Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the generosity and patriotism of agricultural trailblazer Bob Sakata, who passed away on June 7, 2022, at the age of 96. Bob's life encapsulated the American principles of perseverance, endurance, and courage. Through his innovation and dedication, Bob left an indelible mark upon the Colorado community.

In 1941, when the U.S. declared war against Japan, Bob and his family were sent to an internment camp in Topaz, Utah. With the assistance of his former high school teacher, who vouched for his character, Bob obtained an early release from the internment camp and relocated to Brighton, Colorado, where he worked on a dairy farm. In 1944, Bob's employer loaned him the money to purchase 40 acres of farmland in Brighton. This land paved the way for Bob and his family to start a new life following World War II.

Bob became a giant in Colorado's agricultural industry and was renowned for his innovation in sweet corn growing. He transformed the industry in the 1980s with creative methods in seed development, consumer packaging, and the introduction of Sakata Farms Gourmet Sweet Corn. Through a dedicated work ethic and the assistance of his loving wife Joanna, Bob's farm would eventually grow from 40 acres to more than 3000 acres. Bob's agricultural knowledge resulted in two presidential nominations to the Advisory Board of the Commodity Credit Corporation.

As his farm and fame grew, Bob remained dedicated to giving back to his community. He served fifteen years on Colorado's Water Quality Control Commission, working collaboratively to find ways to address water shortages impacting Colorado's farmers. Bob's ingenuity and charity led to his induction into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame and the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame. Over the years, Bob was a member of the Colorado State University Extension Advisory Board, Colorado's Food Safety Task Force, the Brighton Rotary Club, and the Brighton First Presbyterian Church. Furthermore, Bob spearheaded the campaign to build the National Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism in Washington, D.C.

Bob Sakata is an example of the American dream. On behalf of the Fourth District of Colorado, it is my honor to recognize his many accomplishments and his legacy of generosity, faith, courage, and perseverance.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of America's heroic veterans and to recognize the Honor Flight Network, which conducts annual trips for veterans to Washington, D.C., to tour the memorials built in celebration of their bravery. On May 15, 2022, High Plains Honor Flight gave many of our courageous veterans this extraordinary opportunity, flying them to our Nation's capitol. I am pleased to congratulate the May 15, 2022, High Plains Honor Flight and to acknowledge the World War II, Korean war, Vietnam war, and Gulf war veterans of Colorado who took part in it.

Madam Speaker, those who participated in this flight are as follows:

World War II Veterans: Frank Marsaglia and Willis Renter.

Korean war veterans: Frederick Ames, Marion Anderson, James Avgares, Harry Bieber, Eugene Bott, Myron House, Bernard Molley, Rudy Romero, Rupert Ross, Stanley Singer, Albert Vigil, Norman Vissering, and Kenneth Yarberry.

Veteran of both the Korean & Vietnam wars: James Coats.

Vietnam war veterans: James Aschenbrener, Michael Bagley, George Baker, Donald Bauer, Vernon Bauer, Robert Beers, Johnnie Bellington, Gerald Bragg, Kermit Bratten, Charles Breneman, Frank Brooks, Michael Brouwer, Keith Burner, Bruce Chandler, Monserrato Conder, Jr, Jackie Crow, Gary Davis, Barry Dibble, Walter Diehl, Rodney

Dimmick, Daniel Dorcey, III, Kenneth Dunnington, Gary Eisenberg, Danny Ely, Kenneth Emmons, William Esch, Richard Essebaggers, Mark Fidrych, Robert Fix, David Foster, Jerry Fox, Walter Fuller, Herbert Gagne, Ernest Gallardo, Chester Gallup, Robert Giguere, Douglas Gould, James Gregg, William Griffin, II, Ned Gurule, Richard Hannan, Dennis Hemphill, Wilfred Heppner, John Hohenstein, Robert Hopper, Carl Howell, William Hudson, Elias Huerta, Cy Johnson, William Kindel, Jr, Edward Kinsall, Rodney Knight, Rodney Koberstein, Richard Krebs, Dennis Laughlin, Gary Lebo, Donald Lebruska, Howard Leino, Charles Littrell, Francisco Lopez, Willard Martin, Clyde Martinez, John Martinez of Aurora, John Martinez of Fort Collins, Paul McMillen, Carl Meloche, Gary Merritt, Charles Miscio, Clair Morrison, Dennis Nagel, Daniel Nehls, Jerald Norris, Roy Orback, Larry Ouret, Edward Phillips, Ralph Phillips, Richard Phillips, Thomas Putney, Francisco Rioz, Terry Ritenour, George Ryan, Richard Sediva, Thomas Shover, Stephen Small, Larry Smith, Jimmie Smith, Jr, William Snyder, David Stalsworth, Jimmy Steggall, Richard Stokes, John Stude, Ronald Stugart, Newell Swanson, Dennis Swartz, Steven Tintes, Kenneth Trevithick, Kenneth Vegter, Kurt Voelkeit, Perry Walker, Robert Ward, William Weber, William Weigle, Robert Weiner, Jerry White, and Robert Wurdemann.

