Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership, service, and dedication of Dale Anderson to the 5th Congressional District of Colorado. For eighteen years, Dale Anderson has served on my Congressional staff in many roles, each marked by a distinguished pursuit of excellence and service to the Pikes Peak region with personal integrity, sacrifice, and loyalty.

Dale was born in Independence, Missouri where he was raised by devout Christian parents. After graduating from high school, Dale served in the United States Army for nine years where he developed his passion for the care of veterans. Following his time in the Army, Dale graduated from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Almost immediately after my election, Dale joined my staff as a Military and Veterans Affairs Laison. In that role, he advocated on behalf of countless veterans, active-duty military members, and their families, to numerous federal agencies. His work also included helping establish the PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic in Colorado Springs. Dale went on to serve as the District Director where he was responsible for coordinating all events, outreach, and constituent services strategy for 5th Congressional District.

Dale was particularly adept at connecting with community leaders, mentoring the staffers under his command, building a team that reflected my values, effectively and compassionately serving our constituents, and faithfully representing me in the district. Keeping his finger on the pulse of the district and being proactive to meet the district's needs are some of Dale's many strong points, and one that he excellently performed throughout his time as District Director. In 2018, Dale became my Chief of Staff, bringing to D.C. his extensive experience and knowledge of the district to accurately and purposefully lead my combined staff in service of our constituents.

One of my early campaign promises was to establish a National Cemetery to provide a final resting place for our Nation's bravest heroes. The 10-year journey that culminated in establishing the Pikes Peak National Cemetery was at times arduous and difficult. Throughout the process, Dale was instrumental in building momentum, keeping morale high, and strategically crafting the plan which ultimately insured that the Pikes Peak region was able to honor our Nation's finest--including Dale's father, Mr. Gary Anderson.

Perhaps the most pivotal moment in recent memory for the 5th Congressional District came in 2023 when it was announced that U.S. Space Command was to be permanently based in Colorado Springs. This basing decision was the culmination of years of work, much of it led by Dale Anderson. Dale was vital in organizing a combined and unified advocacy campaign which reinforced the principle that any basing decision should be made only with national security in mind. In addition, Dale ensured that my office was proactive in speaking out about the importance of U.S. Space Command being based in Colorado Springs, as well as utilizing media outlets, legislative measures and processes, and high-profile meetings. These steps ensured that national security and the 5th Congressional District were kept at the forefront of every piece of the decision-making process.

The Black Forest fire in 2013 was one of the most devastating natural disasters in the Pikes Peak region. The fire killed 2 people, burned over 500 homes, and destroyed over 14,000 acres of land. While the destruction was immense, without the determination and persistence of Dale Anderson, I fear that the damage to life and property could have been worse. I directed Dale to call the National Inter-Agency Fire Center to coordinate getting the nearest firefighting planes in the air to help fight the fire. Dale immediately jumped into action, staying up through the night to ensure that our community was taken care of, and every resource was deployed to save as many lives as possible. Dale's actions that day and in the crucial days following proved that his connections, know-how, and persistence were invaluable assets in a time of crisis.

Many of these same qualities of his were also evident in how our office provided help in the wake of the destructive Waldo Canyon Fire of 2012.

Dale and his wife Jennie live in Colorado Springs and continue to put the 5th Congressional District before themselves in everything that they do. I would also like to thank Jennie, who gave her unwavering support for her husband, without which he could not have been as effective in his service to the district. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating, honoring, and celebrating the eighteen years of dedicated service by My Chief of Staff, Dale Anderson, to the 5th Congressional District of Colorado and to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Matthews-Vu Medical Group in Colorado Springs, led by Doctor Richard Vu and his wife Doctor Shabnum Matthews- Vu. The Matthews-Vu Medical Group has served the Pikes Peak region with a focus on the underserved in our community, offering many low-cost medical solutions for those most vulnerable.

Dr. Vu was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States as a young boy with his mother and siblings, living in Chicago near his father. The circumstances of his upbringing instilled in him a hard wark ethic and desire to serve those around him who are underserved, especially those on welfare and receiving govemmental aide.

