Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor the life, legacy, and faith of Keith King, who died of pancreatic cancer on February 3, 2024, at the age of 75. Keith was a champion for the Pikes Peak region as a successful and generous business entrepreneur, elected official, and advocate for school choice and charter schools. Keith had a tremendous impact on those around him, but it was only possible because he was driven and directed by his love for Jesus Christ and his family. Keith King was truly a giant in advancing policies that helped families, children, schools, and the state of Colorado. In addition to being a personal colleague in the Colorado legislature for seven years and a brother in Christ, Keith was my friend.

Born in Tekoa, Washington, Keith moved to Colorado and completed his bachelor's degree at Colorado State University, Pueblo in industrial education in 1970. He continued his education at Oregon State University in 1976 with a master's degree in vocational education. It was through his studies that his already budding desire to see children succeed in school and have as many education choices as possible available to them bloomed. Keith served on the Cheyenne Mountain School board from 1991 to 1995; and was president of Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy, which he co-founded, from 1995 to 1998. Keith also started Colorado Springs Early Colleges and Colorado Early Colleges which provided high schoolers the opportunity to take college classes and receive job training. Education choice and specifically the emergence and growth of charter schools in Colorado became one of Keith's main passions in his legislative career.

First elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 1999, Keith's first year in the legislature showed immediate results. During his first session in office, Keith was the lead sponsor of two bills that improved charter school structures and operations that were signed into law. This impressive success record was only the beginning of Keith's impact on Colorado. Keith sponsored the annual school finance act three times and sponsored the landmark College Opportunity Fund which created substantial change to the funding system for public colleges and universities.

Keith and his wife Sandi of more than fifty years enjoyed the blessings of their sons Jeremy and Brandon, their families, and their five grandchildren. A devoted husband and Christian, Keith embodied 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 in every way that he lived his life, especially in the public square as a legislator: ``Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.''

Education remains one of the most important pillars of our society today. Keith recognized that high-quality and well-funded education gave each child the best chance at an impactful life. Keith's faith and his family provided Keith with his ``North Star'' as he used his gifts and abilities to make life better for all of those around him. Even into his later years, Keith was on campus at local high schools teaching and coaching basketball. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in remembering and honoring the life of a faithful man in Keith King whose impact in the Pikes Peak region will be felt for the rest of time.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this year's NDAA, and I thank the chairman for his leadership.

I am honored to serve as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic

Forces. I am pleased that 53 provisions I led in this year's NDAA received broad bipartisan support.

Through this bill, conservatives have achieved major wins that counter harmful Biden administration plans to treat our military like a social experiment. However, we must continue to make necessary investments in our strategic forces. We must prepare to simultaneously address two-peer aggressors, as well as deter the growing threats from Iran and North Korea. This bill does that.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill to ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to defend our Nation.

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 materials on the topic of my Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, for over 80 years, our country has recognized the week of Thanksgiving to be National Bible Week. This week was first established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 to create an annual event where Christians could celebrate the Bible.

The very first Psalm of David expresses the importance of the Bible: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly nor stands in the path of sinners nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law, he mediates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season whose leave also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.

King David found that his greatest counsel was not found in human philosophy but rather in the words of God.

America is a Nation that from its beginning has respected the Bible. The evidence is all around us here in Washington, D.C. Numerous memorials that quote the Bible, the buildings that house our executive, judicial, and legislative branches have Bible verses etched in stone. More importantly, the values and principles that have made us a secure, free, and prosperous Nation come from the holy Word of God.

In this hour, we will hear from Members of Congress from various faith traditions and denominations speak about what the Bible means to them. We are here in keeping with that 80-year tradition to recognize National Bible Week.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Allen for sharing from his personal story.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from the great State of Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), who is the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the great State of Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).

Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from California comes forward, I am going to give my own story. My own story shows a life that was changed by the Bible.

When I went to college, I thought I knew what the Bible was all about. In reality, I never read any of it for myself. When I was urged to do so, I realized that it was different than what I had assumed.

