Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Jaylynn Armijo of Lakewood, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Jaylynn traveled to South Korea to study abroad.

U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service.

I commend Jaylynn for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Jaylynn's many accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Citlalli Cumplido of Denver, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Citlalli traveled to the Czech Republic to study abroad.

U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service.

I commend Citlalli for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Citlalli's many accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Justine Thomas of Westminster, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Justine traveled to Cyprus to study abroad.

U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service.

I commend Justine for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Justine's many accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Katherina Mook of Golden, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Katherina traveled to South Korea to study abroad.

U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service.

I commend Katherina for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Katherina's many accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Aaron Cadayong of Littleton, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Aaron traveled to the Philippines to study abroad.

U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service.

I commend Aaron for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Aaron's many accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Aisha Ozaslan of Golden, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Aisha traveled to South Korea to study abroad.

U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service.

I commend Aisha for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Aisha's many accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Aubrey Miller of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Aubrey traveled to South Korea to study abroad.

U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service.

I commend Aubrey for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Aubrey's many accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Audrey Buller of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Audrey traveled to Zambia to study abroad.

U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service.

I commend Audrey for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Audrey's many accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Jefferson County Communications Center Authority of Colorado (JeffCom911) for winning the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International's 2023 Technology in Leadership Award.

JeffCom911 is being recognized for its outstanding performance and exemplary levels of professional conduct in the line of duty. 911 call- takers and dispatchers contribute an essential service to our community by providing lifesaving emergency medical instruction, assessing scene safety for arriving responders, and maintaining situational awareness while facing numerous emergencies at one time. JeffCom911 protects 774 square miles of urban, rural, and mountainous terrain by providing public safety education and coordinating efforts between local fire, police, and emergency medical service providers to save lives.

JeffCom911 is the lifeline between emergency services and our community, processing over 700,000 calls every year. The agency's longstanding record of excellence represents the best of Colorado's public service members.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I thank JeffCom911 for the important and challenging work they do every day to keep our residents safe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Michele Haney's contribution to the students of Colorado during her service as President of Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, Colorado.

Dr. Haney has been the President of Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) since January 2008 and has demonstrated dedicated leadership and a deep commitment to her students during the last 15 years. Her accomplishments include pioneering several academic programs, such as launching the first community college master's degree program in the country and expanding degree options within the Bachelor of Applied Science. She also collaborated with Northrop Grumman to create a cybersecurity apprenticeship and launched Mines Academy, a program to guarantee RRCC students admission to the Colorado School of Mines.

Dr. Haney has received numerous accolades during her career, including the Shirley B. Gordon Award, the Women in Business Award, Outstanding Women in Jefferson County, and Woman of the Year for the City of Westminster. Dr. Haney is also an accomplished author and previously served on the Westminster City Council. Although her departure from RRCC will be felt deeply by her students and colleagues, her service to the school has proven an invaluable contribution to our community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I thank Dr. Michele Haney for her exemplary work and her commitment to higher education in Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kami Welch for being named an Outstanding Woman in Business by the Denver Business Journal.

Each year, Denver Business Journal chooses 34 exceptional women in the Denver metro area who are the area's top executives, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and influencers. This year, Kami was selected for this award after 14 years in the Chamber industry, including 10 years with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. She is an outstanding leader, dedicated to the success of the Arvada community and focused on supporting women in business.

Kami's efforts to develop meaningful industry and business solutions have led to significant improvements in the city's domestic tourism, a more diversified economy, and a stronger environment for local and small businesses. Those who have had the privilege of working with Kami attest to her unwavering commitment to the Arvada community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I thank Kami Welch for her dedicated service to Arvada as well as the citizens of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Trevonni Rossi from Canon City for his acceptance into the Juilliard Summer Dance Intensive, an exclusive and highly competitive program.

Even at his young age, Mr. Rossi has an extensive dance career that extends far beyond his years. He was named Mr. Dance America at a prestigious regional dance competition for two consecutive years, earned the World Dance Championship Finalist award in 2019, and ranked fourth in the world at the Soloist World Dance Pageant in 2022.

Mr. Rossi's relentless drive, passion, and exceptional skills have been the driving force behind his success. It is an honor for me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on his well-deserved acceptance to the prestigious Juilliard Summer Dance Intensive. As he begins this exciting journey, our community is wishing him the best and waiting to see all he achieves in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Courtney Dauwalter, a remarkable ultrarunner and Leadville resident who continues to redefine the boundaries of endurance in the world of ultra-distance racing.

In July 2023, Ms. Dauwalter achieved the remarkable feat of being the first female finisher at the grueling Hardrock 100-mile foot race, only a few weeks after she emerged victorious at the Western States 100 in California. She also won the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a race renowned for its extreme difficulty and terrain. With this victory, she made history, becoming the first person ever to win all 3 of these races in a single year and the second person ever to achieve this incredible trifecta in their lifetime.

Ms. Dauwalter's unparalleled accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with grit and dedication, one can achieve the seemingly impossible. We wish Ms. Dauwalter the best of luck as she continues her running career and inspires fellow athletes and fans in Colorado and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peg Perl, the Chief Deputy Clerk and Recorder for Jefferson County. She was chosen by the U.S. Department of State's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to help oversee a recent Uzbekistan election in July 2023. Ms. Perl was stationed at an election site in Namangan, near the Kyrgyzstan border. She and her fellow delegates reviewed the set-up process, voting, counting, and reporting of results late into the night. Ms. Perl's commitment to service and democracy helped to ensure voting was accessible and protected during this election.

Ms. Perl has over 20 years of experience in election administration, voting rights, and government ethics at the national, state, and local levels. She helped design and enact Colorado's modern voting laws as well as many state and city campaign disclosure reforms while serving as Senior Counsel for the nonpartisan Colorado Ethics Watch. In 2017, she was named one of the Top Women Attorneys by Law Week Colorado. Prior to moving to Colorado in 2010, Ms. Perl served as a nonpartisan counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee and as a policy attorney with the Federal Election Commission. She has shown a lifelong dedication and devotion to the ideals of democracy, and today we recognize her commitment to service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions and tireless dedication of Mr. Bob Knapp, a distinguished individual, devoted advocate, and community leader in Colorado.

Mr. Knapp has exemplified exceptional commitment to his community and has been an integral part of various organizations dedicated to improving the lives of retired Americans, advancing the cause of democracy, and promoting the rights of American workers.

Mr. Knapp's contributions include co-founding the Colorado Chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans. For 2 decades, he served as its Secretary, working to ensure the needs and concerns of retired Americans were addressed and advocating for policies that enhanced their quality of life.

Perhaps one of Mr. Knapp's most remarkable achievements is his service on the AFL-CIO Executive Board for over 30 years. His long- standing commitment to the AFL-CIO has been marked by strong leadership and dedication to American workers.

Throughout the past 20 years, Mr. Knapp has provided strong leadership, demonstrating an ability to keep everyone on track and focused on achieving their goals. His dedication and his tireless efforts on behalf of the community are an inspiration to us all.

In recognition of his outstanding service and important contributions, I extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Bob Knapp on behalf of Colorado's 7th Congressional District. His legacy will inspire generations to come.