Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to join the members of the New Vision Christian Center Church of God In Christ to celebrate Pastor Superintendent William R. Ephriam. At 87 years old, Supt. Ephraim is the longest-serving superintendent of the jurisdiction of Colorado CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, INC., and a pillar of the Colorado Springs community. He has been pastoring this congregation for a remarkable 50 years, and this year marks 60 years of dedicated service in the Colorado district.

As Senior Pastor, Supt. Ephriam founded and served as Executive Director of the New Hope Home for Girls in Colorado Springs. This organization provides a safe Christian environment for as many as 600 girls who have been abused and are runaways. Many of these young ladies are now leading prosperous lives and remain in contact with Supt. Ephriam.

He organized the Colorado Springs Council for Church and Social Action and served as Vice President of the Colorado Coalition for Religious Freedom. As a result of this work, God also led him to establish the New Hope Outreach Ministry and Jail Ministry at Rebound.

Through Superintendent Ephriam's labors of love and gracious patience, many people in the Fifth Congressional District have had multiple chances and restoration. His unique ability to motivate, inspire, and empower others is truly a gift of God--and has been a blessing to the Pikes Peak Region.

Superintendent Ephriam's exemplary service and strong leadership performance personify the essence of a great leader. He has led his congregation to the Word of God and the meaning of loving brotherhood, following the rule of Christ ``Love thy neighbor as thyself'' James 2:8.

Please join me today in celebrating the Man of God William R. Ephriam and thanking him for admiringly serving our Lord and our region.

``Well done, good and faithful servant.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Colorado Springs School District 11's 150th Anniversary.

Colorado Springs School District 11 was established in 1872, when Mary ``Queen'' Palmer, the wife of General William Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, started a small school at the corner of Cascade and Bijou streets. District 11, the oldest school district in the Pikes Peak region, sits in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs.

In the beginning, District 11 averaged 21 square miles when it was established. Now, the ever-growing district spans roughly 73 square miles across Colorado Springs. District 11 encompasses 4.4 million square feet of facilities, all on 711 acres. The district's first graduating class in 1879 had five students. The graduating class in 2022 had 1,450 students.

Colorado Springs School District 11 is defined by its innovation, diversity, commitment to service, and passion for helping students grow and succeed. The district's alumni include entrepreneur and philanthropist Fannie Mae Duncan; Olympic Gold Medalists Henry Cejudo, Adam Goucher, and Haleigh Washington; NFL stars Terry Miller, Daryl Pollard, and Cullen Bryant; and Pro Baseball Hall of Famer Goose Gossage.

From the classrooms, to the school buses, the athletic fields, and playgrounds, District 11 has provided young minds with opportunities to learn, grow, succeed, and give back to their community. Its students thrive academically and consistently demonstrate leadership on the domestic and global stages.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in congratulating the past and present educators, administration, support staff, and board members of Colorado Springs School District 11.

Here is to 150 years of providing quality education to children in Colorado's 5th Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Irvin Adair's 100th birthday. Mr. Adair is a dedicated father, grandfather, WWII veteran, and former public servant for the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

On September 3, 1922, Irvin was born in a small farmhouse near El Dorado, Kansas. Mr. Adair has lived a full life dedicated to his country and family. Irwin had seven siblings, four younger brothers and three sisters.

When World War II began, Irvin was only sixteen years old, but when he was old enough to enlist, he did so. He was sworn into the United States Navy on December 7, 1942, on the USS Oregon in Portland, Oregon--one year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Irvin served on two destroyers during his service--the USS Frankford and the USS Uhlmann. The USS Frankford escorted supply ships from the Brooklyn Navy Yard to Casa Blanca, Africa.

Seaman 1st Class Adair proudly served on the USS Uhlmann, a ship with extensive combat engagement during WWII. Irvin and his fellow sailors provided aircraft carrier support for air strikes in many Pacific Theater battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima. In addition, they participated in the Okinawa, Leyte Gulf, Western Carolines, Lueon, and Japan operations. When WWII ended, the USS Uhlmann docked at Tokyo Bay, Japan, next to the USS Missouri, where the Empire of Japan signed the official Instrument of Surrender to the Allied forces. Irvin could see the military dignitaries on the bow of the USS Missouri from where he stood on the USS Uhlmann.

For his steadfast dedication and service, Irvin received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with six stars. Irvin's combat experience can only be described in volumes as he bravely fought in most of the WWII Pacific Theater Sea battles.

