Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize William (Bill) Francis Hoover of Aurora, Colorado who passed away May 1, 2021.

Bill was born and raised on his family's farm in Topeka, Kansas as the third of five children. Bill joined the United States Air Force in 1950 and rose to the rank of Major in 1965. While stationed in Tennessee, Bill met the love of his life, Sue. They were married in 1960.

Bill served with honor and distinction in the U.S. Air Force. He served in Korea, Vietnam and Cold War operations across the world. He was awarded numerous commendations, including one of the Air Force's highest awards, the Distinguished Flying Cross. He earned this medal during the Vietnam War for his actions as Aircraft Commander of an AC- 119 gunship. Under great personal risk and during terrible weather conditions in mountainous terrain, he and his crew repelled an attack, saving the lives of the troops who were at risk of being overrun by North Vietnamese Forces. He retired from the Air Force in November 1970.

Following his career in the Air Force, he flew Lear Jets out of Columbus Airport, but soon realized it took him away from his family too much, and he began a second career working for the Federal Aviation Administration. He was stationed in Rawlins, Wyoming, where he was able to teach his children to hunt and fish while he kept flying as a Certified Flight Instructor. Bill and his family then moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1977. His experience and knowledge was again put to use, as he served on the FAA's Air Traffic Procedures Advisory Committee to develop aviation safety and operation regulations. Bill retired from the FAA after 20 years of service to the government. After retiring, Bill and Sue traveled the world, often with family and friends. They were inseparable, enjoying a life of adventure.

Bill was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He and his wife Sue raised five children--Bill, David, Lori, John and Theresa. He was especially fond of his seventeen grandchildren and loved and cherished his five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his career in the Air Force, Bill was a devoted member of Queen of Peace Catholic Parish. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus as a fourth-degree knight. I am deeply grateful for his lifetime of service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carl F. Eiberger II of Golden, Colorado who passed away on March 6, 2021.

Carl was born in 1931 and raised during the Great Depression, growing up in extreme poverty in Denver. He was able to use his education to pull him and his family out of poverty. After graduating as valedictorian from St. Joseph's Catholic School in Denver, he turned down a full-ride scholarship to Princeton. Instead he studied at the University of Notre Dame on a much smaller scholarship, aided by his job working in the school's kitchen as a sanitation worker. Carl ultimately graduated magna cum laude with a degree in chemistry in 1952. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Notre Dame, again graduating magna cum laude. That same year, the U.S. Department of Justice named him one of 25 outstanding law graduates in the nation. Notre Dame Lawyers Committee News hailed him as ``the driving force in opening the lines of communication of Notre Dame lawyers and aspiring lawyers in Colorado.''

Carl eventually returned to Colorado and married Arvada native, Margurette Dickerson. The couple later had four children together.

Carl was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hike in Golden, especially on top of South Table Mountain. His love of South Table Mountain fueled his ongoing and tireless stewardship of the area, including his decades long pro bono work to preserve the mountain top and hiking trails and prevent commercial development. In his honor, Jefferson County Open Space has named a trail on the northeast side of South Table Mountain as ``Carl's Point''.

Additionally, his children fondly remember waterskiing on Sloan's Lake every weekend, and occasionally piling into the family station wagon to drive thousands of miles on road trips to see museums, memorials, and events that are cornerstones of American liberty and progress. Carl's family road trips included destinations such as the Civil War Memorial, the Liberty Bell, and even a satellite launch at Cape Canaveral.

Specializing in labor and employment, Carl was a practicing lawyer in the Denver area for more than 65 years. Notable clients of his include AT&T, Proctor and Gamble, Old Bell systems, Conoco, AAA and the Denver Post.

Carl was a devoted and loving partner, father, and grandfather. He is survived by three of his children, two grandchildren, and long-time companion Dr. Carol Schneider.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Quinne Moffat for earning the ``Best in Show'' Award and third place recognition for her creative and unique drawing as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition.

As a first-time participant in the art show and a student at Golden Senior High School, Quinne created a work of art entitled, ``Adoration''. This artwork used oil paint and is a hyperrealistic oil painting of man looking down at his son who is wrapped in a knitted purple blanket.

Quinne spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided by her teacher at Golden Senior High School.

Congratulations to Quinne Moffat for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Pamela Lopez Arreola for earning the Top Drawing Award for her creative and unique drawing as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition.

As a first-time participant in the art show and student at Westminster High School, Pamela created a work of art entitled, ``Pyramid Within Women''. This artwork used acrylic paint on glass and is meant to represent the differences in how women are treated in society.

Pamela spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided to her by teacher at Westminster High School.

Congratulations to Pamela Lopez Arreola for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sheea Sau for earning the ``Best in Show'' Award and second place finish for her creative and unique drawing as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition.

