Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-13

RECOGNIZING MAYOR MIKE LEONHARDT

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On 2026-05-13, Representative Blake D. Moore (R-UT-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING MAYOR MIKE LEONHARDT" in the House.

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RECOGNIZING MAYOR MIKE LEONHARDT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3400-H3401] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MAYOR MIKE LEONHARDT (Mr. Moore of Utah was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. MOORE of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a man who has been a fixture of northern Utah for decades, who unfortunately passed away recently with a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. It is hard to think of a man more dedicated to his community than Garden City Mayor Mike Leonhardt. Mayor Mike spent his life serving his Garden City as a city council member, fire chief, Bear Lake County Search and Rescue volunteer, and most recently as a three-term mayor. When he wasn't serving his community, Mike was often found riding his Harley with his wife, Tami, and enjoying the scenic backdrop of northern Utah. It has been an honor to serve Garden City alongside Mayor Mike, and I will miss him at the next Raspberry Days. My heart is with Tami, his 7 children, 24 grandchildren, and the entire Rich County community as we remember and share our fond memories of Mayor Mike. Congressional Basketball Game Mr. MOORE of Utah. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, on a court just blocks from here, Republicans and Democrats put aside the political divide, laced up our shoes, and went to battle. The 26th Annual Congressional Basketball Game supports kids in our communities and stands as a reminder of what this place can be at its best. I will be honest, the Members, a.k.a. the good team, the good guys, took a tough loss, 50-48. Yes, the lobbyists, a.k.a. the bad guys, are already talking [[Page H3401]] as if they had won a world championship. We will let them have their moment, and it will be brief. Here is what matters. When we were down, this team didn't quit. Members rallied, a 10-0 run late in the fourth quarter, defense, hustle, and heart, the very opposite of what the opposing team stands for, which mostly consists of overwhelming the refs with their aggressive fouling and other shenanigans down in the paint that leaves many Members of Congress sore for weeks after, as I have experienced. For a moment, you could feel it, though. We were right there late in that fourth quarter. But why do we do it? Not for bragging rights, not even for the win. We do it for the kids in our community, kids who need support, opportunity, and someone in their corner. That is the side of Capitol Hill people don't always see, where competition meets compassion. For one night, we come together not as Republicans or Democrats, but as teammates. I will just say this to team swamp--I mean, team lobbyists--enjoy the win. We will see you next year. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING MAYOR MIKE LEONHARDT Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3400-H3401] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MAYOR MIKE LEONHARDT (Mr. Moore of Utah was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. MOORE of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a man who has been a fixture of northern Utah for decades, who unfortunately passed away recently with a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. It is hard to think of a man more dedicated to his community than Garden City Mayor Mike Leonhardt. Mayor Mike spent his life serving his Garden City as a city council member, fire chief, Bear Lake County Search and Rescue volunteer, and most recently as a three-term mayor. When he wasn't serving his community, Mike was often found riding his Harley with his wife, Tami, and enjoying the scenic backdrop of northern Utah. It has been an honor to serve Garden City alongside Mayor Mike, and I will miss him at the next Raspberry Days. My heart is with Tami, his 7 children, 24 grandchildren, and the entire Rich County community as we remember and share our fond memories of Mayor Mike. Congressional Basketball Game Mr. MOORE of Utah. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, on a court just blocks from here, Republicans and Democrats put aside the political divide, laced up our shoes, and went to battle. The 26th Annual Congressional Basketball Game supports kids in our communities and stands as a reminder of what this place can be at its best. I will be honest, the Members, a.k.a. the good team, the good guys, took a tough loss, 50-48. Yes, the lobbyists, a.k.a. the bad guys, are already talking [[Page H3401]] as if they had won a world championship. We will let them have their moment, and it will be brief. Here is what matters. When we were down, this team didn't quit. Members rallied, a 10-0 run late in the fourth quarter, defense, hustle, and heart, the very opposite of what the opposing team stands for, which mostly consists of overwhelming the refs with their aggressive fouling and other shenanigans down in the paint that leaves many Members of Congress sore for weeks after, as I have experienced. For a moment, you could feel it, though. We were right there late in that fourth quarter. But why do we do it? Not for bragging rights, not even for the win. We do it for the kids in our community, kids who need support, opportunity, and someone in their corner. That is the side of Capitol Hill people don't always see, where competition meets compassion. For one night, we come together not as Republicans or Democrats, but as teammates. I will just say this to team swamp--I mean, team lobbyists--enjoy the win. We will see you next year. ____________________