Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor General Gary L. Thomas, United States Marine Corps, for the life of service he and his family have performed to our great nation. The theme of his distinguished career is one of achievement with highest honors throughout his 37 years in service to the United States of America.

General Thomas was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1984 after graduating from the University of Texas-Austin. In his 37 years as a Marine, General Thomas deployed in support of military operations in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Notably, his bravery and skillful command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 in the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom ensured the success of follow-on combat operations in the skies and on the ground. Additionally, his masterful leadership in combat while in command of Second Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) in Afghanistan enabled coalition air forces to effectively provide fires, transport, and reconnaissance to

ground forces. In various higher headquarters staff positions, including his time as the Marine Corps' Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources, General Thomas had a lasting impact on the Nation's military readiness, enhancing our preparedness to face challenges around the globe. We are all safer due to his diligence and faithful dedication to duty.

General Thomas' final tour in the Marine Corps is as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. During a tremendously challenging period for the Marine Corps, the Department of Defense, and the Nation as a whole, General Thomas provided guidance and leadership with exceptional skill and drive. His broad knowledge base and expertise, his ability to foresee the impact of policy changes on the current readiness and future health of the Marine Corps, and his camaraderie and goodwill with senior leadership throughout the Department of Defense and U.S. Congress proved to be supremely valuable in his role as the Service Vice Chief. His sound judgment and recommendations reached the highest levels of leadership in the Legislative and Executive branches of the U.S. Government. General Thomas' steady leadership during these challenging times is just one more example of the type of Marine that he is--one of our very best.

Over his years of faithful service, General Thomas has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star, among other awards.

General Thomas has served our Nation for 37 years and will retire on October 15, 2021. His extraordinary professionalism has had a profound and lasting influence on generations of Marines and our entire institution. His leadership and mastery of the art and science of the profession of arms are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps. I am delighted to have this opportunity to recognize not only General Thomas, but his entire family for their incredible service to the U.S. Marine Corps and our great Nation. Their sacrifice and dedication is truly remarkable, and a testament to the caliber of patriots our country produces. I wish him and his beloved wife, Catherine, all the best as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. God bless the Thomases, God bless the United States of America, and Semper Fidelis.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4350. We have maintained the bipartisan tradition of the Armed Services Committee.

Now, while this administration promotes weakness abroad and tyranny at home, robust support for defense in this bill ensures that our adversaries understand that our military has the resources required to stymy their aggressive ambitions which will guarantee that our military will succeed if called upon.

This legislation will enhance readiness by funding the unfunded requests of the services and the co-coms. It will maintain our commitment to the nuclear triad and modernization and aggressively enhance our space capabilities. It protects our troops against punishment for personal politics, prohibits dishonorable discharge for COVID vaccination refusal, and requires a plan for exemptions. And it begins to hold the Biden administration accountable for Afghanistan.

Now, while this bill fosters U.S.-Israeli cooperation, including $300 million for multiple collaborative programs, anti-Israel Democrats have stripped the continuing resolution of $1 billion for the Iron Dome missile defense system.

What does it say about the Progressive Caucus that they object to Israeli citizens defending themselves from missile attacks?

It is reprehensible and anti-Semitic.

Nevertheless, this bill as it currently stands is a bipartisan bill.

I thank the chairman and ranking member for maintaining the collaborative nature of our committee. I want to thank especially the chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, John Garamendi, for his leadership and commitment to bipartisanship. I thank my readiness team, Ian, Dave, and Whitney, for their invaluable hard work during this process.

Madam Speaker, I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

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

I rise in opposition to this amendment to add a package of unrelated lands bills to the National Defense Authorization Act. Collectively, this pair of bills, this one and the next one, amendments, would impose unnecessary and harmful restrictions on more than 2\1/2\ million acres of lands in Colorado, California, and Washington, including nearly 1\1/ 2\ million of acres of new wilderness designating many miles of wild and scenic rivers and creating 100,000 acres of national monument expansion.

These restrictions will have the effect of greatly reducing opportunities for multiple uses of these lands and will restrict forest management practices that will render these lands more prone to catastrophic wildfires.

In Colorado alone, this amendment would designate approximately 570,000 acres of new wilderness areas, 23,000 acres of expanded wilderness, and 14,000 acres of potential wilderness.