Dr. Vu and Dr. Matthews-Vu, who grew up in East Meadows, New York, met at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, where they both received their medical degrees. Dr. Vu completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, while Dr. Matthews-Vu completed her residency in Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. After residency, the couple first lived in Arizona and then moved to Colorado Springs in 2004 with their family, they began their medical practice shortly after the move.

Originally founded with only two and a half physicians and a small and modest office in 2004, the Matthews-Vu Medical Group has grown to over sixty providers in five locations with a broad range of specialties and medical skills. Specializing in serving our community and patients who are on government plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare, the Matthews-Vu Medical Group has become a beacon of help for those in our community who need affordable medical care that is provided with an intentionally caring and loving heart.

This commitment to the individual and family of every patient is evident in the way both Dr. Vu and Dr. Matthews-Vu live their lives and have raised their family. The love they share for each other and their family is obvious in the way they interact with each other and every patient. They are most attentive to their patients and prioritize their needs above everything else. Their passion for medical excellence and patient service is driven by their mission statement: ``Providing the highest quality of compassionate care for patients from all walks of life.'' Dr. Vu and his team ensure that everyone who walks through their door, regardless of their background or financial means, will get the medical care they need and deserve.

In 2020 the Matthews-Vu Medical Group opened their own processing center to process COVID-19 tests, prioritizing speed, accuracy, and service to our community in the midst of the pandemic. Their processing center allowed many other businesses in the community, including medical and dental, to remain open during the pandemic.

Dr. Vu and Dr. Matthews-Vu have three children. Their family continues to exemplify the love of Jesus Christ to everyone around them. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring and celebrating the Matthews-Vu Medical Group and Dr. Richard Vu and Dr. Shabnum Matthews-Vu for their dedicated and Christ honoring service to the Pikes Peak region.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1351.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is appropriate that the last presenter ended with a verse from the Bible. It was a marvelous verse, and that is what this Special Order is going to be about.

Recently, in November, we celebrated, once again, since the year 1941, National Bible Week. This is something that has been declared and proclaimed by every President since Franklin D. Roosevelt, who started this in 1941, just days before we were attacked at Pearl Harbor.

As the world was hurdling toward World War II, it was so appropriate that the country turned to the Bible for sustenance and guidance.

I have been leading this particular commemoration on National Bible Week for--I don't know--8 or 10 years on the floor of the House. This will be my last opportunity because I will be voluntarily retiring from Congress in January.

I want to thank so many people who have helped me during my career, but, most of all, I would like to first thank my Lord and Savior for the opportunity to represent Colorado's Fifth Congressional District for 18 years.

It is my relationship with Him, with God, who has provided any wisdom or success that I have experienced in my congressional career.

National Bible Week was in November, but that was during Thanksgiving, when we were all out of town, so we chose this week to actually formally celebrate it and commemorate it here on the floor of the House.

This was begun in 1941 as an official National Bible Week, and it is the Bible that led me to a relationship with my Lord and Savior.

I was a freshman at college, and some people talked to me, and they said: Have you ever read the Bible for yourself?

I said: No, but I think I know what is in it.

That is kind of an arrogant and foolish thing to say, but that is where I was coming from in my ignorance, my naivete.

They said: Hey, why don't you read the Gospel of John, and you will understand what the message of the Bible is.

So I did that, and, as I read the Gospel of John, I realized that this is a relationship with the living God that I did not have and that I needed and that I wanted.

John 14:6 is where Jesus says: I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.

That spoke to my heart, and that is when I began a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior.

My salvation came through reading the Bible, so I am so happy that we can celebrate and commemorate National Bible Week here tonight.

We have some Members of Congress who are going to be speaking about what the Bible means to them personally and what the Bible means to the United States of America, this special and marvelous country that we have the privilege of living in.

As David said in the book of Psalms: Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.

That is ultimately what the Bible is about. It is a lamp to our feet and it is a light to our path. It guides us day to day as we take footsteps. It guides the path that we see in the future, the direction our lives should go in. So it is a lamp and it is a light. That makes it so special.

