Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Colorado School of Mines Men's Cross Country Team for winning the 2022 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship.

This has been an exceptional season for the School of Mines' cross country program. They managed to achieve a record-setting victory, beating the second place team by 133 points--the largest margin in NCAA history. They were honored for this achievement at the White House following the close of the season, which was another first for the program. None of this would have been possible without Coach Chris Siemers. The School of Mines Men's Cross Country Team has flourished under his leadership. His efforts were also recognized by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, who deservingly chose him for their National Coach of the Year Award.

It is my honor to congratulate the School of Mines Men's Cross Country Team for their success. I hope there will be many more championships to celebrate in the future.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk made in order by the rule.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, we are in the middle of a housing crisis across the U.S. and in Colorado, especially in the Seventh District. The housing supply is lagging significantly behind the demand in our State which has led to skyrocketing prices pushing far too many people out of the communities that they have lived in their entire lives, as well as creating significant challenges to hire and retain workers for small businesses and public servants.

Some communities in the rural part of our district have seen property increase threefold in just a couple of years. While so many people are struggling to get their first home, there are far too many people who are buying up real estate for their third, fourth, and even fifth homes, which has also contributed to the challenges our communities are facing.

While I am very concerned about the rising costs of housing, this bill does not address the problem.

For a little bit of background, the Federal Housing Finance Agency serves as the chief regulator of the enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Essentially, the FHFA oversees the majority of all mortgages in the United States. Earlier this year, the Financial Services Committee heard from the director, Sandra Thompson, about how the agency is working to help Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac meet capital requirements and promote increased access to homeownership for creditworthy home buyers.

The underlying bill that we are considering today would reverse changes made by the Federal Housing Financing Agency to loan-level price adjustments which are fees charged to originate a loan. The fee matrix has not been updated since 2008 and is woefully out of date.

There was some controversy surrounding a debt-to-income ratio rule, but that rule has already been repealed. The remaining fee matrix will see fee increases only on wealthy individuals, people purchasing a second home, or individuals who are purchasing an investment property while reducing the cost for first-time buyers and low- to middle-income families.

If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle agree that fees should not be increased on those in the middle class who are already struggling to make ends meet, then they should support my amendment.

It would ensure that this legislation would not be implemented until the director certifies that it would not result in increased fees on middle-class home buyers.

If the bill does what they are saying it does, then my amendment would not create a barrier to implementation.

We must come together in a bipartisan way to address affordable housing. I look forward to getting back to work with the chairman and ranking member when we return in July.

Unfortunately, this legislation won't reduce costs for the middle class and would tie the hands of the FHFA to address changing needs, which is why this amendment is necessary.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), who is the ranking member of the Financial Services Committee.

Mr. Chair, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Waters for her remarks in support of the amendment.

Once again, ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable housing is a priority of mine and the Democrats on the Financial Services Committee.

We must ensure that middle-class home buyers have access to our housing market. Unfortunately, this legislation will not reduce costs for the middle-class and first-time home buyers.

Not only are we focusing on a narrow subset of fee increases that are supposed to target wealthy home buyers, individuals purchasing a second home, and people buying investment homes, they are tying the hands of the FHFA in moving forward in changing their fee structures on a more regular basis to address changing needs.

This will make Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac less available to support the housing market if there is a future fiscal crisis, and it only threatens our housing market.

Once again, Mr. Chair, if you want to make sure that fees are not increased for the middle class, then you should support my commonsense amendment.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Community First Foundation for earning the Rotary Club of Golden Ethics in Business Award.

The Community First Foundation supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations in the community, having raised over $53 million to support projects and businesses throughout Jefferson County. In addition to caring about the well-being of our community, they are also dedicated to creating a supportive and collaborative environment for their employees. As they focus on individual career development and team-building, the Community First Foundation has demonstrated their commitment to doing good both in Jefferson County and in their own organization.

It is my honor to congratulate the Community First Foundation on achieving the Ethics in Business Award and thank them for their excellent work in the community.

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

Abigail is a student at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and has achieved great things there and throughout her life, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Abigail--who strive to make the most of their education develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Abigail's hard work, determination, and perseverance and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future.

It is my honor to congratulate Abigail Daus on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joshua Voorhis for being granted the National Rise to the Future Award by the USDA Forest Service.

Joshua has been a District Ranger for the South Park Ranger District for over ten years. During his time in this role. Joshua has implemented and supported stewardship programs focused on the protection and improvement of local watersheds, as well as conserving endangered wildlife species. He is a highly motivated and outstanding manager, working closely with his staff to plan and execute projects to protect our environment.