Now, we already have 3.5 million acres of public lands in Colorado that are designated as wilderness, so that protection is already there.

Now, I do commend my colleague for her efforts to work with local stakeholders to address some of their concerns over the years that she has been working on this issue. But this package, unfortunately, does not come close to the kind of balance and consensus that should be required for a package of this magnitude. Many of the local communities impacted by this amendment and that I have heard from have raised significant concerns, including the loss of motorized access and recreation, which would threaten their local economy.

A wilderness designation also makes it much more difficult or even impossible to remove excess fire hazards or invasive species. There is no real management of the land. Future generations lose access to the land, at least for average, everyday people. In a true wilderness area, you can't even ride a bicycle.

This bill is inconsistent with previous designations and existing land uses by arbitrarily adding wilderness areas and wild and scenic river designations where those designations are not really appropriate. Supporting the declaration of areas that do not actually possess these characteristics undermines the integrity of the Wilderness Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act for what was originally intended.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert), who has a district where, actually, this designation would take place.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself 1\1/2\ minutes.

I rise in opposition to this amendment because it restricts approximately 400,000 acres of land in Colorado, and although the stated goal of the language is to protect and enhance outdoor recreation--and I agree with that goal as stated--the practical effect of this amendment would not be that at all.

For one thing, the active management of land that is under wilderness designation to prevent wildfires is much restricted, if not made impossible. In a State with a lot of wildfire risk, that is simply not acceptable.

Rural county commissioners have talked to me and other opponents of this bill and have raised concerns about negative economic impact of the withdrawal of 200,000 acres of oil and gas land and what effect that would have on their communities.

This amendment would also lock away approximately 1 million acres of public lands in Arizona and permanently ban mining and other multiple- use activities in that State. This misguided and mistitled land grab has nothing to do with protecting the

Grand Canyon. Instead, it seeks to ban development of one of the largest tracts of uranium deposits in the country.

The result of this is to make us more reliant on adversaries such as Russia. We already import 97 percent of our uranium from foreign sources, and that would only become more precarious if this took effect. Since 2018, the majority of uranium imports have come from adversarial nations such as Russia.

What this amendment is doing in the National Defense Act makes no sense at all.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, let's actually hear from Representatives who live in these areas.

I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert). The gentlewoman is from the western part of the State where this would actually take place, and I believe she is in touch with the people in her district.

Madam Speaker, just like the previous amendment, this amendment was successfully added to last year's NDAA, but the conferees properly dropped it from the final conference report, so it ultimately failed. It is simply unacceptable that we would add an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that not only has nothing to do with national defense, but this actually hurts our national defense by empowering adversaries like Russia with their uranium production while limiting our own domestic national production of uranium.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Susan ``Cheri'' Cheryl Mainard Ofner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, patriot, and friend.

Cheri was born July 27, 1951, in Dallas, Texas to the late Loretta and Aston ``Dee'' Dale Mainard. She was the oldest of four children, and at an early age, developed a love for sports, her country, and the Lord.

Cheri was a woman of great faith and spent her life dedicated to learning and sharing the Word of God. As a young girl, Cheri's family moved to Houston, and attended Springs Branch Baptist Church, where her mother taught Sunday school.

Cheri attended school as a National Merit Scholar at the University of Texas, where she secured a highly competitive spot on the gymnastics team. It was during gymnastics practice where Cheri met the love of her life, Lee Ofner, in January 1971. The couple's first date was watching Superbowl V, played between the Baltimore Colts and the Dallas Cowboys.

In 1972, Cheri graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance & Accounting, and in 1973 married Lee in a ceremony at her home church in Houston, Texas. A few years later, in 1975, Lee earned a Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry and began his U.S. Navy tour in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

The couple moved back to Dallas after Lee completed his tour with the U.S. Navy. Together with Cheri's degree in business and Lee's doctorate in dental surgery, they established a successful dental practice in 1977. During this time, Cheri and Lee had two children, Jay and Courtney. Cheri was an all-star mom, attending every soccer practice, school musical, ballet, Bible study, etc. She even coached Courtney's gymnastics team.

