Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office of Colorado, led currently by District Attorney John Kellner, and serving Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties.

In January 1962, the 18th Judicial District was established. Initially comprised of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, Elbert County was added in 1965, followed by Lincoln County in 1969.

The 18th Judicial District, with a geographic size larger than the state of Connecticut, has grown more than any other Colorado judicial district during that time and now has a population exceeding one million people. Within the next decade, Arapahoe County's population is expected to grow to be the most populous county in the state.

In 2020, the Colorado General Assembly established a new judicial district. Next year, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln Counties will form a newly created 23rd Judicial District, while Arapahoe County will be the sole county in the existing 18th Judicial District.

Officials of the 18th Judicial District--prosecutors, victim witness specialists, support staff, and law enforcement officers--work hard every day to pursue justice, advocate for victims and support our community. As a Member of Congress, I look forward to continuing to work with our local law enforcement officials to promote public safety.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Nancy Reichman, Professor Emerita at the University of Denver. On December 4, 2024, Dr. Reichman received the Joyce and Kal Zeff Humanitarian Award, a well- deserved recognition of her dedicated work in academia and to our community.

Dr. Reichman worked in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Denver for 40 years. Her commitment to education and to the Denver community had a profound impact on undergraduate students at the University of Denver over the years. During Dr. Reichman's time at the University, her research areas included financial regulation, workplace regulation, and white-collar crime.

Dr. Reichman's commitment to the Jewish community is evident through her dedication to relaunching the Jewish Family Services' Refugee Resettlement program. This program assists refugee families in finding affordable housing, providing food and mental health counseling, and supporting overall efforts to acclimate to life in the United States. She also sits on Denver's Racial Equity Council and works alongside her colleagues to address systemic inequalities and racial inequity in our state.

Dr. Reichman's work in academia and across our community created lasting changes in Colorado. I join many others in extending my gratitude for her service to our state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of an extraordinary leader from Colorado, Victor Bencomo.

When Victor passed away on October 1, 2024. we lost a loving father and husband, a fierce advocate, and a support system for many. Victor is survived by his wife Sara Reins Bencomo and three sons Kyle, Alden, and Beck.

Victor dedicated more than 30 years of his life to public service, including a 22-year career in the Navy as a combat medic. He was a leading advocate for gun violence prevention policy as President of the Colorado Chapter of Giffords Gun Owners for Safety. He testified for sensible gun safety laws at both the Colorado State Capitol and the U.S. Congress. He was also a consistent advocate for veterans' suicide prevention resources, and even in the last few months of his life, Victor was advocating for glioblastoma research.

Victor dedicated his life in service to others and he exuded love and kindness. He lit up every room and those of us who were lucky enough to see him speak or spend time in his company were better for it. I am proud to have known Victor and to have been part of his journey.

Victor once described his legacy as a ``testament to the enduring pursuit of a brighter, fairer, and safer world for all.'' Our community and our country are grateful for this enduring pursuit.

I honor the life and service of Victor Bencomo and I extend my gratitude to his family for sharing such a bright light with us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the recent opening of Goodwill of Colorado's Excel Center in Aurora, Colorado.

The Excel Center is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for adults in our state and aims to empower adult learners to achieve the foundational credential of a high school diploma.

As Colorado's first in-person, no-cost, adult learning high school, the Excel Center will provide a pathway for residents aged 22 years and older to earn a diploma--setting them up for higher earning potential and improved job security.

Equipping students with the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles to academic progress is one of the main priorities of the Excel Center. By working to break down these obstacles, including childcare and transportation, Goodwill of Colorado will help students pursue their educational goals.

Colorado, like much of the Nation, faces a critical workforce shortage, particularly in high-demand industries requiring skilled workers. Adult learners at the Excel Center will be connected with the education resources, certificates, and workforce development they need to enter the workforce and contribute to in-demand fields.

My district, our state, and our Nation are better when we invest in our workforce, create opportunities for growth, and empower our communities. I congratulate Goodwill of Colorado on the opening of the Excel Center and thank them for their service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th Annual Taste of Ethiopia and its organizers. The Taste of Ethiopia is an annual event that highlights the culture and community service of many in Colorado's Ethiopian immigrant community.

Colorado families of all backgrounds attend this event to experience Ethiopian culture, music, food, art, crafts, games, and dance. Organizers and volunteers share these vibrant facets of their lives with the community, and attendees embrace and learn about the many ways the Ethiopian diaspora community enriches our district.