Joshua's efforts to restore the South Platte Watershed showcased his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to public service. Those who have had the privilege of working with Joshua attest to his dependable management style and unwavering commitment to conservation efforts,

Mr. Speaker. on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional district, I thank Joshua Voorhis for his dedicated service to our national parks as well as the citizens of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Giada Rosch, a high school student from Arvada, Colorado for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Two years ago, Giada created and donated fifty sensory resource bags to the Arvada Fire Department to support local citizens with sensory challenges. She also formed a sensory training program for local businesses and nonprofit organizations to help them learn how to make appropriate accommodations for community members with sensory needs. While developing these resources and educational programs, Giada secured more than $500 in donations to contribute to the creation and expansion of her program.

Her dedication as an advocate for the one in six people nationwide who experience sensory discomfort has made Giada an agent of change in the Arvada community. Her training programs have educated several hundred community leaders and contributed to the accessibility of her hometown. Giada's dedication and passion for helping her community exemplify the spirit and resiliency of a Girl Scout, which is why she has been awarded the 2021 Girl Scouts Gold Award.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional district, I thank Giada Rosch for her dedicated service and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Don Lombardi of West Metro Fire Rescue for being awarded the International Association of Fire Chief's Metropolitan ``Metro'' Chiefs Division Russell E. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fire Chief Don Lombardi has been with the West Metro Fire Protection District since 1991, one of the largest fire districts and EMS providers in the state of Colorado, serving a population of nearly 300,000 citizens, covering 108 square miles. A graduate of the University of Colorado, as well as the Executive Fire Officer Program with the National Fire Academy, Chief Lombardi leads the agency's efforts to protect Colorado from household fires and wildfires across the state.

In addition to his work on West Metro Fire, Mr. Lombardi has co- authored recent Colorado Firefighters Heart and Cancer Benefit legislation and has served as chair of the Colorado Firefighters Heart and Cancer Benefit Trust and the Colorado State Fire Chiefs' executive board. As wildfires driven by climate change continue to threaten the lives and communities of Coloradans, leaders like Don Lombardi ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Western Denver Metropolitan area.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I congratulate Don Lombardi for receiving this award and thank him for his leadership and public service for the Colorado community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hike Doggie, Inc. for earning the Rotary Club of Golden's Ethics in Business award.

Hike Doggie, Inc. provides an important service to our community by providing a way for busy dog owners to ensure their pets are getting quality time outdoors to improve their health and quality of life. As dogs need the time and space to exercise and socialize with other animals, Hike Doggie, Inc. has created an avenue to let dogs of all sizes and breeds explore the great Colorado outdoors while allowing their owners a break to run errands,

pick up their kids from school, accomplish work tasks, or anything else they need to take care of in a busy week. It was clear to the Rotary Club of Golden that they care deeply about their customer experience-- providing enthusiastic service and connecting with each customer and their dog. Additionally, they treat their employees with that same care and respect, helping to build a cohesive and passionate team.

It is my honor to congratulate Hike Doggie, Inc. on achieving the Ethics in Business award and to thank them for the excellent service they provide to our community.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which would require a certification from the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General that this legislation would reduce opioid overdose deaths.

The reason why this is so critical is because we are facing a public health crisis, and it deserves a public health response.

The current legislation is incredibly problematic for the very harmful mandatory minimum sentences that would be enacted and would be very hard to actually address and change in the future.

This is deeply personal for me. Like so many Americans, my mom has struggled with an opioid addiction. When I was just 6 years old, she hurt her back, and she came home with bottles and bottles of opioids.

Unfortunately, after her back healed, my mom found herself physically addicted to opioids. Like so many Americans, she was cut off of her prescription without access to treatment. My mom said that you fear nothing more than withdrawal, even death.

Like so many people who struggle with addiction who don't have access to treatment, she turned to using heroin to stay well.

Ultimately, fentanyl came into the supply chain. It started coming in in 2016. We saw it hit the coasts first and make its way into Colorado. Now we have seen it completely take over the drug supply chain.

I know firsthand how absolutely devastating this drug can be for families. My mom overdosed 20 times that year.

In my fight to keep her alive, I saw firsthand how broken the system was. I am one of the lucky ones because I was in a position, as a State legislator, where I could advocate for my mom to get her the help that she needed.

After being churned in and out of ERs, my mom ultimately was able to recover. She has now been in recovery for 5\1/2\ years and is an example of what is possible when we give people the help that they need.