The Ofners eventually retired from dentistry, and ultimately, found their forever home in 1991 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cheri and Lee immediately became involved with their new community, joining several Bible

studies, volunteering on campaigns for the Republican party, and helping with various events and fundraisers at the Colorado Springs Christian School.

Since putting down roots in the Pikes Peak region, the Ofner family attended several churches in Colorado Springs, including Fellowship Bible Church, Woodmen Valley Chapel, Rocky Mountain Calvary, Mountain Springs, and most recently, The Road@ Chapel Hills Church.

For the last few years of Cheri's life, she and Lee cared for her father Dee, a WWII veteran, in their home, for which Cheri was extremely grateful.

Cheri is survived by her husband of nearly fifty years, Lee; her loving children, CDR (USNR) Jay (Jennifer) Ofner of Mililani, Hawaii; and MAJ (USAF, Retired) Courtney (Kirk) Olsen of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her beloved grandchildren Amanda, Evie, Aaron, and Kylie; and her wonderful siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Romans 12:11 commands that His believers, ``Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the LORD.'' Cheri did just this and lived her life with conviction, passion, and unadulterated love and excitement for her Heavenly Father. She leaves behind her husband, family, and friends who loved and adored her and who are celebrating her life and reunion in heaven with the Lord God, Almighty. I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring my friend and fellow patriot, Cheri Ofner, in saying, ``well done, good and faithful servant.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fiftieth anniversary of Silver Key, a non-profit organization in Colorado Springs, Colorado, whose mission is to support a healthy quality of life for seniors, allowing them to age safely with dignity and independence.

Silver Key was founded in 1970 by Betsey Myers-Burroughs, Clifford King, and a group of concerned citizens who wished to improve the well- being of older individuals in the Pikes Peak region. From extremely humble origins grew a Nursing Home Volunteer Program to help alleviate isolation and loneliness for elderly residents. Silver Key soon broadened its mission to assist seniors who desired to age in place, independently, in their homes.

Thanks to visionary leadership, impassioned volunteers, dedicated staff, diverse funding sources, and the philanthropic culture of this community, Silver Key has helped more than half a million seniors remain safe, independent, healthy, and thriving over the last half- century. They have grown to include services such as Silver Key Connections Cafe, home-delivered meals including Meals on Wheels, Reserve & Ride transportation services, volunteer events, and service opportunities, and vital Silver Key Health & Wellness Services providing a wide array of senior assistance services including behavioral health, companionship, case management, and government food program distribution.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in honoring this important organization's history and mission. I congratulate and thank Silver Key and all of those who make independence and health a reality for senior citizens in Colorado's Fifth Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fifth anniversary of the Mt. Carmel Center of Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A dream of Colorado businessman Jay Cimino, Mt. Carmel opened its doors in 2016 to support our veteran-rich community in impactful and meaningful ways.

Their state-of-the-art facility and staff have become a cornerstone in the Pikes Peak region, providing functional, comprehensive care to veterans in need. In addition, Mt. Carmel Center offers transition and employment assistance for those separating from the military, individualized and group counseling and support, family wellness classes, training, networking, and various other services, at little or no cost to our veterans through public-private community partnerships.

I congratulate and thank Mr. Cimino, Army (COL) Retired Bob McLaughlin, and all of those who make Mt. Carmel a reality for veterans in Colorado's Fifth Congressional District. Their steadfast commitment to giving back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms is unparalleled and unmatched.

May God Bless the work done at Mt. Carmel, may God Bless our veterans, and may God Bless America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the heart of Colorado's Fifth Congressional District, Colorado Springs, Colorado. This July 31st, we celebrate 150 years since General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War hero and railroad magnate, founded Colorado Springs in 1871.

The region's first inhabitants were Native Americans, such as the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and many others. They gathered at the base of Pikes Peak, known today as America's Mountain, near its abundant springs in what is now called Garden of the Gods Park. As they followed vast herds of bison, the Ute

would camp in nearby red rock canyon and visit the bubbling mineral water springs we still enjoy today.

The region lies along the extreme southwestern edge of the Louisiana Territory, which President Thomas Jefferson purchased in 1803. Following the Louisiana Purchase, explorers and settlers began to venture west.

In November 1806, American explorer Zebulon Pike traveled through the area and was credited for ``discovering'' Pikes Peak. He and his group attempted to reach the summit, but they were neither dressed nor equipped to climb the mountain that ultimately came to bear his name.

