Jason Crow

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career and dedicated service of Chief Master Sergeant Sharma J. Haynes on the occasion of her retirement from the United States Air Force. Chief Master Sergeant Haynes has served our Nation with unwavering commitment for over two decades, leaving an indelible mark on both the Air Force and Space Force. Chief Master Sergeant Haynes served as the Senior Enlisted Airman for Space Base Delta 2 at Buckley Space Force Base in my home state of Colorado. In this crucial role, she was the principal advisor to the installation commander, overseeing the morale, welfare, training, climate, readiness, and professional development of over 1,000 personnel. Her leadership was instrumental in ensuring the effective execution of critical missile warning and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions worldwide. Moreover, she played a vital role in supporting the numerous wings, mission partners, and personnel stationed at Buckley, as well as the extensive retiree community. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Chief Master Sergeant Haynes entered the Air Force in 2003 and quickly established herself as a dedicated and capable leader. Her diverse background in financial management included positions as Flight Chief, Enlisted Force Development Manager, and Superintendent, with assignments and deployments spanning the globe, from Japan and South Korea to Afghanistan and the Pentagon. Chief Master Sergeant Haynes' commitment to professional development is evident in her extensive education, culminating in a Master of Business Administration degree and completion of numerous prestigious leadership courses. Her dedication to excellence is further highlighted by her numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters. She has also been recognized with multiple Airman and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year awards throughout her career. Chief Master Sergeant Sharma J. Haynes embodies the highest ideals of military service. Her leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the men and women under her charge have been exemplary. On behalf of the Sixth Congressional District of Colorado and a grateful Nation, I extend my deepest gratitude to Chief Master Sergeant Haynes for her exceptional service and wish her a long and fulfilling retirement. Her contributions to our Nation's security will be long remembered.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, as we commemorate Police Week, I join my colleagues in honoring law enforcement around the country and back home in Colorado. On Capitol Hill, the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police protect us and the seat of our democracy. I personally owe a great debt of gratitude to these officers who responded to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Many of my colleagues and I were trapped right up there in the House gallery that day as an insurrectionist mob converged on the Capitol. Officers from the Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and numerous other departments risked their lives to protect us and our democracy. As seen here, these officers were brutally assaulted with flag poles, bear spray, stun guns, knives, and bats. Over 140 officers were wounded and sustained injuries from the attack. Many still deal with the mental and physical trauma from that day. There were numerous officers who died from their injuries after the attack: Officer Brian Sicknick, Officer Howard Liebengood, Officer Jeffrey Smith, Officer Gunther Hashida, and Officer Kyle DeFreytag. Congress, on a bipartisan basis, took a step to honor their extraordinary bravery when we passed a law in 2022 directing the placement of a plaque at the Capitol. The plaque is complete. It is done. It has been sitting somewhere in storage in the Capitol, and it is way past time that we display this for America to see. This Police Week let's honor the men and women who bravely risked everything to do their duty to protect this House and to protect this Capitol and our democracy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in doing the right thing. It is time to display this plaque so Americans around the country who visit the seat of this democracy will see and be able to join us in honoring the bravery of those men and women from January 6, 2021.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, on May 5, 2025, I was unable to be present to cast my vote on the MEGOBARI Act (H.R. 36) and the ACES Act (H.R. 530). Had I been present for Roll Call No. 115 and Roll Call No. 116, I would have voted ``AYE'' for both measures.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Greater Buckley Region in my district, which was recently recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities. The Great American Defense Communities program recognizes and celebrates communities and regions that support military installations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving quality of life for military families, veterans, and service members--while fostering collaboration across the defense ecosystem. I am proud of our community--anchored by Buckley Space Force Base and also home to the Colorado National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters-- for its unwavering dedication to advancing quality-of-life initiatives. As an Army Ranger veteran, I understand that morale and readiness depend on more than infrastructure--we must create environments where military families can thrive. The Greater Buckley Region has led in areas such as housing, health care, employment, and education. This recognition also reflects the strength of local partnerships, including the Aurora Chamber of Commerce's Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council, which plays a vital role in bridging military and civilian communities, advocating for service members, and fostering enduring support networks. The Greater Buckley Region shows us what's possible when communities unite around those who serve. I congratulate them on this well-deserved honor and look forward to their continued leadership as a model for defense communities nationwide.