Mike Coffman

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4374, having served in the first Gulf war when military analysts were saying or predicting that there could be 30,000 coalition casualties in a ground war with Iraq. We knew that Saddam Hussein had both chemical and biological stockpiles, and, at that time, there was an experimental drug given for the pretreatment to increase the survival after the exposure to nerve gas. It was untested in terms of the FDA, did not go through their lengthy bureaucratic process, but it was, I think, correctly assumed by military leaders that the risk of giving this drug that didn't go through all the bureaucratic processes that I think are important, that the risk of nerve gas exposure outweighed those risks. So I just want to commend the Energy and Commerce Committee as well as the leadership of the Armed Services Committee, the leadership of both committees, for working together with the Department of Defense and the FDA to find that middle ground where the military can have access to drugs and medical devices expeditiously in order to meet the rapidly changing threats on the battlefield. I again thank Chairman Thornberry for his unyielding support on this issue. I also thank Chairman Walden for offering legislation that seeks to put this process on the right path.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2810, the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. The conference report contains significant policy and funding initiatives that continue our commitment to our troops and their families, all while maintaining military readiness and addressing important military personnel issues. The provisions contained in this bill provide our warfighters, retirees, and their families the necessary pay and benefits to sustain them in today's highly stressed force. To that end, this bill establishes a fully funded by-law pay raise for all our servicemembers. After years of lower than by-law pay raise requests, it is critical that we continue to give our troops and their families the pay increases they have earned. It increases the end-strengths of the Active National Guard and Reserve Forces, thereby increasing mission readiness while reducing the stress and strain on the force and their families. It permanently preserves special survivor indemnity allowance payments and closes the gap in the ``widows tax'' to surviving military spouses. It also continues to improve sexual assault prevention and response by adding a new provision to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, specifically prohibiting nonconsensual sharing of intimate images; expanding Special Victims' Counsel training; and expanding the annual Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Report. Finally, spouses of servicemembers are challenged by varying State licensure and certification requirements when forced to move to a new State by military orders. Rather than imposing a single Federal standard on the States, we provide a $500 reimbursement to defray these costs. We ask States to work with the Secretary of Defense to develop common standards where possible. In conclusion, I want to thank the ranking member, Ms. Speier, and her staff for their contributions to this report. Of course, we were joined by an active, informed, and dedicated group of subcommittee members. Their recommendations and priorities are clearly reflected in the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support the passage of this conference report.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 616.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, last year, the VA's suicide data report revealed that an average of 20 veterans a day committed suicide. A year later, our Nation is still faced with this epidemic. While the VA is seeing high rates in calls to the Veterans Crisis Line, there is no overarching approach to ensure the VA is effectively preventing future suicide attempts and integrating the hotline information into VA's mental healthcare services. H.R. 4173, the Veterans Crisis Line Study Act, would address that critical gap in oversight. This bill would require the VA to study the outcomes of the VA's Veterans Crisis Line while protecting the privacy and anonymity of the veteran callers. As a proud cosponsor of H.R. 4173, I believe it is critical that Congress ensures this emergency resource for our veterans struggling with PTSD or other mental health conditions is working as it should. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 4173.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2123, the Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2017. Under current law, VA healthcare providers must possess a current, unrestricted license issued by a State to practice medicine at a VA facility. However, VA providers are restricted from practicing telemedicine across State lines. This limits the VA's continued expansion of telemedicine and, as a result, reduces the accessibility of healthcare for so many veterans. As technology continues to evolve and Congress considers what the VA of the 21st century should look like, there is no doubt that methods like telemedicine, coupled with more regulatory flexibility, are long overdue. Geographical location in our country is no longer a challenge thanks to modern technology. VA healthcare providers should have the opportunity to practice telemedicine across State lines to provide medical advice to our veterans that is more timely and responsive to the patient's needs. