Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fifth anniversary of the Colorado Freedom Memorial, its President and Founder, Rick Crandall, and his wife, and its cofounder, Diane Crandall. This monument to our fallen heroes, located in Aurora, Colorado, provides all Coloradans the opportunity to come and pay their respects for the greatest sacrifice that our men and women in uniform can give.

The Colorado Freedom Memorial, which holds over 6,000 names, first opened in 2013 and is the first memorial in the United States that pays respect to members of the military who have served in any of America's wars from the State of Colorado. For this year's fifth anniversary, the memorial will be dedicating a new flag pole, holding a tribute for the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, and unveiling a new exhibit which contains soil from eight American cemeteries overseas where Coloradans lie who never made it home.

The anniversary of the memorial is especially fitting as we observe Memorial Day and pay homage to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives on behalf of our nation. I am proud to have this memorial located in my district and would like to recognize cofounders Rick and Diane Crandall. Their leadership and dedication to our veterans is truly admirable, and I thank them for all of their work.

Mr. Speaker, it is, and always will be an honor to pay homage to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation and our American freedoms, and I salute the Colorado Freedom Memorial for allowing all to visit and pay their respects.

Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 224.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

The bill contains a variety of significant policy funding initiatives that continue our commitment to maintaining military personnel and family readiness and addresses issues important to our men and women in uniform.

The provisions contained in this bill provide our warfighters, retirees, and their families with pay and benefits necessary to sustain them in today's highly stressed force.

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 servicemembers and their families.

It extends pay and bonuses to servicemembers in high-demand fields, providing the military services with the necessary tools to attract and retain critical talent.

It improves the Transition Assistance Program to ensure that servicemembers who are leaving the military receive training and resources tailored to their post-military career plans.

And it requires a comprehensive review of wounded warrior care and mental healthcare 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 assault, 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.

Mr. Chair, in conclusion, I want to thank my colleagues on the Military Personnel Subcommittee, Ranking Member Jackie Speier, and the rest of the members of the subcommittee for their contributions to the mark and support in this process. Their recommendations are clearly reflected in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, Major General Stephen Denker.

General Denker is retiring after a long and impressive career in the Air Force. Though his Air Force assignments have taken him around the world, three of those assignments have been in Colorado and his family has called Centennial home for the past three years. General Denker looks forward to returning ``home'' to Colorado and spending more time with his wife Corinne and sons Ben and Jake. Jake will graduate from Grandview High School this spring. Like his father, Gen. Denker's older son Ben, is serving in the Air Force and has accepted the demanding challenge of training to be a Pararescueman and their motto ``That Others May Live''.

General Denker was born in Illinois and moved to Wisconsin in 6th grade. He earned his commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer's Training Corps and a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Institute of Technology as well as a Masters of System Management from the University of Southern California.

During his career General Denker has served in a variety of acquisition, operational, command and staff assignments in the United States and overseas. A true space professional, nearly all of his 32 year career has been dedicated to acquiring space capabilities and leading other space professionals in support of the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. General Denker held multiple commands at the squadron, group and wing level and was responsible for the development of leaders across the Air Force as the Commandant of Air Command and Staff College and the Vice Commander of the Spaatz Center.

As the Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, General Denker has been critical to coordinating national space capabilities like the National Space Defense Center. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have appreciated both his expertise and candor in his appearance before the Strategic Forces subcommittee on space issues.

While I'll miss seeing General Denker before the committee, I look forward to seeing him back home in Colorado. On behalf of my House colleagues, I take this opportunity to thank Major General Denker for his service to the nation and wish him well in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of a truly great citizen of the United States, the Mayor of Aurora, Colorado, Stephen D. Hogan. Mayor Hogan passed away on May 13, 2018. Throughout his nearly eight year tenure as the mayor of my hometown, Steve Hogan oversaw a remarkable and exciting renaissance in the city. Aurora has become Colorado's third largest city, and a driving force of innovation, development, and economic opportunity. Aurora has also become an even greater place to live, work, and raise a family.