As a first-time participant in this art show, this student from Golden Senior High School created a work of art ``Lost in the Madness of Uncertainty''. This artwork is a portrait using acrylic paint, prisma color pencil, and gel pen, marker.

Sheea spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided by her teacher at Golden Senior High School.

Congratulations to Sheea Sau for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Damion Scott for earning the Top Mixed Media Award for his creative and unique artwork as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition.

As a first-time participant in the art show and a student at Westminster High School, Damion created a work of art entitled, ``Extinction: A Crisis''. This artwork used mixed media including watercolor, pen and acrylic, and it depicts the Puerto Rican parrot and hibiscus running down the page hinting at their existence while also addressing the issue of extinction.

Damion spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine his mixed media drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate his participation in the competition and the support provided by his teacher at Westminster High School.

Congratulations to Damion Scott for his hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain he will exhibit the same dedication and character in his future accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck going forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Evita Carrasco for earning the First Place Award for her creative and unique digital drawing as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am thrilled that this artwork will be on display in the United States Capitol for one year.

As a first-time participant in this art show, this student from Wheat Ridge High School created a work of art ``A Blinded Goat''. This artwork used a digital drawing of a red woman, blue background, lots of hands and a goat.

Evita spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her drawing skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided by her teacher at Wheat Ridge High School.

Congratulations to Carrasco for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lauryn Karis Jenkins for earning the Top Photography Award for her creative and unique photograph as part of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition.

As a first-time participant in the art show and a student at Wheat Ridge High School, Lauryn showcased a photograph entitled, ``In a Dream''. This artwork used traditional photography and is a black and white print of shadow puppets.

Lauryn spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn new techniques and refine her photography skills and education in the arts. I appreciate her participation in the competition and the support provided by her teacher at Wheat Ridge High School.

Congratulations to Lauryn Karis Jenkins for her hard work and participation in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul M. Foster of Denver, Colorado who will turn 100 years old on May 5, 2021.

Paul was born in 1921 in Waynesburg, Ohio. He served bravely in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged on July 26, 1944, after serving for more than a year as a Corporal.

Paul married his first love, Lola, and they have been together for 63 years. After Lola's passing, Paul married his second love, Beverly, 15 years ago. He has two daughters, Janice and Beth.

Paul is a devoted husband and loving father, and most enjoys playing the piano in his home. Even though he never learned to read music, he is very good at playing by ear and memory and particularly enjoys playing religious hymns.

Celebrating 100 years of age is a tremendous milestone and should be celebrated. It is my privilege to wish Paul a very happy birthday and wish him all the best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following letters of endorsement for H.R. 1996, the SAFE Banking Act of 2021.

April 19, 2021.

Hon. Charles E. Schumer,

Majority Leader,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Mitch McConnell,

Minority Leader

Washington, DC.

Hon. Nancy Pelosi,

Speaker of the House,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Kevin McCarthy,

Minority Leader,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Sherrod Brown,

Chair, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban

Affairs, Washington, DC.

Hon. Pat Toomey,

Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and

Urban Affairs, Washington, DC.

Hon. Maxine Waters,

Chair, House Committee on Financial Services,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Patrick McHenry,

Ranking Member, House Committee on Financial Services,

Washington, DC.

Dear Congressional Leaders: As our States' chief

executives, we urge Congress to pass legislation allowing

states with legalized medical or adult-use cannabis to

operate safely under the national banking system. We strongly

support the passage of the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE)

Banking Act of 2021 (H.R. 1996/S. 910) or similar legislation

that would remove the legal uncertainty and allow banks and

credit unions to provide services to state-licensed cannabis-

related businesses.

We were pleased that the House passed similar legislation

in the 116th Congress (H.R. 1595). The SAFE Banking Act of

2021 already has more than 165 bipartisan House cosponsors

and more than 30 bipartisan Senate cosponsors. The

legislation has also received support from more than 30

associations.

Currently, 36 U.S. states, four U.S. territories, and the

District of Columbia have legalized the medical use of

cannabis. Additionally, 18 states, two territories, and the

District of Columbia have legalized recreational use by

adults over 21 years of age. Despite legalization of cannabis

at the state-level, our financial institutions face enormous

legal risks and criminal and civil liability under the

Controlled Substances Act. These barriers disincentive

financial institutions from providing banking services to

state-licensed and regulated cannabis businesses.

Because few banks and credit unions provide these services,

state-licensed cannabis businesses predominantly operate on a

cash basis. Without banking services, state-licensed cannabis

businesses are unable to write checks, make and receive

electronic payments, utilize a payroll provider, or accept

credit and debit cards. Cash only businesses pose a

significant public safety risk to customers and employees.

The cash-only environment also burdens state and local

government agencies that must collect tax and fee payments in

person and in cash, which creates additional public expenses

and employee safety risks.