Veteran of the Gulf war: James Merryfield.

It is my distinct privilege as the United States Representative of the 4th District of Colorado to recognize the honor, courage, and sacrifice of these heroes, along with that of all other members of America's Armed Forces. I thank them for their dedication and service to this nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that legal guns save 162,000 lives annually and prevent 2.5 million crimes a year, or 6,849 crimes every day. By their own admission, criminals fear armed citizens more than they fear the police.

Up to 90 percent of criminals who commit crimes with a gun do not acquire that firearm legally.

We have serious problems in this country involving family, drugs, and mental health. Those issues have been going in the wrong direction for decades. Instead of addressing these issues head-on, the bill will instead jeopardize the right to bear arms for millions of law-abiding citizens.

Decades of Supreme Court precedent prevent the government from exercising prior restraint on our First Amendment rights to free speech. We should not treat the Second Amendment differently.

The Court just spoke forcefully in favor of this right. This body should do the same. I urge a ``no'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th anniversary of The Partnership of Douglas County Governments (PDCG). The PDCG consists of nine local government entities working collaboratively for the greater good of Douglas County's 380,000 residents on impactful issues, projects, and programs.

During the last 20 years, through their collective allegiance to a single mission, the group has focused on creating better communities for their constituents. Since its inception, PDCG accomplishments have included: the Housing Partnership and the Youth Initiative; the Douglas County Mental Health Initiative; collaborative emergency management and public safety; transportation improvements; open space, parks, trails, and recreation initiatives; health and human services programs; as well as specific public health efforts, such as their 18-month COVID-19 Community Response.

In 2017, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) nominated PDCG for both the Strategic Leadership & Governance Award and the Community Partnership Award. PDCG also works together to strengthen community bonds and protect its citizens. It is a privilege to have such an organization in Colorado's Fourth District.

The dedicated members of the Partnership of Douglas County Governments serve our community in countless ways every day. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize their hard work and determination.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and dedication of Jeannine Truswell, who announced that she would be retiring after 36 years with the United Way of Weld County. Her fierce commitment and vision have improved the lives of countless members of the Weld County community.

Jeannine began her tenure as the President and CEO of the United Way of Weld County in 1986, after seven years as the Executive Director of the Weld County Partners Mentoring Youth program. When she took over the organization, its annual fundraising was a little over $500,000. Through her tireless work and determination, the United Way of Weld County now raises almost $5 million annually. In 2011, Jeannine launched Weld Project Connect, a yearly, one-day initiative hosted through the United Way that has served over 8600 people. This program brings awareness to problems in the local community, coordinates governmental agencies, and seeks to inspire Weld County citizens to help one another.

Over the years, Jeannine has guided countless service projects, genuinely connecting and engaging with volunteers as they participated in various events. With Jeannine at the helm of United Way, her focused mission of selfless service has brought positive community-wide solutions through projects and partnerships, including the Weld County Child Abuse Coalition and Founding 211 Colorado. Further, Jeannine has received recognition as A Women's Place Outstanding Women of Weld County and BizWest's Most Influential Business Leader and Woman of Distinction.

On behalf of the Fourth District of Colorado, I extend my congratulations to Jeannine for her honorable service to the people of Weld County.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tony Hass, owner of the Walking Y Ranch, on being honored with the Denver Business Journal's 2022 Who's Who in Agriculture Trailblazer Award. After 36 years running a 200 cow-calf operation, Tony received this prestigious honor in recognition of his dedicated career to Colorado's ranching and agricultural community.

Tony graduated Lamar Community College with an A.S. in animal science before beginning his more than 5,000 acre ranching operation and local butcher beef business. This true American company is notable for its outstanding economic impact in southeast Colorado.