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jasmine Baker, winner of a 2024 James Madison Fellowship from the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. This fellowship is awarded to educators who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to civic responsibility and education in the areas of American history, American government, or civics. Mrs. Baker began her service in the U.S. Air Force, conducting signals analysis in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon leaving the military, Mrs. Baker continued to serve her community through education. She went to school using the GI Bill, and became a social studies teacher with an emphasis on supporting education in urban communities. As an eighth-grade teacher at Mrachek Middle School in Aurora, Colorado, she incorporates intensive discussion and diverse cultural narratives to promote critical thinking. A participant in the national We the People research project and a ``Push-In'' facilitator, Mrs. Baker works to make education more accessible. As a facilitator, she focuses on addressing the challenges Black youth face in school and on creating more equitable spaces for young women through professional development programs and student groups. As Aurora Public Schools' co-facilitator for social studies programs, she coordinates with all district middle school teachers to strengthen education our Aurora youth receive and to help mentor new educators. And as a coach of the Step Team, she drives her athletes to build leadership skills, confidence, community, and to pass down cultural and historical knowledge. As Colorado's 2024 James Madison Fellow, Mrs. Baker will continue her own education and complete a master's degree at the University of Colorado Denver. She hopes to use this opportunity to facilitate even greater educational advancement for her students and to build a stronger, more civically adept community. I thank Mrs. Baker for her service to our community and wish her the best in her studies as she completes the James Madison Fellowship.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Daniel L. Ritchie. Former Chancellor of the University of Denver, Ritchie was beloved in our community for his commitment to the University, to philanthropy, and to his role as a civic leader in Denver. Ritchie wore numerous hats in his professional career, but he was always guided by values he called his ``cowboy ethics.'' These values included: Live each day with courage. Take pride in your work. Always finish what you start. Do what has to be done. Be tough, but fair. When you make a promise, keep it. Ride for the brand. Talk less and say more. Remember that some things aren't for sale. Ritchie lived by these principles, but he was also a person who was quick to demonstrate empathy, to lift up others, and to listen to those people and those causes in need of attention. He served the University community as Chancellor from 1989 to 2005, and helped raise over $400 million in investments to university infrastructure and facilities, including tens of millions of dollars of his own money. The University's athletics complex, the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness, bears his name and thousands of Coloradans walk through its doors each year to watch Division I teams compete in college athletics. A passionate supporter of athletics, Ritchie also knew that well- rounded students benefited from diverse perspectives. He created the Cherrington Global Scholars program at the University, a program designed to facilitate participation in study abroad programs and grow a student body prepared for ``global citizenship.'' Daniel L. Ritchie was a steady force of nature and a leader who earned the respect of those he represented. His contributions to our state, whether through positions at the University of Denver, Denver Center for Performing Arts, Daniels Fund, Denver Art Museum Foundation, Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, or one of his many other commitments to our community, are a legacy we're grateful he leaves behind. I honor these achievements, send my gratitude to his loved ones, and thank the ``Cowboy Chancellor'' for his service to our state.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize Adams County Commissioner Charles ``Chaz'' Tedesco for his service to Colorado. Commissioner Tedesco began his service by serving in the U.S. Navy, and as President of the United Steelworkers Union. Commissioner Tedesco supported several initiatives to help vulnerable youth during his term, including Homes for Hope, a program for youth in emergency foster care in Adams County. He also served as Vice-Chair of the Former Foster Care Youth Steering Committee for the State of Colorado. Commissioner Tedesco is a member of diverse boards and committees as he serves Adams County residents and all Coloradans, including the E- 470 Authority, Airport Coordinating Committee, Aurora Economic Development Board of Directors, Veterans Advisory Commission, Aerotropolis Regional Transit Authority, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Counties, Inc., County & Commissioners Acting Together, Child Welfare Allocation Committee, Metro Area County Commissioners, and National Association of Counties. Commissioner Tedesco has been a consistent advocate for veterans and a voice for funding state and federal veterans' programs. He was integral in the formation of the Veterans Advisory Commission which seeks to address and work cooperatively with other county boards, councils, and staff regarding veterans' interests. I thank Commissioner Tedesco for his service to our community as the Commissioner for District 2 on the Adams County Board of Commissioners.