Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, a vibrant and family- friendly event that has become one of our state's most treasured cultural traditions. This year's festival commemorated the Year of the Wood Snake, bringing together people of all backgrounds to highlight Colorado's rich Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.

The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival began in 2001 at Sloan's Lake Park in Denver, the dream of leaders in our AANHPI community who sought to create a space to showcase the culture, diversity, and contributions of Asian American communities. That vision has grown into something extraordinary. From 16 teams and 16,000 attendees in its first year, the festival now welcomes nearly 200,000 visitors annually and has become the largest dragon boat festival in the United States.

The event embodies its mission of building bridges of awareness, knowledge, and understanding between diverse AANHPI communities and the broader public. With nearly 50 racing teams, over 30 food vendors, a bustling Asian Marketplace, Dragonland for children, and more than 60 performances ranging from traditional dances and martial arts to contemporary Asian American music, the festival reflects both the depth and vitality of Colorado's cultural landscape.

Dragon boat racing itself is a tradition rooted in over 2,000 years of history, commemorating the poet and warrior Chu Yuan, whose followers honored his legacy with paddles, drums, and unity on the water. Today, that same spirit of remembrance, resilience, and cultural pride lives on in Sloan's Lake every summer.

The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is a testament to the lasting power of cultural celebration and community building. For 25 years, it has been a place where families gather, traditions are shared, and the stories of AANHPI communities are uplifted for all to see. I commend the organizers, volunteers, and community members who have made this milestone possible, and I look forward to many more years of dragon boat racing, cultural exchange, and unity in Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Denver East High School--an institution that has been at the heart of my district for a century and a half--as it celebrates the centennial rededication of its historic building.

East High opened its doors 150 years ago in 1875 as Denver's first high school, setting a foundation of excellence that continues to this day. The current building, designed by George H. Williamson, a proud member of East's Class of 1893, was completed in 1925.

Its iconic 162-foot clock tower, modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, has stood as an iconic beacon. In 1991, the building was recognized as an official Denver Historic Landmark.

Over the past 150 years, East High has shaped leaders, artists, athletes, and innovators. From First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, to Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Philip Bailey and Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind & Fire, to aerospace leader Norman Augustine, to head coach of the Detroit Pistons J. B. Bickerstaff, East alumni have left an indelible mark on our city, our country, and our world.

Equally impressive is East's storied athletic tradition, with the Angels earning 99 state championships, the third most of any high school in Colorado. Generations of students

have worn the red and white with pride, carrying forward the spirit of teamwork and perseverance.

More than its achievements, East High has always been about community. This rededication brings together alumni, students, teachers, and neighbors to honor its history, connect across generations, and create new memories for the future.

As a lifelong Coloradan and graduate of the Denver Public School system, I am proud to recognize East High School for 150 years of excellence in education and for the centennial rededication of its landmark building.

Mr. Speaker, among the many other deficiencies of the bill, it is a direct assault on women's reproductive freedom.

Number one, it defunds Planned Parenthood, which means if this bill passes, 1 million Americans will have no pap smears. They will have no breast cancer screenings. They will have no well-women visits. That is the first thing it does.

Then, the manager's amendment, introduced in the dead of night, says that one in seven Americans who are on the insurance exchanges will no longer be able to get abortion coverage on those exchanges with their own money.

I can see why the Republicans wanted to do this in the dead of night because after the Dobbs decision, America woke up. We realized that this is an important service. When the women and families of America wake up and find out the direct assault on reproductive freedom in this bill, they are going to be mad, and they are not going to forget when they go to the ballot box in 2026.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life of Reverend James D. Peters, Jr., a titan of civil rights, a moral leader in Denver's faith community, and a man who dedicated his life to lifting up the voices and needs of the most vulnerable among us. Reverend Peters leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith in action, tireless advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to Justice.

Born in an era marked by deep segregation and inequality, Reverend Peters found his calling at the intersection of ministry and the Civil Rights Movement. He marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama, crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 in the fight for voting rights. He was present at the founding meeting of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. But as those closest to him will attest, Reverend Peters did not merely honor history--he made it, lived it, and carried its mission forward in Denver.

Reverend Peters moved to Denver in 1978 to serve as the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church--a position he held with distinction for nearly three decades. Through this ministry, he became a spiritual anchor, civil rights leader, and moral conscience for the city. Though he was never a candidate for public office, he helped shape public life in Colorado. He chaired the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and served as a trusted voice within the Colorado Democratic Party, always pushing for a broader, more inclusive vision of Justice.

