Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mike Andrew Leprino. Mike passed away on August 30th, and leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, and community service. He truly lived the American dream. His loss will be greatly felt in our community, as well as across Colorado, California, and the United States.

Mike was the son of Italian immigrants who came to the United States in 1914. Eventually settling in Colorado, the Leprino's opened a small Italian grocery store in 1950 where they sold a variety of cheeses, in the style of their native Italy. While chain grocery stores competition caused their small business to close, the Leprino's did not despair, instead they came up with a new way to thrive by entering the newly booming market of cheese for pizzas. Soon their new company, Leprino Foods, began to grow exponentially.

Mike was a pillar in the Denver community. A banker, developer and community servant. Some of the greatest treasures and neighborhoods in our state were built and funded by Mike. He gave back relentlessly to his state and country, something that he also instilled in each of his children.

Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better example of the American dream, than that of Mike, and his parent's before him. They always remained optimists and Mike is someone who from humble beginnings built an enviable legacy in our state. We can all take a lesson in hard work, determination, and the entrepreneurial spirit from Mike Leprino. He is preceded in death by his wife Joan, son Michael, sister Ange Testa, and brother Lou. Mike is survived by his wife Suzy, daughters; Laurie Leprino, Nancy Leprino, and Mary Leprino. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, sister Marie Videtto and brother Jim Leprino. Those of us who were fortunate enough to know Mike and his indomitable optimism and spirit will miss him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize BLR Elder Care on the celebration of its 10th Anniversary. BLR Elder Care is a non-profit organization located in the City of Aurora, Colorado and is in Colorado's 6th Congressional District, which I have the honor of representing here in the United States House of Representatives. BLR Elder Care seeks to provide a dignified, meaningful life to the homeless elderly population in Ethiopia. It does so by providing basic necessities to elderly Ethiopians who are in need. The generosity of BLR Elder Care serves as a beacon of hope and a source of compassion for the elderly needy in Africa.

In recent years, the founder and President of BLR Elder Care, Mamay Worku, has also started a program focused on helping African Women immigrants here in Colorado. Mamay Worku has done so by creating the Women of Africa Alliance for Solutions (WAAS). Through WAAS, she has created an effective platform to advocate for educational opportunities, economic independence and to build synergy among the diverse African immigrant communities.

Mamay Worku, immigrated to the United States in 1989. She has tirelessly served the African immigrant community here in Colorado and those in need in her native country of Ethiopia. It is my honor to recognize all of her hard work as well as all the supporters of BLR Elder Care for their continuing assistance for these two remarkable organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 208th Anniversary of Mexican Independence and the 125th Anniversary of the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver.

In October 1893, Mexican President Porfirio Diaz appointed Mr. Casemiro Barela as the first Consul General of Mexico in Denver, Colorado. This moment marked the beginning of the long and rewarding relationship between the people of Colorado and Mexico. I am proud to offer this recognition of this important day for the Mexico-United States relationship, but also for the Mexico-Colorado relationship, here in the United States House of Representatives. Not only is Mexico an important neighbor, but it is also one of our nation's greatest trading partners and closest friends.

Mexico is home to a hardworking and caring people. Through the generations, we have seen the Mexican people exemplify resiliency and courage leading to the development of their country. Mexico is a country of great culture, which has positively influenced the United States and its citizens for the better. The United States is home to a large Mexican-American community, and their contributions have undoubtedly made our nation stronger.

I am pleased to recognize the 208th Anniversary of Mexican Independence and to mark the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Mexican consulate here in Colorado. I look forward to the continued success of our southern neighbor and to watching the bond between our two nations grow stronger.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Aberra Molla on his achievements in computerizing the Ethiopic or Ga'ez alphabet.

Dr. Aberra Molla is a scientist, inventor, and pioneer in the computerization of the Ethiopic alphabet. Dr. Molla invented a method for Ethiopians to render their language, which contains more than 564 Unicode glyphs, accurately on a computer, using, at most, two keystrokes per character. He now owns two U.S. patents for his invention of this unique system.

I am grateful for Dr. Aberra Molla's contribution to the Ethiopian people in Ethiopia, in Colorado, and throughout the rest of the world. His hard work and ingenuity has enabled Ethiopians to use their language and alphabets effectively and efficiently on the standard size keyboards that are synonymous with today's technology. Additionally, I would like to thank Dr. Molla for making his invention available to the general public to use free of charge, improving the everyday lives of all Ethiopians.

I have the honor of representing the largest Ethiopian community living in Colorado in my Congressional District and deeply appreciate the value of Dr. Molla's invention to them. Further, it has been my pleasure to get to know Dr. Molla through the years and I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize him on the House floor here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5515, the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. I wish to thank Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith, Chairman McCain, Senator Inhofe, and Ranking Member Reed for their leadership throughout the conferencing of this bill. The bill contains a number of significant policy and funding initiatives that continue our commitment to maintaining military personnel and family readiness.