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 2123.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Veterans Day, our Nation is still faced with the epidemic of veteran suicide. And while the VA has made it a priority to address this problem, there are still many combat veterans left without access to VA mental healthcare services. Here is what we know. An average of 20 veterans commit suicide daily. VA evidence suggests a decrease in suicide risk among those who have received VA healthcare services. In May 2017, the Government Accountability Office found that 62 percent of the over 91,000 servicemembers who were separated for misconduct from 2011 to 2015 had been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, or other conditions that would be associated with misconduct. Of those veterans, 23 percent, or 13,282, received an other than honorable discharge, leaving them without access to VA's critical mental healthcare services. As a Marine Corps combat veteran, I like to live by the rule that we never leave anyone behind. Unfortunately, the military routinely used the other than honorable discharge to rid itself of combat veterans who were designated as having disciplinary problems and who often had documented medical histories of PTSD, rather than providing them with the treatment and rehabilitation they so desperately needed. While the correlation between their mental health condition and minor misconduct could be linked, this fact made no difference to their character of discharge. Mr. Speaker, my legislation, H.R. 918, the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act, seeks to correct this. Historically, a veteran with an other than honorable discharge has been able to seek VA care for a service-connected disability. However, due to the way these combat veterans were discharged and because of a failure to connect the dots between their minor misconduct and their mental health condition, the Department of Defense has failed to recognize this as a problem. H.R. 918 will stay with tradition and correct this disconnect by authorizing mental healthcare services for these other than honorably discharged combat veterans. This bill also requires an initial mental health assessment and directs the VA Secretary to establish a formal character of service determination process to trigger reviews of their discharges for potential eligibility for VA benefits. Mr. Speaker, before the rate of veteran suicides increases any more, it is time to right this wrong and permanently authorize mental healthcare services for some of our Nation's most vulnerable veterans. When someone puts on the uniform, they take an oath to defend our freedoms. We, in turn, as a nation, promise to make sure they receive the care and the services they need after returning from the battlefield. As we approach Veterans Day, I encourage my colleagues to keep that promise for these combat veterans with other than honorable discharges and to support the passage of H.R. 918. I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for their support of this legislation.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the Government of Ethiopia's continued pattern of repression and violence against its own people, and I urge the House of Representatives to vote on House Resolution 128, the ``Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia Resolution.'' This resolution calls on the Government of Ethiopia to take clear, decisive, steps toward becoming more inclusive, more democratic, and more respectful of the basic human rights of its own people. This resolution has overwhelming bipartisan support with more than 70 cosponsors, and it passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously on July 27. The ongoing human rights crisis in Ethiopia is extremely troubling to me, to the resolution's other co-sponsors, the many Americans of Ethiopian heritage, and to numerous human rights groups. I firmly believe that the passage of this resolution will encourage the Ethiopian government to end its practice of violence and repression and provide a strong basis of an inclusive government. Specifically, this resolution condemns: the excessive use of force by Ethiopian security forces; the killing of peaceful protestors; the arrest and detention of journalists, students, activists, and political leaders, and; the Ethiopian government's abuse of the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation to stifle political and civil dissent. The resolution does not simply highlight the Ethiopian government's increasingly authoritarian acts, but it also encourages the United States to support efforts to improve democracy and governance in Ethiopia. I believe that the United States can take actions that will positively influence the Ethiopian government and use our existing institutions to further democracy and effective governance in Ethiopia. Critically, the resolution calls on the Ethiopian government to admit UN human rights observers so they can conduct an independent and thorough examination of the current state of human rights in Ethiopia. On March 9 of this year, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, held a hearing to discuss specific steps the United States can take to bring about positive changes for the Ethiopian government and their people. Among those who testified was Deacon Yoseph Tafari, of the St. Mary's Ethiopian Orthodox Church located in