Tony married his wife Connie and raised two wonderful children-- Matthew and Breann--all while continuing to work for the Las Animas community. Today, he is the proud grandfather of Liam.

In addition to his many decades operating the Walking Y Ranch, Tony has proudly served the Las Animas community for more than three years as a County Commissioner with the hope of being a strong voice for the people of rural Colorado.

Through his work and service before self, Tony has garnered not only a well-earned reputation for ranching, but the respect of everyone in our community.

On behalf of Colorado's 4th District, I offer my sincerest congratulations to Tony for his well-deserved award and thank him for his outstanding role in our regions agriculture and tireless commitment to making his community a better place to live.

Madam Speaker, I am here to have a discussion with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my good friend, about President Putin's actions in Russia.

Putin is waging an unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine. Over the past 2 weeks, his attacks have become increasingly violent. The attacks have become more severe, even targeting residential areas.

At the same time that Putin is engaged in a bloody war with tragic consequences for the people of Ukraine, he is also engaged in a propaganda war. His disinformation campaign is geared toward: first, his own people, who have largely been kept in the dark about the atrocities of this war against Ukraine; and, second, the entire world.

In justifying his war to the world, Putin has relied on the ridiculous claim that he is the appointed person to denazify Ukraine.

The Russian Government released a statement on March 1 through the Russian Embassy in Canada, stating: ``Russia continues its special military operation to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine. The Russian army does not occupy Ukrainian territory and takes all measures to preserve the lives and safety of civilians. The strikes are targeting military facilities only. . . . The tasks to clear Ukraine of Nazism . . . will be accomplished.''

Congressman Roy, there is a lot of evidence that Putin's army is targeting civilian targets.

Madam Speaker, I think it is worthwhile to take a look at who this leader is.

Who is Vladimir Putin? He began his career, not surprisingly, Congressman, at the KGB. He came to power in 2000, winning the presidency after having served as a Secretary of the Security Council of Russia and as the Director of the Federal Security Service.

Putin served as President until 2008, when he was constitutionally prohibited from seeking a third term, but Putin had little regard for the Russian Constitution. He orchestrated a maneuver in which one of his yes-men would be installed as the new President, and Putin would assume the role of Prime Minister.

After serving as Russia's top leader, but in the capacity of Prime Minister, Putin then did the unthinkable and ran again as President in 2012. With protests and allegations of mass fraud in his background, he assumed another 6-year term and then again ran in 2018.

Even more alarming, in April of last year, Putin signed into law a series of constitutional amendments that would permit him to run for President two additional terms, serving a total of 36 years.

Putin's regime has become increasingly totalitarian, and Putin himself has put his KGB background to use, employing Soviet-era repressions against the people of Russia.

He has cracked down on free speech, seized control of the media, and had his opponents and critics assassinated.

Congressman, I know you feel strongly about how President Putin has put his KGB background to use.

I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

And, Congressman Roy, I just want to go through one of these slides again, if I can. I don't know if you got a look at this, but this is the before and after. This is a man who left, went to England, was poisoned, and this is what he looked like before, and that is after he was poisoned with radioactive materials.

Radioactive material. He was poisoned, and that is how he looks afterwards. Unbelievable that one human being can do this to another human being, much less a leader of a major nuclear power in the world.

Right. No disagreement in the world. And what is so significant is when Vladimir Putin says this is what is happening in Ukraine, who can believe him?

In fact, you can pretty much go to Vegas and bet your money on the opposite of what this man says. If he is able to do something like this, one, he is a coward, and two, he is a monster.

During his more than two decades of ruling Russia, Putin has displayed a callous disregard for human life. As part of Putin's war on Chechnya, he ordered the destruction of Chechnya's capital Grozny. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed in this brutal assault.

In 2008, Putin waged another war, this time in Georgia, another part of

the former Soviet Union. The Georgian President during Putin's assault in 2008 had this to say in The Wall Street Journal, and, Congressman Roy, I want you to really hear this because it is so unbelievable how similar what the Georgian President said in 2008 is to the game plan that Putin has orchestrated in Ukraine.

``Long before its conventional assault on Georgia, Russia openly backed separatist militants--that sounds familiar--launched cyberattacks and used disinformation to meddle in the internal affairs of sovereign states. Initial intelligence reports of Russian forces entering Georgian territory didn't even cause enough concern to order Georgian military officials back from their holidays. . . .

``But in August 2008, under the auspices of securing the separatist enclave, Russia invaded my country . . .