After being Honorably Discharged from the US Navy, civilian life began for Irvin. In 1948, he started working for the City of Colorado Springs as the Supervisor of the Peterson Airport Service Facility. During this time, he was lucky to meet and marry Ms. Barbara Campbell in September 1952. Barbara was a wonderful wife (of 66 years), mother, and grandmother until her passing in January 2017. Together, they have three children: Cathy, David, and Judy. Their legacy continues with six grandchildren. Irvin retired in 1980 after 32 years of dedicated service to the City of Colorado Springs.

Today, Irvin continues to enjoy life in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His life may seem simple, but that is undoubtedly the Lord's gift for his heroism and the sacrifices he made during his service in WWII.

Mr. Adair remains connected with fellow service members as he is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

I wish Mr. Adair a very happy 100th birthday and thank him for his service to our great Nation. May he celebrate many more.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado (RMHCSC) for 35 years of providing a safe, comfortable, and caring place for families of critically ill children from around the nation receiving treatment in Southern Colorado.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado has a unique history, from when it was first conceptualized, funded, built, and opened to serve families in need. A local pediatrician, Dr. Don Genrich, believed that families in the Pikes Peak region would greatly benefit from a Ronald McDonald House (RMH), so he recruited a small start-up team to help him make the dream a reality. Nancy Parker Brummett, a local business executive, and Steve Bigari, a U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Carson, joined forces with Dr. Genrich and began their work. The team was highly motivated to lead this effort and intimately familiar with the grace-filled mission and the warm welcome a Ronald McDonald House offers to families in need. The Bigari's infant daughter Sara had already endured several life-saving surgeries at Children's Hospital in Denver, and another RMH had lovingly hosted the family.

The trio began sharing the vision and raising funds. By the grace of God and the generosity of community philanthropists, the first Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado opened at 311 N. Logan Street in Colorado Springs. Significant donors included McDonald's restaurants, the Junior League, Memorial Hospital, and countless other generous families and businesses.

On February 14, 1987, they opened the ``House that Love Built.'' Their mission was simple: keep families and their critically ill children close to each other and provide the support and resources they most need. Significantly, Steve's then three-year-old daughter, Sara, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. It was a joyous occasion for the entire Pikes Peak region.

Since then, Ronald McDonald Charities of Southern Colorado has provided Christ-like hope, grace, hospitality, and comfort to every family member who has walked through its doors. RMHCSC has been a home for more than 11,500 families in the first 35 years of its existence.

In 2008, RMHCSC opened the first Ronald McDonald Family Room with UCHealth at Memorial Hospital Central. Then, St. Francis Medical Center opened a second Family Room location in their facility. Soon after, Children's Hospital opened up a third Family Room, which provides a caring space within each hospital for parents, just footsteps away from their child. The charity's cornerstone programs are vital in meeting the needs of critically ill children and their families.

On August 19, 2019, RMHCSC opened the doors to their new location at 4223 Royal Pine Drive, within walking distance from the new Children's Hospital in Colorado Springs. The 20-bedroom facility was made possible by corporate donations, grants, and thoughtful gifts from private donors. The new facility nearly doubles the number of rooms available for families. Under the direction of Executive Director Beth Alessio, who has led the charity for the last 20 years, RMHCSC has positioned itself to serve families in need for decades to come.

Current President of the Board, Sara (Bigari) Cornell--a source of heart and compassion behind it all--is living, breathing proof that an organization like RMHCSC truly makes a difference. Throughout her 38 years, Sara has endured over 40 lifesaving surgeries. Ronald McDonald House was there for her family so that they could focus their love and attention on their child when it was most critical.

The doors to the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado have been open to those in need for 35 years. I commend the effort of Dr. Genrich, Nancy Parker Brummett, Steve Bigari, Sara (Bigari) Cornell, Beth Alessio, and all of the past and current leaders, board members, staff members, donors, and volunteers. Their work has made the ``House that Love Built'' a massive success.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in congratulating the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado for their tireless, godly work making Southern Colorado a better place for children and families to live.

Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Congressman Kevin McCarthy and myself, to honor the life of El Paso County Sheriff Deputy Andrew Peery. Deputy Peery was tragically killed in the line of duty on August 7, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Andrew Peery was born in Frazier Park, California, on December 12, 1982, to parents David and Sandy Peery. He graduated from Frazier Mountain High School in 2001.

After graduating, Andrew joined the United States Army. He became part of the prestigious 173rd Airborne Unit based out of Vicenza, Italy, where he served as an 11B Infantryman. Andrew and his platoon were some of the first boots on the ground during the airborne assault into Iraq in March of 2003. He later served with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.

While in the Army, Andrew held a top-secret clearance, developing and executing over 600 operations to maintain foreign relations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Andrew Peery served three tours of duty in Iraq. During the first two tours, he was a sniper.