Aurora, Colorado. Deacon Yoseph was raised in Ethiopia and has experienced the daily struggles too many Ethiopians have faced living in abject poverty under an oppressive government. Deacon Yoseph fled from Ethiopia in 1976, and came to the United States as a refugee. He and many of the members of the Ethiopian community in my Congressional district in Colorado--including the Oromo and Amharas--have worked diligently to organize and assist those still suffering from repression in their home country. Oromo Community President of Colorado, Jamal Said, has also shared his concerns with me, and both of these gentlemen have no motives other than a concern about the safety and state of democracy in Ethiopia. I appreciate their leadership in the community as they continue to fight for democracy in their homeland. Unfortunately, stories like this are not uncommon in my district and I am disappointed that the House has not yet scheduled a floor vote on House Resolution 128. I note that on two prior occasions a vote was tentatively scheduled. In both of these instances it is my understanding that the vote was postponed due to pressure from the Ethiopian government who continues to make promises to curb human rights abuses against their own people but fail to deliver. Additionally, it has been brought to my attention that the Ethiopian Government has threatened to cut off security cooperation with the United States should we proceed with House Resolution 128. I am particularly dismayed that rather than solving their problems and moving towards becoming a more democratic country, the Ethiopian government has chosen instead to hire a D.C. lobbying firm, at a cost of $150,000 a month, to ``work with the [Ethiopian Government] to develop and execute a public affairs plan to enhance the dialogue and relationships with policymakers, media, opinion leaders and business leaders . . .'' in addition to ``meetings with members of Congress, their staffs, and executive branch officials.'' The issue the Ethiopian government needs to address is the repression of democracy and its citizens in Ethiopia. The solution to whatever negative perception it has in the halls of the U.S. Congress is not a public affairs one, but rather what concrete steps are being taken against democracy in Ethiopia. That is why I remain committed to working with House leadership to have a vote scheduled on House Resolution 128. Mr. Speaker, I encourage leadership to schedule a vote and I call on my colleagues to vote in favor and pass House Resolution 128. I will continue working with local Ethiopian community leaders in Colorado and across the country to raise awareness of the human rights abuses occurring in Ethiopia and to bring relief from oppression to the Ethiopian people.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the Government of Ethiopia's continued pattern of repression and violence against its own people, and I urge the House of Representatives to vote on H. Res. 128, the Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia resolution. This resolution calls on the Government of Ethiopia to take clear, decisive steps towards becoming more inclusive, more democratic, and more respectful of the basic human rights of its own people. This resolution has overwhelming bipartisan support, with more than 70 cosponsors, and it passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously on July 27. The ongoing human rights crisis in Ethiopia is extremely troubling to me, to the resolution's other cosponsors, the many Americans of Ethiopian heritage, and too numerous to list human rights groups. I firmly believe that the passage of this resolution will encourage the Ethiopian Government to end its practice of violence and repression and provide a strong basis for an inclusive government. Specifically, this resolution condemns the excessive use of force by Ethiopian security forces and the killing of peaceful protestors; the arrests and detention of journalists, students, activists, and political leaders; and the Ethiopian Government's abuse of the anti- terrorism proclamation to stifle political and civil dissent. The resolution does not simply highlight the Ethiopian Government's increasingly authoritarian acts, but it also encourages the United States to support efforts to improve democracy and governance in Ethiopia. I believe that the United States can take actions that will positively influence the Ethiopian Government and use our existing institutions to further democracy and effective governance in Ethiopia. Critically, the resolution calls on the Ethiopian Government to admit U.N. human rights observers so they can conduct an independent and thorough examination of the current state of human rights in Ethiopia. On March 9 of this year, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations held a hearing to discuss specific steps the United States can take to bring about positive changes for the Ethiopian Government and their people. Among those who testified was Deacon Yoseph Tafari of the St. Mary's Ethiopian Orthodox Church located in Aurora, Colorado. Deacon Yoseph was raised in Ethiopia and has experienced the daily struggles too many Ethiopians have faced living in abject poverty under an oppressive government. Deacon Yoseph fled from Ethiopia in 1976 and came to the United States as a refugee. He and many of the members of the Ethiopian community in my congressional district of Colorado, including the Oromo and Amharas, have