At this point, I yield 4 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from the great State of Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).

Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for those kind and gracious words and the insights that he shared with us.

Congress has changed over the years. I am really not telling a secret that anyone here doesn't already know but let me tell you the perspective that our first Congressmen and -women had in this country of ours. It would have been men at the time, and the women came later, as we know.

Many early-American settlers came to the New World wanting to live out their faith in God and his Word, and so Congress, as one of their first acts, authorized an American-published Bible. You see, they were at war with the British and, because of embargoes, shipments of the Bible, among other things, were not coming into the country.

In 1782, Congress reviewed, approved, and authorized the first known English-language Bible to be printed in America. The resolution said, in part: Resolved, that the United States in Congress assembled to recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize Mr. Aitken to publish this recommendation in the manner he shall think proper.

Congress authorized the printing of the Bible and recommended that everyone read it. Our country has changed over the years. I can't imagine us doing that now, but maybe we should. We have things in this country that are not going in the right direction and that could only help.

Mr. Speaker, I will now yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen) to share his thoughts with us, please.

Mr. Speaker, I would now like to ask Representative Rose from the great State of Tennessee to come and speak.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his words.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to Representative Glenn Grothman from the State of Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, as the next speaker comes up, Buddy Carter from the State of Georgia, I want to mention something very personal that happened 2 years ago.

I was at this podium, and I told some people back in the district that we were going to have this Bible hour, and they wanted to tune in. They were watching on C-SPAN. What an amazing privilege it is to share important things from your life to a national audience.

Anyway, my dermatologist was watching, Dr. Reagan Anderson, and he noticed that I had a new spot on my temple, my left temple. He texted me as soon as I was off the floor and said to come in and see him tomorrow. Actually, it took me 2 days to finish voting and get back to Colorado Springs. He said: You have melanoma, and I am going to schedule surgery for tomorrow.

It was actually a couple of days later that I had the surgery. It was successful. They removed it. It has gone away, as far as I know. The cancer was taken from me, from my skin, but I think it is so interesting that it was during this Bible hour that a friend of mine who is also a doctor saw something that needed help, and I am so glad that it turned out that way. I had never experienced that before. I didn't know what to look for.

If you are in Colorado, which is a high-altitude State, be watching for changes in skin because at high altitude, it happens even more than in other places. All of us need to be watching for that.

Buddy Carter is a healthcare professional as a former pharmacist, and I welcome him to share his thoughts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong favor of the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill makes long- overdue improvements for the well-being of our servicemembers as well as underwriting our national defense at a time when we face a tumultuous global security environment.

It has been my honor to serve as chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, which oversees our Nation's nuclear enterprise, missile defense forces, and national defense space capabilities. I am pleased that my subcommittee continued the tradition of bipartisan work, and I thank Ranking Member Seth Moulton for his partnership.

Mr. Speaker, our nuclear deterrent is the foundation of our national security. This bill fully funds the modernization of our nuclear triad, including key investments in submarine construction, developing the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile, and maintaining adequate numbers of intercontinental ballistic missiles, all to keep pace with growing Chinese and Russian nuclear threats.

This bill also authorizes important resources to restore nuclear production infrastructure maintained by the National Nuclear Security Administration.

This year, the actions of our enemies revealed the importance of having strong integrated missile defense capabilities. To that end, this bill reverses the damaging Biden administration's decision to cease production of the Standard Missile-3 Block 1B. This very missile saved countless lives when Iran twice attacked Israel with massive ballistic missile salvos.

Mr. Speaker, this marks the last time I will have the opportunity to speak in favor of this critical legislation. It has been my honor to represent Colorado's Fifth District through my nine terms in Congress.

