Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 474.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Diwali, a festival of lights celebrating the Hindu New Year. Originating in India, Diwali is the largest and one of the most important celebrations observed within the Hindu religion. Diwali's festival of lights symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali festivities include deep cleaning and extensive decorating of office buildings, temples, and homes. The celebration begins by lighting clay lamps in temple windows in honor of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth. Traditional Indian feasts take place with friends and loved ones, during which, sweets and presents are prepared and shared.

The significance of this event is not exclusive to India. Today, where there are Hindus they honor their traditions and observe this important day. Here in Colorado, for example, we have a thriving and growing Hindu community. The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies also known as the Hindu Temple of Colorado located in the City of Centennial, and the 6th Congressional District exemplifies this.

It is with great pride that I join all in recognizing Chairman Ved Nanda, President Sudhir Verma, Vice President Sridhar Talanki and Board Members: Arjun Sen, Mahesh Anandan, Anshuman Purohit, Asha Vasant, Deepak Malhotra, Madhu Bhat, Rajesh Agarwal, Rajesh Kaul, Ravi Raj, Reva Nayar, Sanjai Natesan, Sony Das; and volunteers Rahul Mirchand, Poonam Kakkar, Satish Kumar, and Suresh Lakkaraju.

I wish them and all the Temple's members well as they celebrate Diwali.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of my dear friend, Dr. Barbara Shannon-Banister. She will retire from her position as the Chief of the Community Relations Division for the City of Aurora on December 31, 2018.

Dr. Shannon-Banister is a truly dedicated civil servant whose work over the length of her career has significantly benefitted my hometown of Aurora, Colorado, and the greater Denver Metropolitan area. In 1989, Dr. Shannon-Banister co-founded the Metro Community Provider Network (MCPN), which is the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides primary care and other health-related services for the medically underserved not only in the City of Aurora but also for areas outside of Aurora.

As a fierce advocate for civil rights, Dr. Shannon-Banister also worked to bring the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to Aurora, where she was instrumental in starting a new NAACP chapter in 1991. Her efforts gave the residents of Aurora, Colorado's third largest and most diverse city, an organization that fully understood the need to protect and advance the cause of civil rights.

A true icon of our community, she is also President and chief executive officer of the non-profit foundation, Grand Design Inc. , that works to preserve African American culture through community outreach, hosting concerts, and visual arts performances.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Barbara Shannon-Banister represents the very best in public service that the State of Colorado and our nation has to offer. I thank her and commend her for her decades of tireless and inspirational leadership on behalf of all of us in our community, our state, and our nation. I wish her all the best of luck and a wonderful and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the President and co-founder of the Denver Chinese School, Huiliang Liu. President Huiliang Liu has overseen the growth of the school from a single room class in 1998 to its current size of three different campuses in the Denver metropolitan area with over four hundred students. Huiliang Liu is truly an icon in our community and it is my honor to recognize him in the United States House of Representatives.

President Huiliang Liu's work has made the difference in the lives of countless Chinese-American students as they gain a greater appreciation and understanding of their ancestor's historical homeland, and thereby contributing to the cultural fabric of our community.

The Denver Chinese School provides courses and programs that serve to enlighten the community with educational and cultural enrichment. The Denver Chinese School organizes the largest Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration held in the State of Colorado.

Throughout his 20 years of dedicated service, President Huiliang Liu has guided the Denver Chinese School to be the excellent organization and valuable asset to the State of Colorado that it is today. I look forward to and wish Huiliang Liu and the Denver Chinese School nothing but continued success in its future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Great Wall Chinese Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. On Sundays, classes on Chinese language and culture, to include fitness classes, are taught at the Great Wall Chinese Academy to serve the entire Denver Metropolitan area. It is my honor to recognize the achievements of this vital part of our community here in the United States House of Representatives.

