Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Canon City High School in Canon City, Colorado, for their well-deserved recognition by the Carnegie Foundation as an innovative school and member of the Future of High School Network.

Canon City High School has established a model of education that prioritizes meaningful learning over seat time in the classroom. During the 2024-2025 school year, 698 students participated in concurrent enrollment, earning over 10,218 college credit hours, and 243 students earned industry-recognized credentials in construction management, welding, engineering, automotive technology, healthcare, food service, and business software. As an additional requirement of the graduation process, students must complete an internship with local community partners to gain practical experience in a career pathway of their choice. It is these types of programs that set the school apart and help prepare students to thrive, no matter what they choose to do after graduation.

As one of only twenty-four schools across the Nation to receive this recognition, Canon City High School has become a national model of public education through its commitment to offer concurrent enrollment, industry-recognized credentials, and work-based learning.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate this school, staff, administration, and board members for this accomplishment and thank them for their commitment to our kids and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Applewood Seed Company on their 60th year in business in Colorado.

Since their founding by Gene and Dee Milstein in 1965, the Applewood Seed Company has served countless local and international customers including professional growers, landscapers, retailers, and more. Over the past 60 years, Applewood Seed has emerged as a top flower seed supplier in the Nation, all while staying true to its roots as an employee-owned company.

In addition, Applewood Seed has evolved into a company dedicated to innovation within its field with research and development gardens, an extensive network of seed growers, and a state-of-the-art seed testing laboratory. They use new methods and human ingenuity to continue to create custom seed blends that fit the needs of any customer. As we continue to build a thriving and sustainable future, we look forward to having businesses like Applewood Seed at the forefront of our state's economic success.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate the Applewood Seed Company on their 60th anniversary and for their hard work and lasting impact in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of Arvada High School.

For more than a century, Arvada High School has been a central part of the community, empowering students with the tools they need to succeed in their future education. When the school first opened in 1899, only seven students were enrolled. Today, Arvada High has over 700 students enrolled and is now a leading institution for families in Jefferson County. Through its 125-year history, the school has adapted to meet the changing needs of its students through initiatives like the Empowerment Academy, which provides specialized support to students who require additional resources and increases equitable access to education.

The school's dedicated teachers and staff have guided generations of students and made Arvada High a cornerstone for community development in Jefferson County.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Arvada High School on its 125th anniversary and for its dedication to students in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tragic shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado, that occurred on September 10, 2025.

This senseless act of violence has left students, educators, and the greater Evergreen community in shock and grief. Two victims were hospitalized, and countless others are coping with the trauma of that day.

The courage of first responders, educators, staff, and community members helped prevent further harm and demonstrated the strength of our community in the face of crisis. Students and faculty at the school promptly followed safety protocols that saved lives, and a nearby recreation center employee sheltered more than 70 students until the danger had passed. The vigilance and quick action of community members inside and outside the school helped ensure the safety of students and staff.

The Jefferson County Sheriff, Reggie Marinelli, and the entire Police Department quickly responded with extraordinary service, arriving in under two minutes. That swift response saved lives and provided reassurance to the Evergreen community in its greatest moment of need.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Evergreen Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) mobilized to provide on-the-ground support for the community, including mental health resources, warm meals, and safe spaces. These community volunteers--in addition to many other supportive groups and organizations--have played a critical role in connecting families with needed services and ensuring the entire community has everything they need to re-enter their school.

Like far too many communities across Colorado and the Nation, this is not the first time the Evergreen community has been touched by gun violence. Yet, in the aftermath of this tragedy, Evergreen has demonstrated extraordinary resilience, uniting in support of one another as the process of healing begins.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, I stand with the Evergreen community, offer my condolences to the victims and their families, and reaffirm my commitment to ensuring every child can go to school without fear for their safety.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Foothills Regional Housing (FRH), who is celebrating their 50th anniversary of serving as the public housing authority for Jefferson County, Colorado.

First created in the fall of 1975, Foothills Regional Housing has worked to meet the growing housing needs of Jefferson County by preserving existing affordable housing units and developing new ones. In addition to supporting low-income renters by administering over 1,800 vouchers through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, FRH also supports low-income homeowners through their Emergency Home Repair Program.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Lori Rosendahl, FRH has built award-winning new developments like the Ives in Wheat Ridge and the AVi at Olde Town in Arvada, which have been recognized for their thoughtful design and emphasis on supporting residents. I look forward to seeing what the next 50 years will bring for FRH as they continue to provide critical housing resources for our community.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Foothills Regional Housing on their 50th anniversary and thank them for all they do for our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today following the horrific events of last week in my community and the rise of political violence nationally.