My district has one of the largest Ethiopian populations in the State of Colorado, a characteristic that I consider among our strengths. I have had the privilege of attending the Taste of Ethiopia several times over the last ten years, and I know firsthand how meaningful this event is to our community. It is an honor to be included in this celebration.

I recognize the leadership of the Taste of Ethiopia's organizers, the contributions of Ethiopian individuals, families, and organizations, and the support of volunteers and our community who make this one of the district's popular annual events.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the horrific mass shooting at a Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, 12 years ago. Each year, July 20 brings back the shock and pain that reverberated across Aurora and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, 12 lives were brutally cut short, and countless others were forever changed. The pain still echoes through our community, a constant reminder of the devastating toll of gun violence.

I remember the victims, A.J.; Alex; Alexander; Gordon; Jesse; Jessica; John; Jonathan; Matt; Micayla; Rebecca; and Veronica; their families; and the survivors who still bear the scars of that night.

I think of the heroes who risked their lives to shield and save others. Their bravery provided a beacon of hope in immense darkness.

We must not grow numb to the pain of that day. We must use their memory to continue to fight for commonsense gun reform.

May we never forget the lives lost in Aurora.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Marc Belo, First Sergeant, 2-135th General Support Aviation Battalion. Marc was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 8, 1970, and graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1992.

Marc served this country for over 30 years beginning with his enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1994. He had the distinction of being a member of the elite Marine Helicopter Squadron One and transported the President, Vice President, and other heads of state around the world.

Following an honorable discharge in 2000, Marc enlisted in the District of Columbia National Guard to continue his love of flying, mainly on the UH-60 Blackhawk. As part of this enlistment, Marc was among those who responded to the Pentagon on 9/11. In 2004, Marc transferred to the Colorado Army National Guard and joined the 2-135th ``Blackjacks.'' During his service, Marc completed deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, and Kosovo. While stateside, Marc contributed to critical missions including wildfire fighting and the National Guard helicopter high-altitude rescue program.

Marc was a dedicated husband and father whose humility, leadership, and good humor touched thousands of lives. He met his high school sweetheart Jennifer in 1986 and married in 1995. Together Marc and Jennifer had two daughters, Danjela and Nadija. Marc loved nothing more than spending time with friends. Marc and Jennifer lost their oldest daughter Danjela following a battle with brain cancer on August 15, 2023, only to learn a few months later that Marc had colorectal cancer. Marc passed on May 15, 2024, nine months to the day after his daughter Danjela.

This world is a better one because of the legacy that Marc leaves behind in those he impacted through his service, his friendship, and his dedication to his family. His service to our nation exemplifies the man, soldier, and Marine he was. I honor Marc and extend my condolences to his wife Jennifer, his daughter Nadija, and his friends and family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of John Reilly, Jr., MD, and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement. For nearly a decade, Dr. Reilly served as the Dean of the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor for health affairs at CU Anschutz, where he led the charge in establishing Aurora and Colorado as national leaders in health care and biomedical research.

During his tenure, he elevated CU Anschutz to the top tier of academic medical centers in the Nation, expanded programs to serve more people across our state, and recruited leaders who will extend this legacy for decades to

come. During Dean Reilly's tenure, medical school curriculum and clinical training settings were updated to better prepare medical students for productive and fulfilling careers, medical research for the school of medicine grew by 67 percent, and CU Medicine faculty cared for more Coloradans than any other medical group--serving 727,000 people through 4.2 million patient visits in 2023.

Dr. Reilly's commitment to community service is exemplified by his efforts to strengthen partnerships for those residing in Colorado. Under his guidance, CU Anschutz established the Aurora Wellness Community, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing access to primary care for underserved populations in north Aurora. The Aurora Wellness Community Center will offer comprehensive health and wellness programming, including childcare and a food bank to address the diverse needs of north Aurora. Further, under the leadership of Dr. Reilly, the CU School of Medicine collaborated with Traverse Academy, a school within the Cherry Creek School District, which led to the establishment of the Nation's first mental health treatment facility operated by a school district.

Dean Reilly's contributions to improving health care access, quality, and research will be felt in Colorado and across the country for decades to come. I want to congratulate Dean Reilly again on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his service to our community, Colorado, and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the horrific mass shooting that occurred at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, in Littleton, Colorado.