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Commissioner Eva Henry. Throughout her years in public service to Adams County, where she grew up and raised her family, she worked to improve the lives of all Coloradans. Commissioner Henry championed several initiatives that elevated the state and made Colorado a better place to walk, live, and raise a family. As Commissioner, she led efforts to regulate the oil and gas industries, protect our environment, and preserve clean air and water. Under her leadership, Adams County became the first county in Colorado to regulate drilling in 2019, paving the way for other counties to follow. Commissioner Henry partnered with Caraway to lower housing costs by repurposing the former Children and Family Services building for use as affordable housing. To bolster the local economy, Commissioner Henry worked with aerospace companies and supported their moves to the state, further enhancing Colorado's aerospace ecosystem, the second-largest aerospace economy in the Nation. Commissioner Henry's dedication to public service contributed to the betterment of Colorado and the well-being of thousands of our state's families. I thank Commissioner Eva Henry for her service and congratulate her on her retirement after 12 years as Commissioner of Adams County and five years as a member of the Thornton City Council.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Arapahoe County Commissioner Bill Holen on his retirement after more than 50 years of public service. Commissioner Holen is an Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War, and a former member of the Colorado Air National Guard. He dedicated much of his career to government public service, including working for Senator Gary Hart and Congressman Ed Perlmutter. Commissioner Holen was elected to the Arapahoe Board of County Commissioners for District 5 in 2012. Over the past 12 years, he has served as the Finance Officer and Chair Pro Tempore. In addition to his service to the County, Commissioner Holen served as the Chair of the Colorado Bipartisan Military Post-Traumatic Stress Task Force, on the Denver Regional Council of Governments Board of Directors, Colorado's Board of Veterans Affairs, NASA's Space Station Industrial Use Taskforce, and the Denver Regional Council of Governments Transportation Advisory Board. Commissioner Holen has also dedicated much of his time to community service. He was the Goodwill Ambassador to U.S. Air Force 460th Space Wing Space Command Commander's Group, served on the Board of Arapahoe/ Douglas Mental Health Network Developmental Pathways, and Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners. He has also participated as a member in the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Defense Council, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, and the United Veterans Committee of Colorado. Commissioner Holen is finishing his final term as a Board Member of the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners, where he has provided sound advice on the use of county resources, strong partnership across the County and State, and stalwart dedication to the Arapahoe County community. I thank Commissioner Bill Holen for his service to Arapahoe County, the state of Colorado, and our country.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor State Senator Janet Buckner for her commitment and faithful public service to the state of Colorado. Senator Buckner has been a resident and leader in our community for decades. Early in her career, she worked with children and family as a speech and language therapist. Senator Buckner worked for decades in medical sales before then serving our community as an elected official and public servant. After the death of her late husband, Senator Buckner was unanimously elected to serve the remainder of his term representing the people of House District 40. The Honorable John W. Buckner, like his wife, spent much of his life dedicated to educating the youth of the district, as a teacher and principal at Overland High School. In 2016 and 2018, she was re-elected to continue her service in the Colorado General Assembly. During then-Representative Buckner's tenure in the House, she was appointed to serve in leadership as Speaker Pro Tempore. During this time, she helped to pass the historic Equal Pay for Equal Work Act of 2019 to prohibit sex discrimination in the workplace. In 2020, Senator Buckner was elected to the Colorado State Senate, where she served as the Senate Majority Caucus Chair, Chair of the Education Committee, and as a member of the Finance Committee. During this time, she championed legislation to create the Department of Early Childhood and the Universal Preschool program, bringing resources and universal preschool to all children in Colorado. Senator Buckner has always put people first and believes in giving all individuals a seat at the table regarding policy and legislative issues. She leads by example with grace, inclusivity, and empathy. I thank Senator Janet Buckner for decades of dedicated service and commitment to representing her constituents and our community.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank one of my constituents, chief meteorologist Mike Nelson, for his service to Colorado. For 33 years, Mr. Nelson has appeared on our TVs, providing informed and crucial weather reports to help Colorado families prepare for blizzards, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires. Mr. Nelson has also been there in the moments of calm--when a day spells blue skies, warm sun, and for many, time spent in Colorado's great outdoors. Mr. Nelson, chief meteorologist of Denver7 since 2004, has not only informed Coloradans of weather reports but has profoundly affected how we receive weather reporting in the U.S. In 1979, he and his colleague Terry Kelly devised one of the first computer weather graphics systems--one which continues to be the most widely embraced system in the country. Mr. Nelson also introduced the first weather computer to Colorado in 1982. With 20 Emmy awards, including 18 for Outstanding Weather Anchor, Mr. Nelson has served Colorado by making weather and climate change reporting more accessible. His dedication to weather reporting has gone beyond the TV screen. He has been actively involved in educating hundreds of thousands of students, including with his tornado dance, and, most recently, writing `The World's Littlest Book on Climate,' a book geared towards climate outreach and education. I join Coloradans in congratulating Mike Nelson on his retirement after nearly 50 years on television and thank him for his commitment to our state.