A decorated veteran, Andrew was awarded seven Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and a Meritorious Service Medal for his service. Andrew medically retired from the Army as a Staff Sergeant in 2013.

Andrew then returned to Bakersfield, California, to work as a police officer and served in the Gang Unit for the Bakersfield Police Department from 2013 until 2016. While at the Bakersfield Police Department, Andrew received a commendation for his life-saving efforts helping a stabbing victim. He also volunteered over 100 hours of his time for the California Special Olympics.

In November of 2016, Andrew was hired on with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office as a lateral transfer from the Bakersfield Police Department. He was assigned to the midnight shift on patrol and later transferred to the Tactical Support Unit, becoming a part of the auxiliary SWAT team. After becoming a full-time SWAT Team member, Deputy Peery served as the Sniper Team Leader. Additionally, Andrew was assigned to the Gang Unit, served

as a Field Training Officer, a Firearms Instructor, and a Close Quarter Battle Instructor.

During his time at the El Paso County Sheriffs Office, Andrew was awarded numerous commendations, including five letters of appreciation, three Coins of Excellence, two Distinguished Service Awards, two Commander Citations, and a Leadership Award.

Andrew met his wife, Meghan, a schoolteacher, in November of 2004 in Colorado Springs. They were married in July of 2005. Together, they have two children, Matthew and Amy. Andrew was passionate about mountain biking, music, and spending time with his family and friends. According to his wife Meghan, ``Andrew was an adrenaline junky.'' He loved watching his son, Matthew, run cross-country and track and supported Amy as she pursued gymnastics. Matthew shares a love of mountain biking with his father. Andrew deeply loved his family, his community, and our great nation.

Andrew is survived by the love of his life, his wife Meghan; his children Matthew and Amy; his mother Sandy Peery; his siblings Matthew Peery (Chelsea), Mark Peery (Gabriela), Donovan Peery, and Sarah (Peery) Beagley (Brad); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother Davey Peery; and his father, David, who served over 20 years with the Los Angeles Police Department and later as an investigator with the Kern County District Attorney's Office.

Andrew was a great asset to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the Bakersfield Police Department and showed his commitment to the department with enthusiasm and dedication. He is remembered as a man of principle and honor who served both his community and his country heroically.

Madam Speaker, we ask our colleagues in Congress to join us in mourning the loss of El Paso County Sheriff Deputy Andrew Peery and in standing with the Thin Blue Line.

Deputy Andrew Peery, No. 16120, end of watch, August 7, 2022.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership, ministry, and community impact of Dr. Thomas J. Cathey of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Tom Cathey has dedicated his entire life to Christian education and, for the past 14 years, did so through his leadership roles at ACSI, from which he retired in August 2022.

Tom Cathey has left an indelible mark on the Christian School movement. He has worked with every ACSI President in some capacity, and each has considered it a privilege to call him a colleague and friend. Through his leadership, ACSI's Legal Legislative Department has moved to a position of preeminence as a major membership value among the many services ACSI offers its member schools. He helped expand the department, created new legal benefits for schools, and became a well- loved mentor to his team. Tom is recognized nationally as an advocate for freedom in education and school choice. Through his work, he has provided countless Christian schools with valuable guidance on legal and policy issues in our culture when it is sorely needed.

Tom was also part of a significant reorganization of the ACSI board of directors and subsequently transformed annual visits to Washington, D.C., by a board subcommittee on legislative issues into what is now ACSI's annual national Public Policy & Advocacy Summit. In addition, Tom oversaw ACSI's creation of a scholarship granting organization in states with tax credit scholarship programs that benefit low- and moderate-income families. Locally, he established the Colorado Association of Private Schools, a recognized state chapter of the Council for American Private Education, and served as its director from 2017 to 2022.

Tom Cathey is a godly man who has enriched the Christian education movement through his faithful service and the wisdom he has imparted to his fellow leaders in Christian education. In short, Tom is one of those rare people for whom it is authentically true to say his accomplishments are too many to mention. As Tom embarks on a well- earned retirement, it is my honor to recognize him for his positive and lasting impact in Colorado's Fifth Congressional District and worldwide through his valuable service to Christian education at ACSI and beyond.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the leadership of Dick Eastman at Every Home for Christ in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With offices in over 150 nations, Every Home is a global ministry committed to reaching everyone with the gospel.

Dick has faithfully served at Every Home for over 40 years, 34 of them as the ministry's international president. During those years, Every Home opened more than 100 new ministry offices worldwide, saw the gospel reach more than two billion homes globally, and planted at least 400,000 new believer fellowships called Christ Groups.

