Floor Statements

I thank Chairman Hastings for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, this is clearly an interesting position from our Democratic colleagues. They say we need roads; they say we need jobs; they say we need an energy policy. But not here, not now, not anywhere.

When we look at the challenges that we face from overseas in terms of creating American certainty for energy, it's something for which we must all stand together. We're looking at developing oil shale as a potential resource for this country, right here in America, in order to be able to create American jobs on American soil while using American energy resources.

Let's explore this.

From the Republican side, we've clearly stood for an all-of-the-above policy. Why is there such reluctance from our Democrat colleagues to embrace developing the technology to be able to create certainty for America's energy future, to be able to help struggling young families, senior citizens on fixed incomes make sure that their

utility bills, their gas bills don't continue to rise? That's what we're proposing.

I thank the gentleman.

When we're talking about protecting Colorado, many of our Democrat colleagues joined the amendment that I put forward, stating that the Secretary wouldn't consider but shall address local concerns. If you understand Colorado water, you can't just take it. It's a priority- based system. You have to actually own that water to be able to develop it.

We have a reasonable plan that we're trying to put forward to develop American energy certainty; but our Democratic colleagues, their solution of having ``no, not here, not now, not anywhere'' is not a solution that will work for America. Let's get our people to work. Let's create certainty for America and stand up for the American consumer for a change.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lt. Col. Tracy N. Johnson (retired). A resident of Montrose Colorado, Lt. Col. Johnson recently celebrated his 90th birthday with a host of family and friends at his side. It is my honor to recognize Lt. Col. Johnson's distinguished Marine Corps career. The sacrifices he has made and the commitment he displayed during his time in uniform and since leaving the active ranks of the Marine Corps are truly deserving of special recognition.

Member of our nation's ``greatest generation'', Lt. Col. Johnson served his country bravely while flying combat missions in three wars. His action in combat, earned him the Distinguished Flying Crosses and Air Medals, testaments to his courage, patriotism and devotion to duty. Marines serving throughout the world today take great pride in carrying on the illustrious legacy of valor, discipline and steadfast fidelity that he helped forge.

From flying Corsairs in Korea to serving as a Presidential Helicopter pilot for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, he provided crucial air support throughout his career and set the standard for Marine aviation. He has earned the respect and admiration of all who have had the privilege of serving with him, and he has been an inspiration for generations of his fellow Marines.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize and extend my deepest gratitude to Lt. Col. Tracy N. Johnson. I rise today in recognition of his dedication to his family, community, and this nation.

I appreciate following my colleague from Colorado, who recognizes the importance of jobs. Unfortunately, the President of the United States has turned a blind eye to the needs of the American people.

In my own district in the State of Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Labor, we have 17 counties that have unemployment in excess of 20 percent. We have an opportunity to create jobs in this country. The Keystone pipeline will help provide energy certainty for this country in a responsible way, and will create American jobs on American soil to be able to put American people back to work.

Today, we hear the President is throwing his hands up and turning his back on the American people. The people deserve better. We must get this economy moving. We must create those opportunities for jobs for the American people. This is our time. This is our opportunity, and we call upon the President to join us in putting Americans first.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Colorado State Senator Robert Shanklin Wham. Mr. Wham, a long time resident of Colorado was an active and giving citizen of our State.

Following his graduation from the University of Illinois School of Law, Mr. Wham joined a law firm in Montrose, Colorado. It did not take him long to become involved in Colorado Government, accepting a position as an Assistant U.S. District Attorney and moving to Denver where he later served as Deputy City Attorney, and later the City Attorney. In 1976, he was elected to the Colorado State Senate. Mr. Wham remained active in the practice of law until 2009.

Mr. Wham loved to spend time in the Colorado Mountains with his family. A passionate outdoorsman, you could find Mr. Wham throughout the year driving through the mountains, skiing, hiking and sailing.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Senator Robert Shanklin Wham. I rise today in memory of his devotion to his family and to the State of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Colorado State Senator Fred Anderson. A Loveland native and former Senate President, Mr. Anderson recently passed away at the age of 83.

Senator Anderson is remembered by his colleagues for his decency, statesmanship, and expertise on water issues. He was first elected in 1966, at the age of 38. For eight of his sixteen years in office, he also served as Senate President. Among his signature achievements were helping to integrate Colorado's ground and surface water rights, restructuring state water laws, and securing in-stream flow water rights.