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office of Colorado, led currently by District Attorney John Kellner, and serving Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties. In January 1962, the 18th Judicial District was established. Initially comprised of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, Elbert County was added in 1965, followed by Lincoln County in 1969. The 18th Judicial District, with a geographic size larger than the state of Connecticut, has grown more than any other Colorado judicial district during that time and now has a population exceeding one million people. Within the next decade, Arapahoe County's population is expected to grow to be the most populous county in the state. In 2020, the Colorado General Assembly established a new judicial district. Next year, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln Counties will form a newly created 23rd Judicial District, while Arapahoe County will be the sole county in the existing 18th Judicial District. Officials of the 18th Judicial District--prosecutors, victim witness specialists, support staff, and law enforcement officers--work hard every day to pursue justice, advocate for victims and support our community. As a Member of Congress, I look forward to continuing to work with our local law enforcement officials to promote public safety.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Nancy Reichman, Professor Emerita at the University of Denver. On December 4, 2024, Dr. Reichman received the Joyce and Kal Zeff Humanitarian Award, a well- deserved recognition of her dedicated work in academia and to our community. Dr. Reichman worked in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Denver for 40 years. Her commitment to education and to the Denver community had a profound impact on undergraduate students at the University of Denver over the years. During Dr. Reichman's time at the University, her research areas included financial regulation, workplace regulation, and white-collar crime. Dr. Reichman's commitment to the Jewish community is evident through her dedication to relaunching the Jewish Family Services' Refugee Resettlement program. This program assists refugee families in finding affordable housing, providing food and mental health counseling, and supporting overall efforts to acclimate to life in the United States. She also sits on Denver's Racial Equity Council and works alongside her colleagues to address systemic inequalities and racial inequity in our state. Dr. Reichman's work in academia and across our community created lasting changes in Colorado. I join many others in extending my gratitude for her service to our state.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of an extraordinary leader from Colorado, Victor Bencomo. When Victor passed away on October 1, 2024. we lost a loving father and husband, a fierce advocate, and a support system for many. Victor is survived by his wife Sara Reins Bencomo and three sons Kyle, Alden, and Beck. Victor dedicated more than 30 years of his life to public service, including a 22-year career in the Navy as a combat medic. He was a leading advocate for gun violence prevention policy as President of the Colorado Chapter of Giffords Gun Owners for Safety. He testified for sensible gun safety laws at both the Colorado State Capitol and the U.S. Congress. He was also a consistent advocate for veterans' suicide prevention resources, and even in the last few months of his life, Victor was advocating for glioblastoma research. Victor dedicated his life in service to others and he exuded love and kindness. He lit up every room and those of us who were lucky enough to see him speak or spend time in his company were better for it. I am proud to have known Victor and to have been part of his journey. Victor once described his legacy as a ``testament to the enduring pursuit of a brighter, fairer, and safer world for all.'' Our community and our country are grateful for this enduring pursuit. I honor the life and service of Victor Bencomo and I extend my gratitude to his family for sharing such a bright light with us.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the recent opening of Goodwill of Colorado's Excel Center in Aurora, Colorado. The Excel Center is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for adults in our state and aims to empower adult learners to achieve the foundational credential of a high school diploma. As Colorado's first in-person, no-cost, adult learning high school, the Excel Center will provide a pathway for residents aged 22 years and older to earn a diploma--setting them up for higher earning potential and improved job security. Equipping students with the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles to academic progress is one of the main priorities of the Excel Center. By working to break down these obstacles, including childcare and transportation, Goodwill of Colorado will help students pursue their educational goals. Colorado, like much of the Nation, faces a critical workforce shortage, particularly in high-demand industries requiring skilled workers. Adult learners at the Excel Center will be connected with the education resources, certificates, and workforce development they need to enter the workforce and contribute to in-demand fields. My district, our state, and our Nation are better when we invest in our workforce, create opportunities for growth, and empower our communities. I congratulate Goodwill of Colorado on the opening of the Excel Center and thank them for their service to our community.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th Annual Taste of Ethiopia and its organizers. The Taste of Ethiopia is an annual event that highlights the culture and community service of many in Colorado's Ethiopian immigrant community. Colorado families of all backgrounds attend this event to experience Ethiopian culture, music, food, art, crafts, games, and dance. Organizers and volunteers share these vibrant facets of their lives with the community, and attendees embrace and learn about the many ways the Ethiopian diaspora community enriches our district. My district has one of the largest Ethiopian populations in the State of Colorado, a characteristic that I consider among our strengths. I have had the privilege of attending the Taste of Ethiopia several times over the last ten years, and I know firsthand how meaningful this event is to our community. It is an honor to be included in this celebration. I recognize the leadership of the Taste of Ethiopia's organizers, the contributions of Ethiopian individuals, families, and organizations, and the support of volunteers and our community who make this one of the district's popular annual events.