In his role with Every Home, Dick has traveled more than 100 times around the world. Under his leadership, the ministry established its headquarters, The Jericho Center, in Colorado Springs, which has become a hub of prayer for the nations and ministry partnerships in our community. Dick has labored tirelessly to develop partnerships that span denominations, bringing together the Church in the United States and around the world for the sake of the gospel.

Dick has always been passionate about prayer and has developed numerous practical programs, resources, and teachings to call the world to worship. His Change the World School of Prayer is a multi-part seminar that has trained more than two million Christians in 120 nations on the power of prayer.

In addition to his leadership with Every Home, Dick is the author of numerous books on prayer and evangelism. He also serves as a founding member and president of America's National Prayer Committee. Several former presidents have invited Mr. Eastman to the Oval Office for prayer, advice, and fellowship.

Dick will continue serving the Every Home ministry as its chief prayer officer, providing spiritual and practical support for the organization as it moves into the future. He is truly a spiritual father in the Pikes Peak region, our Nation, and the world.

As Dick transitions into his new role with Every Home, it is my privilege to honor and thank him for his faithful service in Colorado Springs and across the globe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.

As the ranking member of the Committee on Strategic Forces, I am particularly proud of the work put forward by this subcommittee led by Chairman Jim Cooper. I will miss working with my good friend from Tennessee.

Among the many excellent provisions put forward by the Committee on Strategic Forces is one I am very pleased with that directs the establishment and funding of a National Hypersonic Initiative to bring an all-of-government approach to catching up to China and Russia in hypersonics.

The Subcommittee on Strategic Forces mark also directed an asymmetric hypersonic defeat strategy and provides additional funds for directed energy technologies to defeat these hypersonic threats. The bill also provides funds to complete a 16th Patriot Battalion, accelerates the Guam defense system, and seeks to reinvigorate an East Coast missile defense site.

I am particularly proud that Chairman Cooper and I were able to find compromise and fund the nuclear sea launched cruise missile. I understand that our Senate counterparts, Senators King and Fischer, did so as well, and I look forward to reconciling our provisions in conference to continue research and development of this critical capability. I think that the four of us are proving that funding a safe, secure, reliable, and modern nuclear deterrent need not be a partisan exercise.

We also have made valuable progress in the space domain, including requiring the Department of Defense to make publicly available a strategy to defend and protect our on-orbit satellites. I am also glad to be directing the Space Force to establish requirements for defense and resilience of space systems, as China and Russia become more aggressive in space.

In a bill this size, Mr. Speaker, with more amendments offered than any other single bill in the history of Congress, a person can always find something to disagree with. But if you truly value and support our Nation's defense, and if you truly understand the threats we face, you will look at all the major advances this bill makes for our security and you will support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Member for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment. This amendment would require American taxpayers to provide money to an organization for a treaty the United States is not even a party to. This is completely unnecessary.

It has been the bipartisan policy of the United States since the nineties to not conduct a nuclear weapons test. If brought into force, the CTBT would codify this norm already adhered to by the United States. However, the treaty was already rejected by the U.S. Senate as its adoption would undermine the future strength of our deterrent, would not halt proliferation, is not verifiable, and doesn't even define the term ``nuclear explosion.'' So the Senate on a bipartisan basis has already rejected this treaty.

This amendment does not make the world safer.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment to prevent sending millions of American taxpayer dollars to an international organization that has the purpose of bringing into force a treaty that has already been rejected by the United States Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. It is premised on an extremely false assertion that the Minuteman ICBMs can be safely extended, and this is simply not true.

The commander of U.S. Strategic Command, Admiral Richard, has said: ``Let me be very clear. You cannot extend the Minuteman III any longer.''

Between disappearing sources for parts and the overall decay of the 60-year-old Minuteman system, there is no room for error and for delay in extending anymore. The engineering designs for the Minuteman either don't exist or are six generations behind technologically from where we are today.

In recent reliability flight tests, the Minuteman III has not proven to be reliable. In 2021, the Air Force aborted a flight test before it even initiated because the missile unexpectedly turned itself off. In 2018, the Air Force destroyed an unarmed Minuteman III in the middle of the flight test over the Pacific because of a problem; and in 2011, the Air Force destroyed an unarmed Minuteman III just after test launch due to a malfunction. Mr. Speaker, this is what you would expect from an old and extremely unreliable system, and it is getting worse that way every year.

So I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment that would recklessly bet on an old system at the expense of a modern system that we urgently need for our continued deterrence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

This could allow for the reduction of fielded or deployed ground- based nuclear missiles.

As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, and China engages in an ongoing, massive nuclear buildup, this is arguably the worst time to consider a weakening of our deterrence.