General William Jackson Palmer ushered in a new era of Colorado Springs history in 1869. During his first visit to the area, he fell in love with its ``most enticing scenery.'' In 1870, Palmer wrote to his wife: ``Could one live in constant view of these grand mountains without being elevated by them into a lofty plane of thought and purpose?''

In the 1890s, one of the richest gold strikes in American history was discovered on the western slope of Pikes Peak. Almost overnight, the Cripple Creek Mining District grew from an isolated cattle pasture to the home of more than 50,000 people. As a result, by the turn of the 19th century, Colorado Springs was called ``the city of millionaires.''

One of these millionaires was Spencer Penrose, who made his first fortune in Cripple Creek. He used his vast resources to build the Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain Highways and to establish the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Will Rogers Shrine, and The Broadmoor Hotel. In addition, he and his wife, Julie, created the El Pomar Foundation, which still generously supports many worthy causes in the Pikes Peak region and across Colorado.

At the turn of the century, inspired by a trip to the summit of Pikes Peak, Katharine Lee Bates penned what has become our country's most famous poem and song, ``America the Beautiful.''

In the 1940s, the U.S. Army opened Camp Carson, marking the beginning of a strong and vital military presence in the Pikes Peak region. In 1954, the Air Force broke ground for the United States Air Force Academy to continue this military tradition. Today, Colorado Springs is home to major military installations, including Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Space Command, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), Schriever Air Force Base, and the United States Air Force Academy.

In 1978, Colorado Springs became home to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Headquarters. In addition, over 20 National Olympic governing bodies, more than 50 national sport organizations, the Colorado Springs Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum reside in the Pikes Peak region.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in celebrating this great city's legacy and rich history. Out of humble beginnings and culture-rich traditions, Colorado Springs has grown to be a destination location for world-class athletes, nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers.

Congratulations to Colorado Springs on their 150th anniversary. May God Bless them, and may God Bless America

Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to a true woman of God and public servant, Mrs. Geraldine (Gerry) Price Childress Bagley, who celebrated her 100th birthday on June 15, 2021.

Over the last century, Gerry has lived through the Roaring '20s, the Great Depression, countless wars, the Cold War, the moon landings, and amazing innovations such as the discovery of penicillin, color television and the internet. She has also witnessed the tenure of 18 United States Presidents beginning with Warren G. Harding.

Mrs. Geraldine Price Childress Bagley has lived with conviction, genuine faith, and dignity for the past century. Through her 100 years, she says, ``God is faithful.''

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife, Jeanie, and I, along with the people of Colorado's Fifth Congressional District, in honoring an outstanding patriot, friend, and prayer warrior, Mrs. Geraldine Price Childress Bagley, for a lifetime of dedicated service to her family, her community, and her Nation. God has blessed her for over 100 years, and for that, and the lives she has touched, we can only say, To God be the glory.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the leadership and service of Bishop Michael Sheridan in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

When Bishop Sheridan arrived in Colorado Springs from Saint Louis in 2002, the diocese was still considered mission territory. Over the past two decades, Bishop Sheridan has worked tirelessly to ensure that, no matter where they live in the diocese, Catholics are served by a parish and a pastor. Under his leadership, several new parishes were established, and where existing churches were inadequate to serve the growing Catholic population, new ones were built.

More importantly, Bishop Sheridan has overseen a robust vocations program that has attracted many seminarians, resulting in the ordination of new priests nearly every year since 2010.

Bishop Sheridan is also known as an incredibly effective communicator and teacher of the Catholic faith. For over 10 years, he hosted a weekly radio show in which he interviewed a wide variety of Church leaders, theologians, authors, and other experts. This outreach provided an invaluable opportunity for Catholics in Colorado to gain deeper knowledge of the issues facing the church locally and around the world.

Bishop Sheridan is passionate about Catholic education, and he did everything in his power to support and strengthen Catholic schools in the diocese. Notably, he made sure that tuition assistance was available for families who had limited financial resources but wanted a Catholic education for their children. He also worked with local leaders of all faiths to support school choice so that all parents could have access to the best educational options for their children.