Originally founded in 2004, the Great Wall Chinese Academy offers classes to students of all ages, as well as adults, in various subjects, from Chinese dances and martial arts, to sports and educational tutoring. Every class is open to students from all backgrounds as the Great Wall Chinese School strives to achieve its mission of, ``preparing our students to better face tomorrow's challenges by offering Chinese language lessons, cultural enrichment, and life-long skill training, all in an environment that promotes positivity, encouragement and sense of community.''

I would also like to recognize President and co-founder Dongqing Wei, and Principal and co-founder Shaomei Cheng for all their work at the Great Wall Chinese Academy. Their leadership has guided the Great Wall Chinese Academy to be an excellent school, and valuable asset to the state of Colorado that it is today. I look forward to and wish the Great Wall Chinese Academy continued success in its future.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise today to recognize Downtown Aurora isual Arts. This non-profit organization located in my hometown of Aurora, Colorado provides art education courses for students of all ages. Originally founded in 1993, Downtown Aurora Visual Arts has become a place for children and young people to fuel their creativity and to develop character through an artistic avenue.

For the younger artists, Downtown Aurora Visual Arts' OASIS Studio program introduces them to pottery, sculpture, and a variety of other art projects. Doing so allows their imagination to grow. The development of imagination is incredibly important to the overall development of children. Such programs are especially important after school and during the summer months when children are not in school.

Another program, `Job Training in the Arts' familiarizes middle and high school students with the critical workforce skills needed to succeed in a real job. It emphasizes teamwork, respect, personal responsibility, and the development of problem-solving skills in the workplace. The programs that Downtown Aurora Visual Arts provides promote positive youth development and encourage students to address issues and concepts that personally impact them.

I am very proud to note that Downtown Aurora Visual Arts was awarded the 2014 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. This award serves as the nation's highest honor for out-of-school arts and humanities programs focused on America's young people. Additionally, I would like to recognize the leadership of the Executive Director Susan Jenson who was awarded 2018 Arts and Society Award from the Bonfils Stanton Foundation.

Organizations like Downtown Aurora Visual Arts help make the city of Aurora, and our greater community the wonderful place it is today. I am honored to salute Downtown Aurora Visual Arts' achievements and look forward to its continued success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Hougen. Recently the Denver Business Journal recognized Kevin with its 2018 Most Admired Chief Executive Officer honor. This prestigious award is given only to those with a proven record of innovation, who act as a standard-bearer for their organization, as a community role model, and exert exceptional leadership within their organization and the community. I am proud to see Kevin Hougen receive this award for his more than two decades of dedicated service to my hometown of Aurora, Colorado.

Kevin Hougen's leadership with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce began 22 years ago when he was first hired as its Vice President of Sales. Since 1999, Kevin Hougen has served as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Kevin's leadership and business acumen has played a key role in the tremendous growth and economic success the city of Aurora has experienced since then as it has grown to become the third largest city in the State of Colorado.

Kevin Hougen has led the Aurora Chamber of Commerce through difficult challenges such as the ``Great Recession'' and to new and exciting triumphs such as the agreement with Denver and Adams County on the development of the ``Aerotropolis.'' Critically, his leadership has proved crucial to enhancing community support efforts for Buckley Air Force Base. I do not believe any base located in a major metropolitan area receives more consistent or stronger community support than does Buckley Air Force Base.

Kevin Hougen has also led the Chamber's efforts to make Aurora a better place to live and to do business. He has done so by facilitating support for the expansion and creation of new roadways and the light rail line that now serve the City of Aurora. He has also rallied the business community to become more involved with the local schools, which are so important to the long-term economic strength of the City of Aurora.

Mr. Speaker, my hometown city of Aurora would not be the driving force of innovation, development, and economic opportunity it is today without Kevin Hougen. I look forward to seeing his successes and those of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce continue well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Libby Germano, Kenna Gifford, and Nicole Simos for their hard work and dedication to the people of Colorado's Sixth District as interns in my Washington, D.C. office for the autumn of the 115th Congress, Second Session.