I first met Steve Hogan 35 years ago when I returned home to Aurora after serving in the Marines. I have had the distinct pleasure to call him a friend ever since. Mayor Hogan's career in public service has taken him from serving in the Colorado House of Representatives in the 1970's, to serving six terms as an Aurora City Council Member, and finally to two terms elected as the Mayor of the city I know he loved so dearly.

Throughout his time serving the citizens of Aurora, Mayor Hogan managed its remarkable growth. Although thought of by many as simply a suburb of the city of Denver, Aurora is so much more. In fact, Aurora is now the 54th largest city in the United States. During Mayor Hogan's tenure, Aurora saw the expansion of the E-470 highway, the continued buildout of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the final stages of the construction of the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, and the openings of an Amazon Fulfillment Center and a Walmart Distribution Center. In addition, he worked closely with the Regional Transport District on the innovative public private partnership that resulted in the completion of the R-Line light rail that runs throughout the city years ahead of schedule. These new developments have contributed millions of dollars to Aurora's economy, creating new jobs and exciting economic opportunities. Buckley Air Force Base, the largest employer in the City of Aurora, also flourished under Mayor Hogan's leadership. While other military installations have troubled relationships with their local communities, Mayor Hogan was an avid supporter of the base and a supporter of efforts now nearing completion to add over 1,000 acres of open space around the base that will protect it from encroachment. In April, as a mark of its respect of the Mayor, Aurora City Council voted unanimously to rename the 6th Avenue Parkway Extension as the Stephen D. Hogan Parkway.

Mayor Hogan exemplified the spirit of public service, and my hometown of Aurora would not be the wonderful place that it is without his vision and his leadership. We are all better off because of his decades of hard work. My heartfelt thanks to Mayor Hogan and I salute him for his service to our fellow citizens. I am proud to have been able to call him a friend and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Mr. John Ikard's generous philanthropy and dedicated service to the State of Colorado.

In 2017, Mr. Ikard retired from his position as CEO of First Bank after 17 years of leading one of Colorado's largest and most successful financial institutions. Under his leadership, John also helped to give back to his community. Since 2000, FirstBank has donated over $50 million to disability and wellness charities throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Although Mr. Ikard has since stepped down from

his position, he remains on First Bank's Board of Directors, ensuring the continuation of the company's benevolent culture.

Mr. Ikard's success at FirstBank is rivaled by his service and commitment to bettering his community and the State of Colorado. He has previously served as Chairman of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Denver Area Boy Scout Council, Colorado State University Board of Governors, and the Denver Economic Development Corporation. Today, Mr. Ikard continues to be an active member on the Colorado Children's Hospital Foundation and Board, as well as a pro-business advocate for Colorado Concern.

Mr. Ikards's extraordinary efforts to better the lives of others have not gone unrecognized. This year, Mr. Ikard was honored with the Mizel Institute's Community Enrichment award; a highly, esteemed decoration bestowed on community leaders. This accomplishment is another noteworthy addition to Mr. Ikards's long list of achievements.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. John Ikard's role as a business and community leader can serve as an inspiration to all Americans and I thank him for his contribution to the betterment of our community and of the State of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of a truly great American, the mayor of Aurora, Colorado, Stephen D. Hogan.

Mayor Hogan passed away on May 13. Throughout his nearly 8-year tenure as a mayor of my hometown, Steve Hogan oversaw a remarkable and exciting renaissance of the city. Aurora has become Colorado's third- largest city and the driving force behind innovation, development, and economic opportunity. Aurora has also become an even greater place to live, work, and raise a family.

I met Steve Hogan 35 years ago when I returned home to Aurora after having served in the Marine Corps. I have had the distinct pleasure to call him a friend ever since.

Mayor Hogan's career in public service has taken him from serving in the Colorado House of Representatives in the 1970s to serving six terms as an Aurora City Council member and, finally, two terms as the mayor of the city, a city I know he loved so dearly.