``Leaving aside the practical impossibility of Georgia attacking a nuclear power 100 times its size, the entirety of the conflict took place on internationally recognized Georgian territory. The Kremlin's claim that its land forces mobilized overnight in response to an emergency was absurd. Such an onslaught required careful preparation, especially given the mountainous terrain of the Russian- Georgian border.''

And I think what is really important to point out here is that President Putin has used the exact same plan, the exact same formula down to the T, claiming that there are Russian-speaking people and he is trying to protect those people in Ukraine, down to the absurd claim that Ukraine is a Nazi government now. All these claims are made up, they are nonsense to try to justify in the minds of the Russian people what Putin is engaged in.

An immoral person does not wage a moral war, does not poison people, does not continue to commit the war crimes and the illegalities--murdering a political opponent just blocks away from the Kremlin. That kind of immoral person doesn't have the standing to talk to the world about what is going on in Ukraine.

I know, Congressman, you were a prosecutor. I was a prosecutor. When we had a criminal defendant who lied, that was a special treat, because we got to put witnesses on the stand, and we called it a false exculpatory. And Vladimir Putin has gone through his entire political career using false exculpatories; telling people one thing happened when, in fact, something else happened.

And the reason it is so important to point out false exculpatories is, it is a sign of guilt. And in this case, Vladimir Putin knows what he is doing is in violation of international law. He has committed numerous war crimes through his military; indiscriminately bombing civilian targets. And he is a war criminal, and he should be brought to justice.

But my question to you now is, Congressman, are we doing everything we can as a country to make sure that we bring this thug--as you put it--this animal who is violating international law, killing children, destroying billions of dollars worth of infrastructure in Ukraine. Are we, as Americans, are we, as the civilized world working with Western Europe, working with NATO, are we doing everything we can to bring this man to justice and to stop the tragedy that is going on in Ukraine?

Yes.

And one more thing, when the press holds us to account, we stand up. We may disagree with them. We may offer another version of the facts, but we don't shut down the press. We don't close their doors. We don't turn off the TV station when they call something a war. When they call a war a war, we don't shut them down. That is exactly what is happening in Russia right now.

Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining?

Madam Speaker, to go back a little bit in history, when President Putin invaded Crimea, President Obama refused to give legal assistance to Ukraine. It wasn't until President Trump came in that legal assistance was given to Ukraine.

And then to President Biden's credit, he ramped up that lethal aid as the threat got greater. And we have seen a great deal of lethal aid going to the Ukraine military. They are using it wisely. They are fighting a courageous war against a much, much greater military power.

But I agree with you, Congressman. We could be doing more. We could be sanctioning more, the source of Russia's money, their income, their revenue for waging this war. And we should be doing that. And that is just one of the areas, just one of them.

We should be doing more in banking. We should be doing more in trade, in blockades. But one of the ways that we can sanction them is by producing more natural gas, more fossil fuels here at home. We should be shipping liquefied natural gas to our allies in Western Europe to wean them off the reliance on energy from Russia.

In addition to that, it is time that our allies in NATO step up, spend the money they are supposed to spend on their military, on their defense structure, and move forward with us. It is not time for Americans to constantly fight wars in other countries when other countries haven't stepped up and recognized the dangers of a man like Vladimir Putin.

I don't know if it is the equivalent of our Secretary of Defense or Army Chief of Staff, or maybe the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but the head of the German military mocked his own military, talking about how unprepared they would be in the event of a conflict with Russia.

Putin knows that. Putin has intelligence agents. And they have scoured the Western European countries. They know exactly what the strength is of those countries. They know what their willingness is to fight. And Putin has made a decision that he can take Ukraine with very little consequence. That is a serious issue.

Madam Speaker, I just want to echo what he is saying and tell you that right now the dictator who is the most threatening to us, we are going to pull away from his energy and we are going to go with dictators who aren't quite as dangerous to us. That isn't a strategy. That is just looking at the wrong end of a revolver.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his time tonight and it is always a pleasure to speak with him.

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

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4445. This is the way the legislative process should work. This started with a victim of sexual harassment, Gretchen Carlson, who stepped forward and brought a cancer within an organization to light, and did it in a courageous manner. Then my colleague, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, took on this cause and wrote a good piece of legislation.