Twenty-five years ago, 12 teenagers and 1 teacher were killed just for going to school. Twenty-three were injured, and many still struggle with lifelong injuries.

Today, we remember those we lost: Cassie Bernall, Steve Curnow, Corey DePooter, Kelly Fleming, Matt Kechter, Daniel Mauser, Danny Rohrbough, Rachel Scott, Isaiah Shoels, John Tomlin, Lauren Townsend, Kyle Velasquez, and Dave Sanders.

We remember the families, the survivors, and the entire Columbine community.

Some became the country's first gun violence prevention advocates, like Tom Mauser, the father of Daniel Mauser. For 25 years, he has gone toe to toe with the gun lobby and the State and Federal governments to fight for change, all while wearing the shoes his son was wearing the day he was killed.

To honor their memories, we cannot allow another 25 years to pass before we say ``never again'' and finally mean it.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act to reauthorize section 702 of FISA.

As one of the Nation's most essential intelligence-gathering tools, the importance of reauthorizing FISA cannot be overstated. Every day, our Nation's diplomats, intelligence professionals, defense officials, soldiers, marines, and airmen rely on intelligence derived from section 702 to advance their missions and to protect our country.

It provides vital insights into the kinds of threats that we need to be able to protect Americans from, including threats against our critical infrastructure, our computer networks, our financial system, and our citizens.

This bill is the product of careful, bipartisan negotiations. These negotiations have insured that this bill will not only maintain the effectiveness of FISA, but also enhance protections for America's civil liberties. It makes targeted reforms to address compliance issues and to prevent abuses.

The amendment proposed by my colleagues to require a warrant before accessing this information, which has already been lawfully collected and reviewed by courts and is in the possession of the U.S. Government, would serve as a de facto ban on ever accessing it. It creates an unacceptable level of risk with consequences that will be felt almost immediately for Americans and our national security.

Therefore, Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject the Biggs amendment and to support the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Professor Ved Nanda.

For 57 years, Ved was a distinguished professor at the University of Denver law school.

During his tenure, he established the international legal studies program and served as director of the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law.

He was an officer and board member in several international and national NGOs and a leader in the international law community.

More than that, Ved Nanda was a valued mentor to many. In every corner of Colorado, you can find someone who benefited from Ved's calm wisdom.

His legacy will continue to inspire me and many around the world. He will be deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to implore House Republicans to bring the bipartisan national security supplemental to the floor for a vote. All we want is a vote.

I just returned from Ukraine with a bipartisan group where we met with Ukrainians, and I can tell you that these folks are fighting and dying, not just for their own freedom and their own democracy but for freedom and democracy around the globe because Vladimir Putin and Russia will not stop at Ukraine. They will continue marching if they are not stopped here.

This national security supplemental bill, this is not charity. We are not doing this simply out of the goodness of our hearts. This is in the best interests of Americans and American national security.

Let's break this down. By providing this support, we will be able to stop Russian from its march anyplace else in Europe.

We will be able to protect the 100,000 servicemen and -women, Americans and their families who live in Europe and work with our allies and who would be at great risk if Putin is not stopped here.

We also protect our largest trading partner in Europe and our largest security partner. Our economy and our businesses rely on a stable and prosperous Europe.

We would also be protecting the world's food supply and food prices, keeping food prices lower and making sure that food supplies are not interrupted. That is all the things that this bill will do.

Let's also talk about how this bill is structured and how it provides that support. It provides that support by spending over half of the money right here in the United States in U.S. businesses and on U.S. workers, from places like Texas and North Carolina and Pennsylvania and Colorado, all throughout this Nation who will be building the equipment and supplies that we will be sending to our military, because that is another part of this.

Our military sends our old equipment to Ukraine, and Ukraine uses it with great effect on the battlefield, then the new stuff is kept by our military.

Let's break this down. We are supporting our economy. We are protecting our 100,000 troops. We are ensuring a stable and prosperous Europe. We are defeating the Russian military. We are ensuring food supplies. We are updating our own military stocks. We are infusing money in the U.S. defense industrial base and into our own workers and businesses. We are doing all of this for less than 5 percent of our annual defense budget.

That is a great deal for the American taxpayer. It is a great deal for the American people. We would be remiss if we didn't act now and take this up.

There are moments in history that will judge people and determine the course of the world. We are at one of those moments now.