I absolutely want the person who was my mom's dealer, who would show up to the hospital and put heroin mixed with fentanyl in her IV, I want that person to go to jail for a very long time.

If my mom had a mandatory jail sentence, that would have been a death sentence for her and for far too many people out there.

We are facing a third wave of the opioid epidemic. It has killed more people than all of the world wars combined.

It is important that we address this, that it is an all-hands-on-deck to address it at every level, including additional screening at the ports and the border; additional screening for mail, where we know it is coming in; public awareness campaigns about the dangers of taking just one pill with kids who are buying it from social media companies, unknowingly, and dying from an overdose; accountability with these social media companies on how we are going to work together to ensure that kids are not able to buy this on their platforms; increasing access to residential treatment and recovery services like my mom had that are far too often not available for those who are struggling with a brain disease.

Mr. Chair, I absolutely care deeply about this issue. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues on it, but this is not the right answer, and that is why this amendment is so important. I ask for your support, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, this is important because if we are trying to

solve the overdose crisis in our country, let's make sure that this legislation is actually supported in doing that and go through the necessary process.

We know from our history in the United States that putting people in jail, mandatory minimum sentences, has devastating consequences. This is a public health crisis. We need to come together to address it like that. We need to go after the cartels. We need to go after the dealers. We need to make sure that we are supporting people who are struggling with addiction. I ask for your support.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal John Alvin Pederson. Corporal Pederson was born near La Crosse, Wisconsin on January 15, 1926. He honorably served in the 1st Battalion, 232nd infantry Regiment as an Army Corporal in World War II from 1944 to 1945.

During his time as a soldier, Corporal Pederson showed bravery, resilience, and selflessness. He saved the life of his Assistant Squad Leader, Robert Bailey, who was severely wounded, by securing medical assistance. He helped capture 8 to 10 German soldiers in a basement stronghold, freeing 40 to 50 civilians.

Corporal Pederson's dedication to our country and his fellow soldiers is a testament to his character and integrity. We honor his service and express our sincere appreciation for the profound impact he made. He is a true hero, and his legacy will be remembered and honored for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Anthony Boettcher. Mr. Boettcher was a lifelong Coloradan and impacted the lives of hundreds of children and their families through his service as a swim coach. He started the Wheat Ridge swimming team, coaching the Wheat Ridge Piranhas for 8 years, and then went on to coach the boys and girls high school swim teams at Evergreen High School. His teams won multiple meets, state titles, and competitions--setting new state records along the way. When he left the position in 2005, he held the record as the boy's swim coach with the most wins in Jefferson County history. Mr. Boettcher later coached Falfins Swimming for 5 years, before moving on to serve as a swim coach at the Air Force Academy for 13 years. Under his leadership, they won three Western Athletic Conference championships.

His colleague, Air Force Head Men's Swimming Coach Rob Clayton, said Anthony ``always reminded me why we do what we do, how we take our love for a sport and use it to love and serve people. Anthony loved well, and he was loved by so many.'' As Mr. Boettcher's sister Teresa recounts, his colleagues would always say that he ``could teach swimming to anyone.''

During his final days in the hospital, hundreds of former students and their families visited Mr. Boettcher--a true testament to the deep impact he had on those he taught. Today, we honor and recognize the countless hours he dedicated to students in Jefferson County and in Colorado, his selfless spirit, and his steadfast dedication to the children he served.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1076, the Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act sponsored by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. De La Cruz), a bill that I am pleased to cosponsor and co-lead.

Thanks to collaboration on both sides of the aisle, this bill offers a well-written study focused on the financing and proceeds of the illicit synthetic drug trade that is victimizing communities across the country. By following the money behind the multibillion-dollar drug trade, we are able to understand the traffickers' operations and improve our ability to disrupt their activities.

The effects of this trafficking have been staggering. Deaths involving synthetic opioids, such as illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine, increased by 22 percent in 2021, resulting in the deaths of more than 100,000 of our family members and neighbors. In 2022, there were also nearly 200,000 nonfatal opioid overdoses in the U.S. In 2021, overdose death rates increased 44 percent for Black people and 39 percent for American Indian and Alaska Natives, showing troubling trends and widening disparities among population groups.

Combating the opioid epidemic is one of the reasons why I ran for Congress. Like too many Americans, my family has been impacted by the opioid crisis. My mom's addiction began with the overprescription of opioids, which led to heroin and ultimately fentanyl when it started to take over the drug supply chain in 2016. Unfortunately, my mom's story is not unique in Jefferson County, in Colorado, or in this country.