I read the Gospel of John, and I realized I was separated from God and that the way for me to find Him was through Jesus, who said He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father but through Him.

When I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, my life changed dramatically. I can attest to the reality of the Bible.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).

Mr. Speaker, Representative Aderholt made passing reference to an early action of our Congress in authorizing publication of a Bible in the 1700s. I am going to amplify on that just a little bit here.

Many of the early American settlers who came to the New World wanted to live out their faith in God and His Word, according to the convictions of their own consciences. It is true that one of Congress' first acts in the infancy of our Nation was the authorization of an American-published Bible. The Revolutionary War with the British had cut off all shipments of Bibles from England. Our Founding Fathers understood how important it was for the American people to have access to Bibles.

Robert Aitken, a private citizen, brought this need to the attention of Congress. He said, in a letter, ``This work is an object worthy of the attention of the Congress of the United States of America, who will not negligent spiritual security, while they are virtuously contending for temporal blessings.''

In 1782, Congress reviewed, approved, and authorized the first known English language Bible to be printed in America, and the congressional resolution for that read:

``Resolved: That the United States in Congress assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion as well as an instance of progress of arts in this country, and being satisfied from the above report of his care and accuracy in the execution of the work, they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize him to publish this recommendation in the manner he shall think proper.''

Mr. Speaker, can you imagine doing that today, authorizing a Bible and recommending it to the people of the United States?

Our country has changed over the years and not always for the better, I am afraid.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Rose).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments. It is that time of year when we as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Of course, His story is found in the Bible that we are talking about tonight. So it all ties together very well at this time of year especially.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the great State of Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman so much for his comments.

Mr. Speaker, I will mention something about archaeology. There are many archeological discoveries which have validated biblical accounts giving trustworthiness to the Bible that we are acknowledging now during the recent National Bible Week.

Archeology has, time and time again, shown that the Biblical personalities, locations, and events actually existed in time and space. Claims by critics that a Biblical statement was simply made up have been later debunked by archeological discoveries more times than we can say.

For instance, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late forties and fifties proved the credibility and authority of Scripture. The discovery of these scrolls shined light on the oldest records of the worldwide flood and the longstanding authority and accuracy of the Bible.

Jewish archaeologist Nelson Glueck has stated: It may be stated categorically that no archeological discovery has ever controverted or contradicted a Biblical reference.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the great State of Texas (Mr. Weber).

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

It has been an honor and a pleasure to commemorate National Bible Week this evening. I am grateful to my colleagues who joined me to honor the Word of God.

Mr. Speaker, I simply restate my gratitude for the Words of Jesus about the Bible:

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine and does

them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on

the rock. The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds

blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall for it was

founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of

mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who

built his house on the sand. The rain descended, the floods

came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it

fell, and great was its fall.

So I am thankful for the Word of God that we have to live by. I thank God for the stability and foundation the Bible has given in my life, for the lives of those who have spoken here today, and for the life of our great Nation.

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

Mr. Speaker, November 19, 2023 marks the one year anniversary of a violent attack in Colorado Springs killing five people and injuring 22 others. I would like to once again extend my prayers of peace and healing for the families and victims. During the incident, two heroes took action that night to prevent further harm and should be honored for their heroic acts.

Richard Fierro and Thomas James stepped up at their own peril to save lives and protect others. The two heroes worked together to stop the gunman and remove the firearm from him, Mr. James even incurred injuries when a bullet was fired into his abdomen. Because of the decisive, quick, and selfless action of these two men, more lives were not taken by the attacker. This is the true spirit of selflessness and duty that we are privileged to experience so commonly in Colorado Springs.

Information Technician 2nd Class Thomas James was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest non-combat decoration the Navy can award for heroism.

Richard Fierro, a retired Army Major, received the Lifesaving Military Hero of The Year Award from the American Red Cross.