worked diligently to organize and assist those still suffering from repression in their home country. Oromo community president of Colorado, Jamal Said, has also shared his concerns with me, and both of these gentlemen have no motives other than a concern about the safety and state of democracy in Ethiopia. I appreciate their leadership in the community as they continue to fight for democracy in their homeland. Unfortunately, stories like this are not uncommon in my district, and I am disappointed that the House has not yet scheduled a floor vote on H. Res. 128. I note that on two prior occasions a vote was tentatively scheduled. In both of these instances, it is my understanding that the vote was postponed due to pressure from the Ethiopian Government, which continues to make promises to curb human rights abuses against their own people, but fail to deliver. Additionally, it has been brought to my attention that the Ethiopian Government has threatened to cut off security cooperation with United States should we proceed with H. Res. 128. I am particularly dismayed that rather than solving their problems and moving towards becoming a more democratic country, the Ethiopian Government has chosen instead to hire a D.C. lobbying firm at a cost of $150,000 a month to ``work with the Ethiopian Government to develop and execute a public affairs plan to enhance the dialogue and relationships with policymakers, media, opinion leaders, and business leaders,'' in addition to ``meetings with Members of Congress, their staffs, and executive branch officials.'' The issue the Ethiopian Government needs to address is the repression of democracy and its citizens in Ethiopia. The solution to whatever negative perception it has in the Halls of the U.S. Congress is not a public affairs one, but, rather, what concrete steps are being taken against democracy in Ethiopia. That is why I remain committed to working with House leadership to have a vote scheduled on H. Res. 128. Mr. Speaker, I encourage leadership to schedule a vote, and I call on my colleagues to vote in favor of and pass H. Res. 128. I will continue working with local Ethiopian community leaders in Colorado and across the country to raise awareness of the human rights abuses occurring in Ethiopia and to bring relief from oppression to the Ethiopian people.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 106th National Day of the Republic of China. The annual celebration commemorates the start of the Wuchang Uprising of October 10, 1911, which led to the collapse of the Qing dynasty in China and the establishment of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912. Double Ten Day is marked every year in Denver, Colorado with an honorable reception organized by our local Double Ten Day Celebration Committee. I rise today to acknowledge Chairman, Dr. Paul C. Cheng and the volunteers who serve on the Double Ten Celebration Committee. Additionally, I would like to recognize the past Chairs of the Double Ten Celebration Committee who have served since I have represented the Sixth Congressional District; Nancy Tan, Nelson Ho, Ming Der Liu, Sylvia Edgar, Dr. Tai Dan Hsu, Lily Shen and Kevin Hsu, who have each year managed to expertly execute this important event in our community. The United States and Taiwan enjoy a longstanding relationship that stems from our shared values: democracy, the rule of law, and free enterprise. The Taiwanese-Americans living in Colorado bring a wealth of knowledge and entrepreneurial energy to our community, contributing in an integral way to its growth and success. Mr. Speaker, I offer my warmest and best wishes to the people of Taiwan on this 106th National Day of the Republic of China. I also extend my congratulations to Chairman Dr. Paul C. Cheng and the Double Ten Celebration Committee on organizing another successful Double Ten Celebration for our community in Colorado. The work of this committee has helped the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office to excel in its services to and relationship with the greater Denver area community. I look forward attending this event every year and to the continued and growing friendship and partnership between the United States and Taiwan.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to Rex Bell, Brighton City Council Member for Ward 2, for his many years of extraordinary work and dedication to the City of Brighton. Council Member Bell's dedication to the City of Brighton and his leadership and vision has, amongst other accomplishments, contributed to the city's growth and prosperity. As a Brighton City Council Member, Rex Bell has consistently and effectively guided city policy towards improving the quality of life. He continually provided the City of Brighton with guidance and leadership in his roles as a member of the Adams County Water Quality Association, the Brighton Planning Commission, and the Highway 85 Coalition and Lodging Tax Committee. In addition to making the City of Brighton a better place to live, Council Member Bell has served his community for 23 years as a Seventh Day Adventist Pastor in the City of Brighton. Council Member Bell has, without a doubt, enhanced the quality of life for every citizen in the City of Brighton throughout his tenure as a City Council Member and as a resident of the City of Brighton. Mr. Speaker, Brighton City Councilman Rex Bell represents the very best in public service that the State of Colorado and our nation has to offer. I offer my sincere appreciation for his unyielding dedication to public service and I wish him the very best of luck as he leaves the Brighton City Council and moves on to future endeavors.