Last week I was sitting in my office in a meeting when the phone lit up. Charlie Kirk had been shot at an event in Utah. Seconds later, my phone lit up again. There was an active shooter at Evergreen High School, which is not far away from my house.

Our schools are supposed to be our safest places, and, unfortunately, that is far from a reality in the United States. What happened in Evergreen High School is every parent's worst nightmare. I felt shocked and horrified as I waited minute by minute not knowing how many lives might be taken.

I couldn't help but think: What if that had been my kids' school?

My heart breaks for the two students who continue to fight for their lives in the hospital, the parents who are at their bedside not knowing if they will ever come home again, and for the kids and the educators who will carry this trauma forever.

Throughout the day, as I went back and forth thinking about the two tragedies, the one in Evergreen and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, I couldn't stop thinking about his two kids who will have to grow up not having their dad and his wife, Erika, who lost her husband and partner.

Charlie Kirk was exercising one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy: engaging in free speech and debating his political views in a public space without being threatened or silenced, and he was targeted because of this.

Before this assassination, in April, Governor Josh Shapiro's house was set on fire, endangering his entire family. Just 2 months after that, two Democratic lawmakers, Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, were gunned down in their homes. Tragically, Melissa died alongside her husband, Mark.

Nobody should be killed for their views. This is not how we settle our differences. I can't help but feel that we have lost our way as a country.

The radicalization and easy access to firearms has been a lethal combination that doesn't just impact one party, one State, or one community. This impacts all of us, and any one of us and our families or someone we love could be affected.

Donald Trump doesn't take this moment to unite us as a country. Instead, he has chosen to fan the flames. He refuses to bring us together to unequivocally denounce all of the political violence that we have faced. Instead, he has weaponized this moment and this tragedy to go after people who disagree with him.

Right now, so many of us are questioning who we are as a country and wondering how we got here. I know that we are so much better than this, and I have to have hope that our country can find its way again. We must build the future that our kids deserve, where we are safe at school, the movie theater, the grocery store, where we can go to a political rally without worrying about getting shot, and where we can disagree with the President and the political party in charge without being targeted.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues, if they continue to reel from the death of Charlie Kirk, the shooting in Evergreen, and the killing of Melissa Hortman and her husband, are you going to stand by while someone's father, someone's son, and someone simply exercising their right as an American continue to get gunned down while our kids get shot in classrooms?

We face a choice at this moment, and I personally ask you to join me in actually doing something about it. Let's choose a future where we keep guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others, working together on bipartisan solutions that are overwhelmingly supported by both parties and by our voters in our districts.

Let's choose a future where our kids come home safe from school and where we don't continue to lose countless innocent lives.

When is it enough?

Mr. Speaker, I missed all the votes in the vote series on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 266, final passage of H.R. 3400, the TRAVEL Act; and NAY on Roll Call No. 265, final passage of H.J. RES. 117, On Motion to Table the Motion to Discharge Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I missed all the votes in the vote series on September 8, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 241, final passage of H.R. 3425, the POST Act; and YEA on Roll Call No. 240, final passage of H.R. 3424, the SPACE Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Ives in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, for receiving an Eagle Award from Housing Colorado.

The Ives is an affordable housing development owned by Foothills Regional Housing Authority, dedicated to prioritizing the needs of its residents. This complex offers reduced rent prices for its tenants while also providing easy access to quality-of-life amenities such as their community garden, BBQ area, and many nearby food choices and transportation options. The Ives has added 50 units of affordable housing to Jefferson County since its opening in June 2024, and their peers in the affordable housing industry recognized the community development team with Housing Colorado's Eagle Award.

At a time when housing costs continue to rise, The Ives keeps housing prices down in Wheat Ridge without compromising on quality. We are grateful for the community development team at Foothills Regional Housing for making this a reality for families in Jefferson County.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to thank The Ives for its service to the Jefferson County community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Don Lombardi of Golden,

Colorado, on his retirement following 33 years of service to the West Metro Fire Protection District.