Since retiring from the legislature in 1982, Senator Anderson stayed active on water issues and chaired the Loveland Water and Sewer Board. He received a Presidential appointment to the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, where he served for six years. Additionally, he helped found the House of Neighborly Service and Project Self-Sufficiency, and was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Fred Anderson's family has resided in the Loveland area since his great-great-grandparents, indentured servants from Sweden, were married there in 1876. He grew up on a farm before serving with the U.S. Army in the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Colorado and married his wife of 57 years, Anne, and began a career raising cattle. He is also survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and one great- grandchild.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Senator Fred Anderson. I rise today in remembrance of his dedication to his family and to the State of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of outgoing Pueblo, Colorado City Council Representative Lawrence Atencio. Mr. Atencio's last day representing Council District 2 was December 31, 2011.

A man of wide-ranging experience and talents, Lawrence Atencio served in the Armed Forces and worked in municipal government, academia, the arts, and in private business before his election to the council. He served two terms of office, beginning in 2007.

After graduating from East High School in 1965, Lawrence earned associate's and bachelor's degrees from Southern Colorado State College, and later a master's in public administration from the University of Northern Colorado. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970- 1972, and then returned home to Pueblo and became a Health Inspector. Since 1984, he has owned and operated LA Distributing Company.

Mr. Atencio has also been an instructor of classical ballet since 1972, as well as director/choreographer for the Colorado State Fair Fiesta Committee Scholarship Pageant and an actor in community theatre and the film industry. Since 1991, he has taught Business, Macro Economics, Sociology, and Chicano Studies at the college level. Mr. Atencio is active in the Knights of Columbus and is a private pilot.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Councilman Lawrence Atencio. I rise today to thank him for his work on behalf of the citizens of Pueblo.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of outgoing Pueblo, Colorado City Council President Ray Aguilera. Mr. Aguilera's last day representing Council District 4 was December 31, 2011.

Ray Aguilera knows the City of Pueblo well thanks to his roles as a student recruiter at Pueblo Community College and as manager of both Pueblo Boulevard Liquors and Fiesta Used Cars. This extensive business and educational experience has served him well during his two stints with the Council, first in 2003 and then beginning in 2007.

A graduate of Pueblo Catholic High School, Mr. Aguilera attended Southern Colorado State College, St. Michaels College, and Pueblo Junior College. In addition to his Council responsibilities, he has been a member of the Pueblo Area Council of Governments, Caring for Colorado Board of Directors, and Boys and Girls Club of Pueblo Board of Directors, as well as many other outstanding civic organizations. He is the president and founder of the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation.

Mr. Aguilera's numerous local awards have included Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year, Latino Chamber Member of the Year, and the Latin-American Educational Foundation Annual Salute Award. His daughter, Andrea Nicole Aguilera, is a senior at Colorado State University.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Councilman Ray Aguilera. I rise today to thank him for his work on behalf of the citizens of Pueblo.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of outgoing Pueblo, Colorado City Council Representative Vera Ortegon. Councilwoman Ortegon's last day representing her at-large district was December 31, 2011.

A businesswoman, microbiologist, and mother, Vera Ortegon immigrated to the United States from Colombia to attend college, and has since become an American success story. Her wide variety of experience has served her well during her two terms of office, beginning in 2007.

While working as a production manager for the Schering Corporation in New Jersey, Mrs. Ortegon earned bachelor's and master's degrees in microbiology from Rutgers and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Simultaneously, she has been managing partner of a family-owned real estate company since 1976. In 1980, she moved to Pueblo with her husband. She later continued her studies in the University of Colorado's Ph.D. program in molecular biology, while also working as an instructor, researcher, and director of the Biotechnology Center at the Colorado Springs campus.

More recently, Vera has worked for the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Southeastern Colorado Conservancy District Board, and as President of the Board of Water Works. She is active with the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation, the 10th Judicial District Nominating Commission, and is Vice President of the John Neumann Catholic Schools Board. She is married with two sons.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Councilwoman Vera Ortegon. I rise today to thank her for her work on behalf of the citizens of Pueblo.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Our colleague on the Democrat side is citing the amount of tax increase that Americans will have inflicted on them. That's what we're talking about, as well.