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to City of Littleton Mayor and City Council Member At Large Bruce Beckman for his many years of extraordinary work and dedication to the City of Littleton. Mayor Beckman's leadership has, amongst other accomplishments, contributed to the city's reputation as one of the best places to live in the State of Colorado and in our nation. Throughout Mayor Beckman's tenure as both Mayor and City Councilman, he consistently guided city policy towards improving the quality of life and growth. He has worked relentlessly towards preserving and cultivating a quality community, developing a financially sound city government, and pursuing a balanced and sustainable local economy. In addition, Mayor Beckman has represented the interests and concerns of the City of Littleton as a member of the Denver Metro Mayors Caucus and as an alternate Board Member on the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Prior to his public service as the City of Littleton Mayor, Beckman served our country and state in the United States Army and the Colorado Army National Guard; ultimately retiring at the rank of Colonel. In Littleton, he worked to protect others throughout his long career with the Littleton Police Department, until his retirement as Division Chief in 2010. Mr. Speaker, Bruce Beckman represents the very best in public service that the State of Colorado and our nation has to offer. I commend Mayor Beckman; he has served his community, our state, and our country tirelessly over a long and impressive career in public service. I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude for Littleton City Councilman for District I Bill Hopping for his extraordinary work and dedication to the City of Littleton. His leadership on the Littleton City Council has contributed to many of the city's successful growth and conservation efforts. Since his appointment and subsequent election in 2015, Councilman Hopping has faithfully and dutifully served the City of Littleton in every way possible. Councilman Hopping provided his expertise and guidance as a small business owner to help promote increased economic growth and development as the City Council Liaison to the Littleton Invests for Tomorrow Board. In addition to his official role as a Littleton City Council Member, Councilman Hopping served as a prominent member of the Bow Mar South Homeowners Association, the Historic Downtown Littleton Merchants, and as the chair of the Historical Preservation Board. Councilman Hopping has not only been dedicated to the future of the City of Littleton, he also embraces the rich history of this great community. Mr. Speaker, a great nation cannot exist without great public servants, and I believe that Councilman Hopping is among the very best. I wish Councilman Hopping the best of luck in his future endeavors, of which I know he will have great success.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to Greenwood Village City Council Member for District 4 Thomas Bishop for his many years of hard work and dedication to the City of Greenwood Village. Council Member Bishop's leadership and vision has, amongst other accomplishments, contributed to Greenwood Village's reputation as one of the best in Colorado. Council Member Bishop has consistently and effectively guided city council policy towards improving the quality of life at a time of growth and expansion. He has continually provided his guidance and leadership as a member of the Greenwood Village Citizens Budget Committee, the Autumn Hills Homeowners Association, and as the Vice- Chairman of the Greenwood Village Planning and Zoning Commission. Outside of his service on the Greenwood Village City Council, Council Member Bishop has also dedicated his time making our community and the State of Colorado a better place. He served as the President and as the Secretary of the Denver Southeast Rotary Club and as a member of the Colorado Municipal Bond Supervision Advisory Board. Mr. Speaker, City Council Member Thomas Bishop represents the very best in public service that the State of Colorado and our nation has to offer. I offer my sincere appreciation for his unyielding dedication to public service and I wish him the very best of luck as he leaves the Greenwood Village City Council and moves on to future endeavors.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to Mark Gotto, Centennial City Council Member for District 3 Mark Gotto, for his many years of hard work and dedication to the City of Centennial. Council Member Gotto's leadership and vision has, amongst other accomplishments, contributed to the City of Centennial's reputation as one of the best in Colorado. Council Member Gotto has consistently and effectively guided the City of Centennial towards a more business-friendly atmosphere that increases growth and the quality of life. He has continually provided his guidance and leadership as the City Council Liaison to a variety of different boards and committees, such as the Centennial Budget Committee, the Southgate Water and Sanitation District, and the Arapahoe Library District Board of Trustees. Outside of his service on the Centennial City Council, Council Member Gotto has also dedicated his time making our community and the State of Colorado a better place. He continues to volunteer at the Children's Hospital of Colorado on the Anschutz Medical Campus and ensures that the Centennial City Council does not pass any resolution that would negatively affect the aging population in his city. Mr. Speaker, City Council Member Mark Gotto represents the very best the State of Colorado and our nation has to offer in public service. I offer my sincere appreciation for his unyielding dedication to public service, and I wish him the very best of luck as he leaves the Centennial City Council and moves on to future endeavors.