 years after his acts of valor, Brigadier General Paul Sellars, Commanding General of the Washington Army National Guard, had the honor of presenting the Silver Star to Mr. Gilman.
The Silver Star is the Army's third-highest award for gallantry in combat, given only to those who display extraordinary heroism under fire.
Mr. Gilman's story is a powerful reminder of the courage that defines our veterans and our Nation's sacred duty to ensure their service is never forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate John Gilman and thank him for his bravery, his sacrifice, and his continued example to us all. As we approach America's 250th birthday, let us honor veterans like John Gilman not only with medals but through our daily commitment to live up to the freedom they fought to defend.
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