Keeping section 1636 in the bill maintains our deterrence in the face of escalating nuclear threats to our country, our allies, and our partners.

This amendment is even out of line with the Biden administration's Nuclear Posture Review and its emphasis on deterring nuclear attack. This would mark the beginning of a slippery slope toward unilaterally reducing our nuclear arsenal and weakening the state of our nuclear deterrence.

Congress and the Biden administration alike have rejected this concept. When it comes to our ground-based systems in particular, our deterrence is enhanced because Russia and China must consider these responsive capabilities we have as they posture their nuclear forces. Having our ground-based systems at the ready thus deters nuclear escalation and is stabilizing.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Edward ``Peb'' Jackson, a man full of passion and love for people and God's kingdom.

Peb was born May 11, 1944, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Dr. Sheldon and Irene Jackson. He grew up with his twin brother and younger sister in nearby Haviland, Kansas.

Peb's family moved to the Los Angeles area in 1964, where Peb attended Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA, majoring in History. He furthered his studies at Claremont College in Claremont, CA, where he was introduced to Sharon (Osell), in 1967. The two married (in 1971) and lived in Southern California for 25 years, before moving to Colorado Springs in 1991.

After graduating, Peb was invited by Azusa Pacific University to serve as Alumni Director and then Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. Subsequently, he served as an executive at the Spartan Oil Company and as Vice President at J.D. Bradley Company. He also served as a founding board member and Senior Vice President for Focus on the Family, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for Young Life, Executive Vice President for Generous Giving, and Vice President of Public Affairs with Rick Warren and Purpose Driven Ministries. He worked in Washington, D.C. during multiple administrations, including strategic involvement with the White House, Pentagon, Congress and various other agencies regarding family issues.

Peb exemplified the very definition of devotion in his lifelong romance with Sharon. Together, they remained intentional and steadfast in cultivating a marriage that thrived and flourished. Peb inspired thousands through his robust faith, humble leadership, and genuine affection for others. He loved people and never knew a stranger. Known as ``the connector,'' he proved to be instrumental in optimizing opportunities and developing Godly leaders in business, government, and the entertainment industry.

It was no secret that Peb has something special and had much to offer the world. Many years ago, a group of friends generously helped him transition to independent consulting to maximize on his natural gift of relationship building. Their thought was, ``Let's just let Peb be Peb!'' In this capacity, Peb's talent for connecting people left lasting impacts worldwide in ministry, business, and the nonprofit sector.

Throughout his life, Peb partnered with organizations such as CURE International, Focus on the Family, Museum of the Bible, Mission Increase, and many more. During his life, Peb co-authored two books: A Dangerous Faith and Danger Calling, among many other collaborations, including the documentary from Rwanda, Rising From Ashes.

For the past 30 years, Peb and Sharon hosted a weekly Bible study in their home. Peb led a weekly men's Bible study at their home for the past 20 years, as well. Additionally, the couple coordinated the Sunday morning worship services at the Broadmoor Hotel's Pauline Chapel for the past decade.

Peb lived his life with extraordinary faith, finding strength and guidance by reading Scripture and praying early each morning. In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear, ``But the greatest among you shall be your servant.'' Peb exemplified this verse throughout his life. He walked with Jesus in joyful obedience and contagious enthusiasm. One can only imagine the glorious reunion Peb had when he passed from his earthly life to everlasting life with his Savior in the kingdom of heaven on May 2, 2022.

Peb Jackson will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted servant-leader, an inspiring mentor, a winsome connector of people, and a dear friend to many. He is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Sharon, brother Shel (Ginger), sister Marlyn Oliver (Don), brother-in- law Bob Osell (Darlene), sister-in-law Becky Osell, nieces, nephews, God-children, and many friends.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring my friend and brother in Christ, Edward ``Peb'' Jackson. Peb lived his life with a zeal that could move mountains and passion for the Lord that was inimitable. Because of his faithful spirit and heart for people, our world is a better place.

Peb will be greatly missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of The Gazette, the largest publication and hometown paper of Colorado's 5th Congressional District.

On March 23, 1872, just a year after William Jackson Palmer founded the city, the publication began as `Out West.' The paper relaunched as `The Colorado Springs Gazette' in 1873, was known decades later as the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph or just the GT, and then as `The Gazette' starting in 1997. Over time, The Gazette and the city of Colorado Springs have risen and fallen and then risen again, victoriously.

The paper had humble beginnings, opening in a two-story frame house on the northeast corner of Tejon Street and Colorado Avenue. In that simpler era, the newly minted city had just over 2,000 residents, and a subscription to the four-page weekly paper cost $3 annually.