The opioid epidemic is now more lethal than ever as we continue to see drugs become more and more potent and easier to traffic. It is going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to stop the flow of fentanyl and other illicit synthetic opioids in this country. Ensuring that we understand the financial networks of drug trafficking organizations is a critical tool that we need to protect American lives.

This bill will not solve all the issues related to the opioid crisis. We need to do more to increase access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, and we need to do more to help support the workforce shortages. We need to crack down on social media companies that are permitting the sale of illegal drugs to young Americans, and we need to ensure that the financial system has the tools to quickly identify bad actors and break up their drug trafficking rings.

As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I advocate for leveraging every financial tool at our disposal to pursue the traffickers of illicit fentanyl and other drugs. In this role, I also advocate for every individual family and community that has suffered or will suffer from misguided antidrug policies' physical, social, and economic damage to have the support that they need.

Thus, I urge my fellow Members to vote for this needed trafficking study bill, but I also urge them to consider that we must take the time to learn the lessons of past epidemics and take further steps to eliminate harmful and counterproductive policies.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative De La Cruz for her collaboration on this bill. Together, we can better understand the financing of drug trafficking and how the traffickers move and hide their proceeds. Doing so will help Congress and other policymakers to better disrupt their operations, protecting innocent Americans from the deadly harm that they cause in communities across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1156, the China Financial Threat Mitigation Act of 2023, sponsored by Representative Spanberger of Virginia.

It is crucial that we closely monitor any risk to our financial system and economy that may arise from the financial sector and economy of the People's Republic of China.

Our financial regulators have already raised some concerns about such risks. For example, the Financial Stability Oversight Council highlighted in their 2022 report that ``difficulties in the real estate sector could cause strains across China's financial system, including at banks, nonbanks, corporate bond markets, and local government finances.''

However, further analysis is needed, as China's size and interconnectedness with the global economy may pose risks to the United States if those kinds of risks spill over.

H.R. 1156 would require a comprehensive report by our Treasury Department looking at these different types of financial risks, in consultation with relevant agencies, to better inform Congress and provide actionable recommendations to our representatives at various international bodies, such as the Financial Stability Board, in order to mitigate these risks.

Ranking Member Waters was pleased to work with Chair McHenry last Congress to advance this bipartisan bill through the House. I join her in hoping that we can pass this bill again with the support of the Senate so this work can begin quickly.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I commend Representative Spanberger for her leadership on these important issues and her work in drafting this bipartisan bill.

I also thank Chair McHenry and Representative Williams of Texas on the other side of the aisle for working with us Democrats on this important legislation.

This bipartisan work resulted in a vote of 40-0 on this bill during a Financial Services Committee markup earlier this year.

I, again, urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the hard work, leadership, and resilience of one of my young constituents, Irene Alvarez.

She is finishing up her junior year at Salida High School and is the winner of the 2023 Chaffee County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year award.

When Irene was in sixth grade, her father was deported. Her mother was forced to raise her as a single parent, working tirelessly cleaning houses to support their family.

Despite all the trouble she faced at home, Irene chose to dedicate herself to helping others. In her 10 years at the Chaffee County Boys & Girls Club, she has become a leader, mentoring the kids around her, especially those who do not speak English.

She teaches art, assists kids with their homework, and helps them translate when necessary. In Irene's own words, we help ourselves by helping others.

In the face of adversity, Irene triumphed. I can't express how proud our whole community is of her strength and perseverance.

I congratulate Irene, and I congratulate the Chaffee County Boys & Girls Club for being there to support and inspire leaders like Irene.

Mr. Speaker, today, we recognize and honor the impactful life of Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, who broke barriers becoming the first woman in history to represent Colorado in this House. With her intelligence and profound talent for political rhetoric, she completely redefined what women could achieve in our government.

I grew up watching her confidently advocate for issues that mattered, like paid family leave and reproductive rights. Her legacy is clear today, as my colleagues and I tackle those same issues--building off Pat's victories and continuing her battles where she left off.

Congresswoman Pat Schroeder will be remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way and inspired an entire generation of women to lead, including me. With her two children, she demonstrated how a mother can fiercely represent her community, even while raising kids.

As I work hard to take care of my son Davis while serving in Congress, I remember that Pat proved it's possible. When I became involved in politics myself, Pat Schroeder was always a relentless source of encouragement.

While I was running to become the first woman to represent Colorado's 7th Congressional District, Pat gave me her full support and endorsement. Although she stepped down from her seat in Congress, she never retired from supporting and elevating her fellow women.

I thank Congresswoman Pat Schroeder for all that she has achieved.

We will never forget her contributions or sacrifice.