To that end, this bill:

Increases end strength across the Services and reserve components allowing the military services to increase mission readiness while reducing strain on service members and their families;

Extends pay and bonuses for service members in high demand fields, providing the military services with necessary tools to attract and retain critical talent;

Improves the Transition Assistance Program to ensure that service members who are leaving the military receive training and resources tailored to their post-military career plans;

Requires a comprehensive review of wounded warrior care and mental health care services, ensuring the highest possible quality of care to those who have sacrificed for our nation;

The bill also continues to provide oversight of critical issues, including additional protections for victims of sexual harassment, improvements to the Department of Defense's process for reporting crimes to the FBI database, and the establishment of a Department of Defense prescription drug monitoring program to share information with state drug monitoring programs.

In conclusion, I want to thank my fellow conferees for their contributions to this truly bi-partisan conference report, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the installation of the 7/20 Memorial in the city of Aurora. This memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives, the wounded, and the countless families impacted by the theater shooting tragedy.

On July 20th, 2012, 13 members of our community were killed and 70 more were injured when a lone gunman senselessly opened fire in a crowded movie theater. This crime devastated our community, the families who lost loved ones, as well as those who suffered lifelong injuries.

On July 27, 2018, the city of Aurora is dedicating a memorial designed by the world renown artist, Douwe Blumberg. Mr. Blumberg's piece is titled: Ascentiate. The sculpture displays 83 cranes outstretched in flight to represent the victims of the shooting. Thirteen clear cranes in the middle of the garden represent those who lost their lives.

This memorial is designed to provide comfort for those in need. Let us all remember this tragedy by recognizing the 7/20 Memorial and the memorial foundation for commemorating the victims and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 6th Annual Taste of Ethiopia. This yearly occasion celebrates and recognizes Colorado's Ethiopian immigrant community. The event encompasses an array of Ethiopian music, foods, arts, crafts, games and dances, creating an environment of cultural immersion. The event truly highlights the many wonderful and positive contributions our fellow Americans of Ethiopian descent make to better our community. Best of all, the event is designed to welcome everyone and every year more and more of our neighbors come to enjoy, experience, and learn more about the fascinating and deeply historic Ethiopian culture.

I am proud to represent the largest Ethiopian community in the State of Colorado in the United States House of Representatives. The Ethiopian community's dedication to work, family, and education truly exemplifies the values that strengthen our nation. I have had the privilege of attending the past Taste of Ethiopia events, and it is an honor for me to again take part in the festivities.

I would like to again offer my sincere congratulations to the organizers and volunteers of the Taste of Ethiopia for their dedication to promoting Ethiopian culture in the State of Colorado. Therefore, I include in the Record their names:

1. Fikru Ayele.

2. Girum Alemayehu.

3. Nebiyu Asfaw.

4. Bizuayehu Sebsebe.

5. Sofia Belew.

6. Adanech Dembel.

7. Yalemwork Tekola.

8. Senait Ketema.

9. Tilahun Dessie.

10. Selam Ayele.

11. Aynalem Mamo.

12. Helen Tekle.

13. Sossena Dagne.

14. Yohannes Mengistu.

15. Aschalew Agonafer.

16. Mequanent Mekuria.

17. Mahder Mengiste.

18. Admasu Chekole.

19. Elizabeth Moltot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the fifth annual Global Fest, hosted by the City of Aurora, Colorado. The office of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, as well as the office of International and Immigrant Affairs work tirelessly every year to showcase the diverse cultures of the city's residents, and I am proud to recognize their achievements in the House of Representatives.

The City of Aurora owns the title of Colorado's most diverse city and has a population of over 366,000, which makes it the third largest city in the state. Aurora includes about 70,000 immigrants and refugees who speak over 130 languages spoken and represent more than 140 different countries of origin. Global Fest is a wonderful opportunity for all Aurorans to share their rich cultural history with each other and those who come to participate from throughout Colorado.

Global Fest is a fully immersive cultural experience. Attendees sample diverse foods, listen to live music, discover traditional arts and view a range of cultural performances. At the festival, Coloradans can observe a variety cultural items and practices. They are also able to see the `Parade of Nations' where representatives of an estimated 40 countries will march together carrying their respective flags from their countries of origin to demonstrate the multi-cultural spirit of the city.

Mr. Speaker, in my many years as an Aurora resident, I have had the privilege to witness its development from a small suburb of Denver into the bustling multicultural hub of economic activity it is today. The city embodies the melting pot that our nation rightfully idealizes. This is why Aurora is a special place. Global Fest is the singular annual event that best symbolizes what makes Aurora a remarkable city that I am proud to represent in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2018 Sister Cities International Annual Conference. For 2018, the conference will take place in my hometown of Aurora, Colorado, from the 2nd to the 4th of August. This is both Aurora's and Colorado's first time hosting this important international conference. I look forward to participating in it as a guest and as a speaker.