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to express my gratitude to Renie Peterson, the Aurora City Councilwoman for Ward II, for her extraordinary work and dedication to the City of Aurora. Her leadership has contributed to many of Aurora's most successful programs and initiatives. I first met Renie Peterson when we both attended high school almost 50 years ago. In 1969, the City of Aurora was not the incredibly diverse community it is today. Yet, years later as a City Council Member, Renie not only recognized how Aurora has changed since we were growing up here, she fully embraced the ``new'' Aurora and founded the City of Aurora Global Fest which celebrates the vast array of different cultures and ethnicities that now make up our great city. Renie was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Chairman's Award for her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. She has shown throughout her decade of dedicated service as a City of Aurora Council Member her enthusiasm and commitment to better our community. In addition, as Councilwoman Peterson sought to advance this city to its greatest potential, she served the City of Aurora and Adams County for over twenty years as a Board Member for several intergovernmental groups such as, Adams County Economic Development, Urban Drainage and Flood Control, Sand Creek Regional Greenway, and is the founder of the Aurora Public Schools' Wish List Project. Mr. Speaker, Councilwoman Renie Peterson has enhanced the quality of life for every resident in the City of Aurora. Her leadership helped make the City of Aurora the great place it is today. I believe that Renie Peterson is among the very best, and I am very grateful for her unyielding dedication to our community.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to the City of Centennial's Mayor Cathy Noon as her final term as mayor comes to an end. Mayor Noon's extraordinary work and dedication to the City of Centennial has positively transformed the City of Centennial over her time in office. As Mayor of Centennial, her leadership has proved to be a key factor in many of the city's most successful programs and initiatives. Mayor Cathy Noon has shown time and time again what a dedicated public servant can do to make a difference for her community. Mayor Noon was a leader in the process to draft the original home-rule charter for the city when it was established in 2001 and her service to the City of Centennial has truly extended from its conception to the present day. She has also taken a prominent role in furthering the interests of the entire metropolitan region through her service on numerous boards and commissions such as, the Metro Mayors Caucus, the C-470 Executive Committee and the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Under Mayor Noon's leadership, projects such as the Intelligent Transportation System Master Plan and Go Centennial have helped the City of Centennial to grow and prosper beyond anyone's expectations. It is clear her tireless service to the people of Centennial has made this community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Mr. Speaker, as her final term of service to the citizens of the City of Centennial nears its end, I offer Mayor Cathy Noon my sincere appreciation for her many years of accomplished public service and I wish to extend my grateful thanks to her for her unyielding dedication to the people and the City of Centennial.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to Brad Pierce, Aurora City Council Member At Large, for his many years of extraordinary work and dedication to the City of Aurora. Council Member Pierce's dedication to the City of Aurora and his leadership and vision has, amongst other accomplishments, contributed to the city's designation as the Safest Large City in America. As an Aurora City Council Member, Brad Pierce has consistently and effectively guided city policy towards increased quality of life and growth. He continually provided the City of Aurora with guidance and leadership in his roles as the Chair of the Management and Finance Policy Committee and as the Vice-Chair of the Water Policy Committee. Council Member Pierce has dedicated his time in elected office to making our community and the State of Colorado a better place for its residents. He serves as the President of the National Organization to Insure a Sound-Controlled Environment (N.O.I.S.E) and represents the State of Colorado and the City of Aurora as a member of National League of Cities Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Steering Committee. In addition to making the City of Aurora a better place to live, I would also like to recognize Brad Pierce's work as the Former President and current Board Member for the Community College of Aurora Foundation. Without a doubt, Councilmember Pierce has enhanced the quality of life for every citizen in the City of Aurora throughout his tenure as an Aurora City Council Member and resident of our great city. Mr. Speaker, Brad Pierce represents the very best the State of Colorado and our nation has to offer. I offer my sincere appreciation for his unyielding dedication to public service and I wish him the very best of luck as he leaves the Aurora City Council and moves on to future endeavors.