Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-29

HONORING LARRY MAYER AS APRIL'S "MONTANA INNOVATOR"

Context

On 2026-04-29, Representative Troy Downing (R-MT-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LARRY MAYER AS APRIL'S "MONTANA INNOVATOR"" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E387] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LARRY MAYER AS APRIL'S ``MONTANA INNOVATOR'' ______ HON. TROY DOWNING of montana in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 29, 2026 Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Mayer as the ``Montana Innovator'' for the month of April. In honor of America's 250th birthday, Montana's congressional delegation is recognizing exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation. This month, I am proud to highlight Montana's rich communities and the power of visual storytelling by celebrating a dedicated photojournalist who has spent decades documenting the people, places, and events that define the Treasure State: Larry Mayer. Larry Mayer, a photographer with The Billings Gazette, has worked in photojournalism for nearly 50 years, capturing and preserving the stories of communities across Montana. Having worked with Larry during my time in Congress and previously as Montana State Auditor, I have come to admire his calm demeanor, kindness, and ability to connect with everyone. Larry's commitment to photojournalism drew international attention when he identified the Chinese spy balloon as it crossed over Montana. Capturing both everyday moments and historic events is part of the very fabric of our state. With Larry Mayer behind the lens, those stories will continue to be told for generations to come. It is my honor to recognize him this April, alongside eleven other individuals who represent what it means to be a Montanan. ____________________

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HONORING LARRY MAYER AS APRIL'S "MONTANA INNOVATOR" Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E387] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LARRY MAYER AS APRIL'S ``MONTANA INNOVATOR'' ______ HON. TROY DOWNING of montana in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 29, 2026 Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Mayer as the ``Montana Innovator'' for the month of April. In honor of America's 250th birthday, Montana's congressional delegation is recognizing exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation. This month, I am proud to highlight Montana's rich communities and the power of visual storytelling by celebrating a dedicated photojournalist who has spent decades documenting the people, places, and events that define the Treasure State: Larry Mayer. Larry Mayer, a photographer with The Billings Gazette, has worked in photojournalism for nearly 50 years, capturing and preserving the stories of communities across Montana. Having worked with Larry during my time in Congress and previously as Montana State Auditor, I have come to admire his calm demeanor, kindness, and ability to connect with everyone. Larry's commitment to photojournalism drew international attention when he identified the Chinese spy balloon as it crossed over Montana. Capturing both everyday moments and historic events is part of the very fabric of our state. With Larry Mayer behind the lens, those stories will continue to be told for generations to come. It is my honor to recognize him this April, alongside eleven other individuals who represent what it means to be a Montanan. ____________________