May we all remember their actions to save the lives of others and thank them for their service to our Nation and community on the anniversary of this terrible event.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 30th anniversary of the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition of Colorado, a leading voice for firearms rights in my Congressional District. The organization's purpose is to advocate, support, and protect the right to keep and bear arms as enumerated in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article II, Section 13 of the Colorado Constitution, and to promote the safe, responsible, and lawful use of firearms.

Initially formed in 1992 as the Colorado Springs Chapter of the Firearms Coalition of Colorado, in 1993 the group formed their own local organization as the Pikes Peaks Firearms Coalition and incorporated as a Colorado non-profit. Since then, they have advocated for firearm rights before the Colorado Springs City Council, the El Paso County Board of Commissioners, and the Colorado General Assembly. The effect of their advocacy is far-reaching. They sponsor groups that teach young people the safe handling and storage of firearms. Additionally, they provide financial support to local gun ranges including the Cheyenne Mountain Shooting Complex at Fort Carson and previously assisted in cleanup efforts for the U.S. Forest Service Rampart Range shooting area while it was in operation. In their monthly meetings, they promote the safe and lawful use of firearms. They invite speakers to present programs on various firearm issues, equipment, training, and techniques. Hundreds of people have benefited from the Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition of Colorado's educational and practical approach.

At their core, Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition members believe that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to keep and bear arms in defense of their home, person, and property and to protect against a tyrannical government. Ultimately, they believe the firearms issue to be entered entwined with civil rights, and object to all anti-gun proposals which limit the ability of the elderly, the poor, the handicapped, or other legally armed citizens to defend themselves. Finally, they firmly believe that to control crime, we must focus on the perpetrator rather than his instrument. The irresponsible banning of a weapon based solely on emotion only serves to empower criminals, as law-abiding citizens, by definition, do not break the law.

I would like to offer my sincere congratulations on 30 years of advocacy to a group that upholds and protects the Second Amendment so well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Pastor Ralph

E. Kelly, Sr. who was welcomed home with the Lord on December 21, 2022.

Pastor Kelly accepted the call of ministry in 1985 as the assistant pastor at Good News Church of Christ Holiness U.S.A. in Pasadena, CA. Six years later, God moved Pastor Kelly and his family to Colorado Springs where he served at Focus on the Family for 23 years.

On September 6, 1992, Pastor Kelly and his family joined two other families to establish Good News Church, initialing meeting in a small room at New Hope Baptist Church. Good News Church mission statement was founded on Matthew 28; 18-20, ``Reaching families and our community with the transforming power of Jesus Christ through Evangelism, Education, and Exhortation.''

In addition to shepherding local congregations such as Good News Church, Pastor Kelly served the Pikes Peak Region for over 23 years. As the Regional Manager of Pastoral Ministries in California and Colorado under the leadership of H.B London Jr. Pastor Kelly graced and served other pastors of every denomination and faith. He provided encouragement and counsel to countless pastors and their families.

Pastor Kelly and his wife, Daisy together raised four children: Darnell, Nicole, Crystal, and Ralph, Jr. Their family heritage continues with nine grandchildren: Amari, Jocelyn, Savannah, Kai'Lon, McKenzie, Justice, Kennedy, Kai'Lynn and Brooklynn. Pastor Kelly and Daisy blessed the Colorado Springs community by living out the example of how to bring your family up in the Lord. Further, as evidence of their true ministry partnership, Pastor Kelly and Daisy together received their Bachelor of Religious Education from the United Theological Bible College & Seminary in 1998, in Colorado Springs.

Pastor Kelly's life of ministry to pastors epitomizes the pastoral epistles, ``I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing,'' (2 Tim. 4:7-8). Rest in peace Christian Soldier; his duty has ended. He has fought the good fight.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the ongoing work within the Interior bill.

As the Representative for the Fifth District of Colorado and vice chair of the Natural Resources Committee, I have long supported our critical mineral independence, striving to roll back regulations and burdens on this industry.

However, my background on the House Armed Services Committee and my longstanding support of our national security causes me to caution support of section 466.