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 5th Annual Taste of Ethiopia. The Taste of Ethiopia promotes cultural immersion and provides community services for our extensive Ethiopian immigrant community in Colorado. The event is a unique showcase of Ethiopian music, food, art, crafts, culture, games, and dance. Moreover, the festival is not only a great opportunity for family fun and bringing the Ethiopian community together, but it also serves to highlight the individual contributions of Ethiopian immigrants to our community. In this spirit, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following organizers of the Taste of Ethiopia for their hard work and dedication to make this event for our community possible: Nebiyu Asfaw, Sosna Dagne, Elizabeth Moltot, Adanech Denbel, Fikru Ayele, Bizuye Sebsbe, Tilahun Dessie, Aschalew Agonafer, Yalemwork Tekola, Girum Alemayehu, Sophia Belew, Senait Keteman, Selam Ayele, Helen Tekle, Ayinalem Bayu and Yohannes Mengistu. Mr. Speaker, the 6th District of Colorado is home to the largest Ethiopian community in the State of Colorado and it continues to be an honor for me to represent so many Ethiopian immigrants in the United States House of Representatives. I had the privilege of attending last year's Taste of Ethiopia and it is an honor for me to again be included in the Taste of Ethiopia annual celebration. I again offer my sincere congratulations to the organizers of the Taste of Ethiopia for their tireless work to promote the Ethiopian culture in the State of Colorado.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, one of the VA's top procurement goals is to achieve savings through competition. However, there is no uniformity in how the savings are calculated or if they are recorded at all. This is why I introduced H.R. 2006, the VA Procurement Efficiency and Transparency Act. My bill will create a consistent method for the VA to measure and record the cost savings generated by competing contracts from its $20 billion procurement budget. H.R. 2006 also directs the VA to organize its document templates, which are the building blocks for every contract, and make them accessible in a central place. Mr. Speaker, too often, the VA reports flawed or incomplete data to Congress and to the public. While the VA's current leadership is working to correct years of transparency problems, the legislation gives that effort a much-needed push in the right direction. Mr. Speaker, the VA's contracting will benefit by adopting these best practices, and I encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense measure.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Madam Speaker, today the House will vote on H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, the largest expansion of educational benefits for our veterans in over a decade. This legislation provides a lifetime benefit of the GI Bill, an additional 9 months of GI Bill eligibility for veterans pursuing a STEM degree, protection of GI Bill benefits for veterans impacted by a school's closure, and makes it easier for veterans to use their GI Bill for credentialing and licensure tests. Madam Speaker, H.R. 3218 also includes provisions from my bill, the GI Bill Processing Improvement Act, H.R. 2549, which ensures that veterans studying under the GI Bill for their military service receive their benefits in a timely manner. Madam Speaker, as a United States Army veteran who attended the University of Colorado under the GI Bill, and my late father, a retired United States Army Master Sergeant, Harold Coffman, who learned heating and air-conditioning repair under the GI Bill, I rise today in strong support of this legislation.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the long career and accomplishments of a dear friend of mine, Professor Ved Nanda, who will be celebrating his 50th year teaching international law at the University of Denver. As a professor at the Sturm College of Law, Professor Ved Nanda has been a pioneer in the international law community since his arrival at the University of Denver in 1965. Professor Nanda created the school's renowned international legal studies program and established the Denver Journal of International Law and Policy in 1972. His work has inspired a countless number of students to become a part of the conversation on human rights and international issues. In addition to his achievements as an educator, Professor Nanda has contributed significantly to the international law community. He has served as the United States delegate to the World Federation of United Nations Associations where he worked to promote world peace, human rights, and the spread of democracy throughout the world. The culmination of his work has led to his receipt of countless awards, including the ``World Legal Scholar'' award in 1990 and the ``United Nations Association Human Rights Award'' in 1997. I want to congratulate Professor Ved Nanda once more on his long career and many achievements. Professor Nanda's greatest passion was educating his students about the importance of international law and human rights. It is an honor to have a living legend in our community.