But what she did was even more important. She was open to suggestions and often adopted suggestions to make this the very best legislation that it could be. And my friends, Congressman Matt Gaetz and Morgan Griffith, worked alongside her and worked on our side of the aisle to make folks aware of the need for this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4445 because, one, it empowers rape victims to make a choice between arbitration and going to court. It also makes sure that sexual predators are held accountable. And finally, it puts corporations on notice that if they don't clean up their act, they are going to have a big problem. There is no more sweeping an issue like this under the carpet. This is something that corporations are going to take seriously, and they are going to change their conduct as a result of a possible change to their bottom line.

This bill gives Members a choice to support rape victims or rapists. I choose to support the rape victims, the survivors of a terrible ordeal, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Speaker, this amendment is really very simple. It changes a somewhat convoluted definition of sexual harassment to the following: ``The term `sexual harassment dispute' means a dispute relating to conduct that is alleged to constitute sexual harassment under applicable Federal, Tribal, or State law.''

Simple, straightforward, understandable. The issue arose here because there was a question of whether the definition that was contained in this law would supersede Federal, State, or Tribal law; it doesn't. However, this clarifies that, and I would ask my colleagues to support this.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop).

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith), a cosponsor of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his leadership, and I appreciate Mrs. Bustos and her willingness to consider this language. I don't know that there was a problem beforehand, but whatever there was, it has been cleared up, and I very much think that this is a stronger bill as a result of this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I rise to highlight the importance of the strategic relationship between the United States and Mongolia.

Though geographically surrounded by two countries, Russia to the north and China to the south, I am told that Mongolia recognizes the United States as its ``third neighbor''--a key partnership forged through diplomatic, military, cultural, and economic relationships that provide immense value to both nations.

As the United States continually adapts, analyzes, and innovates to stay ahead of challenges from global competitors like China and Russia, maintaining and strengthening relationships with regional allies like Mongolia is critical. Since establishing formal diplomatic relations in 1987, and the country's peaceful democratic revolution in 1990, the United States and Mongolia have partnered to expand political and financial cooperation and to advance market-based reforms to stabilize and grow economic opportunities for Mongolian citizens.

The U.S. State Department's 2021 Investment Climate Statement on Mongolia highlighted the importance of direct foreign investment, especially from western companies and institutions, as pivotal for the growth and stability of the Mongolian economy. Mongolia is making efforts to bolster investor confidence by reiterating its commitment to implementing the U.S.-Mongolia Agreement on Transparency in Matters Related to International Trade and Investment. This agreement provides greater regulatory certainty and transparency for domestic and foreign investors by requiring a public-comment period before new regulations become final.

The State Department's report highlights areas of success where investments have outperformed expectations, particularly in retail and service sectors of the economy. The report also identifies sectors where greater certainty is needed to ensure continued economic growth, including the mining and natural resources industries.

To quote from the report:

``The Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine has resurfaced as a

bellwether of Mongolia's investment climate. Upon reaching

full production, the mine may produce as much as 25 percent

of Mongolia's GDP. Resolving an ongoing investment dispute

related to the mine between the government and multi-national

shareholders is seen by many investors as essential to

improving Mongolia's investment climate image

internationally.'' (2021 Investment Climate Statements:

Mongolia, 2021)

A stable and robust Mongolian economy is central not only to the country's democratic, cultural, and financial independence, but it is also a clear strategic asset to the United States. I commend the Mongolian government for the steps it has taken to welcome and incentivize investment into its economy and encourage the government to continue to make progress on the institutional and legal measures that are needed to secure existing capital and encourage further investments into local jobs, businesses, and economic opportunities for the Mongolian people. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I am honored to recognize the important relationship between the United States and Mongolia.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joes, Colorado, volunteer firefighter Larry Wyant. On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Mr. Wyant was headed to the funeral of another area firefighter, Mr. Darcy Stallings, when a fire began in a cornfield in southern Yuma County. Mr. Wyant was responding to the call when high winds changed the direction of the grasslands fire, claiming his life.

The small town of Joes is a close-knit community, and Mr. Wyant an integral part of it. Every volunteer stopped what they were doing to help contain the grasslands fire that day, according to Joes Fire Department. Mr. Wyant's commitment to his friends and community will be remembered. His bravery and heroic actions serve as a reminder of the great sacrifice our first responders make.

Madam Speaker, I am humbled and honored to recognize Mr. Wyant's service and sacrifice. I want to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Wyant's family, friends, fellow firefighters, and community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of volunteer firefighter Mr. Darcy Stallings. On October 21, 2021, Mr. Stallings passed away in an automobile accident while responding in his private vehicle to a call for a grasslands fire. His heroic actions and bravery stand as a reminder of the great sacrifice made by those who volunteer to serve their community as first responders.