In its 150-year history, The Gazette's size and structure have reflected the community in which it serves. When the city was small, The Gazette was small. When the city grew, so did The Gazette. During World War II, the Pikes Peak region military bases had a massive influx of troops and construction, which breathed new life into the local economy and The Gazette. With business booming, The Gazette merged with its competitor, the Telegraph, in 1947.

Years later, in 1990, The Gazette was awarded its first Pulitzer Prize for feature writing.

In 2012, The Gazette was purchased by Clarity Media Group, a wholly- owned subsidiary of the Anschutz Corporation.

Soon after, The Gazette won its second Pulitzer Prize in 2014 for national reporting on combat veterans who were discharged ``other than honorably.''

Over the past decade, The Gazette has expanded its reach and launched into the digital future. In 2020, The Gazette expanded north into the Denver news market, with the launch of the Denver Gazette.

The Gazette is more than a newspaper for those living in Colorado's 5th Congressional District. It is a source of meaningful, well-composed news and information that reaches multiple generations of our community. For decades, The Gazette's staff and editorial board have told Southern Colorado's stories, shaped public opinion, and given readers something to think about.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in recognizing The Gazette for its legacy of delivering the news to its patrons and setting the bar high when it comes to quality and content.

I commend Philip and Christian Anschutz and the entire team at The Gazette for their hard work and contributions to the Pikes Peak region, which have made Colorado Springs a wonderful place for families to live and businesses to grow. Here is to another 150 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the legacy and ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs.

2022 marks First Pres's 150th year of ministry to Colorado Springs. This congregation has distinguished itself as a church after God's own heart in that time. To quote one of its former pastors, First Presbyterian is ``a church rich in fellowship, broad in outreach, evangelical in spirit, and generous in attitude.''

Founded in 1872, this church has been a pillar to our community since its inception. It has faithfully ministered to over six generations of Coloradans with one straightforward mission; to reflect the love of Jesus Christ into their community.

Their congregation has demonstrated this time and time again through their generous philanthropic efforts and numerous community partnerships. They donate millions of dollars annually to local engagement, proudly partnering with over 18 local missions and non- profits. Together, they help fight against the prevalent problems facing our community, such as homelessness, food insecurity, and the absence of affordable healthcare and housing.

This church truly embodies the principle found in Acts 20:35, ``it is more blessed to give than receive.'' The members of this church live out what it means to love their neighbor as themselves for the sake of the Gospel.

It is undeniable that First Pres has helped to shape the life and soul of Colorado Springs from a frontier town into the nationally acclaimed city on the hill that it is today.

As we look forward to many more generations of life-changing ministry, I'm honored to gratefully reflect on the last 150 years of impactful work that God has done through First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs. I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring this institution of faith and grace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the achievements and dedication of Ms. Lynne Telford, the CEO of Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado. Ms. Telford is retiring after 11 years of faithful service to those in need in the Pikes Peak Region.

Since taking the reins at Care and Share Food Bank, Lynne has demonstrated steadfast leadership, not only within the Care and Share organization but across the non-profit industry in Colorado Springs.

Shortly after her start with Care and Share, Lynne identified the need for resiliency in operations. She helped to build a disaster response system during the Waldo Canyon Fire (2012), the Black Forest Fire (2013), and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thinking outside the box, Lynne helped develop a successful Direct Services branch, including Sunny Side Markets and Mobile Markets. Her goal was to reach those unable to be served by traditional food bank methods.

Additionally, Lynne established an endowment fund under the Care and Share Foundation to spin-off operating funds each year.

Care and Share Food Bank is currently opening up a third distribution center in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. This unprecedented addition will increase trucking and shipping efficiencies, getting food to those in need faster.

During her time as CEO, Care and Share more than doubled the amount of food distributed, totaling 25 million lbs. in 2021. Incredibly, revenue generation under Lynne's leadership has grown exponentially. In 2021, more than 17,000 people made a gift in support of Care and Share.

But her leadership and service to her community doesn't end there. Lynne has served on the Board of Directors for Leadership Pikes Peak (2003-2006), the Pikes Peak Library District (2004-2016), the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC Board (2014-2019). In addition, she currently serves on the Colorado Food Advisory Council, the Colorado Springs City for Champions Committee, and was appointed to the Colorado State Board of Human Services in 2019 by Governor Polis.

Lynne's value to our community is undeniable. So much so that in 2020, Lynne was the recipient of the coveted United Way S. Jerrard ``Jerry'' Smith Community Service Award, an award presented annually to an individual whose involvement in public policy and civic issues led to the growth and betterment of the Pikes Peak region.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in honoring Lynne Telford and her legacy of kindness, creative thinking, and hard work that will transcend generations to come. Lynne's service to her community has provided many homes in Colorado's 5th Congressional District with a warm, dignified meal. I congratulate and thank Lynne for her many accomplishments and wish her the very best in her next adventure.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1605, the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. I commend our chairman and ranking member for negotiating a strong bipartisan bill, which provides our troops with the resources they need to accomplish the missions they are given.