Throughout his career, Chief Lombardi went above and beyond the line of duty, and focused on growing programs that saved Coloradans money and protected the health of our first responders. He started the Advanced Resource Medic across West Metro, which helps patients reduce cost in their healthcare expenses by treating patients in their own homes and cutting back on unnecessary trips to the emergency room. He also established the Colorado Firefighters Benefits Trust Program, which helps firefighters and fire agencies manage illnesses that affect first responders. Chief Lombardi led the West Metro through many fires on the Front Range, but his leadership extended to the wellbeing of his team and the people who live in our communities.

In recognition of Chief Lombardi's accomplishments, the Metropolitan Chiefs presented him with the prestigious Russell E. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Federation of European Fire Officers honored him with the Cross of Merit award. In 2022, he was named Colorado State Fire Chief of the Year for his outstanding service. Chief Lombardi's career has an incredible legacy in our state.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Don on his well-earned retirement and to thank him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeremy Metz for his promotion to Chief of the West Metro Fire Protection District.

Deputy Chief Jeremy Metz has served the West Metro Fire Protection District for over 27 years. In his previous roles, Jeremy oversaw emergency medical services, administration, special teams operations, and strategic planning for personal safety and benefit. He has over three decades of on-the-ground experience in fire science and emergency services administration. West Metro and all the Coloradans they serve are lucky to have an incoming Chief with such an impressive and lengthy record of public service.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Jeremy Metz for his promotion to Chief of the West Metro Fire Protection District. We thank him for his continued commitment to the safety of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elevation Beer Company of Poncha Springs, Colorado, for winning a Bronze Medal from the World Beer Cup for their Coconut Oil Man brew.

The World Beer Cup, otherwise known as the ``Olympics of Beer,'' evaluates beers from around the world and recognizes the top brewers and their beers. Founded in 2012 and nestled in the Heart of the Rockies, Elevation Beer Company produces seasonal Belgian ales, specialty brews, and barrel-aged beers that put a twist on traditional styles of brewing.

Small businesses like Elevation Beer Company help drive the local economy of Chaffee County and the state's economy. For both natives and visitors to Poncha Springs, Elevation Beer Company provides excellent service and beers, contributing to Colorado's leadership in producing outstanding craft brew.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Elevation Beer Company for this accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Evergreen Fire/ Rescue for receiving the Mission Lifeline Emergency Medical Service Gold Award from the American Heart Association for a third consecutive year.

This prestigious award recognizes agencies with an outstanding ability to quickly recognize a heart attack or stroke and provide high- quality care. In these high-pressure cardiac situations, timely care from an EMS team can be the difference between life and death.

Since 2014, Evergreen Fire/Rescue (EFR) has been honored with this award four times. EFR Chief Dave Montesi attributes the team's success to their experienced paramedics, most of whom have more than 20 years of experience in the field. Evergreen's rural geography presents unique challenges in emergency situations, as the local hospital is located miles away from most residents. EFR's quick responses consistently make a real difference when other help isn't always readily available, and we are grateful for their lifesaving service to our community.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Evergreen Fire/Rescue on their 3rd consecutive Mission Lifeline EMS Gold Award. We thank them for the exceptional care they provide to the people of Evergreen and the countless lives they have saved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Terrain Brewing Company of Golden, Colorado, for winning a Gold Medal from the World Beer Cup, designating their Suntrip brew as a world-class beer.

The World Beer Cup, otherwise known as the ``Olympics of Beer,'' evaluates beers from around the world and recognizes the top brewers and their beers. Founded in 2016, the New Terrain Brewing Company has strived to be a socially responsible company, contributing to a variety of volunteering and community fundraising efforts.

Small businesses like New Terrain Brewing Company help drive Golden's local economy and the economy of our state. For both natives and members of Golden's thriving tourism industry, New Terrain Brewing Company provides excellent service and beers, contributing to Colorado's leadership in producing outstanding craft brews.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate New Terrain Brewing Company for this award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce is a crucial support system for businesses and the community of Conifer, offering workshops on marketing, managing finances, and other economic opportunities for residents. In addition, the Chamber connects local small businesses and non-profits with the resources to grow their organizations, support staff development, and connect with new customers and members.

Under President Beth Schneider and the board's leadership, the Chamber has hosted a variety of events, which bring the community closer together and has paved the way for the town to foster a thriving economy.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate the Conifer Area of Commerce for 50 years of service and thank them for their contribution to our community.