Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Patricia Salazar, who recently retired from the New Mexico Air National Guard after 25 years of distinguished service. Throughout her accomplished career, Staff Sergeant Salazar played many valuable roles in defense of our state and our nation.

A native of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Staff Sergeant Salazar graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1980. She received an athletic

scholarship from the College of Santa Fe and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. She went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from California State University, Long Beach in 1986. After completing her graduate degree, Staff Sergeant Salazar returned to her home state and attended New Mexico State Police Training Academy. She then enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed her training in 1993.

Staff Sergeant Salazar began her tenure with the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Security Forces Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. After the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, she helped develop and initiate emergency evacuation plans for senior Pentagon leadership. In 2003, she transitioned to the New Mexico Army National Guard's 1209th Medical Detachment. From 2009 to 2011, Staff Sergeant Salazar was stationed in Kosovo and supervised a team of field medics during deployment and field operations. In 2012, she returned to Kirtland to serve with the New Mexico Air National Guard's 150th Special Operations Wing.

I had the pleasure of meeting Staff Sergeant Salazar last year when I worked with the Army to ensure that her father, Staff Sergeant Joe Salazar, received the medals he earned while serving our nation in World War II. He served with the 497th Bombardment Group of the Army Air Forces from 1942 to 1945, earning several honors including a Bronze Star. Mr. Salazar was also a role model for his daughter when she enlisted and during her service overseas.

Mr. Speaker, I want to salute Staff Sergeant Patricia Salazar for her 25 years of service to New Mexico and the United States. It is hard- working, service-minded individuals like her who continue to make our state and our nation so great. I wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise for what will likely be the last time I address the House.

First, I thank the people of New Mexico for entrusting me to represent you in Washington, holding me accountable, and giving me direction. From my first day in Congress to my last, every constituent or stakeholder who stopped me on the street or walked into my office, your office, to tell me about their issues and priorities was my boss. It has been the honor of a lifetime to work with you.

Thank you to our team of brilliant, passionate staff who worked early mornings, late nights, and weekends because they knew just how important our work was to the people we served. Our team secured hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal investments in our State's economy and returned almost $5 million in earned benefits to New Mexico veterans, seniors, and taxpayers.

Your dedication to New Mexico changed lives. Lastly, thank you to all the Members with whom I had the pleasure of serving who helped ensure that my time here was a success.

Whether it was Congressman Meadows helping me launch an investigation into SNAP mismanagement in New Mexico, Congressman Cole for helping pass Care Corps grants to assist caregivers, or Congressman O'Halleran for working with me to pass the first-ever economic development broadband grant program in the farm bill, I have worked with and learned from Members on every part of the political spectrum. And regardless of our differences, I have found a universal passion for solving problems and public service.

Every Member here understands the privilege and responsibility of working in the most powerful institution in the world and the immeasurable potential of this body to address the problems that we were elected to solve. Our shared values and commitment to each other is always and has been this institution's greatest strength.

To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson: Let us never forget that the differences of opinion are not differences of the fundamental principles that unite us as Americans. We are all Democrats. We are all Republicans.

I believe that we can embrace our differences of opinion in a shared effort to form a more perfect union while never allowing polarization, politics, and short-term political expediency to undermine our obligation to make a difference in the lives of those who sent us here.

Always remember that power is short lived, politics is cyclical, and one day someone else will fill our shoes.

As Congressman Cummings used to say when I served with him on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee: We only hold these positions of power, leadership, and trust for a short period of time. What better way to honor the great leaders who came before us and the people who entrusted us to serve in their footsteps than by seizing every opportunity we have to work together and to pass the reins of our Nation to future leaders better than we found it.

To all the new Members: Stand tall, no matter how tall you are; be courageous; don't take ``no'' for an answer; and never stop working to tear down the roadblocks that stand in the way of advocating for your constituents who count on you every day.

And to the people of New Mexico, thank you for the honor of representing the First Congressional District, and thank you for entrusting me to revolutionize our education system, lead the Nation in clean energy development, and create an economy that prioritizes hardworking families as your next Governor. I look forward to continuing to work for you in your Roundhouse next year.

Mr. Speaker, although I yield back for the final time, I have never been more hopeful about our future and the next generation of Members who will stand here, address this Chamber, and commit to the shared values that form the foundation of progress after I am gone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. James Borrego on becoming Head Coach of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. Mr. Borrego is the first head coach of Hispanic heritage in the history of the league.

A native of Albuquerque, Mr. Borrego attended Albuquerque Academy and led the basketball team to two state championships. He went on to attend the University of San Diego, where he walked on to the team and later served as a graduate assistant coach. He earned a bachelor's degree in English as well as a master's degree in Leadership Studies.

