Mike Coffman

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the boys baseball team of Cherokee Trail High School on winning the 2016 Colorado 5A State championship game on May 29, 2016. The students and staff who were a part of the title-winning Cougars team deserve to be honored for winning the State championship for the first time since they won the 4A State championship in 2007. The Cougars beat Rocky Mountain High School 5-1 in the series, and ended the season with a winning 22-5 record. Throughout the season, the boys of the Cherokee Trail baseball team were dedicated, worked hard, and persevered. These traits were a key factor in their endeavor to win the championship, but winning could not have been possible without the tireless leadership of their head coach, Allan Dyer, and his commendable staff. It is with great pride that I join all of the residents of Aurora, Colorado, in congratulating the Cherokee Trail Cougars on their State championship.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,228,398,127,636.98. We've added $8,601,521,078,723.90 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $8.6 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,220,484,557,364.60. We've added $8,593,607,508,451.52 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $8.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,214,514,064,181.20. We've added $8,587,637,015,268.12 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lily Shen, a resident of the 6th district, for being awarded the Asian American Hero of Colorado Award. Mrs. Shen emigrated from Taiwan to the United States with her family 35 years ago. Since then, she has been a pillar of her community; fervently engaging in countless community programs. To name just a few of her current engagements, Mrs. Shen is currently the President of Colorado Chinese Language School and Colorado Chinese Club, the President of Colorado Chinese Evergreen Society, the Vice Chair of the Asian Pacific Development Center, and as the Treasurer of the Asian Roundtable of Colorado. Mrs. Shen has also served as the chair of the Chinese/Taiwanese Advisor Council to my office since 2012-present. Her storied career of community service to the Colorado Asian community, and to the Colorado community as a whole, has been punctuated by numerous awards recognizing her achievement. To name a few of her many awards, Mrs. Shen is a recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, a Woman of Distinction award from the Girl Scouts Mile High Council, an Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contributions Award from Senator Wayne Allard and she is a recipient of the Ambassadors for Peace Excellence in Leadership Award from Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace; American Leadership Initiative in Washington DC. I commend Mrs. Shen for her dutiful and tireless service to her community. She is truly deserving of being awarded the Asian American Hero of Colorado Award; an award which is yet another testament to her lifetime of community service.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,223,047,535,897.31. We've added $8,596,170,486,984.23 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,212,492,715,543.24. We've added $8,585,615,666,630.16 to our debt in 7 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,209,816,164,726.68. We've added $8,582,939,115,813.06 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,212,451,626,242.62. We've added $8,585,574,577,329.54 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,199,894,125,074.04. We've added $8,573,017,076,160.96 to our debt in 7 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to this amendment. The Obama administration's efforts to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay are both irresponsible and dangerous. A report from January of this year by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence indicates that the number of Guantanamo detainees released by the Obama administration and suspected of returning to the battlefield has doubled since the last recidivism report in 2015. Those who remain in Guantanamo Bay are the worst of the worst; so it is safe to presume that, if released, an even higher percentage of them would remain a threat to our national security. These are not U.S. citizens. They are foreign, unlawful enemy combatants that have directly supported hostilities against the United States and our allies. Mr. Chairman, I have and will continue to oppose any attempt to transfer these detainees to my home State of Colorado or to any other State. They must be kept at Guantanamo Bay.

Mr. COFFMAN. Congress has a responsibility to the American people to ensure that these unlawful enemy combatants are not brought to the United States. Mr. Chairman, these congressional restrictions must remain in place.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,197,497,243,132.16. We've added $8,570,620,194,219.08 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aurora West College Preparatory Academy (AWCPA), a runner-up for the prestigious Game Plan for Success Award. I also applaud AWCPA for maintaining their ``Performance level'' school status, the highest rating that can be granted to a Colorado school. This status serves as well-deserved tribute to their students' sustained growth over time toward state standards and proficiency levels. The students, teachers and administration of Aurora West College Preparatory Academy have worked hard to transform their school into a thriving and active educational environment. AWCPA fosters an inspiring learning environment and their school community is certainly seeing the positive results. Their dedication to high expectations, independent learning, and consistent, constructive testing has earned them runner- up for the Game Plan for Success Award. Today, I also honor the principal of Aurora West College Preparatory Academy, Brian Duwe. Mr. Duwe has shown incredible leadership and his passion for education is an inspiration for students and educators alike. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the entire Aurora West College Preparatory Academy community for their academic achievement, and I am confident that the school will continue to excel.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,190,059,553,782.20. We've added $8,563,182,504,869.12 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Tony Castillo, a longtime friend of mine from my hometown of Aurora, Colorado, who recently passed away. Tony and I had a friendship that started in our youth. We had so much in common. Tony and I both came from military families. Our late fathers had both married war brides in the aftermath of World War II. They were career enlisted soldiers who were transferred to Fitzsimons Army Medical Center for their last assignment in 1964 when we were both just 9 years old. Our military families both came from previous assignments in Europe. While I followed in my father's footsteps and joined the military, Tony stayed in Aurora and eventually married the love of his life, Nita Adkins of Pueblo, Colorado. Tony and Nita raised two extraordinary children, Ben and Jess, in a loving family that has been inseparable. Tony was an extraordinary example of a great friend, a loving husband, a devoted father, and he will always be remembered and missed by all who knew him. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Tony Castillo, a longtime friend of mine, from my hometown of Aurora, Colorado, who recently passed away. Tony and I had a friendship that started in our youth. We had so much in common. Tony and I both came from military families. Our late fathers had both married war brides in the aftermath of World War II. They were career enlisted soldiers who were transferred to Fitzsimons Army Medical Center for their last assignment in 1964 when we were both just 9 years old. Our military families both came from previous assignments in Europe. While I followed in my father's footsteps and joined the military, Tony stayed in Aurora and eventually married the love of his life, Nita Adkins of Pueblo, Colorado. Tony and Nita raised two extraordinary children, Ben and Jess, in a loving family that has been inseparable. Tony was an extraordinary example of a great friend, a loving husband, a devoted father, and will always be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Horizon Community Middle School for their participation at the White House Science Fair and for their recognition as a Samsung Solve for Tomorrow National Winner. A classroom of 40 seventh and eighth graders designed and produced a fully functioning prosthetic limb for local disabled Marine Corps veteran, Kyle Kelly. The limb was designed to help Kyle live a more active lifestyle, even allowing him to hike, ski, and skateboard comfortably. Three students from the Horizon group, Simon-Peter Frimpong, Grayson Fast, and Maya Maxfield-Villard presented this project to President Obama at the annual White House Science Fair on April 13th. It's inspiring to see students taking an interest in solving real- world problems through STEM while also helping veterans in need. These student innovators serve as an example for students throughout Colorado and the United States. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the students and teachers of Horizon Community Middle School for all of your hard work on this important cause.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kenneth Mika, Matthew Molloy, and Courtney Paul 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 114th Congress, Second Session. The work of these young men and women has been exemplary and I know they all have bright futures. They served as tour guides, interacted with constituents, and learned a great deal about our nation's legislative process. I was glad to be able to offer this educational opportunity to these three and look forward to seeing them build their careers in public service. All three of our interns 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 Kenneth Mika, Matthew Molloy, and Courtney Paul for their service this spring.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my hometown of Aurora, Colorado on its 125th birthday. Aurora has been a center of rich history throughout its 125 years as a city. In the year 1866, on the heels of the gold rush, a man named Thomas Gully and his family decided to settle into a quiet ranching and farming life in what is now the city center of Aurora. Less than 30 years later, thirty-six Aurorans voted to incorporate Aurora, then known as Fletcher, and it was officially formed on April 30, 1891. Throughout the years, Aurora has transformed from the Gully's quiet ranching and farming community to the bustling urban metropolis we see today. From humble beginnings, Aurora has grown to be the 3rd largest city in Colorado with a rich and ethnically diverse population. Aurora continues to thrive and grow, with a number of new construction and redevelopment projects already in motion. New businesses and residences, revitalized community centers, and even new light rail expansion all mark the 125th anniversary of the city of Aurora. Even in the face of this advancement, the Gully House, believed to be the oldest structure in Aurora, still stands as a symbol of our humble past and a reminder of the progress we have made together as a city. So, in recognition of our past, present, and future, Happy Birthday, Aurora, and I look forward to celebrating many more.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Fort Lupton Middle School for its recognition as an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) National Demonstration school and an AVID School of Distinction, as well as for winning the coveted Game Plan for Success Award. These merits are most deserved. Staying true to their motto, ``Every Student, Every Day, Achieves and Learns,'' the students, teachers, and administration of Fort Lupton have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of education and the pursuit of college and career readiness. If you walk through Fort Lupton, you will see data from the latest benchmark exams displayed throughout the building, celebrating success and conveying the need to work hard and aim high. It is because of the school's commitment to hard work and data-driven teaching that they have earned the prestigious Game Plan for Success Award. To honor this achievement, U.S. Women's National Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe presented the school with the $5,000 prize and shared with the students tips for success in and out of the classroom. Today, I also honor the principal of Fort Lupton Middle School, Candace Kensinger. Ms. Kensinger has shown incredible leadership and her passion for education is an inspiration for students and educators alike. Mr. Speaker, I send my sincerest congratulations to the entire Fort Lupton Middle School community. Their academic success serves as an example throughout Colorado and the United States of America.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,218,673,186,359.42. We've added $8,591,796,137,446.34 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,210,345,265,252.22. We've added $8,583,468,216,339.14 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $8 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,198,172,774,532.79. We've added $8,571,295,725,619.71 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Tony Costillo, a longtime friend of mine, from my hometown of Aurora, Colorado, who recently passed away. Tony and I had a friendship that started in our youth. We had so much in common. Tony and I both came from military families. Our late fathers had both married war brides in the aftermath of World War II. They were career enlisted soldiers who were transferred to Fitzsimons Army Medical Center for their last assignment in 1964 when we were both just 9 years old. Our military families both came from previous assignments in Europe. While I followed in my father's footsteps and joined the military, Tony stayed in Aurora and eventually married the love of his life, Nita Adkins of Pueblo, Colorado. Tony and Nita raised two extraordinary children, Ben and Jess, in a loving family that has been inseparable. Tony was an extraordinary example of a great friend, a loving husband, a devoted father, and he will always be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2009, the day President Obama took office, the national debt was $10,626,877,048,913.08. Today, it is $19,221,832,717,891.35. We've added $8,594,955,668,978.27 to our debt in 6 years. This is over $7.5 trillion in debt our nation, our economy, and our children could have avoided with a balanced budget amendment.