Mayor Hogan exemplified the spirit of public service, and my hometown of Aurora would not be the wonderful place it is today without his vision and his leadership. We all are better off because of his decades of hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have been able to call Mayor Steve Hogan a friend, and his family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant accomplishments of Allyson Mallory who is being honored at the First Annual Women Who Soar Awards by the Chamber of Commerce in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Ms. Mallory has worked in elementary, education for many years, but her accomplishments and inspiration for people extend well beyond the classroom.

Allyson Mallory, who is currently the principal of Ralph Moody Elementary in Littleton, Colorado, was paralyzed from the waist down in a snowboarding accident this past December. Five months later, she has just returned to work as principal, and is determined to someday walk again. The amount of strength, determination, and courage that Allyson has shown is truly in an inspiration to us all. She is an amazing role model to the children at her school and our entire community.

It is truly an honor to rise today to recognize Allyson Mallory, and I am proud to congratulate her on her recovery. Allyson has the fortitude and resilience to accomplish any goal she sets for herself, and I look forward to seeing her work and spirit grow in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Diane Smethills who is being honored at the First Annual Women Who Soar Awards by the Chamber of Commerce in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, on May 3, 2018. Currently of the Sterling Ranch Development Company, Mrs. Smethills i now working to build a $4.4 billion sustainable community in Douglas County, Colorado. The development will have a trail system, a comprehensive management plan for open space and wildlife, along with retail, schools and community centers.

With over 35 years of experience in marketing, real estate development and finance, Diane Smethills has contributed to many businesses and nonprofit agencies across America. Her career has taken her to Washington, D.C., where she worked in President Ronald Reagan's Administration, being appointed to the Federal Home Loan Bank Board of Topeka, and to New York City, where she worked at the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and National Geographic. Mrs.

Smethills has also served as the Vice President of Marketing for The Trammell Crow Companies where she worked with metropolitan districts and assisted in planning communities.

Back in her home state of Colorado, Diane formed her own real estate company and became instrumental in negotiating the purchase of the Sterling Ranch property. Currently, she also manages a private real estate portfolio of Colorado rental properties.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to recognize Diane Smethills for her many accomplishments in Colorado. She serves as a role model and example of hard work and perseverance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tamra Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of The Women's Bean Project, a nationally-recognized social enterprise based in Denver, Colorado. Tamra Ryan is being honored at the First Annual Women Who Soar Awards by the Chamber of Commerce in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, on May 3, 2018. Her leadership, entrepreneurial-spirit, and social awareness in battling unemployment and poverty among women in the state of Colorado can serve as an inspiration to us all.

The mission of The Women's Bean Project is to change women's lives by providing opportunities to self-sufficiency through social enterprise. The Women's Bean Project is involved in providing products and services that work to reduce women's unemployment and poverty, and can be found amongst many of the nation's largest retailers in nearly 1,000 stores, as well as online.

In addition to her role with The Women's Bean Project, Tamra Ryan is, a former board member of Social Venture Partners-Denver, chair of the Board of Directors for the Social Enterprise Alliance, and is on the advisory board for the Barton Institute for Philanthropy and Social Enterprise at the University of Denver. In 2017, Tamra was recognized for her efforts by being named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado, as well as being a keynote speaker at TEDxMilehigh. Tamra is the author of The Third Law, a book that highlights the societal obstacles that marginalized women must overcome in order to change their lives.

Mr. Speaker, a great nation cannot exist without exemplary citizens who sacrifice a great deal to improve the lives of those around them, and Tamra Ryan is just that, a reflection of the best in America.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize a truly great citizen of Aurora, Colorado, Dr. Randy Stith.

As the executive director and CEO of Aurora Mental Health Center for over 40 years, Randy has exemplified the qualities of a great Colorado leader throughout his entire career. He has spent the last four decades providing access to mental healthcare to those in the greater Aurora area, often committing to 60-hour work weeks, while keeping up-to-date in the behavioral healthcare field, which is constantly evolving.

Randy has been a true trailblazer in championing the expansion of mental healthcare, as it has rapidly progressed as part of the healthcare industry, especially over the past 50 years. He has served his community valiantly through triumph and tragedy, most notably, offering free counseling through the Aurora Mental Health Center to anyone in the Aurora area who had been impacted by the 2012 theater mass shooting.