Reverend Peters was truly a man of deep conscience and unwavering resolve. He stood up for what was right--even when it was not popular-- and he never lost the fire that fueled the Civil Rights Movement. He always stood firmly with community leaders demanding justice and systemic reform. His presence gave strength to all Denverites and lent moral clarity to those fighting for change.

His advocacy extended far beyond politics and deep into people's lives. Reverend Peters inspired countless elected leaders, including State Senator Rhonda Fields, whom he encouraged to run for office after the tragic loss of her son. On a personal note, Reverend Peters was a friend and confidante of mine for many years, generously sharing his wisdom and advice.

Reverend Peters was not only a champion for civil rights, he was also a unifier. As his ministry reached across the racial divides, he reminded us that faith calls us not only to believe, but to act, not only to pray, but to serve, not only to hope, but to build.

He loved the Rockies. He loved the Broncos. He loved his friends. And above all, he loved his church and community.

Today, Mr. Speaker, we honor the life of Reverend James D. Peters, Jr., a man who walked with history, who shepherded a city, and who never ceased to care for the people of Denver and beyond. May we carry forward his vision of justice, compassion, and unity.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and mentor, Gerald P. McDermott--a highly regarded trial attorney, advocate for justice, pillar of Denver's legal community, and revered family man.

Jerry's career was defined by an unwavering commitment to defending the rights of all Coloradoans, no matter their circumstance or situation.

Jerry was a proud son of Pueblo, Colorado. He stayed in Colorado for his education, attending Colorado State University and the University of Denver School of Law, where he was a member of the law review.

After graduating from law school, Jerry established a legal career fighting for people who needed a strong advocate. He was associated with many preeminent trial firms in Colorado and founded his own firm, establishing the highest standards of trial excellence and ethics.

Jerry's lifelong love of politics was cemented when he was a reading clerk for the Colorado State Legislature during the 1965-66 session. Later, he was the point person for the rights of the injured in the 1985 tort reform legislative session and gained respect from legislators on both sides of the aisle. He consistently supported politicians who he believed met his standards and worked actively to help them get elected and succeed in office.

I saw this for myself. When I was a young member of the General Assembly, struggling to balance my law practice, service as a legislator, and raising two young daughters, Jerry took me in. He gave me an office in his firm and was always there to help me with a case or give advice about a tricky legal issue.

Jerry received many awards and accolades, but he would say that his biggest success was his family. He and Rosemarie were married for over 60 years, and they raised two sons, Sean and Brian. Over the years, Jerry spoke to me with such pride about the success of his boys. Truly, his family was the center of his life.

To scores of Colorado lawyers, Jerry was a guiding light and voice of reason. He gave us advice, set an example through his work, and showed us what it meant to fight for people who needed a strong advocate.

His dedication to fairness and justice had a lasting impact on generations of trial lawyers. I am proud to have known Jerry and to call him my friend.

Colorado's legal community mourns the loss of a giant.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representatives Jason Crow and Brittany Pettersen, to recognize the 30th anniversary of Denver International Airport, a cornerstone of Colorado's economy and a critical gateway to the world. Since opening its doors on February 28, 1995, Denver International Airport--commonly known as DEN--has played a transformative role in connecting Denver and the entire Rocky Mountain region to destinations across the globe.

Denver International Airport is more than just an airport--it is an economic powerhouse. Generating more than $36.4 billion annually and supporting over 41,000 jobs, it has become the largest economic engine in the state of Colorado. From the beginning, its construction was guided by bold leadership and the support of voters, resulting in a facility designed for the future. Spanning 53 square miles, DEN was built with expansion in mind, with the ability to grow from six to twelve runways to meet increasing demand.

Over the past three decades, Denver International Airport has served nearly 15 billion passengers and has risen to become the third-busiest airport in North America. With projections nearing 100 million annual passengers in the coming years, the airport continues to evolve, ensuring it remains a world-class hub for air travel. Its iconic tented terminal, with 21 Teflon peaks, is recognized around the world and symbolizes Colorado's welcoming spirit and pioneering ambition.

Beyond its economic contributions, Denver International Airport has been a leader in sustainability and inclusiveness. Through innovative construction and operational practices, it has demonstrated environmental responsibility while fostering opportunities for a diverse workforce. The airport's Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation has been instrumental in creating partnerships with local businesses and developing career pathways for underrepresented communities.