I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Cindy Aubrey from Pikes Peak United Way after ten years of dedicated service to Colorado's Fifth Congressional District. The CEO role at PPUW has been the culmination of a lifetime of service to her hometown. Cindy is known for her strong work ethic, visionary leadership, and her loving service of others. These qualities manifest in numerous capacities: as a daughter, a sister, a friend, a mentor, or a colleague. Cindy's career and impact demonstrate the rare combination of utilizing her community-minded as well as an individual-focused approach. Cindy has exemplified putting her neighbors above herself and uplifting those around her in every way that she could.

A proud Colorado native, born and raised in Colorado Springs, Cindy graduated from Mitchell High School. Cindy then graduated from Colorado State University where she was and remains a proud CSU Ram. After college, Cindy started her media career at Fox 21 before moving to KOAA, where she led the Creative Services Department and later the News Department. In these roles Cindy helped inform and shape our community, while gaining the respect of the entire community for her outstanding work.

After developing a heart for the Pikes Peak region in her media career, Cindy continued the mission of community service by taking on the role of Chief Communications Officer with the City of Colorado Springs. It was here that she served during some of the greatest challenges in our region's history--the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires. Working tirelessly with first responders and other city officials, Cindy provided residents with vital, accurate, timely information, and did so with empathy and humility.

In some ways as a culmination of her life's mission of community service up to this point, Cindy took on a new endeavor with Pikes Peak United Way, first as the Senior Vice President of Marketing, and eventually, President and Chief Executive Officer. Under Cindy's guidance Pikes Peak United Way created new initiatives and partnerships that expanded the organization's already extensive impact. This included celebrating 100 years of Pikes Peak United Way serving the Pikes Peak region and partnering with many other organizations to launch the Family Success Center, offering a broad range of services to empower those in need in our community.

In addition to her leadership in the Pikes Peak region, Cindy has been recognized for and awarded the Colorado Springs Business Journal Woman of Influence award, the Public Relations Society of America Vista Award, the Colorado Coaches for Charity MVP award, and the Business Leader of the Year from the Southern Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce. It is evident that Cindy's impact is broad and deep in our community.

Cindy and her husband Peter are parents to Liam and his wife Tori and now Grammy to their beautiful granddaughter, Azaela Joy. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in congratulating her upon her retirement and celebrating the life and dedicated service of a true champion for the Pikes Peak region, Cindy Aubrey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership, accomplishments and statewide impact of Mr. William J. Hybl, at El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

For more than five decades, Bill Hybl has generously and unwaveringly served the people of the Pikes Peak region and Colorado first through his work as District Attorney for the 4th Judicial District, then as an elected member of the Colorado House of Representatives, and most recently through his leadership at El Pomar Foundation. As the first employee of El Pomar Foundation in 1973, Hybl stewarded and steered the private foundation established by Spencer and Julie Penrose into the respected, generous, and visionary organization it is today.

Under his leadership, the El Pomar Foundation substantially grew its grant making capacity, leadership development and community engagement programs, and historic property destinations, which all support the well-being of Colorado's residents. Hybl either led or collaborated on significant economic growth projects to support Colorado communities. Thanks to his guidance, El Pomar has contributed more than $750 million in grant funding and programming for the benefit of the people of Colorado.

Though he has retired as CEO of El Pomar Foundation after 50 years of leadership, he holds the distinction of Chair Emeritus on its Board and continues to serve as a Trustee, providing continued guidance and counsel to the Foundation's governance and grant making.

In addition to leading philanthropic efforts impacting Colorado through the Foundation, Hybl has served and represented Colorado in numerous national and global roles. He was appointed Special Counsel to President Ronald Reagan in 1981. In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed him as U.S. Representative to the 56th General Assembly of the United Nations. In 2008, Hybl was confirmed by the United States Senate as Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Public Diplomacy, a position he was appointed to by President George W. Bush. At the recommendation of the Senate, he was reappointed by President Barack Obama in 2011, and currently serves as Vice Chairman.

Hybl is Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Emeritus. Additionally, he was Chairman of the Board of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) from 2003 through 2009 and currently serves as Chairman Emeritus. Hybl is Vice Chairman of the Board for International Programs at The Fund for American Studies.