Bishop Sheridan has been a strong advocate for the poor and marginalized, and he has never flinched in the face of pressure to abandon or hide our brothers and sisters in need. In one of his most important accomplishments, Bishop Sheridan played an enormous role in the construction of Marian House soup kitchen in 2008, and the adjacent Hanifen Center in 2009. Those two facilities have served hundreds of thousands of people since their opening with meals, emergency aid, employment assistance, and many other services.

Under Bishop Sheridan's leadership, the diocese has also expanded its Respect Life Apostolate, which works to protect life from conception to natural death. This includes supporting mothers in crisis pregnancies with baby items and adoption services, advocating for pro-life legislation on the local and national levels, and working to expand outreach to those who are imprisoned or homebound.

Leaders are also judged by how they manage during difficult times. During his tenure, Bishop Sheridan led the faithful of a church that has been shaken by revelations of past mistakes. He has led during a time when the church is criticized both for defending itself and for advocating for its beliefs. He also helped navigate the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Bishop Sheridan embarks on a well-earned retirement, it is my highest privilege to honor and thank him for being a faithful servant to Colorado's Fifth Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to protect the sanctity of human life, especially the lives of the unborn.

The Hyde amendment has saved nearly 2\1/2\ million lives since its first inclusion in an appropriation bill in 1976.

This historically bipartisan amendment which prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars paying for abortion is supported by a majority of Americans.

H.R. 18, of which I am an original cosponsor, codifies the Hyde amendment and applies it to all government funding, cementing the protections for the most vulnerable Americans. This bill is called the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Thomas James Osborne, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, community leader, and sports enthusiast.

Tom was born January 5, 1956, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Irene and Bill Osborne. Tom was the third of eight children. He graduated from high school from Central High School in Billings, Montana in 1974. At a young age, he developed a love for adventure, sports, and the great outdoors. Tom received a basketball scholarship to Eastern Montana College (now Montana State University--Billings) and earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education, graduating in 1978.

Tom founded the Big Sky State Games, an Olympic-style sports festival in Montana, and served as the executive director from 1985 to 1993. In addition, he served as the executive director of the National Congress of State Games from 1993 to 2003 and assisted in the creation of the States Games of America. Tom also served as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors from 1996 to 2000.

Tom met his wife, Amy (Tompson), during a fly-fishing class in Billings in 1995. Tom and Amy began dating, and he immediately started a careful pursuit for her heart and the hearts of her children, Ellie and Ben. After five years, they were married on November 3, 2001, in Midland, Texas, and became a family.

In 2003, Tom and his family began a new adventure, moving to Colorado Springs so that Tom could join Colorado Springs Sports Corporation as the president and CEO. It didn't take long for Tom to find his footing in the Pikes Peak region. He quickly worked to bring various sporting events to Colorado Springs, including the Warrior Games, Pikes Peak Airstrip Attack, premier cycling events, youth sports programs, and much more, including the Labor Day Lift Off. In addition, Tom served as the Chairman of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for over a decade and was a member of the World Arena Board of Directors.

Tom and Amy were members of the Pauline Chapel at The Broadmoor, attending the interdenominational service. Much of Tom's work coincided with non-profits across the community, helping people in all situations, including troubled youth and veterans, to find respite care and comfort in sports and the great outdoors. When asked about his relationship with the Lord, Torn would say, ``Me and Jesus, (crossing his fingers) we're good.''

Tom is described by his wife Amy, and his many co-workers, as the kindest, most supportive, humble, ambitious dreamer they have ever known. He had an extensive network of friends, staff, and community who often found themselves in awe of Tom's ambition and vision. A few words that Tom scribbled inside of a book cover sum up his life perfectly, ``Bars are meant to be raised,'' and indeed, he raised them.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 20 years, Amy; children: Ellie (Cameron) Kuehn and Ben (Kassy) Haughton; grandchildren: Charlie Rose and James Bridges; siblings: Doug (Jan) Osborne, Pat (Kathi) Osborne, Jeanne (Larry) Fritz, Mary (Michael) Andres, Cathy (Mark) Johnson, Jan (Doug) Grotiz, Will (Tina) Osborne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Tom leaves a legacy in which no stone went unturned and no mission unconquered. Because of his ability to dream big, countless children and adults have a life-long passion for sports and athletics, many of whom made a career out of these passions. The lasting impact of his influence in the sports and outdoors community of the Pikes Peak region will endure and benefit many generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to honor the ministry and community impact of Mr. Larry Yonker at Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Springs Rescue Mission has become a pillar of the Pike's Peak region, not only by caring for the homeless but as a model of local business, government, and faith-based collaboration, for the good of the community.

