Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-29

TRIBUTE TO RICHARD CHILDRESS

DefenseVeteransAgriculture

Context

On 2026-04-29, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO RICHARD CHILDRESS" in the Senate. The speech addressed defense and also covered veterans affairs, agriculture. It referenced legislation including S2123, S2124.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO RICHARD CHILDRESS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2123-S2124] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO RICHARD CHILDRESS Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Richard Childress, a North Carolina native, NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner, and a leader whose impact reaches far beyond the racetrack. From humble beginnings, Mr. Childress built Richard Childress Racing into one of the most respected organizations in motorsports, creating jobs for hundreds of North Carolinians and competing at the highest levels of the sport. He has led his teams to more than 200 victories and 17 championships, including 6 with the legendary Dale Earnhardt, and helped shape NASCAR into what it is today. What stands out most about Richard Childress is how he has used that success to support others, especially those [[Page S2124]] who have served our country. He has made it a priority to show up for servicemembers and veterans in meaningful ways. He has visited troops at home and overseas, hosted monthly ``Coffee with Veterans'' gatherings at his race shop in Welcome, NC, and regularly opened his facilities to Active-Duty units for team-building and fellowship. These are not one-time gestures. They reflect a personal commitment to honoring those who serve. His efforts have been recognized with the Helping a Hero Lee Greenwood Patriot Award. Mr. Childress has also used his platform to support American workers and communities. Through his businesses, including engine development, manufacturing, and agriculture, he has invested in North Carolina and created opportunities across multiple industries. He has been a consistent advocate for American agriculture and homegrown energy, supporting policies that benefit rural communities and strengthen domestic production. Alongside his wife Judy, Mr. Childress cofounded the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, which has grown into a nationwide effort to improve how we prevent and treat serious injuries in children. It reflects his belief that success should be used to make a difference in the lives of others. Mr. Childress' legacy is defined not only by his accomplishments in motorsports, but by his commitment to people, his support for veterans, and his investment in his home State of North Carolina. He has set an example that extends well beyond the track and into communities across our State and Nation. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO RICHARD CHILDRESS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2123-S2124] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO RICHARD CHILDRESS Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Richard Childress, a North Carolina native, NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner, and a leader whose impact reaches far beyond the racetrack. From humble beginnings, Mr. Childress built Richard Childress Racing into one of the most respected organizations in motorsports, creating jobs for hundreds of North Carolinians and competing at the highest levels of the sport. He has led his teams to more than 200 victories and 17 championships, including 6 with the legendary Dale Earnhardt, and helped shape NASCAR into what it is today. What stands out most about Richard Childress is how he has used that success to support others, especially those [[Page S2124]] who have served our country. He has made it a priority to show up for servicemembers and veterans in meaningful ways. He has visited troops at home and overseas, hosted monthly ``Coffee with Veterans'' gatherings at his race shop in Welcome, NC, and regularly opened his facilities to Active-Duty units for team-building and fellowship. These are not one-time gestures. They reflect a personal commitment to honoring those who serve. His efforts have been recognized with the Helping a Hero Lee Greenwood Patriot Award. Mr. Childress has also used his platform to support American workers and communities. Through his businesses, including engine development, manufacturing, and agriculture, he has invested in North Carolina and created opportunities across multiple industries. He has been a consistent advocate for American agriculture and homegrown energy, supporting policies that benefit rural communities and strengthen domestic production. Alongside his wife Judy, Mr. Childress cofounded the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, which has grown into a nationwide effort to improve how we prevent and treat serious injuries in children. It reflects his belief that success should be used to make a difference in the lives of others. Mr. Childress' legacy is defined not only by his accomplishments in motorsports, but by his commitment to people, his support for veterans, and his investment in his home State of North Carolina. He has set an example that extends well beyond the track and into communities across our State and Nation. ____________________