Perhaps most known for his contributions to the Olympic Movement, Hybl is President Emeritus of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and served twice as President, leading the United States Olympic Team Delegations at four Olympic Games. He is Chair of the U.S. Olympic and

Paralympic Endowment and was also a member of the International Olympic Committee from 2000 through 2002. He was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. His dedication and commitment to the Olympic Movement has helped pave the way for Colorado Springs to be named Olympic City USA.

A native of Colorado, Hybl was raised in Pueblo, Colorado and attended Colorado College, where in 1964 he was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor at the University of Colorado School of Law in 1967. After graduating from law school, Hybl served in the United States Army, serving as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, Judge Advocate General Corps until 1978.

He was married to Kathleen Horrigan for 56 years, and they have two sons, B.J. and Kyle, and six grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring William J. Hybl's life, which is a testament to his unwavering dedication to public service, leadership, and community engagement. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the Olympic movement, public diplomacy, and numerous organizations. His legacy of service and commitment continues to inspire and impact countless individuals and communities in the Pikes Peak region and throughout Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Harrison School District 2 in El Paso County, Colorado. Established two years before Colorado became a state, Harrison School District 2 has faithfully served our community, our families, and our youth. Its mission is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors to personally succeed and contribute to the common good.

Harrison School District 2 was founded by four homesteading families--Bates, Lewis, Allen, and Beaver--to educate their children. The early investment from these families laid the groundwork for a district that now serves over 13,000 students across 23 schools. This past year, the superintendent of Harrison School District 2, Dr. Wendy Birhanzel, was named Colorado Superintendent of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives for the district's high achievement and innovative approaches to education.

As the first district in Colorado to put student representatives on the Board of Education, Harrison D2 prioritizes students and their families. An open enrollment policy allows youth to enroll in any of D2's nine elementary schools, four K-8 schools, one K-12 online school, two middle schools, two high schools, one career readiness academy, International Baccalaureate program, home school program, or three charter school systems. The district's culturally and linguistically diverse education has received local and national awards, and an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program is available from elementary to high school.

Harrison School District 2 believes that socioeconomic status should not be a barrier to educational opportunity, and this commitment extends beyond K-12. Through the D2 promise, graduates from any high school in the district can receive a free two-year college education at Pikes Peak State College, inclusive of tuition, fees, books, and academic support. Harrison School District 2 also serves community members by offering free adult Basic Education, a General Educational Development (GED) class, and English as Second Language classes. Harrison D2's career-connected learning approach is reimagining education to produce the skilled workforce that the Pikes Peak region needs.

Education is one of the most important pillars of our society today and Harrison School District 2 stands out as an exemplary partner in providing a high level of education to the El Paso County community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in celebrating Harrison School District 2 for its service to our community for 150 years and into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Denver for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure and honor to rise today to welcome Representative Greg Lopez to Congress.

I have every faith that Representative Lopez will serve the people of Colorado's Fourth District well, as he has a history of serving his country and his community.

Immediately upon graduating from high school, Representative Lopez enlisted in the Air Force, serving honorably from 1983 to 1987. In 1992, at the age of 27, Representative Lopez successfully ran for mayor of Parker, Colorado, where he managed one of the fastest growing cities in America.

As a matter of fact, in those years, I also represented part of Douglas County, Colorado, where Parker is located. It was the fastest growing county in America for 8 years in a row.

Following his time as mayor, Representative Lopez not only owned and operated a small business selling medical supplies, but he also served in the Small Business Administration as the State director for Colorado from 2008 to 2014.

Throughout his career, Representative Lopez has been blessed with his lovely wife, Lisa, as well as their two children, Michael and Christina.

Mr. Speaker, I welcome Representative Greg Lopez to the United States House of Representatives not only as a friend but now as a colleague.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill prioritizes our military, safeguards their rights, and puts forward a fighting force that will stand against the threats facing the United States of America.

As chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, I believe this bill continues the tradition of bipartisan work for which our subcommittee has been known. This bill supports the ongoing efforts to modernize America's nuclear deterrent and the laboratory and production infrastructure managed by the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.

