Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-25

TRIBUTE TO DENNIS WASHINGTON

TaxesDefenseInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-02-25, Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO DENNIS WASHINGTON" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered defense, infrastructure. It referenced legislation: S679.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO DENNIS WASHINGTON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S679] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO DENNIS WASHINGTON Mr. SHEEHY. Mr. President, Montana's proud mining history has defined our State and powered America's growth and industrial strength. The copper mined in Butte electrified the Nation, fueled American industry, and helped our country win two World Wars. But by the 1980s, major mining operations had gone dormant, and the future of large-scale mining in Butte was uncertain. Dennis Washington made the decision to restart operations at the dormant Continental Pit. What began as a potential salvage effort became a long-term commitment: investing in Montana miners, modernizing equipment, and restoring confidence in one of the world's most historic mining districts. On July 16, 1986, the first blast at the reopened Continental Pit marked the return of large-scale mining in Butte under the leadership of his Montana-based, American-owned company. Since resuming operations, the mine has produced more than 2.5 billion pounds of copper and over 300 million pounds of molybdenum, minerals essential to American infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and national defense. Today, Montana miners and engineers working in Butte continue to supply the materials that strengthen our Nation and support good-paying jobs here at home. As we honor the industry that helped build Montana and America, we recognize that responsible mining remains central to our State's future. Because of leaders like Dennis Washington--and the hard-working men and women of Butte--Montana mining continues to power opportunity for the next generation. Montana mining helped build America, and it continues to build Montana's future. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO DENNIS WASHINGTON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S679] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO DENNIS WASHINGTON Mr. SHEEHY. Mr. President, Montana's proud mining history has defined our State and powered America's growth and industrial strength. The copper mined in Butte electrified the Nation, fueled American industry, and helped our country win two World Wars. But by the 1980s, major mining operations had gone dormant, and the future of large-scale mining in Butte was uncertain. Dennis Washington made the decision to restart operations at the dormant Continental Pit. What began as a potential salvage effort became a long-term commitment: investing in Montana miners, modernizing equipment, and restoring confidence in one of the world's most historic mining districts. On July 16, 1986, the first blast at the reopened Continental Pit marked the return of large-scale mining in Butte under the leadership of his Montana-based, American-owned company. Since resuming operations, the mine has produced more than 2.5 billion pounds of copper and over 300 million pounds of molybdenum, minerals essential to American infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and national defense. Today, Montana miners and engineers working in Butte continue to supply the materials that strengthen our Nation and support good-paying jobs here at home. As we honor the industry that helped build Montana and America, we recognize that responsible mining remains central to our State's future. Because of leaders like Dennis Washington--and the hard-working men and women of Butte--Montana mining continues to power opportunity for the next generation. Montana mining helped build America, and it continues to build Montana's future. ____________________