It was only one decade ago that Springs Rescue Mission was working to create its first shelter. The focus of its humble campus was still on feeding the homeless, men's addiction recovery, and some limited daytime services. Under Mr. Yonker's leadership, the Mission has become an expansive homeless resource campus--a Community of Hope for the most vulnerable men and women of Colorado Springs. With 450 beds, the Mission is now the largest homeless shelter in the region. The Resource Center offers case management and other essential services to help those in need to regain their health, return to work, and find permanent housing. Every day, hundreds of neighbors in need come to the Mission for a filling meal, a hot shower, a warm bed, and compassionate care. Just next door, 65 chronically homeless people have found a home at Greenway Flats. And in the middle of it all, a new 200-seat Samaritan's Kitchen, recently opened their doors to our community.

As a Colorado native and graduate of the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo, Larry is motivated by a deep faith in God and compassionate love for his neighbors. Larry's drive and focus is derived from Matthew 25:34-40, and has been the inspiration for Larry's tenure at Springs Rescue Mission,

``Then the King will say to those on His right hand. `Come,

you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for

you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and

you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was

a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed

Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you

came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him. saying,

`Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty

and give You drink? When die we see You a stranger and take

You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick,

or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and

say to them, `Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it

to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

''

Over the years, Mr. Yonker has been committed to bringing community partners both in the private and public sectors together, with a mission to provide lifesaving and life-building care for those most in need. He has been a champion for those trapped in homelessness, addiction, and poverty and for collaboration and partnership across every walk of life to ensure people receive the care they need.

As Larry retires, it is my highest privilege to honor and thank him for being a ``faithful servant'' to Colorado's Fifth Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Nelson ``Red'' Berkeley Noland, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and philanthropist.

Red was born February 3rd, 1927, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late William Churchill and Mary Bleeker Noland. He was the last of three children, and at an early age, developed a love for adventure.

Red was a man of faith and a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. He attended St. Christopher School in Richmond, VA. Red attained the rank of Eagle Scout at 14 years old and attended President Roosevelt's 1941 inauguration as part of the Eagle Scouts Honor Guard.

During World War II, Red joined the U.S. Navy, reporting for duty on his 18th birthday. Following an Honorable Discharge after the war, Red studied at Princeton University, earning a degree in International Relations.

Automobiles were a life-long passion for Red, moving him to ``Motor City'' Detroit, Michigan after graduation. Red began working as a lathe operator in a production line, building Cadillac transmissions. Because of Red's work ethic and interest, it did not take long before he was moved up to work in sales. He became the youngest new car salesman in the Cadillac factory's store in Detroit.

In Detroit, he met the love of his life, Eloise ``Bunny'' Day. Red and Bunny were married in 1953 and had three children: Tom (1959), Betsy (1961), and William (1964). Earlier this year, the couple celebrated 67 years of wedded bliss.

In 1974, the Noland family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and purchased the Silver State Cadillac store. Soon after, Red's appreciation for cars grew exponentially, and he acquired multiple franchise rights and expanded to numerous stores and a state-of-the-art collision center.

Over the years, Red grew the Red Noland Auto Group dealerships from less than 20 employees to over 150.

Red appreciated every one of the employees, keeping up with each birthday and family event. He was a true family man and considered his employees to be part of his family.

Living and raising a family in Colorado was an ideal situation for Red. Not only was he able to work in the industry he loved, but he also found a place that let his hobbies thrive. Red owned and flew planes and gliders in Colorado and came close to breaking distance records with his gliders. He was an outdoorsman hiking many Colorado 14-ers and trails. Skiing was his favorite winter sport. Often he was found on the slopes of Vail up to his 90th birthday.