After leaving the University of San Diego in 2003, Mr. Borrego joined the San Antonio Spurs organization, where he began as an assistant video coordinator and eventually was promoted to assistant coach. During his tenure with the Spurs, he was a part of two NBA Championship winning teams.

In 2010, Mr. Borrego moved to the New Orleans Hornets and served as an assistant coach for two seasons. He then became an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic, which included a stint as interim head coach in 2015. In 2015, Mr. Borrego returned to his original NBA team as an assistant coach for the Spurs.

Mr. Borrego has noted that his upbringing in Albuquerque taught him to value the Hispanic culture he grew up surrounded by while also appreciating the opportunity to live in such a diverse community. The people of Albuquerque are so proud that one of their own has had such an accomplished career and reached the top of the NBA's coaching ladder.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Mr. James Borrego for making history by becoming the NBA' s first Hispanic head coach. I wish him, his wife, Megan, and his children, Grace, Zachary, and Nicholas the best of luck in this new chapter of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cameron Martinez, who tragically lost his life earlier this month. Cameron is remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, generosity, and enormous personality. He was a remarkable young man and a loving brother, son, and friend. I am proud to have personally known him and honor him and his memory.

Cameron was a rising star in our community. A native of Alcalde, New Mexico, he graduated this year from Espanola Valley High School, where he was a top student and athlete. He was especially well known for his love of basketball, and his passion for the game earned him the nickname ``Space Jam Cam.'' His teammates and coaches had great admiration for his work ethic and selflessness on and off the court.

Cameron was also a gifted student who was committed to advancing his education and career. After graduating from high school, he served his country working in the Information Technology Department at Los Alamos, one of our premier National Laboratories. In this role, he collaborated with a team of professionals working on some of our most pressing national security matters, including evolving cybersecurity threats. The sky was the limit for Cameron, and our nation lost a highly capable and driven future leader. Cameron was also an aspiring entrepreneur who was working on a clothing line.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Cameron in recent months and can personally attest to his warmth, work ethic, and determination to bring positive change to the State of New Mexico. With a simple gesture like a hug, Cameron could make you feel like you were the most important person in his life. I was one of the people lucky enough to receive such a hug.

Mr. Speaker, I want to express my deepest condolences to Cameron's parents, Valerie and Urban, as well as the rest of his loved ones and the entire Espanola community. Cameron was taken from us far too young, but we will always remember him as a bright, young star in New Mexico who positively affected so many people's lives. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Diego Zamora, who lost his life after a long battle with cancer at the age of 60. Over the past three decades, Diego built a highly successful law practice in Santa Fe and was a significant figure in New Mexico's legal community.

Diego was born in New Mexico to a family with a history of success in the legal field. His father, Matias, served as a district court judge in San Miguel, Mora, and Guadalupe counties. His sister, Monica, also served as a district court judge in Albuquerque and now serves on the state Court of Appeals. His brother, Geno, serves as a Santa Fe city attorney and was previously a general counsel for Governor Bill Richardson.

Following in his father's footsteps, Diego received his law degree from Georgetown University in 1984. For decades, he had a successful law practice with a focus on personal injury, wrongful death, employment, and civil rights cases. Fighting for the little guy was his passion, and he successfully took on powerful interests time and again in order to achieve justice for his clients. In addition to his intellect and passion, he was also known for his warm personality that allowed him to connect with juries.

Diego also devoted a great deal of time to the New Mexico Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program, an organization that helps members of the legal community dealing with substance abuse issues. He took countless lawyers under his wing during difficult times and was known as a compassionate mentor for many. He was a true fighter and each challenge he overcame made him stronger. His compassion and strength defined him, especially in the face of adversity.

Mr. Speaker, I want to express my sincere condolences to all of Diego's family and loved ones. I hope they are comforted by cherished memories of Diego, and by the fact that so many in our community mourn his loss and celebrate his life with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Carlos Laate of Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico for his role in the Pueblo Pottery Mug project and his success as a Native artist.

The Pueblo Pottery Mug project started as a collaboration between five Pueblo artists and the first Pueblo-owned Starbucks in New Mexico. The mugs were first sold in 2016 at the Starbucks store in Albuquerque. Each mug was hand-crafted by a different Pueblo artist to celebrate the opening of the new store and to symbolize the collaboration between New Mexico Pueblos and Starbucks. After quickly selling out of the unique mugs--selling over 6,000 mugs--the Shumakolowa gift shop collaborated with the artists to sell mugs at their location in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Mr. Laate hails from a long line of artists in the Pueblo of Zuni. Motivated by his mother and grandmother, who were renowned potters, he has been making pottery for more than thirty years.

