Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-19

RECOGNIZING THE BRASH RODEO AND ITS CONTINUED CONTRIBUTION TO PRESERVING MONTANA'S HERITAGE

HealthcareGun PolicyTrade

Context

On 2026-05-19, Representative Ryan K. Zinke (R-MT-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE BRASH RODEO AND ITS CONTINUED CONTRIBUTION TO PRESERVING MONTANA'S HERITAGE" in the House.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE BRASH RODEO AND ITS CONTINUED CONTRIBUTION TO PRESERVING MONTANA'S HERITAGE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E459] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE BRASH RODEO AND ITS CONTINUED CONTRIBUTION TO PRESERVING MONTANA'S HERITAGE ______ HON. RYAN K. ZINKE of montana in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Mr. ZINKE. 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. ____________________

View original source →

RECOGNIZING THE BRASH RODEO AND ITS CONTINUED CONTRIBUTION TO PRESERVING MONTANA'S HERITAGE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E459] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE BRASH RODEO AND ITS CONTINUED CONTRIBUTION TO PRESERVING MONTANA'S HERITAGE ______ HON. RYAN K. ZINKE of montana in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Mr. ZINKE. 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. ____________________