We have an opportunity here, Mr. Speaker, to stand up today for the American people in a very clear choice: 2 months or 12 months. Easy math. We talked about waiting until February. It will be followed by March. The same challenges affecting the American people right now will be present then. This is our opportunity as a legislative body to stand up for the American people for a change rather than politics as usual. We can't afford to let them down. The American people, American businesses, and American seniors deserve some certainty, certainty that we can provide.

Out of this House we passed bipartisan legislation. The Senate passed their version, and it now needs to go to conference so the American people can be better served. This issue is not one that we should be debating, but one we should be standing together as Republicans and Democrats, because this isn't a political issue. This is about standing up for the American people. This is our opportunity to do just that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Harold Anderson, President of the Board of the Costilla Conservation District. Mr. Anderson was inducted into the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts' Conservation Hall of Fame on November 16, 2011.

Mr. Anderson, of Jaroso, Colorado, is known among his peers for his dedication to his duties, knowledge of the area's most important issues, and reliability. He is a tireless supporter of the farmers and ranchers that form the bedrock of his community, and works with fellow board members to keep the focus on what they can do for Costilla County. Friends say that he is ``a heck of a cattle hauler, too.''

Since his appointment to the Board in 1999, Mr. Anderson has earned a reputation for making things happen, whether it's a community event, scholarship program, or teaching workshop. During a difficult time full of management turnover, he kept the District on firm footing, often by assuming extra duties.

Mr. Anderson's family has been a part of the San Luis Valley for generations, beginning when his grandfather moved into the farmhouse where they still reside in the late 1920s. He has been married to his wife Kathy for 39 years, and together they raised a son and two daughters. Harold is a member of the numerous local boards, committees, and cattlemen's associations, and was appointed by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to serve on the Rio Grande Natural Habitat Initiative.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Harold Anderson. I rise today to thank him for his public spirit and devotion to the conservation needs of Costilla County, Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Doris Virginia Tracy, a longtime resident of La Veta, Colorado. Mrs. Tracy was a distinguished World War Two-era pilot and loving wife and mother.

From the earliest days of her childhood in Missouri, Doris dreamed of learning to fly. She took her first ride in a bi-plane at the age of nine, and decided to become an ``aviatrix,'' as female pilots were then known. After entering college with her sister Bernice, Doris was only the second girl to sign up for Civilian Pilot Training. After a long wait, as only one woman was allowed in the program for every nine men, she earned her license.

In order to continue flying and serve her country during World War Two, she applied

with the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), who flew military aircraft in support of the Army Air Forces. After seven months of training, she flew engineering flight tests, co-piloted B-24s, and flew administrative flights in C-45s at bases in Texas, Ohio, Mississippi, and Wyoming.

After the WASP program disbanded, Doris moved to La Veta with her family to start a store. It was there she met Julian Tracy at a local dance. They were married in 1946 and raised two daughters together, Glenna Lee and Julie. In addition to running the store, she was active with the PTA, the Francisco Fort Museum, and the Eastern Star, and enjoyed searching the Colorado hills for artifacts.

In March 2010, Doris was in attendance here in Washington as the WASP were presented with the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to the nation. She passed away at the age of ninety on July 29, 2010, and was survived by her daughters, five grandchildren, and three great- grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Doris Tracy. I rise today to salute this one-of-a-kind woman who is remembered for her smile, warmth, and patriotism.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chief Gerald Whitman of the Denver Police Department. Chief Whitman has served capably and honorably in this position for over eleven years.

Chief Whitman's distinguished career with the Department began in 1982. After excelling as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, he was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1995. During this time he was responsible for the protection of the newly-formed District 6, including Capitol Hill and Downtown Denver. Three years later, he was again promoted to Division Chief of Patrol, where he oversaw uniformed patrol operations.

Mayor Wellington Webb named Gerald Whitman as Denver's 68th Chief of Police in 2000. Under his leadership, major crime rates have dropped despite an economic recession and fewer officers per capita on patrol. The Department has gained a reputation for innovative ideas, the effective use of technology, and an emphasis on community and victim outreach. Its forensics lab and cold case unit have received wide acclaim, and serve as a model for departments nationwide.

Gerry Whitman holds a Bachelors Degree in Law Enforcement Administration and a Masters in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado at Denver. Despite having a longer tenure than any of his predecessors, he intends to return to the rank of Captain after stepping down as Chief of Police.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Chief Gerald Whitman. I rise today to thank him for his continuing devotion to the City of Denver and its citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Harvey Teyler, manager of the Alamosa Mosquito Control District. Mr. Teyler has been awarded the Special District Association of Colorado's 2011 Distinguished Manager of the Year Award.