The work of these young professionals has been nothing short of exemplary. During their time in my office, Libby, Kenna, and Nicole served as tour guides, interacted with constituents, conducted legislative research and learned a great deal about the United States Congress. I know they all have especially bright futures ahead of them and I look forward to seeing them build their prospective careers.

All three of these impeccable interns have made plans to continue their educational careers throughout the United States. I am certain they will continue in their great success and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Libby Germano, Kenna Gifford, and Nicole Simos for their service this autumn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Asian Pacific Development Center, a community based non-profit organization that was founded to serve Asian American Pacific Islanders, but now extends its services to all immigrant and refugee communities in the Aurora/Denver metro area. The Asian Pacific Development Center has done so now for nearly four decades.

The influx of refugees and immigrants from the Asia Pacific region into Colorado shortly after the end of the Vietnam War was the impetus for the creation of the Asian Pacific Development Center. These new arrivals in Colorado faced challenges overcoming language barriers and mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. To address these challenges, the Asian Pacific Development Center was founded in 1980, staffed with social workers, attorneys, psychologists and psychiatrists.

Today the Asian Pacific Development Center does much more. In fact, it serves as a ``one-stop'' shop offering compassionate care and an array of other services to immigrants and refugees such as English as a second language instruction. The Asian Pacific Development Center strives to provide all these services in a culturally appropriate manner. These support services strengthen the health and wellbeing of immigrants who are transitioning into life in Colorado.

A key factor in the effective delivery of all these services is the Asian Pacific Development Center's Executive Director Harry Budisidharta. He has done a remarkable job and has become a very well- respected leader, not only for the Asian Pacific Development Center, but of our entire community. I am proud that the Asian Pacific Development Center is located in my hometown of Aurora, Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Diwali, a festival of lights celebrating the Hindu New Year. Originating in India, Diwali is the largest and one of the most important celebrations observed within the Hindu religion. Diwali's festival of lights symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali festivities include deep cleaning and extensive decorating of office buildings, temples, and homes. The celebration begins by lighting clay lamps in temple windows in honor of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth. Traditional Indian feasts take place with friends and loved ones, during which, sweets and presents are prepared and shared.

The significance of this event is not exclusive to India. Today, where there are Hindus they honor their traditions and observe this important day. Here in Colorado, for example, we have a thriving and growing Hindu community. The Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies located in the City of Littleton and the 6th Congressional District exemplifies this.

It is with great pride that I join all in recognizing President Sudhir Verma and Vice President Sridhar Talanki of the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies also known as the Hindu Temple of Colorado, and I wish them and all the Temple's members, well as they celebrate Diwali.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Aurora Interfaith Community Services, a non-profit agency that has created a remarkable legacy. The Aurora Interfaith Community Services has provided compassion and care to those in need

within the Aurora community since its inception in 1968.

In 1968, Aurora's first community service agency was created then by a group of women and several church organizations. These pioneers recognized the needs of the less fortunate members of our community, and they created this remarkable organization to address those needs. Back then, Aurora Interfaith Community Services initiated the collection of food, clothing, and other supplies for distribution. The Aurora Interfaith Community Services still provides these services today.

I would also like to recognize the executive director, Judith M. Barrow, Ph.D., and the volunteers and staff of the Aurora Interfaith Community Service. I congratulate them and their predecessors for all they have done for Aurora over the past 50 years and I look forward to seeing how Aurora Interfaith Community Services will continue to serve those in need for the next 50 years.

It is an honor to recognize all for their dedicated service to our entire community in Aurora, Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week, I rise today to recognize the Comitis Crisis Center. Since 1970, Comitis has faithfully served over 100,000 individuals, including veterans and their families. Comitis has assisted them with transitional housing, emergency shelter, and taught them the skills they need to become self-sufficient. These services have resulted in permanent and safe housing for many of our fellow Americans.

Comitis Crisis Center's accomplishments in 2017 include serving over 4,000 individuals. The scale of the work Comitis performs is truly impressive. It prepared 138,000 meals, assembled 11,000 hygiene kits, and provided 50,000 overnight beds. Not only does this center give aide to the homeless, it also provides a 24/7 emergency shelter, as well as a variety of programs supporting individuals recovering from addiction, trauma, and mental health issues.

