Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-10

CELEBRATING REECE JENKIN

TaxesVeteransAgriculture

Context

On 2026-02-10, Representative Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-5) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING REECE JENKIN" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered veterans affairs, agriculture.

Full Text

CELEBRATING REECE JENKIN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)] [House] [Page H2104] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING REECE JENKIN (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the beloved Colfax boys' basketball coach, Reece Jenkin. Coach Jenkin is battling stage IV pancreatic cancer with the same courage and determination he has inspired in his players for years. Just this week, for the first time in over a month, he returned to Colfax High School not to coach but to cheer on his son, Adrik, on Senior Night. Despite the toll of his treatments, Coach Jenkin's trademark positivity and radiant smile lit up the gym as he hugged his seniors and encouraged his team from the sidelines. That night, Adrik delivered an incredible 38-point performance, leading the Bulldogs to victory and completing a perfect 20-0 season. Yet, the true victory was seeing Coach Jenkin there, living proof of the strength that love, faith, and community provide. The entire Colfax community, including the entire eastern Washington community, stands behind Coach Jenkin as he continues this fight. His perseverance, humility, and devotion remind us all of what real leadership looks like both on and off the court. World Pulses Day Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, today is World Pulses Day, and I rise to celebrate eastern Washington's pulse growers. What is a pulse, you say? One of the reasons I am standing on the House floor is to give rise to the new branding of the hardworking farmers who produce lentils, chickpeas, dried beans, and peas that feed our Nation and the world. Pulses are a powerhouse crop, rich in protein, packed with nutrients, and a cornerstone of healthy diets across the globe. They are also a win for our soil and our climate. By fixing nitrogen naturally, they reduce the need for fertilizers that help sustain productive farmland for future generations. In communities on the Palouse like Pullman, Colton, and Moscow, chickpeas and lentils aren't just an agricultural success story. They are a symbol of innovation, stewardship, and community pride. As we mark World Pulses Day, let's recognize these growers and the vital role they play in strengthening both our food system and our rural economies. Celebrating Pat Tully Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Pat Tully, one of the few remaining D-day veterans, as he marks his 105th birthday. Sprague's own Joseph Patrick ``Pat'' Tully stands as a shining example of dedication, resilience, and character through every chapter of his remarkable life. After graduating from high school in 1940, Pat answered his country's call, enlisting in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and helping maintain vital communications during the buildup to D-day. Serving with the 980th Signal Corps Service Company, he crossed the icy North Atlantic in convoy to Liverpool before supporting the Allied Forces during and after the Normandy invasion. When asked for the secret to 105 years of his remarkable life and his sound mind and body, Pat replied simply: two glasses of red wine, daily exercise, and a life of service. Eastern Washington and, indeed, our entire Nation salute him for his remarkable example. Happy 105th birthday to Pat Tully. We thank him for his incredible life of service to our Nation. ____________________

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CELEBRATING REECE JENKIN Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)] [House] [Page H2104] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING REECE JENKIN (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the beloved Colfax boys' basketball coach, Reece Jenkin. Coach Jenkin is battling stage IV pancreatic cancer with the same courage and determination he has inspired in his players for years. Just this week, for the first time in over a month, he returned to Colfax High School not to coach but to cheer on his son, Adrik, on Senior Night. Despite the toll of his treatments, Coach Jenkin's trademark positivity and radiant smile lit up the gym as he hugged his seniors and encouraged his team from the sidelines. That night, Adrik delivered an incredible 38-point performance, leading the Bulldogs to victory and completing a perfect 20-0 season. Yet, the true victory was seeing Coach Jenkin there, living proof of the strength that love, faith, and community provide. The entire Colfax community, including the entire eastern Washington community, stands behind Coach Jenkin as he continues this fight. His perseverance, humility, and devotion remind us all of what real leadership looks like both on and off the court. World Pulses Day Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, today is World Pulses Day, and I rise to celebrate eastern Washington's pulse growers. What is a pulse, you say? One of the reasons I am standing on the House floor is to give rise to the new branding of the hardworking farmers who produce lentils, chickpeas, dried beans, and peas that feed our Nation and the world. Pulses are a powerhouse crop, rich in protein, packed with nutrients, and a cornerstone of healthy diets across the globe. They are also a win for our soil and our climate. By fixing nitrogen naturally, they reduce the need for fertilizers that help sustain productive farmland for future generations. In communities on the Palouse like Pullman, Colton, and Moscow, chickpeas and lentils aren't just an agricultural success story. They are a symbol of innovation, stewardship, and community pride. As we mark World Pulses Day, let's recognize these growers and the vital role they play in strengthening both our food system and our rural economies. Celebrating Pat Tully Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Pat Tully, one of the few remaining D-day veterans, as he marks his 105th birthday. Sprague's own Joseph Patrick ``Pat'' Tully stands as a shining example of dedication, resilience, and character through every chapter of his remarkable life. After graduating from high school in 1940, Pat answered his country's call, enlisting in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and helping maintain vital communications during the buildup to D-day. Serving with the 980th Signal Corps Service Company, he crossed the icy North Atlantic in convoy to Liverpool before supporting the Allied Forces during and after the Normandy invasion. When asked for the secret to 105 years of his remarkable life and his sound mind and body, Pat replied simply: two glasses of red wine, daily exercise, and a life of service. Eastern Washington and, indeed, our entire Nation salute him for his remarkable example. Happy 105th birthday to Pat Tully. We thank him for his incredible life of service to our Nation. ____________________