Railroad Valley in Nevada has been used and cared for by NASA since 1996 as the world's premier optical sensing calibration site. The Railroad Valley site is used daily to calibrate cameras onboard of satellites that photograph the world daily. Commercial companies have used this playa to provide critical support to satellites that monitor the ongoing war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, and many other critical needs.

It is for that reason that I am here advocating for the Railroad Valley playa as a national security asset. According to a study done by NASA, the capability this playa provides can only be found in four sites around the world. Current and future needs of our commercial space industry and intelligence community are strongly reliant on the benefits this site provides here in the continental U.S. This is not something we can turn to in other places because the other three sites lie in China, north Africa, and Israel.

Additionally, NASA's study concluded that the Railroad Valley site would be the best option in any case to provide the optimal sensing calibration. It is important to protect the critical mineral rights, but it must not come at the expense of our national security. We must do both.

I thank Mr. Amodei and Chairman Simpson for their tireless work on this issue and their commitment to our future work on compromise language and protection of our national security assets. I look forward to supporting the language that comes out of conference for the Interior appropriations, and I urge adoption of the bill.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment that restricts citizens of any country on the list of sensitive countries from entering any U.S. national security laboratory facility.

From Los Alamos to Oak Ridge, our national labs perform critical national security activities that are the bedrock of our defense. They oversee the stewardship of our national stockpile which maintains our safe, secure, credible, and effective nuclear deterrent force.

Unlike our adversaries, the United States has upheld the zero-yield testing standard set in place by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. We have done this by choosing to make a massive investment in our national labs to develop a more responsible nuclear testing regime that does not require super-critical explosions.

I was stunned to hear recent reports, though, of Biden administration officials inviting citizens from our two greatest adversaries to observe U.S. nuclear weapons tests. Russia and China should not have insider access to our testing. This is the latest in a series of misguided and naive national security actions made by Biden administration officials. These are the same officials who have sworn oaths to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution and who are appointed as caretakers for our Nation's most sensitive national security activities.

Proponents of this policy argue that inviting foreign observers to view our tests would encourage our adversaries to be more transparent about their activities. However, China and Russia have had ample opportunity to be more open about their nuclear weapons development and deployments and refuse to do so.

Allowing adversaries to observe our nuclear testing activities is allowing them to derive our methods and procedures, and this destroys deterrence. As chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, one of my priorities has been to strengthen and protect our nuclear arsenal.

In the world today, nothing could jeopardize our national security more than losing this advantage. For that reason, I encourage my colleagues to adopt this amendment and protect our nuclear assets.

Madam Chair, I close by saying that I ask that we adopt this amendment by acclimation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and noble military service of Aviation Machinist's Mate, First Class, Daniel T. Griffin, who died in the line of duty at Kaneohe Naval Air Station during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

AMM1c Daniel Griffin was born in Allendale, Illinois, and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado as an infant with his family. While growing up, AMM1c Griffin enjoyed hunting and fishing and worked for the Gazette Telegraph Co. during his years at Colorado Springs High School where he graduated in 1928.

AMM1c Griffin enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 19 in 1930 with a desire to serve his country and see the world. As he served in the Navy, it became his dream to become a pilot. In 1937, he reported to flight school graduating as an AMM2c Naval Aviation Pilot with his Patrol Bomber Y pilot's license in 1938. Following graduation, AMM1c Griffin was transferred to Pearl Harbor and later Kaneohe Bay in March of 1941.

Kaneohe Bay sits on the east side of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. On December 7, 1941, this area was one of the first parts of Hawaii to be attacked by the Japanese Imperial Forces. During that morning, AMM1c Griffin was standing watch and was one of the first servicemen to alert others of the Japanese attack. Swimming out to his plane, AMM1c Griffin immediately jumped into action to try and save his plane from destruction as it sat in the waters of the bay.