Randy's commitment to serving his patients, as well as his community, will be difficult to replace. However, I know that the entire Aurora community takes great pride in knowing that we have civic leaders such as Randy who are locally active.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Randy Stith, and to the entire staff of the Aurora Mental Health Center, for their tireless and unwavering commitment to offering excellent mental healthcare services to the people of Aurora, Colorado, over the last 40 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mariel Bailey, Melissa Buss, John Engel, and Ethan Kozak for their hard work and dedication to the people of Colorado's Sixth District as interns in my Washington, D.C. office for the spring of the 115th Congress, Second Session.

The work of these young professionals has been nothing short of exemplary. During their time in my office, Mariel, Melissa, John, and Ethan 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.

Mariel, Melissa, John, and Ethan have made plans to continue their education and professional occupations in Washington, D.C. and throughout the United States. I am certain they will succeed in their new roles and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mariel Bailey, Melissa Buss, John Engel, and Ethan Kozak for their service this spring.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Major Daniel Wayne Krueger of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. Major Krueger will soon transition from his current assignment as an Army Congressional Liaison in the House of Representatives to attend Army Intermediate Level Education with follow on assignment at Fort Carson.

After growing up as part of an Army family, Dan attended West Point and commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 2006. He has held numerous leadership and staff assignments in a variety of units, highlighted by combat service in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment and again in Afghanistan as a company commander with the 3rd Infantry Division. During his time in Washington, Dan also attended Georgetown University and worked as an operations officer under the Deputy Director of Special Operations.

In 2017, Major Krueger was selected to serve as a Congressional Liaison in the United States Army House Liaison Division. As the primary liaison between Members of the House of Representatives, their Staffs, Committees, and the Army, he provided insight and understanding of Army policies, actions, operations, and requirements. His first-hand knowledge of the military, its culture, and traditions has been a tremendous benefit to Congressional offices. This previous Christmas, I traveled with Dan to Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Jordan to visit our Service members and better understand the region. Dan's extensive experience in the region enabled a productive visit for myself and other Members of Congress. I found him to be a thoughtful, intelligent, and dedicated Soldier in the best traditions of America's Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a pleasure to work with Dan during his time as an Army Congressional Liaison Officer in the House of Representatives. On behalf of a grateful Nation, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of Major Dan Krueger, his wife, Lindsay, and their young son, Luke. I wish them the very best as they continue their journey in the United States Army dedicated their lives to the service of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today, the United States House of Representatives will have an opportunity to vote on H. Res. 128, Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia.

H. Res. 128 calls upon the Government of Ethiopia to take clear and decisive steps toward becoming more inclusive, more democratic, and more respectful of the basic human rights of its people.

There will be those who will argue today that this resolution is counterproductive in that the Government of Ethiopia has been a strong and dependable ally of the United States of America.

The opponents will say that the national security interest of the United States justifies our support for this government, and, therefore, we must ignore the cries of the Ethiopian people who are suffering under this repressive regime.

The opponents fear that the Ethiopian Government will end its cooperation with the United States in the war against terrorism if we publicly criticize their human rights record by passing this resolution.

But I say to them, for far too long, the United States has looked the other way as the Ethiopian Government has so often used the weapons that we have provided for them, not to fight terrorism, but to terrorize their own people.

For far too long, the United States has looked the other way as peaceful protestors were met with violence from heavily armed Ethiopian security forces.

And, for far too long, the United States has looked the other way as journalists, political opposition leaders, and anyone who dared question this government were rounded up and shipped off to detention camps.

The U.S.-backed government in Ethiopia has lost its legitimacy to govern and rules by brute force and intimidation.

To the opponents of H. Res. 128, the passage of this resolution will mark a setback for the relationship between the United States and Ethiopia.

But it is my hope that the passage of H. Res. 128, Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia, will mark a new beginning in the history of the U.S.-Ethiopian relationship where the United States will never again have to look the other way, and Ethiopia will realize its full potential by embracing all of its citizens and becoming the great Nation that it has always been destined to be.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to support H. Res. 128.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 4760.