Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Lakewood, Colorado, for its induction into the All-America City Hall of Fame for its Sustainable Neighborhoods Program.

Lakewood's Sustainable Neighborhoods program has brought residents together to promote water conservation, address food access issues, and reduce waste and neighborhood emissions. This program has served as a model for neighborhoods nationwide, empowering residents and their communities to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and reduce their ecological footprint.

The All-America City award from the National Civic League recognizes outstanding communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation to address local issues. It is because of the collective efforts of communities like the City of Lakewood that we can hope for a greener future.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to thank the City of Lakewood for its hard work and dedication to sustainability in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Emiko Mukai of Golden, Colorado. Emiko was selected as one of 250 high school students across the country to participate in the Department of State's prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Program.

Launched in 1983, CBYX selects high achieving youth from both Germany and the United States to live in each other's country for one academic year. During their year abroad, students will foster meaningful relationships between America and Germany, while giving participants new perspectives on peoples and cultures beyond their own. Many CBYX alumni go on to distinguished careers in foreign affairs and public service using the language skills gained through this scholarship program.

This year, Emiko will travel to Germany to attend school, live with a host family, and collaborate with the Department of State to promote cultural exchange between Americans and the German people.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Emiko Mukai for this impressive accomplishment and wish Emiko all the best in this upcoming year in Germany.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Avi Bender of Arvada, Colorado. Avi was selected as one of 250 high school students across the country to participate in the Department of State's prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Program.

Launched in 1983, CBYX selects high achieving youth from both Germany and the United States to live in each other's country for one academic year. During their year abroad, students will foster meaningful relationships between America and Germany, while giving participants new perspectives on peoples and cultures beyond their own. Many CBYX alumni go on to distinguished careers in foreign affairs and public service using the language skills gained through this scholarship program.

This year, Avi will travel to Germany to attend school, live with a host family, and collaborate with the Department of State to promote cultural exchange between Americans and the German people.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Avi Bender for this impressive accomplishment and wish Avi all the best for this upcoming year in Germany.

Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call No. 162 on H.R. 2096, I mistakenly recorded my vote as YEA when I should have voted NAY.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Zoe Kante for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Zoe has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Zoe, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Zoe's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Three Creeks K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future.

It is my honor to congratulate Zoe Kante on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Evergreen, Colorado, on its 150th anniversary as a town.

One hundred and fifty years ago, Dwight Wilmot petitioned the United States Postal Service to establish a post office named Evergreen in the foothills of western Denver. Since then, Evergreen has grown from a small ranching and logging village only accessible by wagon roads to the vibrant mountain community that it is today. Originally inhabited by the Native Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho people, the town has grown alongside the state of

Colorado, boasting a slower lifestyle ``up the hill'' away from the City of Denver. Evergreen's charm can be seen in the community's appreciation for the arts, outdoor recreation opportunities, and small community feel, along with the work of the more than 70 nonprofit organizations that embody the town's attitude of ``taking care of ourselves and our neighbors.''

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to celebrate Evergreen, Colorado, on its 150-year- history and join the town in looking forward to the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Red Rocks Elementary School on its 70th anniversary.

Public schools play a critical role in shaping our communities. For over 70 years, the teachers, administrators, and support staff at Red Rocks Elementary School have helped their students achieve academic excellence by providing a rich education at their outdoor campus at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The staff at Red Rocks Elementary School go above and beyond by focusing on lessons that integrate art, technology, music, and the outdoors. This award-winning school has provided excellent education to children in Colorado and produced generations of creative and innovative leaders in our state.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Red Rocks Elementary School on its 70th anniversary and thank all the educators and dedicated individuals who work there for their commitment to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize South Metro Fire Department Chief Bob Baker for his leadership and service over the past 40 years.

Bob Baker has served with South Metro Fire Rescue as the Chief for the last ten years. Last summer, when the Quarry fire broke across the Front Range, Chief Baker helped coordinate the emergency response to keep our community safe. Under his leadership, the South Metro Fire Department was awarded Class 1 status by the Insurance Service Office for its outstanding protection of residents, and was one of only thirteen Class 1 departments that serve over 500,000 constituents. Throughout his service, Chief Baker has championed the physical and mental well-being of his team through workplace wellness programs, and we are incredibly grateful for his hard work.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I am honored to congratulate Chief Bob Baker on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Curtis for his promotion to Chief of the South Metro Fire Department.

Deputy Chief John Curtis has served the South Metro Fire Department for over twenty years. In his previous position, John oversaw Emergency Medical Services, dispatch, fleet services, and special operations. His educational background in organizational leadership, along with his extensive on the job experience, has separated him from the other 76 applicants. Our community is fortunate to have an incoming Chief with the years of experience and education that John brings to this role.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate John Curtis on his promotion to Chief of South Metro Fire Rescue. We thank him for his continued commitment to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Golden Police Department of Golden, Colorado, for serving and protecting our community.

We are all grateful to the Department and Chief of Police Joe Harvey, as they strive to maintain a culture of positive public engagement, equity, and compassion for all. Founded in 1874, the department has a long history of dedicated officers working to build public trust through accountability and equitable policing.

National Police Week offers an opportunity to honor law enforcement and pay tribute to those who gave their lives serving their communities. This week, we honor Officer Evan Dunn, who was a member of the Golden Police Department, who tragically passed away in the line of duty in November 2024. Officer Dunn joined the Department after serving as an Army Aviator and Black Hawk pilot in the Missouri and Colorado Army National Guard. As a soldier, an officer, and a devoted husband, Officer Dunn was a servant in every aspect of his life. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and service to our community and our country will not be forgotten.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to thank the Golden Police Department for their devotion to public service in the line of duty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Kiara Kuenzler of Denver, Colorado for being named the Nexstar 2025 Remarkable Woman of Denver.

During her 7-year tenure as President and CEO, Dr. Kuenzler positioned the Jefferson Center for Mental Health as a leading community provider by expanding access to services and growing the Center's workforce across the region. Dr. Kuenzler recognized the need to bring mental health services to people where they were at, so she created partnerships with schools, medical practices, law enforcement, and others to facilitate more than 150 outposts for substance use disorder care. She grew the Center's workforce by over 300 employees and improved access to treatment for over 25,000 Coloradans in the Front Range to ensure those in rural communities could access care.

Dr. Kuenzler earned this honor because of her dedication to expanding mental health care services and her passion for helping people overcome obstacles in their lives. She'll be remembered as an important part of the Jefferson Center's legacy.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Dr. Kiara Kuenzler for being recognized as the ``2025 Remarkable Woman of Denver.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alex Willis of Leadville, Colorado for winning the USA Triathlon Winter National Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Alex is a third-generation ultra-triathlete and a coach who competes in snowshoeing, trail running, cycling, Nordic skiing, and more. His hard work paid off recently when he broke the tape with a time of 1:28:31 at the USA Triathlon Winter National Championships earning him a spot in the World Championships to be held in Pontevedra, Spain next year. We are incredibly proud that he'll represent the United States at this global event.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Alex Willis for his win at the 2025 Winter Triathlon National Championships, and join his friends and family in rooting for his success at the World Championships.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ryan Wrenfrow for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ryan has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Ryan, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Ryan's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Oberon Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future.

It is my honor to congratulate Ryan Wrenfrow on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tommy Seiler for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Tommy has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Tommy, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Tommy's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Three Creeks K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future.

It is my honor to congratulate Tommy Seiler on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vincent Medina for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Vincent has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Vincent, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Vincent's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Oberon Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future.

It is my honor to congratulate Vincent Medina on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.