However, his aircraft was hit by Japanese machine gun fire as it became airborne leaving the waters. His plane crashed, but he survived and was badly burned. He attempted to swim to shore, but tragically lost his life at the hands of the Japanese machine gun fire. AMM1c Griffin was the first Coloradan to die in the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II. He left behind his wife, Lucille, and two children, Danelle and Donald, and was laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs.

AMM1c Griffin was issued a citation by Admiral Nimitz for his valor in combat. In 1943 the United States Navy commissioned the U.S.S. Daniel T. Griffin APD 38, an Escort Vessel, in recognition of AMM1c Griffin's sacrifice at Pearl Harbor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring the life and service of Aviation Machinist's Mate, First Class, Daniel T. Griffin, who faithfully served his country, community, family, and Colorado's 5th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and noble military and community service of Lt. Colonel Donald Bryant Russell who passed away at the age of 102. Known as a quiet and unassuming individual, Lt. Col. Russell served his country for 31 years on 4 different continents in the United States Army and the United States Air Force. Later in his life he served his community of Colorado Springs, Colorado through his VFW Post and mentorship activities with Alcoholics Anonymous.

In 1942, Lt. Col. Russell left early from Purdue University where he was studying mechanical engineering, to join the Army Air Corps after the attack of Japanese forces on Pearl Harbor. He detailed in his application to the Army that he had a lifelong ambition to fly aircraft which had been influenced by his father's experience as a pilot before him. This desire led him to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he became a pilot spotting submarines in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Later, he became a member of the United States Air Force where he proudly served in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and numerous countries.

During Lt. Col. Russell's service in the Korean War, he displayed gallantry and intrepidity. On July 16, 1950, while participating in an aerial armed reconnaissance flight near Chochiwan, Korea, the flight sighted an enemy armored tank column. On the first aerial pass at this column, Lt. Col. Russell encountered intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and his aircraft was badly damaged: losing his left-wing tip and the tip tank, plus significant damage to his left aileron and flaps. Disregarding his own personal safety, Lt. Col. Russell continued to hold his position in the formation and pressed his attack to the minimum altitude and range. Though his aircraft was very difficult to handle, Lt. Col. Russell scored a direct hit with a rocket on 1 tank, blowing the turret completely off and destroying several supporting vehicles. Upon returning to his home base, his plane was required to make a no-flap landing after dark and was found to be damaged beyond repair. In recognition of his remarkable valor, Lt. Col. Russell received the Silver Star. He also received numerous other awards for his military service, including a Bronze Star Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Meritorious Service Award.

During his military career, Lt. Col. Russell received his master's degree in logistics at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. Subsequently, he served four additional tours.

After his final duty in Ethiopia, he and his wife, Marguerite settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he became an active member of the community. He was known as a ``quiet helper'' and never looked to seek recognition or attention and was described as ``very, very humble''. In 1985, after his son checked into a rehab clinic for alcohol abuse, Lt. Col. Russell joined Alcoholics Anonymous where he served as a mentor to members until his final months on earth.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring the life and service of Lt. Colonel Donald Bryant Russell, who faithfully served his country, community, family, and Colorado's 5th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the legacy and ministry of the Colorado Springs Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. 2023 marks Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church's 60th year of ministry in the Pikes Peak Region. This congregation has shown itself to be true to its name, which is translated as ``God Is With Us.'' Founded on September 1, 1963, by the late Rev. Dr. Thomas Marigna, Emmanuel has been a model of excellent worship, corporate prayer, and compassionate outreach since its inception--representing God's presence in the Pikes Peak region.

Emmanuel developed under the leadership of former senior pastors Rev. Dr. Moses E. Ford and Rev. Benjamin Reynolds and is now thriving under the oversight of senior pastor, Bishop Cleveland Thompson. Guided by the vision of ``Restoration,'' Emmanuel is building upon the pillars of spiritual development, temple restoration, and community involvement as the basis of its mission. In collaboration with other churches, missions, and non-profits, Emmanuel provides food and household goods to the Colorado Springs community. Their heart for the hurting and their representation of ``God with us'' is on display by supplying food, clothing, and short-term shelter to the homeless, as well as rent assistance, utilities, and gas assistance through its benevolence to anyone in need.