Mr. Laate's work finds inspiration in the ancient potsherds near his home. It was his grandparents who helped him discover meaning in the images and designs on these ancient works of art, and he strives to incorporate the metaphors, blessings, and prayers from them into his own pieces of pottery.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Carlos Laate for being a part of the Pueblo Pottery Mug project. This project has given the community, as well as visitors to New Mexico, an opportunity to appreciate usable pieces of art that are inspired by Native culture and traditions. I look forward to seeing this project continue to flourish and support talented Native artists from Pueblos throughout New Mexico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Denise Chavarria of Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico for her role in the Pueblo Pottery Mug project and her success as a Native artist.

The Pueblo Pottery Mug project started as a collaboration between five Pueblo artists and the first Pueblo-owned Starbucks in New Mexico. The mugs were first sold in 2016 at the Starbucks store in Albuquerque. Each mug was hand-crafted by a different Pueblo artist to celebrate the opening of the new store and to symbolize the collaboration between New Mexico Pueblos and Starbucks. After quickly selling out of the unique mugs--selling over 6,000 mugs--the Shumakolowa gift shop collaborated with the artists to sell mugs at their location in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Ms. Chavarria comes from a long line of artists and potters. Inspired by her family's technique, she strives to continue making pottery according to ancient methods. Using clay from the hills where she lives, she delicately carves and paints her pieces.

Ms. Chavarria utilizes traditional hand-coiling methods to craft her pottery. She uses an open fire for red pots and other Pueblo methods of production to make black-on-black designs, depending on the finish she desires.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Denise Chavarria for being a part of the Pueblo Pottery Mug project. This project has given the community, as well as visitors to New Mexico, an opportunity to appreciate usable pieces of art that are inspired by Native culture and traditions. I look forward to seeing this project continue to flourish and support talented Native artists from Pueblos throughout New Mexico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Erik Fender of San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico for his role in the Pueblo Pottery Mug project and his success as a Native artist.

The Pueblo Pottery Mug project started as a collaboration between five Pueblo artists and the first Pueblo-owned Starbucks in New Mexico. The mugs were first sold in 2016 at the Starbucks store in Albuquerque. Each mug was hand-crafted by a different Pueblo artist to celebrate the opening of the new store and to symbolize the collaboration between New Mexico Pueblos and Starbucks. After quickly selling out of the unique mugs--selling over 6,000 mugs--the Shumakolowa gift shop collaborated with the artists to sell mugs at their location in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Mr. Fender learned how to make pottery from his mother and grandmother, who are renowned potters in their own right. His work is profoundly influenced by the skills that they taught him. Hailing from a long lineage of potters and artists, Mr. Fender teaches his son the pottery traditions of his family.

Mr. Fender's work is known for experimenting with and using different designs and techniques, including traditional and contemporary styles on polychrome, black-on-black, and black-on-red carving. He adds his own personal touch when he makes his clay, texturing it and adding stones for a unique finish.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Erik Fender for being a part of the Pueblo Pottery Mug project. This project has given the community, as well as visitors to New Mexico, an opportunity to appreciate usable pieces of art that are inspired by Native culture and traditions. I look forward to seeing this project continue to flourish and support talented Native artists from Pueblos throughout New Mexico.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lisa Holt of Cochiti Pueblo in New Mexico for her role in the Pueblo Pottery Mug project and her success as a Native artist.

The Pueblo Pottery Mug project started as a collaboration between five Pueblo artists and the first Pueblo-owned Starbucks in New Mexico. The mugs were first sold in 2016 at the Starbucks store in Albuquerque. Each mug was handcrafted by a different Pueblo artist to celebrate the opening of the new store and to symbolize the collaboration between New Mexico Pueblos and Starbucks. After quickly selling out of the unique mugs--selling over 6,000 mugs--the Shumakolowa gift shop collaborated with the artists to sell mugs at their location in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

Ms. Holt comes from an illustrious family of artists and first learned the methods of making pottery from her mother. Her work is unique because it involves collaboration with an artist from another Pueblo. In this beautiful blend of culture and art, clay from her native Pueblo is sent to Santo Domingo to be painted. Ms. Holt's work typically incorporates traditional Cochiti traditions such as human and animal figures, but she has been working to expand some of these designs into more contemporary forms.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Lisa Holt for being a part of the Pueblo Pottery Mug project. This project has given the community, as well as visitors to New Mexico, an opportunity to appreciate usable pieces of art that are inspired by Native culture and traditions. I look forward to seeing this project continue to flourish and support talented Native artists from Pueblos throughout New Mexico.

I missed two votes on September 25, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 400, and YEA on Roll Call No. 401.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 402, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 403, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 404.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Lorenzo Candelaria, whose family's farm has played an integral role in our community's food system and culture for over 300 years. Mr. Candeleria is the owner of Cornelio Candelaria Organics, located in the South Valley.