Denver International Airport is also a champion of Colorado's unique character, offering travelers a true taste of the state through its locally inspired concessions, dedicated volunteer ambassadors in cowboy hats, and the world's largest airport therapy animal program. As a result, Denver International Airport is not only a transportation hub but also one of Colorado's most recognizable cultural ambassadors.

As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to maintaining and enhancing Denver International Airport's role as a gateway to the Rockies and beyond. Its continued growth and innovation will ensure that it remains a vital link in our Nation's transportation network for generations to come.

On this 30th anniversary, we ask our colleagues to join us in recognizing the enduring impact of Denver International Airport and the many individuals who have contributed to its success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Jerome H. Kern, a remarkable leader whose passion for the arts, philanthropy, and public service law made a significant impact on Denver and beyond.

Jerry was a man of immense intellect, unwavering commitment, and profound generosity. He was a force of nature, a sharp legal mind, a tenacious leader, and an advocate for the arts, business, and public service.

Born in Brooklyn in 1937, Jerry graduated cum laude from the New York University School of Law, where he was a Root Tilden Scholar and managing editor of the New York University Law Review.

After law school, Jerry had a distinguished legal and business career. He initially worked as a senior partner at Baker & Botts, LLP, where he was the senior corporate lawyer in the New York office. For over 20 years, he served as the principal outside legal counsel to Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI) and Liberty Media. He later became vice chairman and a board member at TCI and played a key role in major media mergers, including the AT&T/TCI merger and the Time Warner/Turner Broadcasting merger.

Jerry used his success in life to fulfill his true calling-- relentless advocacy for the public good. As a trustee of NYU School of Law, he learned that the Root-Tilden Scholarship that had helped him get a start in life was being limited by severe budget deficiencies. He not only donated $5 million to the program but also led a $30 million endowment effort that resulted in the program's renaming as the Root- Tilden-Kern Scholarship. His dedication to public interest law has paved the way for countless students to pursue careers in service of the greater good. Since his efforts, more than 450 public interest lawyers have gone out to serve their own communities.

After Jerry and his wife, Dr. Mary Rossick Kern, moved to Denver, he learned that the Colorado Symphony was facing financial ruin. Not only did he save the symphony, but agreed to give a sustainable future by becoming CEO and President of the Board and leaving behind an $88 million endowment that secures its place as a cultural cornerstone for generations to come. His advocacy for a world-class concert venue continues to shape the future of Denver's performing arts scene.

Beyond the arts, Kern's philanthropic contributions extended to public service and health care. He founded and chaired the Institute for Children's Mental Health, endowed a research chair at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and worked tirelessly with Volunteers of America Colorado, sponsoring the construction of the Michael Kern Kitchen, which provides Meals on Wheels to those in need. In 2002, Jerry and Mary were honored with the Volunteers of America Humanitarian of the Year Award.

As a Root-Tilden scholar myself, I dedicated my career to public service--and Jerry was a strong model of how to make this happen.

His life was one of service, vision, and relentless advocacy for the arts and public good. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who believe in the transformative power of culture, philanthropy, and law. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory will remain a guiding light for those who seek to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Daniel L. Ritchie, a true friend and towering figure in Colorado's civic and educational landscape.

A man of humility, integrity, and vision, Dan Ritchie left an indelible mark on the University of Denver, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and countless other institutions that he supported with his generosity and leadership.

Born in China Grove, North Carolina, Dan Ritchie was a man of extraordinary drive and intellect. He earned degrees from Harvard University, beginning a career that spanned finance, broadcasting, and philanthropy. From his work as CEO of Westinghouse Broadcasting to his tenure as DU chancellor, he brought a steady hand and a keen strategic mind to every challenge he faced.

When Dan became chancellor of DU in 1989, the institution was in financial peril. Through bold action and personal sacrifice--selling his own ranch to bolster fundraising efforts--he transformed DU into a world-class university, expanding its academic programs, growing its endowment, and elevating its national reputation. His leadership made DU a hub of excellence, where students and faculty could thrive in a reinvigorated learning environment.

Beyond the university, Dan Ritchie extended his vision to the broader Denver community. As chairman of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, he guided the organization through turbulent financial times, ensuring that future generations could experience the transformative power of live theater. His commitment to early childhood education through the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation and his work with the Daniels Fund further reflected his deep belief in the power of education to change lives.

Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, Dan Ritchie never sought the spotlight. He lived by a simple yet profound code--his `cowboy ethics'--which emphasized courage, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to one's community. He led not for recognition, but for the betterment of those around him. He was a friend and mentor to generations of civic leaders--always with an open door and wisdom to share.

As we remember Daniel L. Ritchie, let us not only celebrate his remarkable achievements but also carry forward his example. Let us be inspired by his generosity, his unwavering dedication to education and the arts, and his belief that each of us has a role to play in improving our communities. Colorado has lost a great leader, but his legacy will endure through the institutions he strengthened and the countless lives he touched.

I extend my deepest condolences to Dan's family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Protecting American Energy Production Act.

Now, as a Coloradan from an energy-producing State, I don't oppose fracking, and frankly, opposition to fracking is not in the Democratic agenda. However, I think we can all agree that fracking must be done safely and with transparency.

This bill would allow natural gas producers to keep abusing loopholes that allow them to hide dangerous chemical components in their fracking fluid, and that is something I don't think any of us should support.

Having served as the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security in the last Congress, I have worked closely on this issue for many years. I have introduced legislation that would ensure that our communities would be safe from the dangerous chemicals that are often used in fracking fluid.

Fracking releases thousands of harmful chemicals that poison our drinking water and pollute our air, including hydrogen sulfide, which causes nausea, vomiting, and headaches; benzene, a known carcinogen; toxic metals; acids; and even diesel fuel.

A significant number of scientific studies prove negative health effects like cancers, asthma, and birth complications are caused by fracking chemicals. These chemicals particularly affect the most vulnerable in our society, including children, people who are pregnant, the elderly, lower-income communities, and communities of color.

For example, those who gave birth while living near a fracking site had children who are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with leukemia between the ages of 2 and 7 than those who were not exposed.

For older adults, a study found that living near fracking sites in Pennsylvania during its so-called fracking boom between 2002 and 2015 were more likely to be hospitalized for cardiovascular disease than those in neighboring States where fracking was banned.

What complicates our ability to regulate these hazardous chemicals is that only in retrospect can we assess the damage that is being done in the name of oil and gas production.

It was just 2 years ago that scientists were able to conclude the extent of harm caused by the fracking fluid in 2016, that was almost 10 years ago.

A study found it caused 410,000 asthma flare-ups; 2,200 new cases of childhood asthma; and 7,500 excess deaths, costing $77 billion in health impacts.

Now, these examples are only a drop in the bucket.

We don't even have accurate numbers of just how many Americans are affected because the law prioritizes polluters over people by protecting the exact chemical makeup of fracking fluid that fracking companies call ``proprietary information.''

It has been proven that fracking chemical disclosure requirements lead to significant declines in the use of hazardous chemicals and better water quality.

Madam Speaker, there have been significant declines in the use of hazardous chemicals and better water quality.

Rather than passing this bill, which only protects oil and gas producers, we should require more transparency to the public.

Families shouldn't have to choose between their health and their house just because it is close to a drilling site.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation and work in a bipartisan way to make sure that where we do fracking it is done safely.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Ms. Dana Crawford. She was a true Denver icon who transformed our city with her vision and determination to revitalize Colorado's most treasured places.

Born in Kansas, Dana brought her passion for preservation and community to Denver in 1953. Inspired by New England town squares, she saw the potential for our city to have vibrant gathering spaces.

Her work began with Larimer Square, a well-known landmark in downtown Denver, which she saved from destruction in the 1960s. Under challenging circumstances, she transformed a block of deteriorating buildings into a thriving hub that sparked a nationwide movement for historic preservation.

Dana's vision didn't stop at Larimer Square. From the Oxford Hotel to Union Station, her work preserved Denver's essence while building for its future. Eventually, her impact extended beyond Denver, revitalizing communities across Colorado, in places like Trinidad, Pueblo, and Idaho Springs.

Dana was a pioneer and beloved in Denver and beyond. Her work wasn't just about preserving buildings--it was about building community and creating places that brought Denverites together.

Our hearts go out to her four sons--Jack, Peter, Tom, and Duke--and all who knew and loved her.

May her memory continue to inspire us all and live in the heart of our city.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act.