Emmanuel has distinguished itself as contributing to the spread of the Gospel, both Nationally and internationally. It has done worldwide ministry through a sister church in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as through affiliation and support of other evangelical ministries that share the Gospel and provide vital necessities to people around the globe-- representing God's presence to the whole world.

Emmanuel provides scholarships and stipends yearly to college-bound students and has a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Tour biannually that is second to none. This National HBCU Tour allows high school students to be exposed to educational possibilities firsthand and provides the foundation for these students to flourish in their continued learning. Truly, Emmanuel helps a coming generation to be confident in God's presence.

The positive influence that Emmanuel has had in the Colorado Springs community is undeniable. After 60 blessed years of impactful ministry, I look forward to what God has in store for Emmanuel's ordained future. As the first predominately African American church to minister in the Colorado Springs community from 2 locations, Emmanuel will continue to set the pace for God-directed service, Spirit-anointed leadership, and Kingdom-focused Biblical instruction.

I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring and thanking this body of believers, for proving in title, word, and deed that ``Emmanuel--Our God is With Us.''

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor the life of Mrs. MaryAnne Geivett Tebedo, who died of natural causes on February 13, 2023 at the age of 87. Mrs. Tebedo was a tireless champion for Colorado Springs.

MaryAnne had a truly significant career as a public servant. She served in the Colorado State House of Representatives for 6 years and served 12 years in the Colorado State Senate. MaryAnne's passion for serving her community was evident in the legislation that she championed. She worked to create a better environment for growing businesses, helping her constituents cut through the red tape of an overbearing government bureaucracy, and above all, defending the Constitution, especially second amendment rights. as she worked to expand the concealed carry law in Colorado.

One of her most impressive accomplishments was rewriting and clarifying the Colorado Preneed Law to optimally protect Colorado's residents and to provide a clear and concise wording that could be uniformly observed by the state's deathcare providers. This legislation is still in place today.

Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of serving with MaryAnne in the Colorado General Assembly. l always found her to be sincere, warm, dedicated to her constituents and to Colorado, and a delight to work with.

MaryAnne and her husband, Donald Tebedo had six children--Kevin, Ronald, Thomas, Christine, Karen, and Linda June.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring the life of MaryAnne Geivett Tebedo, who diligently and effectively served her God, community, family, and Colorado's 5th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. John A. ``Jack'' Gloriod, who died of natural causes on February 18, 2023, at the age of 75.

Jack Gloriod's entire life was lived in devotion to God and country through military service. Jack was born at Fort Benning, Georgia on November 22, 1947. He grew up as an Army brat, living all over the world. After graduating High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he ran track for three years, was part of the sky-diving club, played football, and was the top player in the chess club all four years. He graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science and branched Field Artillery. After graduation, Jack went to Ranger School in Florida.

After serving in Vietnam as a Lieutenant, he married Rebecca Horton. Together, they raised daughters Karine Gloriod Pignatiello and Vivi Gloriod. His family legacy includes grandsons Brighton Narvaez, Sawyer Narvaez, and Jack Pignatiello.

Jack had a successful military career of 25 years, earning a purple heart, 3 bronze stars, and retiring as a Colonel. While in the Army, he continued his education graduating from the Chilean Mountain Warfare School, the Army War College, and Boston University where he received his master's degree in business. After the Army, Jack and Becky built a successful Real Estate Brokerage and helped countless people ``Invite Success into their Homes.'' As a civilian, Jack was passionate about giving back to his community which included being the senior warden at St. George's Anglican Church, serving on the board of many companies like Pyxant Labs and offering his assistance to The Home Front Cares, now the Home Front Military Network.

Colorado's 5th Congressional District has lost a true Christian warrior and patriot. I ask that my colleagues stand and honor a man whose entire life was devoted to ``service before self.''