First established in 1984, the Sister Cities International Annual Conference joins together numerous government officials, national leaders, business leaders, and diplomats for dialogue on many important global issues. The focus of this year's conference is Cities Leading the Way. It will showcase how, ``in an era of unrest, cities across the globe are leading efforts to create smarter, healthier, more inclusive, and more innovative communities.''

I am proud to attend this prestigious event and look forward to observing how its participants will offer ideas on how to resolve important global issues and promote cross-cultural dialogue at the highest level. Colorado is a world leader in a variety of fields, including agriculture, energy, medical research, natural resources, and tourism. There are numerous tours and guest speakers Colorado will provide to inform and assist the participants as they develop ideas and solutions. I am confident that all will look back upon the conclusion of the conference and recognize that Aurora was a wonderful place to meet.

The Conference made the decision to award the 2018 event to Aurora thanks to the efforts of many, but I want to note particularly the leadership of my late friend and Aurora's biggest booster, Mayor Stephen Hogan. I know it would have meant a great deal to Mayor Hogan to have participated in and to have opened this conference. I am confident that Aurora's new Mayor, Bob LeGare, will ensure that it will be a great success. Finally, I wish to recognize the work of Sister Cities International led by Board Chair, Tim Quigley, and Aurora Sister Cities International led by Board Chair, Dr. Christopher Ward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Delaney Devine, Will Sherman, Hayden Smith, and Jordanne Stobbs-Vergara for their hard work and dedication to the people of Colorado's Sixth District as interns in my Washington, D.C. office for the summer of the 115th Congress, Second Session.

The work of these young professionals has been nothing short of exemplary. During their time in my office, Delaney, Will, Hayden, and Jordanne 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 four 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 Delaney Devine, Will Sherman, Hayden Smith, and Jordanne Stobbs-Vergara for their service this summer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the installation of the 7/20 Memorial in the City of Aurora. This memorial is dedicated to those who lost their lives, the wounded, and the countless families impacted by the theater shooting tragedy.

On July 20, 2012, thirteen members of our community were killed and seventy more were injured when a lone gunman senselessly opened fire in a crowded movie theater. The crime devastated our community, the families who lost loved ones, as well as those who suffered lifelong injuries. Aurora was a city in grief.

Out of this tragedy some good has come. To start, our first responders and caregivers admirably aided those physically and mentally injured. Our community also came together and has continued to support those impacted on that terrible day. Now on July 27, 2018, the City of Aurora is dedicating a memorial designed by the world-renowned artist Douwe Blumberg. Mr. Blumberg's piece entitled ``Ascentiate'' is located in a memorial garden added to the City of Aurora's Municipal Water-wise Garden. The sculpture displays eighty three cranes outstretched in flight to represent the victims of the shooting. Thirteen clear cranes in the middle of the garden represent those who lost their lives. This memorial is designed to provide comfort to those in need.

I also want to acknowledge the efforts and commitment of 7/20 Memorial Foundation which made this day possible: Board Officers: Theresa Hoover, Heather Dearman, Rena Medek Tiina Coon, Heather Bailey and Board Members: Bill Hoover, Terry Sullivan, Megan Sullivan-Jenks, and Jansen Young.

Let us all remember this tragedy by recognizing the 7/20 Memorial Foundation for commemorating the victims and their families.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise today to acknowledge the exceptional career of Colonel John Wagner, United States Air Force. Colonel Wagner is retiring after a dedicated career of military service to our nation. Colonel Wagner exemplifies the qualities of a great leader with a culminating assignment as the United States Air Force Chair and Military Professor at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. His truly outstanding leadership has contributed greatly to our nation, and it is no doubt that Colonel Wagner's retirement is well earned.

Colonel Wagner's career began at the United States Air Force Academy where he graduated with a degree in Astronautical Engineering in 1991. Subsequently he has had a distinguished career dedicated to our nation's space operations. He is also a graduate of the United States Air Force Institute of Technology, the School of Advanced Air & Space Studies, the Air Command and Staff College, the Air War College and the National War College.

I had the good fortune to meet Colonel Wagner during his tenure as dual commander of the 460th Space Wing and Buckley Air Force Base. Buckley Air Force Base is located in Aurora, Colorado, which I have the honor of representing here in the United States House of Representatives. Colonel Wagner performed exceptionally as the base and wing commander. Some of his key accomplishments include completing the new Block 10 Ground Control System for the Space-Based Infrared System and Defense Support System. Colonel Wagner also worked tirelessly to enhance the health and welfare of those serving on the base by obtaining the funding and approval to develop adequate on base primary medical care facilities. In particular, Colonel Wagner's command time is notable for his broad vision and implementation of the ``Team Buckley'' concept where the needs of all of the many tenants on the base received his full attention. Most emblematic of this was his support for the Colorado Air National Guard's Compatible Use Buffer Project which plays a key role in protecting the base's flying mission from the threat of encroachment.