State and federal governments have a shared interest in

upholding the rule of law, protecting public safety, and

transitioning markets out of the shadows and into our

transparent and regulated banking system. Many of our states

have implemented laws and regulations to reduce these risks

while ensuring financial accountability of the cannabis

industry. These public safety risks can be further mitigated

on the federal level by passing the SAFE Banking Act to

provide state-licensed cannabis businesses with access to

banking service providers.

We urge you to pass the SAFE Banking Act of 2021 or similar

legislation that would provide a safe harbor for depository

institutions that provide a financial product or service to a

state-licensed cannabis business in states that have

legalized cannabis. We look forward to working with you as

legislation progresses to address this urgent public policy

and safety concern.

Sincerely,

Governor Jared Polis, State of Colorado; Governor Gavin

Newsom, State of California; Governor Ned Lamont, State

of Connecticut; Governor JB Pritzker, State of

Illinois; Governor John Bel Edwards, State of

Louisiana; Governor Janet Mills, State of Maine;

Governor Charlie Baker, State of Massachusetts;

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, State of Michigan; Governor

Steve Sisolak, State of Nevada; Governor Phil Murphy,

State of New Jersey; Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham,

State of New Mexico; Governor Andrew Cuomo, State of

New York; Governor Doug Burgum, State of North Dakota;

Governor Kate Brown, State of Oregon; Governor Tom

Wolf, State of Pennsylvania; Governor Spencer Cox,

State of Utah; Governor Albert Bryan, Territory of U.S.

Virgin Islands; Governor Ralph Northam, State of

Virginia; Governor Jay Inslee, State of Washington;

Governor Jim Justice, State of West Virginia; Governor

Tony Evers, State of Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following letters of endorsement for H.R. 1996, the SAFE Banking Act of 2021.

American Trade Association

for Cannabis and Hemp,

April 19, 2021.

Re Support For SAFE Banking Act Legislation.

Hon. Charles Schumer,

Senate Majority Leader,

U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.

Hon. Nancy Pelosi,

Speaker of the House,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Hon. Mitch McConnell,

Senate Minority Leader,

U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.

Hon. Kevin McCarthy,

House Minority Leader,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and House Minority Leader

McCarthy: We write to you today in support of the SAFE

Banking Act, legislation that will permit banks to provide

services to state regulated marijuana businesses, employees,

and ancillary businesses.

Unfortunately, under current federal law and regulations,

state licensed and compliant cannabis businesses are unable

to access banking services and are forced to operate

primarily in cash. This creates an unnecessary risk to public

safety for store operators, employees, and customers.

As we continue to see more states and territories move

forward with the regulation of some form of adult-use

marijuana, medical marijuana, or hemp derived CBD, it is

essential to address the crisis the industry faces to access

banking.

The threats faced by financial institutions of potential

criminal prosecution for working with marijuana businesses as

a result of the Controlled Substances Act are unacceptable

and outdated.

We strongly support the passage of the SAFE Banking Act and

it is our hope that Congress will act swiftly.

Sincerely,

American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, Missouri

Medical Cannabis, Georgia Cannabis Trade Association,

Washington Cannabusiness Association, Alaska Marijuana

Industry Association, MTCIA.

New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association, PCC, MICIA, Colorado

Leads, HICIA, Southern California Coalition.

Maryland Wholesale Medical Cannabis Trade Association,

Commonwealth Dispensary Association, DC Cannabis Trade

Association, Cannabiz, Nevada Dispensary Association.

American Bankers Association,

Washington, DC, April 19, 2021.

Hon. Nancy Pelosi,

Speaker of the House,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Hon. Kevin McCarthy,

Minority Leader,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy: On behalf

of the American Bankers Association (ABA), I am writing to

express our strong support for H.R. 1996, the Secure and Fair

Enforcement Banking Act (SAFE Banking Act) of 2021 introduced

by Representatives Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), Steve Stivers (R-

OH), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) and over

150 bipartisan cosponsors.

This legislation, scheduled for consideration on this

week's suspension calendar, addresses the conflict between

federal and state law and whether banks can serve cannabis

and cannabis related businesses. This issue has become a

challenge for so many of our nation's communities and the

banks that serve them. We were pleased to see this

legislation passed the House of Representatives last Congress

with over 300 bipartisan votes. With more states legalizing

some form of cannabis use, we are hopeful that H.R. 1996 will

once again receive a favorable and strong bipartisan vote.

Since 1996, voters across the country have determined that

it is appropriate to allow their citizens to use cannabis for

medical purposes and, since 2012, for adult use. Currently,

36 states have legalized cannabis for medical or adult use

and that number continues to grow. Nevertheless, current

federal law prevents banks from safely banking cannabis

businesses, as well as the ancillary businesses that provide

them with goods and services.