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brighton Mayor Richard McLean, a dedicated public servant who has devoted himself to his community as a City Council member and Mayor for over a decade. Mayor McLean has been involved in numerous boards and commissions in his community, including service as the Chair of the E-470 Board, and as a member of the Adams County Economic Development Board, Airport Coordinating Committee, and the Brighton Economic Development Corporation Board. As Chair of the E-470 Board, Mayor McLean proved himself to be a stellar steward of taxpayer dollars overseeing the opening of the Quebec interchange six months ahead of schedule. Mr. Speaker, I think Washington could learn a thing or two from this kind of leadership. Under Mayor McLean's leadership in office, the city of Brighton has received extensive recognition for excellence in city planning, including just last April the Denver Regional Council of Governments' award for Brighton's District Comprehensive Master Plan. It is clear Mayor McLean's tireless service to the people of Brighton has made their community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincere congratulations to Mayor Richard McLean for his over a decade of accomplished public service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harrison Finch, Lauren Healy, Reegan Miller, and Katie Russ 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, First Session. During their time in my office, Harrison, Lauren, Reegan, and Katie served as tour guides, interacted with constituents, conducted legislative research and learned a great deal about the United States Congress. The work of these young Coloradoans has been exemplary and I know they all have bright futures ahead of them. I was glad to be able to offer this educational opportunity to these four, and look forward to seeing them build their prospective careers. Harrison, Lauren, Reegan, and Katie have all made plans to continue their educational careers back in Colorado and throughout the United States. I am certain they will continue in their great success and wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Harrison Finch, Lauren Healy, Reegan Miller, and Katie Russ for their service this summer.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 5th Annual Taste of Ethiopia. The Taste of Ethiopia promotes cultural immersion and provides community services for our extensive Ethiopian immigrant community in Colorado. The event is a unique showcase of music, food, art, crafts, culture, games, and Ethiopian dance. Moreover, the festival is not only a great opportunity for family fun and bringing the Ethiopian community together, but it also serves to highlight the individual contributions of Ethiopian immigrants to our community. In this spirit, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following organizers of the Taste of Ethiopia for their hard work and dedication to make this event for our community possible: Nebiyu Asfaw, Sosna Dagne, Elizabeth Moltot, Adanech Denbel, Fikru Ayele, Bizuye Sebsbe, Tilahun Dessie, Aschalew Agonafer, Yalemwork Tekola, Girum Alemayehu, Sophia Belew, Senait Keteman, Selam Ayele, Helen Tekle, and Ayinalem Bayu. Mr. Speaker, the 6th District of Colorado is home to the largest Ethiopian community in the State of Colorado and it continues to be an honor for me to represent so many Ethiopian immigrants. I had the privilege of attending last year's Taste of Ethiopia and it is a privilege for me to again be included in the Taste of Ethiopia annual celebration. I again offer my sincere congratulations to the organizers of the Taste of Ethiopia for their tireless work to promote the Ethiopian culture in the State of Colorado.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude for Barbara Cleland, the Aurora City Councilwoman at-large, for her extraordinary work and dedication to the city of Aurora for the past three decades. Her leadership has contributed to many of Aurora's most successful programs and initiatives. Barb Cleland has made the decision to retire from politics so that she may spend more time with her family and five grand-children. Her tenure in local politics was one that brought positive change and development to a city that has experienced great growth since she was first elected. Throughout her tenure, Councilwoman Cleland has sought to advance this city to its greatest potential. From relocating the University of Colorado Health Center, to putting stop signs on a street, her work is as meticulous as it is beneficial to the community around her. Despite retiring from the City Council, she will continue serving on the board for the Aurora Housing Authority, the Colorado State Housing Board, and as the Legislative and Community Relations director at Aurora Mental Health. Her focus on Public Safety, Courts, and Civil Service during her decades of dedicated service on the City Council for the City of Aurora reveals her commitment to her constituents and to their well- being. Barb Cleland has enhanced the quality of life for every citizen in the City of Aurora. Her leadership during the last 28 years have made the City of Aurora the great place it is today. Mr. Speaker, a great nation cannot exist without great representatives in local government. I believe that Ms. Barbara Cleland is among the very best and I am very grateful for her unyielding dedication to public service.