Ken Buck

Mr. Speaker, I recognize and appreciate my constituent, Mr. Jason Smiley, for the actions he took to save strangers from an overturned vehicle on Christmas Eve. His service to this country has been exceptional and I thank him for the sacrifices that he and his family have made time and again.

On December 24th when a family found themselves in a dangerous and scary situation, he took action to ensure their safety. He should be commended for his action and his willingness to respond quickly, calmly, and without hesitation. In Colorado there are often severe weather conditions which lead to emergencies like this. It is not uncommon for Coloradans to be dependent on their neighbor's vigilance and kindness for assistance on the roads. I hope that Mr. Smiley's unhesitating willingness to intervene after an accident can be emulated by all my constituents.

What I admire most about Mr. Smiley's story is not only his eagerness to help others, but his willingness to do so after having already given so much for our country. Through injury and decades of military service, Mr. Smiley has been an exemplary member of his community and a good citizen.

In choosing to help others, he demonstrated the best characteristics of a serviceman: selflessness, attentiveness, and calm in the face of danger. It is an honor to represent Mr. Jason Smiley in Congress and it is my absolute pleasure to thank him not only for his eagerness to help, but for his consistent dedication to the defense of The United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, on October 7, Hamas terrorists paraglided into a music festival and began an unprovoked spree of violence. Babies were beheaded, young girls raped, hundreds kidnapped, and many murdered in vile ways.

To compare a modern democracy with a repressive terrorist state is wrong, but it is also wrong for Congress to take this action at a time when we have serious issues that we face. To take an action and take down the words, to strike the words, to censure a fellow Member, no matter how incorrect we believe she may be, is wrong.

We lower ourselves when we try to take action against someone else for their words. We all go back to our districts, and thank goodness social media hasn't caught every one of us with everything that we say back in our districts because we would all be standing here.

This is a wrong time to do this. It is the wrong action to take. Let's pass a resolution condemning this kind of language, condemning anti-Semitism on college campuses and elsewhere, but it is absolutely wrong to vote for this motion.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of three outstanding women. Ashley Ferris, Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack and Alice Jackson who will be honored by the Northwest Douglas County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation as ``Women Who Soar.''

Ashley Ferris, a law enforcement officer, left an indelible mark in Denver from 2018 to 2023. Even before her tenure as a dedicated law enforcement officer, her background as a United States Army Intelligence Analyst and project manager showcased her remarkable skills.

Ashley's heroic efforts were exemplified during the critical incident on December 27, 2021,

where she confronted and took down the Lakewood, CO mass shooter, despite sustaining injuries herself. This act of bravery earned her accolades, including the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year 2022 by the National Police Hall of Fame and the Valor Award. Her unwavering determination and resilience, even in the face of adversity, make her an inspiration.

Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, a celebrated cookbook author and Emmy Award-winning creator and chef, blends her Texan roots into culinary masterpieces. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother's Mexican traditions and her mother's home-style dishes, she crafts delectable creations showcased on MuyBuenoBlog.com. Besides her blog, Yvette, based in Colorado, is a sought-after brand ambassador and recipe developer, engaging her audience on social media.

Alice Jackson is a trailblazer in the energy sector, shining as Xcel Energy's Senior Vice President of System Strategy and Chief Planning Officer. Her leadership in this male-dominated field has been transformative. With a decade of contributions, Alice has redefined the standards of excellence in executive leadership. Her success story is not just inspiring but a testament to her resilience, making her an inspiration for aspiring professionals in the industry.

From saving lives during a mass shooting to Emmy winning inspiration, this year's recipients have made a lasting impact on those around them and in our community. It is leaders like these women who will allow us to achieve a more prosperous and inclusive future and I congratulate them all on being recognized as ``Women Who Soar.''