This past year, I introduced H.R. 4099, the ``Homeless Veteran Families Act.'' H.R. 4099 is a bill targeted at combating homelessness for veterans, and their dependent minors and the inspiration for this bill was the great work for homeless veterans with dependent minors that the Comitis Crisis Center does. H.R. 4099 aims to assist community agencies, like the Comitis Crisis Center, expand and better cope with the problems faced by homeless veterans with minor dependents, as well as ensuring them safe shelter during their times of hardship.

Mr. Speaker, during National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week, it is my pleasure to honor the Comitis Crisis Center, and its dedicated staff. The Comitis Crisis Center ensures that everyone who walks through its doors is provided with sufficient resources, dignity, and the respect they deserve. I am confident the Comitis Crisis Center will continue as a force for good in our community, as it has done for the past 48 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Dick Robinson who is to receive the Distinction Award from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation's Rocky Mountain Chapter on October 10th, 2018.

I have had the privilege of knowing Dick for many years. His story is truly a remarkable one. A fourth generation Colorado resident, he is a graduate of Colorado State University and has dedicated most of his life to bettering our state and community through countless charitable and community projects; while during much of that time maintaining his family's dairy business alongside his brother. Mr. Robinson embodies a spirit of service, recognized throughout the state of Colorado.

Dick Robinson began his career of service in the U.S. Army, earning a Silver Star,

Bronze Star, and Purple Heart, while leading troops as an artillery officer during the Korean War. Upon his return home to Colorado, he, along with his brother, turned Robinson Dairy into a nationally regarded business. After selling it in 1999, Dick Robinson became the Co-Founder of the Dean Foods Denver operation. Throughout his successful business career, he has also taken on many additional responsibilities. These have included, serving as the chair of charities such as the Milk Processor's Education Program, the Denver Area Council Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Denver Chamber of Commerce, the Rose Community Foundation as well as many other organizations to better our community. Some of his other commitments include the boards of the Denver Art Museum, HCA-HealthONE, and Regis University.

Dick Robinson's spirit of service is invaluable in the Denver Metro area where he has been so active, and it is in the spirit of this service that he is celebrated by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Distinction Award. Congratulations to Dick Robinson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th anniversary of St. Mary's Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church located in my home town of Aurora, Colorado. This landmark anniversary is a significant milestone as St. Mary's is not only an important religious institution, it is an important part of our community.

I am proud to represent the largest Ethiopian community in the State of Colorado in the United States House of Representatives. These Ethiopian immigrants are welcome and valued members of our community. They have opened small businesses, become homeowners, and become vital members of our

community. St. Mary's is an important foundation in the lives of these Ethiopian-Americans where they can to come together, as promised in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to practice their shared faith and help those within their community in times of need.

St. Mary's became the first Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Colorado when it was established in 1993. The church has experienced both triumphs and setbacks, but it has nevertheless always maintained its commitment to the community and willingness to serve. This is why St. Mary's continues to grow and thrive as its members celebrate their successes, their sorrow, and support in time of distress.

I offer my warmest and best wishes to the people and the leadership of St. Mary's Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church on their 25th anniversary. I know St. Mary's will continue to grow, to thrive, to serve its members, and to be a part of our community that is both a welcoming and diverse place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary work of the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, who left his post on September 1. His tireless efforts enabled him to become a voice for those who found themselves defenseless against those who abuse the human rights of others in order to gain and maintain power.

High Commissioner Zeid was very helpful during the debate over the passage of H. Res. 128, supporting respect for human rights and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia. He not only publicly endorsed the resolution, but sent a representative during the critical negotiations to bring H. Res. 128 to the floor of the United States House of Representatives for a vote.

Mr. Speaker, former United Nations High Commissioner Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein will forever be remembered by the Ethiopian people for his role in the passage of H. Res. 128.