I thank my partner and chairman on the Readiness Subcommittee, John Garamendi, for his leadership and hard work in crafting legislation that we can all support. I thank my committee staff, Ian Bennitt, Dave Sienicki, Whitney Verett, and Kyle Noyes, and my Space Force Fellow-- first time in congressional history--Chris Brown, for all of their exemplary professionalism.

This legislation could not come at a more opportune time. As we speak, Russia is amassing troops on the border of Ukraine, and China continues to rapidly modernize their strategic capabilities, including hypersonic drive vehicles, with their eyes on Taiwan.

This legislation is not perfect, but what it does do is ramp up procurement of vital weapons systems, support our combatant commands, restore spending to essential readiness accounts, and continue modernizing our strategic capabilities in the space and nuclear domains.

Importantly, it also provides some protections, partly through my amendment, for those troops who do not take the COVID-19 vaccine and requires DOD to consider natural immunity as part of their exemption policy. We also removed troubling red-flag language and the requirement for women to register for Selective Service.

Madam Speaker, this is a good bill. I am happy to support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, in 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared the week of Thanksgiving to be National Bible Week. While facing a world entering a great war and a nation exiting a Great Depression, FDR led us to recognize that the Bible is a foundational building block of Western Civilization--the Judeo-Christian heritage.

The ideas and principles that shaped the thinking of America's foundation and Founding Fathers were found in the Bible. Today, 80 years later, we celebrate a book that is no less relevant and foundational than it was in 1941, or 1776, or 2,000 years ago.

Amidst worldwide pandemics that have shaken the foundations of education, economy, healthcare, and every other source of personal and national security instability, we find that the Bible stands as the only foundation that can never be shaken.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

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: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the

winds came and beat on that house and it did not fall for it

was founded on the rock.

It is a great honor for me to come to the House floor tonight to commemorate National Bible Week. I am so thankful and blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom to worship and read the holy Scriptures without fear. Many people across the globe live in countries where such freedoms do not exist. Our very Declaration of Independence confesses God's truth that is self-evident:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are

created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with

certain unalienable rights, that among these are life,

liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

As a personal testimony for myself, the Bible has had a profound impact on my life and my family as it has on millions of Americans and people all over the world.

God's Word is so valuable to me because it has shaped my thinking and deeply influenced my relationship with God. The Bible has, indeed, been a source of guidance, wisdom, joy, and light in every area of my life. I agree with what King David said: ``O, how I love Your law. It is my meditation all the day.''

In this hour, we will hear Members of Congress from various faith traditions and denominations and from all over the United States speak about what the Bible means to them and their constituents. We are here, in keeping with tradition, to recognize National Bible Week.

I would first like to yield to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Hartzler), my good friend and inspiration to so many of us.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Missouri for her comments.

I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), my friend and colleague.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments.

Here we are in the Halls of Congress, and many things have happened here over the years. When you look back on what our country was like at the founding of our country, some things have changed. Many of the early American settlers came to the New World with the expressed purpose of living out their life with faith in God and His Word, according to their own consciences. 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 a lot of shipments of Bibles from England, and there was a shortage. So in 1782, Congress passed this resolution: ``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 the 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.''

Boy, can you imagine doing that today, the House of Representatives approving the printing of the Bible? Our country has changed over the years and not always necessarily for the better.

Madam Speaker, I now yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments.

I now yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Johnson).

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Madam Speaker, if you go to the discoveries that archeology has made over the years, they have always validated Biblical accounts.

Time and time again, Biblical personalities, locations, and events actually existed in time and space as proven by archeology.

Claims by some critics that a Biblical statement was simply made up have always been debunked by later discoveries, many more times than we could cite here tonight.

For instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls proved the credibility and authority of Scriptures. Jewish archeologist Nelson Glueck has said: ``It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted,'' or contradicted, ``a Biblical reference.''

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

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller), my friend and colleague.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Harshbarger), another one of our great freshmen Members.

Madam Speaker, I would like to tell you my story real briefly.

When I was a freshman in college years ago, I was asked if I knew what the Bible was about. I said, yeah, I know what it is about. But I had never read it for myself, which was actually pretty presumptuous.

Madam Speaker, I wonder if this might be true for anyone else who is listening here today?