This bill would establish a pilot program for 15 low-risk abandoned mine remediation projects to be approved by the EPA and to be conducted by qualified State agencies, local governments, and nonprofits. It does not provide unlimited protection for everybody. It is a pilot project.

In Colorado and across the West, we are surrounded by the legacy of our pioneering mining industry, but with that comes the responsibility to address what is left behind at mining sites.

According to the GAO, of the nearly 140,000 abandoned hardrock mines in the U.S., we have 23,000 of them in Colorado alone, with over 7,400 of them posing environmental risks. Under current law, groups that volunteer to clean or restore a former mining site could become liable for the site, even if the group played no role in causing the pollution before remediating the site. The Colorado Department of Natural Resources has told me that that hurdle has stopped cleanup efforts in Colorado.

This bill represents a critical step forward, empowering those nonresponsible parties that are ready, willing, and able to help and to improve water quality in and around abandoned hardrock mines to obtain a permit to clean up those sites.

By establishing a pilot program, abandoned mines can be remediated over the next 7 years, and we will learn lessons on how to best permit and manage remediation of those sites going forward.

In September 2023, the Biden administration's recommendations to improve mining on public lands called for the establishment of a Good Samaritan remediation. The administration strongly supports the establishment of a Good Samaritan remediation program through the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill that would allow us to address important environmental issues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act.

In 2018, NIH launched the INCLUDE Project to investigate conditions that affect individuals with Down syndrome and the general population, such as Alzheimer's disease, congenital heart disease, and diabetes. Many diseases affect individuals with Down syndrome differently than typical people. This means including individuals with Down syndrome in biomedical research is crucial to understand how to treat them. It also means investigating those differences helps us understand how diseases work generally.

The University of Colorado's Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Research has been on the forefront of this critical work. Just last month, Crnic Institute scientists published groundbreaking research on the differences in oxygen physiology for people with Down syndrome. This new knowledge will help improve treatments for all people with chronic hypoxia. This is the kind of research we need to foster, and it's why the INCLUDE project needs its own authorization to continue its important work.

I do want to raise one issue I have with this bill as we consider it today. It originally contained an authorization of $250 million annually, but to conform with the inexplicable rules of this majority which say you can't authorize more than a current appropriation, it was amended in subcommittee to only $90 million each year. This authorization does not even match the $125 million included in this year's NIH appropriations bill for the INCLUDE Project, much less give the program room to evolve. We need to move this important legislation, but we must restore the authorization to $250 million as consideration of this bill continues.

Finally, I'd like to thank my constituent Michelle Whitten, founder of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, whose tireless advocacy for people with Down syndrome has spurred research and led to scientific breakthroughs. It has also helped bring this bill to the floor of the House of Representatives today.

Madam Speaker, the Inflation Reduction Act, the bipartisan infrastructure law, and the CHIPS Act constitute the most important climate legislation ever enacted. EPA modeling indicates implementation of the IRA alone can achieve a reduction of the transportation sector's carbon pollution by roughly 11 to 25 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. EPA's final rule is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles by about 11 percent every year.

Once fully phased in, the standards will save the average American driver an estimated $6,000 in reduced fuel and maintenance over the life of a vehicle.

I am going to say that again because my colleagues on the other side of the aisle seem to think this is bad for consumers when, in fact, it is good. Once fully phased in, the standards will save the average American driver an estimated $6,000 over the life of a vehicle.

The beauty of this approach is that it allows automakers to do what they do best, which is innovate. EPA's rule does not mandate or ban any specific technology. Instead, it sets emission standards that apply across an entire auto fleet rather than specific vehicles. What this means is that auto companies could still produce cars with higher emissions provided that they balance out the emissions with sales from lower emission vehicles.

EPA did its homework. They worked closely with stakeholders in developing this rule, and that is why manufacturers can use a variety of approaches, from EVs to gas-powered vehicles with particulate filters, to comply. I am confident American automakers can rise to this challenge.

As States and auto companies plan, consumers are increasingly excited about lower emission and zero-emission vehicles. In my home State of Colorado, an Environmental Defense Fund analysis examined the net purchase cost of electric vehicles and found many offered thousands of dollars in lifetime savings. For example, it found cost savings as high as $21,500 when comparing the cost of Ford's F-150 Lightning EV with the gas-powered Ford F-150.

Consumers are taking advantage. In 2023, U.S. EV sales reached 1.6 million, which is a 60 percent increase from 2022. This shows consumer demand for EVs is here and will only grow.