As a result, a majority of states are struggling to address

the significant challenges to public safety, as well as

regulatory and tax compliance that go hand-in-hand with

businesses forced to operate in an all-cash environment.

Providing a mechanism for the cannabis industry to access the

banking system would help those communities reduce cash-

motivated crimes, increase the efficiency of tax collections,

and improve the financial transparency of the cannabis

industry. Since bank accounts are monitored in accordance

with existing anti-money laundering and Bank Secrecy Act

requirements, bringing cannabis-related legitimate businesses

into the mainstream banking sector would also help law

enforcement to identify suspicious transactions--an

opportunity that is not available in an all-cash environment.

ABA does not take a position on the legalization of

cannabis. Nevertheless, our member banks find themselves in a

difficult situation due to the conflict between state and

federal law, with local communities encouraging them to bank

cannabis businesses and federal law prohibiting it. Congress

must act to resolve this conflict between state and federal

law.

The Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 801 et seq.)

classifies cannabis as an illegal drug and prohibits its use

for any purpose. For banks, that means that all proceeds

generated by a cannabis-related business, even when it is

operating in compliance with state law, are unlawful proceeds

under federal law, and so any attempt to conduct a financial

transaction with that money (including simply accepting a

deposit) can be considered money-laundering. All banks,

whether state or federally chartered, are subject to federal

anti-money laundering laws. And, all banks must have access

to the federal payment system to operate, which is under the

purview of federal authority. Thus, banking entities related

to the cannabis business can pose significant regulatory

sanction risk, loss of access to the payments system, and the

potential loss of the bank charter itself. This places banks

in an untenable position in dealing with these state-

authorized businesses.

Currently, the only direction available to financial

institutions in connection with cannabis-related accounts

comes from guidance issued by the Financial Crimes

Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in 2014. That guidance, which

references a now rescinded memorandum from the U.S.

Department of Justice (the ``Cole Memo''), describes how

financial institutions can report cannabis-related business

activity consistent with their Bank Secrecy Act obligations.

It does not create a safe harbor or otherwise modify federal

law to protect banks from criminal and civil liability for

money laundering. It merely creates a system for reporting

activity that is illegal under federal law but otherwise

legal under state law.

Although some financial institutions have weighed the

prevailing climate of non-enforcement and have decided to

shoulder the risk in order to serve the needs of their

communities, the majority of financial institutions will not

take the legal, regulatory, or reputational risk associated

with banking cannabis-related businesses without

congressional action. As a result, state-legal businesses are

being excluded from the mainstream financial system.

The problems, though, are not limited to those businesses

that have direct contact with the marijuana plant, such as

growers and dispensaries. The impact of the divide between

state and federal law extends to any person or business that

derives revenue from a cannabis firm--including real estate

owners, security firms, utilities, vendors and employees of

cannabis businesses, as well as investors. As the legal

state-cannabis industry continues to grow, the indirect

connections to cannabis revenues will also continue to

expand. Without greater clarity, that entire portion of

economic activity in legal cannabis states will continue to

be marginalized from the banking system.

The bipartisan SAFE Banking Act would be an important step

toward enabling financial services for cannabis-related

businesses. The bill specifies that proceeds from a

legitimate cannabis business would not be considered unlawful

under federal money laundering statutes or any other federal

law, which is necessary to allow the provision of financial

services to cannabis-related legitimate businesses as well as

any ancillary businesses that derive some portion of their

income from those businesses. The bill would also direct

FinCEN, and the federal banking regulators through the

Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, to issue

guidance and exam procedures for banks doing business with

cannabis-related legitimate businesses. Explicit, consistent

direction from federal financial regulators will provide

needed clarity for banks and help them better evaluate the

risks and supervisory expectations for cannabis-related

customers. The SAFE Banking Act is not a cure all for the

cannabis banking challenge, but it is a measure that helps

clarify many issues for the banking industry and regulators.

ABA is pleased to support the SAFE Banking Act and urges

members of the House of Representatives to vote in favor of

this legislation when it is brought up on this week's

suspension calendar.

Sincerely,

Rob Nichols.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Landin Jeffrey for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Landin Jeffrey is an 11th grader at Eagle Ridge Academy and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Landin Jeffrey is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Landin Jeffrey for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sierra Lopez for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Sierra Lopez is an 11th grader at Mountain Range HS and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Sierra Lopez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Sierra Lopez for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jassmen (Jay) Rozyc for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Jassmen (Jay) Rozyc is a 12th grader at Legacy HS and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Jassmen (Jay) Rozyc is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Jassmen (Jay) Rozyc for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Kayla Burby for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.

Kayla Burby is a 12th grader at Prairie View High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities.

The dedication demonstrated by Kayla Burby is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives.

I extend my deepest congratulations to Kayla Burby for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.