WHEREAS, George R. Nethercutt, Jr. was born and raised in Spokane where he attended North Central High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in English from Washington State University and his Law Degree from Gonzaga University; and

WHEREAS, Faith, family, community, education, leadership, and mentorship continue to be at the forefront of his life and legacy; and

WHEREAS, During George's eighteen years as a lawyer, he provided legal support for over two thousand adoptions, helping to transform individuals into loving parents to bring joy and security to adoptive children and families; and

WHEREAS, Soon after his daughter was diagnosed with diabetes, he became President of the Spokane Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, an organization tasked with helping to fund research, expanding access to treatment, and bringing awareness to juvenile diabetes; and

WHEREAS, Witnessing the significant need that existed in Spokane for a respite care facility to protect children from abuse and provide support to families, George became a founding member of the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery; since its inception in 1987, the nursery has impacted the lives of 103,000 children and their families; and

WHEREAS, In 1994, George entered a three-way primary to become the Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District. He became only the second person in United States history to defeat a sitting Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. George went on to serve the 5th Congressional District from 1995-2004; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure in Congress, George was named by the Speaker of the House of Representatives as first cochairman of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus; and

WHEREAS, Further, he served on the prestigious Appropriations committee, Science Committee, and Energy and Space & Aeronautics subcommittees. He increased open trade with foreign countries, appropriations to bring high-technology capability to the United States Defense Department, worked side-by-side with farmers to bring independence and freedom back into farming, and developed cutting edge collaborative pilot projects between the timber industry and the Forest Service that improved forest health, wildlife habitat, and the local economy; and

WHEREAS, In 1996, George formed a foundation whose mission was to foster understanding of government and public policies in young adults; offering unprecedented opportunities to engage with elected officials, issue advocates, government leaders, and the national press; and

WHEREAS, After his career in Congress, he continued his mission of educating younger generations on civics, active citizenship and service, the importance of understanding how government works, and why our country's history is so important to its future; and

WHEREAS, George also authored the book entitled "In Tune with America – Our History in Song" that detailed significant events, trials and attributions, outstanding leaders, and heroic acts;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize George R. Nethercutt, Jr. for his service to the 5th Congressional District in Congress, his dedication to community, to educating young adults on the importance of service and civic engagement, and his mentorship to so many who learned the value of humility, patience, listening, compassion, and service.