Presented in September at the SDA's annual conference, this honor recognizes managers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and service to their district. The SDI is an association consisting of over a thousand members who promote the effective and economical operation of special districts in Colorado. These districts function as a form of local government that provides basic services and public needs.

Mr. Teyler was recognized for increasing the Alamosa Mosquito Control District's quality of service under the motto ``Effective and Efficient.'' He is well respected for his leadership style, a commitment to thoroughly educating and training his employees, and for never asking them to do something that he has not done himself.

Mr. Teyler leads the District's efforts to protect public health through the surveillance of mosquitoes, counting and identification, various methods of extermination, and West Nile Virus testing, all while adhering to environmentally sensitive practices. After humble origins in a shed with no utilities, the District now operates out of a fully furbished 5500 square foot facility. The citizens of Alamosa, known in the past to be overrun with mosquitoes, are certainly grateful for Mr. Teyler's dedication.

Mr. Teyler is also an active member of the Alamosa community, where he has been a part of the Kiwanis Club, the Blue Peaks organization for the mentally challenged, and the Ranch Advisory Board.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Harvey Teyler. I rise today to thank him for his public spirit and devotion to the health of Alamosa's Citizens.

Yesterday, legislation that I sponsored, along with Senator Michael Bennet from Colorado, passed the House floor. This bill for the Blue Star Mothers of America updated their congressional charter for the modern era.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged today, particularly on this day as we commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor 70 years ago, to be able to rise to honor the Blue Star Mothers of America--the people, the women of America, who have been providing much needed assistance to our Nation's active duty servicemen and -women, veterans, and military families since 1942.

Founded during the height of World War II, the Blue Star Mothers are a nonpartisan veterans' service organization, composed of mothers of current and former servicemembers. Today, over 5,000 dedicated women perform a wide variety of important volunteer services for our troops, providing transportation, supplies, food, and emotional support. More than 225 local chapters across the United States carry out the mission of supporting our troops, our veterans, and the families of our fallen heroes, as well as developing individual projects to assist the specific needs of the military in their own communities. Last month alone, thousands of care packages were sent to our troops overseas, and chaplains and commanders across the military received boxes of supplies and gifts to be able to be distributed to the comrades.

The Blue Star Mothers were originally formed to bring their children home, to ensure that they were given the benefits that they deserved, and to provide them with a vast support network upon their arrival. The organization has since expanded to include other forms of assistance, including rehabilitation, family services, and civil defense. This was chartered by Congress in 1960.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be able to recognize the Blue Star Mothers of America, and I rise today to thank these patriotic women for their commitment to serving the needs of America's military community and for making a difference in the lives of those who sacrifice the most.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to be at the graduation at the United States Air Force Academy. My son-in-law was graduating, and Secretary Gates delivered the commencement address. At that time, he noted that that freshman class was the first to enter the academy after 9/11, knowing full well that they would be putting themselves in harm's way.

We have the finest volunteer military that the world has ever seen. May God continue to bless this country with such men and women who will always stand for freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. John Villyard, CEO of the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative. Mr. Villyard, who has served in this capacity since 2000, will be retiring at the end of this year.

Mr. Villyard has overseen numerous efforts to improve the Cooperative's effectiveness. An accountant by trade, he utilized new technology, cost-based accounting practices, and the simplification of electric bills to increase efficiency. Under his leadership, improvements to infrastructure and building projects have reduced power outages and overtime costs by 34%. Furthermore, he has demonstrated environmental stewardship by negotiating the purchase of renewably produced power and developing an avian protection plan.

As a child, Mr. Villyard watched his father, Ray, lead the Cooperative as it expanded from five to 34 employees. John has followed his example and has worked to build strong relationships with the board of directors, his employees, and the community at large, all the while treating the Cooperative as an extended family. In doing so, he has improved the safety program, initiated a lineworker scholarship, and established the SLVREC Energy Foundation.

After graduating from the University of Colorado, John served honorably in the United States Air Force for eleven years. He then returned to the San Luis Valley and worked as an accountant, before being hired as the SLVREC's CFO in 1996. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Jowanda.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. John Villyard. I rise today to thank him for his commitment to serving the energy needs of the San Luis Valley with integrity and innovation.