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Milton Carlyle Dewhirst, MD, who died of natural causes February 13, 2023, at the age of 89. Dr. Dewhirst was not only a pillar of the Pike's Peak region as a successful and generous family practice doctor and medical examiner, his faith and zeal for the Lord were foundational for the spiritual climate in Colorado Springs and set a model for family values and Christian citizenship. Dr. Milton Dewhirst truly helped make the culture of the 5th Congressional District as beautiful as our natural surroundings.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1954 and from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas in 1958, Dr. Dewhirst completed his Medical Internship at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. He then received flight training in Pensacola, Florida, followed by service as a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner at the U.S. Naval Air Station. Brunswick, Maine.

In 1963, as a Diplomat of American Board of Family Practice, Dr. Dewhirst began a solo family medical practice. In 1972 he founded Family Practice Associates PC. He also treated patients at Penrose, Memorial, and Saint Francis Hospitals. Many Colorado Springs families were blessed to have Dr. Dewhirst as their life-long Family Doctor-- from delivering their babies to treating the elderly. After 43 years, he retired from Family Practice in 2001 and continued as an FAA Senior Medical Examiner until 2019.

Dr. Dewhirst was not only a family doctor, but a devoted family man. He married his high school sweetheart LaBerta Phillips on August 6, 1954. They were married for 68 years. Together, the Dewhirsts raised 5 children--Debra Rayburn, Rebecca Lathrop, Miles Dewhirst, Angela Simmons, and Christine Van Raaphorst. Their legacy continues with 15 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Milton's commitment to marriage and family extended into his service as an Elder at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, where he was active in teaching Bible Studies and Evangelism.

At a time when families and marriages in our culture are struggling at heeding the words of Jesus, that ``a wise man build his house upon a rock.'' Dr. and Mrs. Dewhirst blessed Colorado Springs as a model and mentor for families instilling Biblical values and consistency in serving medical, spiritual, and relational needs. The Dewhirst legacy goes beyond his own family into the countless families that he influenced and that also continue to ``build their house upon a solid rock.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend an exceptional individual who exemplifies unwavering dedication to supporting our servicemen and servicewomen: Matthew Liptrap. Recently bestowed with the prestigious 2023 Evelyne Villines Award, Matthew's achievements are truly deserving of recognition.

Evelyne Villines, a champion for meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, left an indelible mark through her influential work. From advising politicians to advocating both nationally and globally, she played a crucial role in shaping initiatives like the Americans with Disabilities Act, and her legacy lives on through this award. It honors individuals who have not only attained employment despite significant disabilities but have also excelled in management roles within AbilityOne contracts. Considering Matthew's accomplishments, I firmly believe he is a perfect recipient of this esteemed award.

Matthew's journey began with over 10 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army as an infantryman. Unfortunately, combat injuries cut short his military career. Nevertheless, he found a new purpose at Professional Contract Services Incorporated (PCSI), an organization committed to supporting both individuals with disabilities as well as veterans. At Schriever Space Force Base, working on an AbilityOne Contract, Matthew dedicated himself to serving his brothers and sisters in arms once again. Starting as a ground's maintenance worker and general clerk, Matthew's determination, willingness to learn, and leadership qualities caught the attention of PCSI, propelling him to the role of Quality Control Manager. In this capacity, he successfully revamped the Quality and Training programs, resulting in decreased injuries, enhanced safety measures, and flawless internal audit reports. Matthew's exceptional achievements have set him apart from his peers, serving as an inspiration to both employees and colleagues.

I take great pride in acknowledging Matthew's unwavering commitment to service, both within and beyond his military career. It brings me great satisfaction to witness his national recognition from SourceAmerica for his outstanding contributions at Schriever through the AbilityOne Program. His story is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and perseverance, and I am confident that his accomplishments will continue to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. Matthew Liptrap embodies the caliber of hardworking and talented individuals that make our great nation, and my home state of Colorado, a better place.