RECOGNIZING BILL STEVENS

On 2026-06-09, Representative Michael Baumgartner (R-WA-5) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING BILL STEVENS" in the House.

RECOGNIZING BILL STEVENS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3997-H3998] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING BILL STEVENS (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Washington State University's Bill Stevens as he retires after 21 years of excellence, helping to shape the story of Cougar athletics. Bill held the title of sports information director and senior associate athletic director for strategic communications, and has officially closed a chapter that spanned five athletic directors, seven football coaches, and endless memorable moments in Cougar history. Bill served as one of the chief storytellers of WSU athletics and helped to shape how Cougar student athletes and programs were presented to the world. He graduated from WSU in 1987 and arrived back in Pullman in 2005 after spending 9 years with the Sacramento Kings and 5 years at UC Davis. He later went on to become one of the most respected communications professionals in all of college athletics. Bill was able to quickly adapt to a fast-changing world of social media and evolve WSU communication strategies to what we see today, and some of the challenges Bill faced during his time were significant. Of course, one of Bill's favorite memories came in October 2018, when ESPN's ``College GameDay'' finally came to Pullman after years of anticipation, fueled by flying the famous Ol' Crimson flag at every game day across the country. Bill was heavily involved in coordinating the media events surrounding this historic event. Bill's efforts led to a national showcase of WSU and were capped by a dramatic victory over the University of Oregon, the fourth consecutive time that Wash. State University beat the University of Oregon Ducks in football. Mr. Speaker, I thank Bill for his decades of hard work with Cougar athletics. The program wouldn't be where it is today without him. Of course, one of the most memorable coaches that Bill Stevens helped work with was the one and only Mike Leach. When Mike and I taught the insurgent warfare and football class together, I saw firsthand Bill's incredible work in communications. That class received a lot of national media attention, and I thought Bill did a wonderful job of not only celebrating the Cougs but allowing Mike Leach to be Mike Leach. Recognizing Scarlett Kinville Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of this year's Congressional Award Gold Medal winners, Scarlett Kinville from Spokane, Washington. The Congressional Award is a public-private partnership by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America's youth ages 14 to 23. Scarlett completed over 400 hours of public service volunteering as a therapeutic riding assistant, 200 hours of personal development as she managed a youth social enterprise focused on coffee, and 200 hours of physical fitness by increasing stamina through her daily biking routine and a 5-day, 4-night expedition trip, where she led a team storytelling expedition to Portland. Scarlett had this to say about her experience: ``The process of gaining the gold medal was fun. I gained the ability to manage my time and participate in meaningful activities in my community. I learned important life skills, such as leadership, teamwork, confidence, and responsibility, and I was able to help the community in ways I wouldn't have strived for otherwise. I believe I am more resilient and have developed a strong determination to grow and succeed personally and as a citizen since starting the Congressional Award process.'' It is an honor to represent young leaders like Scarlett in Congress. Her achievement is a testament to her hard work, her character, and her commitment to serving others. I congratulate Scarlett on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to all she will accomplish in the years [[Page H3998]] ahead. It is great to have Scarlett visiting Washington, D.C., this week. All of eastern Washington and, indeed, all of Congress and the Nation share in the pride of her accomplishment. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the Member from Delaware (Representative McBride) for 5 minutes. Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and contributions of dedicated volunteers at the CHEER Community Center in Sussex County, Delaware. Recently, CHEER hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Awards Ceremony in Georgetown to recognize neighbors who have tirelessly given their time to supporting older adults across the county. CHEER's volunteer base is critical to their ability to provide meals, transportation, activities, companionship, and support services to the thousands of older adults who they serve. Last year alone, over 750 volunteers provided a combined 40,000 vital services that made CHEER's work possible. CHEER's work and services are absolutely critical to the entire State, and especially Sussex County, where one-third of the population is 65 or older. Maggie Smith, who volunteers daily at the Long Neck Center, where she assists with meals and running a weekly nickel poker game, among other responsibilities, was awarded the 2026 CHEER Volunteer of the Year award. Maggie greets each new member by name and ensures those with mobility concerns are able to get their meals. This honor, rightfully earned, represents something that we could all use more of: selfless dedication to the well-being of our neighbors. I congratulate Maggie and all the nominees for the award, and I thank them for all that they do to keep Delaware's communities running and to deliver critical services to our neighbors. Commemorating Separation Day Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the liberation of Delaware from the corrupt and tyrannical yoke of the British Crown and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, 250 years ago, Delawareans stared fate and history in the eyes, picked up the quill, and began to write a new chapter. Our Delawarean forebearers said plainly and with outsized ambition and determination: We can govern ourselves, and our future is ours to make. No tyrant, whether they are in Pennsylvania or England, will have authority over the first and greatest State in the Union. Separation Day is celebrated with overwhelming pride in my State, with my neighbors coming together annually each June in Old New Castle, one of the most historic towns in America, to honor our legacy and mark another year free from the despotism of the past. Of course, Separation Day is about more than the past. It serves as a reminder that democracy is not guaranteed or inherited. It calls on each generation to face challenges with resolve and to take action to secure our liberties. Just as Delawareans have always reminded our fellow Americans, the real heroes of democracy are the ordinary people who believe that a better future is worth fighting for. More importantly, 250 years ago, those patriots understood something that we should all remember today: There are no kings in a democracy. This year, as we mark the semiquincentennial of both the greatest State in the Union and our country, may we recommit ourselves to the unequivocal rejection of tyranny in all of its forms. To my friends from Pennsylvania: You wish you were us. To all of my friends and constituents in Delaware: Happy Separation Day. ____________________