The only honest thing I could do when I was confronted with that question was to actually read the Bible for myself. I started with the Gospel of John.

When I read it, I discovered that I didn't know what was in it at all. I had all of these preconceived ideas, but yet I discovered things like Jesus said: ``I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'' So I ended up discovering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who became my Lord and Savior.

Madam Speaker, I speak from personal experience when I say that it is better to read the Bible for one's self and not just take someone else's word for what it says. My life has been transformed by the truth that it contains. The message of the good news of Jesus is still transforming many lives today.

``For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,'' John 3:16.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Norman).

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

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

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the great State of Mississippi (Mr. Guest).

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for those words.

I yield to the gentleman from the great State of Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), my friend and colleague.

Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Kelly for his heartfelt words.

I now yield to the gentleman from the great State of Tennessee (Mr. Rose).

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the great State of North Carolina (Mr. Budd), my good friend and colleague.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind words and for his heartfelt remarks.

I yield to the gentleman from the great State of Georgia (Mr. Clyde).

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cloud), my friend and colleague.

Madam Speaker, I remember the time Mr. Gohmert and I went to Israel together. That was a very special and, you can say, life-changing experience.

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

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce).

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend, patriot, and man of great faith, Retired Col. Victor ``Vic'' Fernandez. A 30- year Army veteran, Vic served his country valiantly and led the effort to establish the Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

A Colorado native, Vic grew up in Trinidad with a longstanding family tradition of military service. His great grandfather fought in the Civil War, his father in World War II, and his uncle was captured at the battle of Corregidor in World War II and later survived the Bataan Death March. Vic followed this tradition of service to his country and graduated from West Point in 1959 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Vic's 30-year career included two Panama tours, two Germany tours, and multiple stateside postings in addition to his time in the Vietnam War.

Vic served two tours in Vietnam, and upon his return, was disheartened at the poor reception he and other soldiers received. Because of this experience, Vic dedicated his retirement to ensuring that soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan did not share the same experience. He and his wife Sherry, spent many late nights at airports and military bases, often waiting until 2 a.m., to greet returning troops with a warm handshake, a cheeseburger with fries, a welcoming smile, and prayer.

Additionally, Vic served as president of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. He was also a founding member of the Board of Home Front Cares and the Southeast Family Center and Armed Services YMCA.

In 1999, Vic became the chairman of the Pikes Peak Veterans Cemetery Committee. He advocated for a National Veterans Cemetery in the Pikes Peak region. Vic wanted a place that would serve the veterans of Southern Colorado for generations to follow. In 2006, he, and the other founding members of the cemetery board, Ralph McCutchen and Joe Henjum approached me with their vision. On my second day in office in January 2007, I introduced H.R. 295, which directed the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in the Pikes Peak region.

In May of 2008, I conducted a field hearing in Colorado Springs to address The National Cemetery Administration's longstanding 75-mile rule. A typical spring day in Colorado, VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs William F. Tuerk and other distinguished guests traveling to the hearing were greeted with sunny weather in Denver upon arrival. By the time they drove through Castle Rock, snowflakes were falling. The field hearing started over an hour late, because of poor road conditions, due to a white-out blizzard on Monument Hill. Vic and everyone involved in the hearing could only attribute the storm to divine intervention.

During the hearing, Vic offered passionate testimony and argued that `these geographic and weather pattern hindrances make the Veterans Administration internal 75-mile rule a useless tool in the state of Colorado. The combination of the geography, weather patterns and a foolish regulation serves only to assure that the Veterans and their families in the Pikes Peak Region and southern Colorado are not properly nor fairly served by Fort Logan.'

Because of providential weather conditions and the testimony of Vic, and others, Under Secretary Tuerk decided it was appropriate to break the VA's longstanding, 75-mile rule and establish a national cemetery in Southern Colorado.

Years later, after legislation for the cemetery was signed into law, Vic told a reporter, `I think God is keeping me alive so I can be buried there.' Vic had dedicated over 20 years passionately advocating for this national monument. In 2018, the Pikes Peak National Cemetery opened, with the capacity for 197,000 veterans to be interred. Because of his vision, the Pikes Peak National Cemetery will serve as a permanent monument and final resting place for generations of our nation's heroes.

In addition to his deep-rooted patriotism, Vic was a man of dedicated spiritual conviction. A longtime parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi in Colorado Springs, he served as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men's chapter that he helped to establish.

Vic was a giant amongst men and lived his life tenaciously in service to his Creator, his nation, his family, and his community. His lifetime of service has left a permanent impact on the Pikes Peak region.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring this man of great faith, passion, and patriotism, my friend, U.S. Army Retired Col. Victor ``Vic'' Fernandez.