Additionally, the bill starts to address some of these risks that were taken on by the Biden administration by partially restoring funding to the SM3 production line, which is part of the Aegis system that so successfully defended our ally, Israel, against Iran's ballistic missile attack earlier this year.

Finally, it requires the Space Force to budget and plan to integrate cutting-edge commercial systems.

Mr. Chair, I am very proud to support this bill as it directly affects so many thousands of servicemembers and their

families that live in the Fifth Congressional District of Colorado, which is home to five major military installations.

I commend the work of this year's Quality of Life Panel led by Representatives Bacon and Houlahan, which resulted in sweeping and long-overdue improvements for the well-being of our servicemembers and their families.

As I stand here today, I note that this is the last time that I will have the opportunity and honor to speak in favor of this critical annual legislation.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to keep a close eye on the horizon where there are storm clouds gathering. Remember that passing this bipartisan legislation is part of our constitutional duty to provide for our common defense. To that end, I strongly encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the effect of Jack Kosakowski on the young people of the Pikes Peak region, the United States of America, and around the world through his work with Junior Achievement for fifty years.

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Junior Achievement is our nation's largest organization that provides access to knowledge and skills which create economic flourishing for youth in their communities and teaches practical steps to plan for the future. Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement started as an after-school program for high school students. Later expanded to middle school students that also included in school programs as well. With a presence in all fifty states and a network of volunteers around the world, Junior Achievement reaches over 4.4 million students in America and over 13 million students in over 100 countries around the world.

Jack began his Junior Achievement journey in Toledo, Ohio, as a high school student in the Junior Achievement program. He received a Junior Achievement scholarship as he attended the University of Toledo. Starting in 1974, Jack served in a variety of roles proving both his abilities and his passion for the people he serves. In his role as President and

Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement, Jack continues to lead the organization with the same drive for excellence and impact that he has strived for throughout his career.

In addition to his roles at Junior Achievement, Jack was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve a two-year term on the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy in January 2008. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Achievement Foundation, is a past member of the United States Commission for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), and serves on the Council on Competitiveness' Learn to Compete Commission. Jack has also been named a Trustee of America's Promise Alliance.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring and celebrating Jack Kosakowski for his fifty years of distinguished leadership and service to the youth in the Pikes Peak region, the United States of America, and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor the devotion, wisdom, and innovative

philanthropy of a Pikes Peak community champion, Bill Moritz. He was prematurely taken from us on March 16, 2024 at only 72 years of age by cancer. Bill was a man of unwavering faith and tireless dedication to the Lord, to community service, and to mission-based companies.

After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri, Bill met his wife Mary Lee Martin in 1975. Together they raised four children In 1985, Bill earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the O.W. Coburn School of Law, embarking on a career and path that would impact countless lives.

A Christian discipleship ministry, The Navigators, brought the Moritz family to Colorado Springs in 1985. Bill founded Moritz & Associates, PC in 1988 and practiced law in Colorado Springs for over 35 years. He specialized in estate planning, non-profit organizations, and business law. He was lead attorney for From Success 2 Significance which provides training and strategies that empower generous families to live a more significant life.

Out of personal tragedy in 1998, when the Moritz's daughter Breanna Joy was killed in a car accident, there emerged Joy to the World Foundation Thailand. Bill and Mary Lee founded this anti-trafficking ministry to protect vulnerable children and families in northern Thailand. His passion for wise and impactful philanthropy led him to co-found a community foundation in Colorado Springs in 1989. Bill served as the Executive Director of the New Horizons Foundation until his death. In 2003 Bill founded Joy to the World Foundation to help philanthropic families and ministry professionals multiply the impact of their generosity and service.