Mr. Stallings was a highly respected firefighter who volunteered for the City of Yuma's Volunteer Fire Department for nine years. Growing up in Yuma and serving on the board of the Yuma County Fairgrounds, he was an integral part of the community. Good people like Mr. Stallings represent the best of America. He was deeply committed to his family and community, and he will be remembered for his willingness to help others. On October 21, Colorado lost a dedicated community servant, friend, and father.

I want to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Stallings' family, friends, fellow firefighters, and community. Madam Speaker, I am humbled and honored to recognize Mr. Stallings' service and sacrifice.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize May Ranch of Lamar, Colorado for receiving the 2021 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award.

The Leopold Conservation Award Program, named after conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes and celebrates voluntary land conservation by private agricultural landowners. Each year, only one landowner in each of the participating states is given this award. Owned and operated by the Dallas and Brenda May family, the May Ranch of Lamar was given this award for 2021.

The May Ranch exemplifies how livestock and wildlife can thrive together. Through collaborations with various wildlife and conservation organizations, the Mays have planted native trees, installed wildlife- friendly fences, and managed grazing on the ranch's grasslands. With the wetlands on the ranch serving as an oasis for birds, their grass- fed beef is marketed as ``Raised on Bird Friendly Land.'' The Mays have shown commitment to not only the conservation of the ecosystem on May Ranch, but to the agricultural way of life that is so important to Eastern Colorado.

On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I am honored to celebrate this special recognition of the May Ranch as the 2021 Leopold Conservation Award recipient.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Platteville, Colorado.

The Colorado Gold Rush of 1857 brought an influx of frontiersmen through what is now Weld County, spurring population growth and the establishment of dozens of new towns and settlements. After the Denver Pacific Railroad reached the area in 1871, Platteville, Colorado, was founded. With just one general store in the first years of its existence, Platteville has expanded to encompass several banks, factories, hotels, and other retail establishments. The Platte River's fertile valley has long been known for its livestock and poultry, with over 200 farms now located in the surrounding area. Today, Platteville boasts more than 2,500 residents who are proud to call Colorado their home.

On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I am honored to celebrate this special occasion alongside my constituents who call Platteville home.

Madam Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

Madam Speaker, my inquiry is, if it is appropriate to call the previous President a liar, is it appropriate that we can refer to the current President as a liar also?

Does not apply to past Presidents?

Understood. I thank the Speaker.

Parliamentary Inquiry

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding.

Madam Speaker, we have weak leadership now and a crisis in Afghanistan. We have a crisis at our border because of weak leadership. We have an inflation crisis because of weak leadership. And we have a crime issue in our cities as a result of weak leadership.

Now, we debate preclearance requirements that are unnecessary and unconstitutional. We hear that they are necessary because of voter ID laws.

It takes identification to buy liquor in this country, to buy marijuana in this country, and to drive a car in this country. To enter this building, it takes identification.

Yet, it is such a burden that we need to have preclearance with the Department of Justice because of that heavy burden that is being placed on citizens, preclearance from an administration that has screwed up Afghanistan, screwed up the border, screwed up inflation. We are supposed to go to them and ask them for permission because voter ID is such a burden.

If there weren't people streaming across this border who could potentially vote, we wouldn't be asking for voter ID laws across this country, but we are.

Madam Speaker, you can't screw things up on the one hand and, on the other hand, try to require preclearance.

It is wrong, and I ask my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Longmont, Colorado.

In 1870, a group of Chicagoans established a new settlement in northern Colorado. Calling themselves the Colorado-Chicago Colony, the new settlers sold memberships in their adventurous enterprise, using those funds to finance the construction of a town hall and the purchase of 60,000 acres of land for their new town. By mid-1871; the settlers had decided on a name for their town--Longmont, after the nearby Longs Peak. Since then, immigrants from around the world have flocked to Longmont.

Longmont has thrived amid rapid population growth and the arrival and expansion of both its agricultural and technological industries. Today, more than 94,000 individuals call Longmont home. Not only is the city full of history, but it remains a popular place to live. With many major STEM employers, miles of recreational trails, a thriving dining and beverage scene, and stunning views of Longs Peak, Longmont has been ranked by numerous publications as one of the top cities in the United States.

On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado, I am honored to celebrate this special occasion alongside the tens of thousands of my constituents who call Longmont home.