Mr. Speaker, Colonel Wagner has led by example throughout his career as a space operator, as a commander and as an instructor. His career as a military leader can serve as an inspiration to all Americans. I thank him for his contribution to the security of our nation and I wish him all the best as he retires from the United States Air Force.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the groundbreaking for the Stephen D. ``Steve'' Hogan Parkway in Aurora, Colorado. Named in honor of Aurora's Mayor Steve Hogan, who sadly passed away on May 13, 2018, this parkway represents a long awaited major improvement and expansion of Aurora, Colorado's Sixth Avenue. The parkway is fittingly named to honor the life of this well-loved public servant, who I was fortunate enough to call a friend.

The parkway's design was finalized in February of 2017, and completion is scheduled to occur prior to the end of 2019. This expansion of Sixth Avenue will greatly facilitate east/west mobility in Aurora and provide substantial safety and congestion improvements at the 6th Avenue entrance to Buckley Air Force Base.

Throughout his time serving the citizens of Aurora as a state legislator, as a member of Aurora City Council, and as its Mayor, Steve Hogan tirelessly worked on behalf of the citizens of the City of Aurora. During his time in elected office, Aurora has grown from a medium sized suburb of Denver to become Colorado's third largest city with a full range of amenities, services, and its own distinct identity.

The Stephen D. Hogan parkway will symbolize his lasting legacy as a public servant. I am pleased that this vital transportation project will do so much for Aurora, the wonderful city that Mayor Hogan loved, by bringing it new growth and economic opportunities.

Steve Hogan was truly a model citizen and a great mayor of my hometown. It is my honor to take this opportunity to commemorate, here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, this important event in the legacy and the life of Mayor Steve Hogan.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2147, the Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act.

For many veterans, the transition from military service has been successful, with few challenges. However, that is not the case for all veterans.

Unfortunately, for some veterans, the integration into civilian life has been met with difficulties, complications, and being caught up in the criminal justice system, often due to undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues attributed to multiple combat tours.

The Veteran Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018, H.R. 2147, assists criminal justice-involved veterans in getting the help they need to navigate the justice system and receive much-needed services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

H.R. 2147 authorizes the Secretary of VA to hire an additional 50 Veteran Justice Outreach specialists to support the existing VA Veteran Justice Outreach program.

The veteran treatment court model helps prevent the unnecessary incarceration of veterans who have suffered mental health issues, substance abuse, and homelessness related to the military service.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2147 to better meet the needs of the program and provide much-needed services to more veterans in need.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 4635, the Peer-2-Peer Counseling Act.

Currently, women veterans represent over 9 percent of our Nation's veterans, and that number is expected to increase to 15 percent by the year 2030. As more women veterans utilize VA healthcare, it is critical for the VA to update and improve services for women veterans. One area that warrants our particular attention for improved services is VA mental health counseling services for women veterans.

An alarming statistic from VA's 2016 suicide data report noted that the ``risk of suicide was 2.4 times higher among female veterans when compared with civilian adult females,'' and it also noted ``rates of suicide increased more among women than men in the same study.''

Unfortunately, many women veterans have experienced sexual trauma and PTSD while serving in the military. Some women veterans are suffering from other mental health conditions from multiple combat tours of duty and are at risk of suicide and becoming homeless.

The Peer-2-Peer Counseling Act addresses these issues by requiring the Secretary of the VA to ensure a sufficient number of volunteer peer support counselors are available to facilitate peer-to-peer counseling and assist women veterans with gender-specific care and services.

H.R. 4635 will increase access to vital mental health opportunities within the VA for women veterans. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Peer-2-Peer Counseling Act to better serve the growing women veteran population.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4635 to better meet the needs of the program and provide needed services to many more veterans.

I will mention one other bill that just passed the House, H.R. 2147, the Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act, which builds upon a very successful program that essentially provides VA liaisons or veteran justice outreach program officers within these veteran treatment courts that facilitate VA services, whether drug and alcohol, mental health, or other services, to veterans who would otherwise be incarcerated. They have fallen into the criminal justice system often related to their military service, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health disorders, where they have problems adjusting from military life to civilian life.

What this program does is provide rehabilitative services in court for our veterans. With the VA in support, it keeps these veterans at a very successful rate. I think in the 18th Judicial District in my congressional district, the veterans court has a 73 percent success rate in keeping these veterans out of the criminal justice system by providing VA rehabilitative services for them. I think an expansion of this program is so important.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for having passed this bill unanimously just previously today.