Red had many joys in his life, but none more than his family and faith. Red is survived by his cherished wife, Bunny; loving children, Tom (Yingnan) Noland of Boulder, Colorado; Betsy (Stan) VanderWerf of Colorado Springs; and William of Leadville, Colorado; his adored grandchildren Erik, Carolyn, Katie, James, and Matthew; and his wonderful nieces, nephews, and friends.

Red leaves behind a legacy of generosity, friendship, adventure, and faith. He lived his life with enthusiasm and purpose, and his deep commitment to his community and passions will transcend generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I oppose this highly partisan and divisive legislation.

In Colorado alone, this bill puts 700,000 acres into the most restrictive land use category of all--wilderness. I know the intent of the sponsors is to protect the land, but in practice, the use of land under wilderness designation is so restrictive, hardly anyone can use it.

Do you dream of taking your kids or grandkids for a bike ride on wilderness land someday? Forget about it. Bicycles are prohibited by BLM in wilderness land as well as motorized vehicles, roads, wheelbarrows, and carts. The land is locked away from future generations.

I prefer public lands with many uses, and that is where this bill fails our children. You can't even take a baby onto wilderness land in a stroller.

Do you care about the health of our forests? Then don't vote for this bill. The most basic types of preventive maintenance are illegal under wilderness designation. You can't take a chain saw and cut away fire traps, and you can't trim branches or overgrown timber stands and underbrush.

Colorado has had too many forest fires, and with beetle kill, parts of Colorado are a tinderbox. Should this become law, with its restrictions on fire prevention, we are going to see bigger and hotter fires in Colorado than ever before. I don't want to see Colorado burn up. That is why I am voting ``no'' on this bill.

Many county commissioners, individual citizens, and even the U.S. Representative for western Colorado oppose this bill. Like me, they don't want to see the public lose access to wilderness areas, and they don't want to see our forests go up in flames. Vote ``no'' on this bill.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Missouri for her courage and backbone in supporting these vital social issues.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on the dangers of H.R. 5, the so-called Equality Act. This bill would have disastrous effects on our culture. H.R. 5 will not only turn the Civil Rights Act on its head, it would harass individuals and entities who are merely seeking to exercise their sincerely held religious beliefs.

Under the current text, countless faith-based businesses and nonprofits across the country would simply cease to exist. I am not convinced that my colleagues across the aisle understand the far- reaching consequences of the so-called Equality Act. The reality is that churches could be forced to violate their beliefs simply to stay open if it were enforced as written.

This awful legislation also creates fundamental inequalities for many Americans. Parents sending their kids to public schools would live in fear that their young daughter would have to use the same locker room or restroom as a man because the Equality Act would open the door to biological males self-identifying as females.

I have introduced an amendment to the Equality Act protecting accommodations choosing to designate private, single-sex spaces, such as restrooms or locker rooms. I hope the Democrat majority allows a vote on this commonsense amendment that tens of millions of American parents want.

In addition, the so-called Equality Act would significantly disadvantage women participating in sex-specific sports leagues. That is why I have also introduced an amendment, originally filed as a bill last Congress by Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, protecting equal opportunities for women and girls in high school and college sports. This amendment of mine seeks to protect women and girls simply wanting to compete against other biological women and girls on a level playing field.

Women and children suffer when Democrat policies are enacted. Women's sports, and the girls and young women who just simply want to compete with other females on an equal basis, will be the victims of Democrat policies.

Madam Speaker, I adamantly oppose the radical Equality Act, and I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will take a stand and oppose it as well.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 48th anniversary of the tragic Roe versus Wade Supreme Court Decision. That fateful decision has ended the loss of over 62 million unborn babies' lives.

Consider that while America is the land of opportunity, more than 62 million unborn Americans were given no opportunity to pursue the incredible opportunities our great nation affords.

At home and abroad, the unborn are under attack. Our colleagues on the other side of the aisle disastrously intend to burden the consciences of millions of Americans by forcing them to use their hard- earned tax dollars to subsidize abortion.

I'm also deeply concerned by the current administration's decision to rescind the Mexico City Policy and instead force taxpayers to fund abortions overseas.

In fact, recent polling shows that three-quarters of Americans want significant restrictions on abortion.

If we are truly representing the American people, we will work as a Congress to pass abortion restrictions here in these halls.

Until that happens, I will continue fighting tirelessly to defend the sanctity of unborn lives.