As the evidence shows, EPA's rule saves consumers money and reduces carbon emissions. It is not an either/or. However, to compete globally, we must continue to make progress.

One of the few countries that rivals the U.S. in EV adoption is China. Eight

of the top best-selling EVs in the world are made by Chinese companies. This administration has taken strong action to ensure U.S. automakers can compete in this critical sector.

Now, I will address a claim the EPA emissions limit will mandate electric vehicles. We hear this all the time. This is simply not the case.

EPA is relying on flexible performance-based standards. This means, as I said, instead of requiring any specific approach, automakers have the option to allow for a mix of technologies to meet the limits.

This has not stopped my colleagues on the other side of the aisle from pursuing CRAs that would raise emissions and hike costs for consumers. I find that so ironic because what we want to do is help consumers here.

Unfortunately, this isn't new. The majority has spent this entire Congress attacking progress in protecting human health and the environment, while the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee has moved numerous bills attacking energy efficiency, including the so- called Refrigerator Freedom Act.

At the end of the day, the biggest threat to energy security is our country's dependence on foreign oil and natural gas. However, with this resolution and by ignoring the threats posed to the grid by the climate crisis, frankly, the majority is fiddling while Rome burns.

The Biden-Harris EPA has led. I am grateful for their leadership. If we care about our energy security, we should all support EPA's rule to reduce our demand for a finite resource.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Temple Emanuel. Temple Emanuel is a place of sanctuary and belonging, a place deeply intertwined with the history and culture of Denver, and a spiritual home for countless individuals for many generations. As we mark this milestone, it is important to remember the journey that has brought Temple Emanuel to this occasion. First established in 1866 and officially incorporated in 1874, this congregation predates Colorado's statehood. While the city has changed a great deal over these last 150 years and indeed the location of Temple Emanuel has changed more than once, the heart of the temple--a living connection to millennia of Jewish traditions for congregants--is the same.

Today, the temple is the largest Jewish congregation between Kansas City and the West Coast. For the Jewish community in Denver, Temple Emanuel is a place for life's milestones large and small. From weekly Shabbat Services to the High Holy Days, from celebrations to mourning, this temple hosts countless special memories, moments of deep personal meaning and community healing, and serves as a community gathering place for people from all walks of life.

I have seen firsthand the commitment Temple Emanuel has to bringing our community together through service work and social justice, a role that is particularly impactful during times of uncertainty as the congregation sustains and restores community. They host courageous conversations on social issues and have served as a meeting place for interfaith dialogues. In an era marked by division and discord, Temple Emanuel has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience, embracing our entire community and providing a sanctuary for those in need of solace and support.

The 150th anniversary of Temple Emanuel helps us reaffirm our commitment to the values of unity, compassion, and understanding that have guided this institution for a century and a half. May Temple Emanuel continue to serve as a shining example of the transformative power of faith and community for generations to come.

I congratulate my friend Rabbi Joseph R. Black and the entire congregation on this incredible milestone of 150 years in service to Denver.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and service of Judy Schneider. The stories told at her retirement reception in 2019 were full of laughter and more than a few tears. Talk about a life well-lived.

Judy started her public service career working on committees in both chambers focused on congressional reform. She then became an analyst at the non-partisan Congressional Research Service. As each of us well knows, Judy then went on to befriend, mentor, and provide so much more to Members of Congress and their staff as a specialist on all things Congress over the next four decades.

Funny, foul-mouthed, and just opinionated, Judy had a deep love of both democracy and Congress. Whether a Staff Assistant or a Chief of Staff, a Member of the House or a Senator, she consistently passed along her love and knowledge for how the game is really played in Congress.

Through her work, Judy sought to develop not only an educated Member or an educated congressional staffer, but to live up to what the Founding Fathers envisioned and expected of an educated constituency.

But the gift Judy shared and taught so many through her exacting lectures and conversations was to train each Member and each staffer so Congress functions better, so that democracy functions better.

It is my true hope that wisdom is never lost by those who have the honor of working in this institution and complex.

There have been 56 Speakers of the House of Representatives and 45 Presidents of the United States. There has only been one Judy Schneider.

To ascribe so many positive qualities to one individual might be seen as the usual gilding of the lily. In the case of Judy, it was simply the truth. My life, this institution of Congress, and our country are better off thanks to her 43 years of Congressional service and life here on Earth with us. May her memory be a blessing.