Mr. Candelaria's family has lived in New Mexico for 500 years and farmed in the Atrisco Valley for seven generations over the course of 300 years. Originally, the Candeleria family farm produced crops such as corn, beans, squash, and New Mexico's world famous chiles. Mr. Candelaria has expanded to make other produce like cucumbers, melons, asparagus, and blackberries.

Mr. Candelaria has also certified his land as USDA Organic, a significant investment that illustrates his desire to pass the farm down to future generations. He uses an acequia system to irrigate his land, an especially sustainable process that restores the underground water tables. Rather than focusing on only one crop, Mr. Candelaria is committed to responsible farming practices like crop rotation, which is healthier for soil fertility.

Mr. Candelaria is also dedicated to teaching farming skills and life lessons to young people in our community. Every summer, he invites interns to work on the farm in order to learn about his responsible agricultural practices as well as how to operate the equipment. He also regularly invites student groups from local

schools to learn about agriculture and nutrition issues.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Lorenzo Candelaria for all the valuable contributions him and his family have made to our community. His organic produce has been a wonderful option for local shoppers and restaurants looking for healthy options, and his warmth and generosity have helped shape the lives of so many young people in the Albuquerque area.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Clemente Otero of Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, on his graduation from Santa Fe Indian School. Mr. Otero is 92 years old and was originally unable to receive his high school diploma because he was bravely serving our country in World War II.

Mr. Otero was one of over 100 students at Santa Fe Indian School drafted into the United States Army during World War II. Beginning in 1944, he served as a Private in a field artillery battalion in both the European and Pacific theaters. He initially served in Central Europe ahead of the liberation of Germany, and was then stationed in the Philippines until the surrender of the Japanese.

After returning home from the war, Mr. Otero worked in a variety of fields including masonry, automotive repair, and house painting. He also worked for the University of New Mexico's facilities department until his retirement in 1998.

Mr. Otero has five children, seven grandchildren, ten great- grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. It was one of Mr. Otero's children, Grace Baca, who initially applied for her father's high school diploma through the Department of Veterans Affairs' Operation Recognition. This wonderful program recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War and were therefore unable to receive their high school diplomas when they were younger.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Mr. Clemente Otero on receiving his high school diploma. Mr. Clemente represents what makes our state and our nation so exceptional, and his brave service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gillie Castillo, whose career included service to our country as well as to the City of Albuquerque. Mr. Castillo is a beloved member of our community filled with unconditional love who makes friends everywhere he goes.

Born in Valencia, New Mexico in 1934, Mr. Castillo joined the Navy in 1952 and served during the Korean War as well as in the years that followed. Part of his service took place on the USS Randolph, an Essex- Class aircraft carrier. Mr. Castillo completed his service in 1955, but to this day he remains deeply proud to be a veteran and appreciative of his opportunity to serve our country.

After returning home from the Navy, Mr. Castillo married Cathy Apodaca, who he met at a dance in 1954. The couple has been married for 63 years and has six children, 11 grandchildren, and 17 great- grandchildren. Mr. Castillo attends St. Anne Catholic Church in Albuquerque.

For years, Mr. Castillo worked for the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department. He began at the Los Altos Golf Course and went on to serve as a supervisor at the Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course, retiring in 1988. He also supervised the building of the Puerto Del Oso Golf Course. Mr. Castillo's work led him to develop a love for golf, and he often played five to seven times per week.

Mr. Castillo's passion for staying physically active also extended beyond golf. He was the coach of many of his son's baseball teams and attended all of his grandchildren's softball games. He also played and umpired in many senior softball leagues himself.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States and the City Albuquerque, I want to thank Mr. Gillie Castillo for his valuable service to our country and community, as well as for his friendship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Shelley Unser, who passed away last week at the age of 59. Shelley was one of our community's most prominent philanthropists who touched the lives of countless individuals with her warmth and generosity.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Shelley moved to New Mexico in the 1980s and raised her children there, quickly becoming a fixture in the Albuquerque community. When one of her children, Cody, became paralyzed from Transverse Myelitis, Shelley established the Cody Unser First Step Foundation to fund research, public awareness campaigns, and other assistance for people suffering from spinal cord-related paralysis. One of the many ways the foundation helps people suffering from paralysis is by giving them access to scuba diving. A passionate diver herself, Shelley established Cody's Great Scuba Adventure, which allows paralyzed individuals to go on diving excursions as a therapeutic tool.

In addition to her work with the foundation, Shelley was also an active member of the IndyCar community, hosting segments for various television networks. She also volunteered extensively with the Championship Auto Racing Auxiliary, a philanthropic group associated with the racing circuit.

Mr. Speaker, I want to express my sincere condolences to all of Shelley's loved ones including her children, Al, Cody, Shannon, and Joey, as well as her brother, Scott. I hope they are comforted by cherished memories of Shelley and by the fact that so many in our community mourn her loss and celebrate her life with them.