Bill's 35 years of wise counsel helped numerous ministries, including among may others: The LeTourneau University Foundation, Navigators, Baptist Bible College and Seminary, Harvest Workers, Christian Broadcasting Network, International Bible Society, Compassion International, Oral Roberts University, Seattle Pacific University, Young Life, The Christian and Missionary Alliance Denomination, Summit Ministries, Christian Blind Mission International, HCJB World Radio, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Mission of Mercy, and the YMCA. Bill also authored a book, Unlocking The Full Potential of Your Assets; Creative Uses of the Charitable Remainder Unitrust.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, their three children--Joni, Josh, and Amy--along with their spouses, and 11 cherished grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I can personally attest to the outstanding life of Bill Moritz. We practiced law together for a short time early in our careers. I saw firsthand his integrity, his Christian commitment, and his devotion to his family.

Today I ask my colleagues to honor a life of significant generosity, philanthropy, and innovation. Because of Bill Moritz's life Colorado's Fifth Congressional District and indeed the world are a better place.

Madam Speaker, history is watching us today. The whole world is watching us today.

Winston Churchill, before World War II, spoke of those like Neville Chamberlain who chose dishonor over war and ended up with both.

Likewise, isolationists today who choose to retreat from helping our friends who are being threatened and invaded will find that the struggles of our friends will sooner or later follow us home.

Our standing in the world is at stake with our vote today. We can choose dishonor, or we can choose to help friends who are oppressed by strong and malignant neighbors. Speaker Johnson has chosen honor and is to be commended.

Taiwan, Israel, and, yes, Ukraine desperately needs our help. Vote for all four bills. Choose honor over dishonor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a champion of our nation's abundant energy resources.

Western Energy Alliance is celebrating 50 years of unifying stakeholders and policymakers in support of oil and natural gas in the West. Their work has helped balance the environment by providing citizens with the energy they need.

Today, just as in 1974, energy policy is vital to America's success. Today, as back then, we also see regulators going out of their way to hamstring innovative solutions from small, independent companies focused on harnessing our Nation's mineral resources--companies that constitute the Alliance's membership.

Fortunately, the Alliance has been a guiding voice and valuable resource for members of Congress and has helped consumers combat high prices at the pump and lower their utility bills.

Congratulations to Western Energy Alliance for reaching the 50-year milestone and I thank them for being a credible advocate of western oil and natural gas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the God-honoring life and generous impact of a Pikes Peak community stalwart--Gerald ``Jay'' Cimino, who died of natural causes on February 24, 2024, at the age of 87. Jay truly was a pillar of the Pike's Peak region, both as a well- known business innovator in the automobile industry as well as a beloved and visionary community builder. Jay's leadership of the Phil Long dealerships impacted the automobile industry across the state of Colorado and his love for others led to the creation of numerous veteran-focused groups such as Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.

Born in Trinidad, Colorado, Jay joined the Marine Corps out of high school. Following his service to our Nation, he moved back to Trinidad and attended Trinidad State Jr College and finished his bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Denver in 1960. Wasting no time after graduation, Jay married his wife, Emily, and they took an active role in their community. Jay became General Manager of Phil Long Ford in 1975 and rose up the ranks to President and CEO of the Phil Long Family of Dealerships. Throughout his time in the automobile industry, Jay lived out the exemplary values of community and customer service as no one had done before him. This emphasis on community service was the basis for how Jay used his time to make and do better for everyone around him.

Jay invested in the economic growth of his hometown of Trinidad as well as his adopted home of Colorado Springs throughout his time at Phil Long Ford. Whether it was bringing automobile dealerships to new communities, creating academic scholarships, or helping build community-focused buildings, Jay took great pride in providing new opportunities and services for others.

Perhaps Jay's most impactful initiative was his creation of Mt. Carmel Health, Wellness and Community Center, Mt. Carmel Center of Excellence of Colorado, and Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center which provides access to medical care and career change resources to our community and specifically our veterans. Jay truly modeled for all of us how to properly serve in the most caring and generous way for those who have served our nation.

Jay and his wife Emily of more than fifty-five years enjoyed the blessings of their four children and eight grandchildren. The legacy of the Cimino family continues to have an impact in the Pike Peak region following in the steps of Jay's vision and passion.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring and celebrating the exemplary life of Jay Cimino whose fingerprints on the Pike Peak region will remain for the rest of time.