I implore you. Bring this for a vote so we can ensure a stable and prosperous world and make sure it is one that our children and grandchildren want to grow up in.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Janice McDonald for her decades of service to the Cherry Creek School District, City of Aurora, and surrounding communities.

A Colorado native, Janice graduated from East High School in Denver before moving with her husband to Aurora in 1957. All five of their children and fourteen of their grandchildren attended Cherry Creek Schools.

Over the years, Janice dedicated much of her time and energy to giving back to children and her community. At Ponderosa High School, she served as the Vice President and

President of the Parent Teacher Community Organization and represented the school on the Parents Council. Janice also served on the School Accountability Committee and started several multi-cultural programs at Prairie Middle School. Each month, she would offer a presentation to students about diverse cultures, countries, and industries. She also developed a student-adult mentoring program specifically geared toward young African American students.

In November 2015, Janice was elected to the Cherry Creek School Board of Education as the first African-American woman to serve in that role. As the representative for District B, she prioritized strengthening community involvement and focused on closing the achievement gap for all students. With her vast personal and professional experience in the district, she wanted to give back to a community that she believed had served her children and family well.

On October 9, 2023, Janice delivered final remarks during her final board meeting as a Cherry Creek School District Board Member. In part they read:

``In retrospect, I have been afforded the opportunity to

serve eight years. An opportunity that I haven't taken for

granted. I truly believe to whom much has been given, much is

required. I have been committed. When my five children came

through the district I wanted the best for them, now my

grandchildren. I want the best for them as well, but beyond

my personal desires, I have truly wanted the best for all

students.'' Her parting advice was to ``Let the agenda always

support what's best for the children in every deliberation.''

Janice's colleagues also offered remarks in honor of her service and to pay tribute to her unwavering focus on the children and her well- known and often-asked line, ``How are the children?''

I commend and thank Janice for her decades of service to the community, including eight years of service to the Cherry Creek School District. As she begins her retirement, may Janice's experience and commitment to service leave a lasting legacy on the students, faculty, and the Board in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the conferees to strike this truly abhorrent provision from the National Defense Authorization Act.

As several of my colleagues have pointed out, when this bill went out of committee, out of the Armed Services Committee, it passed with a very strong bipartisan 58-1 vote. Then extremists within the Republican Party got ahold of it and made floor amendments and put in poison pills, including this one, in the bill.

A couple of facts: Number one, no taxpayer money is going to provide abortions for servicemembers. The longstanding policy of the Department of Defense is we allow servicemembers to travel for necessary medical procedures and care when they can't get that care on a base or locally. That is longstanding policy. That is what we are talking about here today.

You have also heard a bunch of my colleagues get up today and say this has nothing to do with national defense, that this is superfluous; nothing to do with the national defense of our country. Really?

We can spend money and buy all the best tanks and aircraft carriers and missiles that money can buy, but what actually makes us strong? It is our people. Our people are behind all of that. What undergirds people is the trust within a unit.

I served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can tell you, if you don't trust the person you are going to war with, it is all meaningless.

Are we really going to set up a system where our women servicemembers are second-class citizens within our units and undermine the very trust and integrity of those units? No, we should not and will not. I will stand against that.

Number two, we are suffering historic recruiting shortages in our military. Are we really going to send a message to our young women who want to stand up and serve our country and maybe give their lives, that they can't access the same care as their male counterparts?

Is that the message we want to send? No. You can't say you are for our national security and also support this measure. More than anything else, this is a moral argument.

I don't want to see yellow ribbons tied around trees, I don't want to see people thank people for their service, I don't want to see 10 percent discounts on coffee or meals if they are willing to support a policy that undermines the morality of this country and the ability of our young men and women to get the care they need and for our young servicewomen, in particular, to be treated equally.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Vicki Helfer, recipient of the Colorado High School Counselor of the Year award.

As a counselor for Aurora Central High School, Vicki advises students to work through their assignments and supports them through the anxieties that come with graduating. Outside of her counselor responsibilities, she advocates on behalf of her students. Vicki has helped her students obtain gender-neutral bathrooms and has assisted in creating programs to support students whose first language is not English.

Vicki is a model mentor and an outstanding civilian. Her dedication to supporting our youth has undoubtedly led to the recognition she deserves. I congratulate Vicki for being named the Colorado High School Counselor of the Year and wish her continued success.