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the horrific mass shooting at a Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, 12 years ago. Each year, July 20 brings back the shock and pain that reverberated across Aurora and the Nation. Mr. Speaker, 12 lives were brutally cut short, and countless others were forever changed. The pain still echoes through our community, a constant reminder of the devastating toll of gun violence. I remember the victims, A.J.; Alex; Alexander; Gordon; Jesse; Jessica; John; Jonathan; Matt; Micayla; Rebecca; and Veronica; their families; and the survivors who still bear the scars of that night. I think of the heroes who risked their lives to shield and save others. Their bravery provided a beacon of hope in immense darkness. We must not grow numb to the pain of that day. We must use their memory to continue to fight for commonsense gun reform. May we never forget the lives lost in Aurora.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Marc Belo, First Sergeant, 2-135th General Support Aviation Battalion. Marc was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 8, 1970, and graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1992. Marc served this country for over 30 years beginning with his enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1994. He had the distinction of being a member of the elite Marine Helicopter Squadron One and transported the President, Vice President, and other heads of state around the world. Following an honorable discharge in 2000, Marc enlisted in the District of Columbia National Guard to continue his love of flying, mainly on the UH-60 Blackhawk. As part of this enlistment, Marc was among those who responded to the Pentagon on 9/11. In 2004, Marc transferred to the Colorado Army National Guard and joined the 2-135th ``Blackjacks.'' During his service, Marc completed deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, and Kosovo. While stateside, Marc contributed to critical missions including wildfire fighting and the National Guard helicopter high-altitude rescue program. Marc was a dedicated husband and father whose humility, leadership, and good humor touched thousands of lives. He met his high school sweetheart Jennifer in 1986 and married in 1995. Together Marc and Jennifer had two daughters, Danjela and Nadija. Marc loved nothing more than spending time with friends. Marc and Jennifer lost their oldest daughter Danjela following a battle with brain cancer on August 15, 2023, only to learn a few months later that Marc had colorectal cancer. Marc passed on May 15, 2024, nine months to the day after his daughter Danjela. This world is a better one because of the legacy that Marc leaves behind in those he impacted through his service, his friendship, and his dedication to his family. His service to our nation exemplifies the man, soldier, and Marine he was. I honor Marc and extend my condolences to his wife Jennifer, his daughter Nadija, and his friends and family.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of John Reilly, Jr., MD, and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement. For nearly a decade, Dr. Reilly served as the Dean of the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor for health affairs at CU Anschutz, where he led the charge in establishing Aurora and Colorado as national leaders in health care and biomedical research. During his tenure, he elevated CU Anschutz to the top tier of academic medical centers in the Nation, expanded programs to serve more people across our state, and recruited leaders who will extend this legacy for decades to come. During Dean Reilly's tenure, medical school curriculum and clinical training settings were updated to better prepare medical students for productive and fulfilling careers, medical research for the school of medicine grew by 67 percent, and CU Medicine faculty cared for more Coloradans than any other medical group--serving 727,000 people through 4.2 million patient visits in 2023. Dr. Reilly's commitment to community service is exemplified by his efforts to strengthen partnerships for those residing in Colorado. Under his guidance, CU Anschutz established the Aurora Wellness Community, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing access to primary care for underserved populations in north Aurora. The Aurora Wellness Community Center will offer comprehensive health and wellness programming, including childcare and a food bank to address the diverse needs of north Aurora. Further, under the leadership of Dr. Reilly, the CU School of Medicine collaborated with Traverse Academy, a school within the Cherry Creek School District, which led to the establishment of the Nation's first mental health treatment facility operated by a school district. Dean Reilly's contributions to improving health care access, quality, and research will be felt in Colorado and across the country for decades to come. I want to congratulate Dean Reilly again on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his service to our community, Colorado, and our Nation.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the horrific mass shooting that occurred at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, in Littleton, Colorado. Twenty-five years ago, 12 teenagers and 1 teacher were killed just for going to school. Twenty-three were injured, and many still struggle with lifelong injuries. Today, we remember those we lost: Cassie Bernall, Steve Curnow, Corey DePooter, Kelly Fleming, Matt Kechter, Daniel Mauser, Danny Rohrbough, Rachel Scott, Isaiah Shoels, John Tomlin, Lauren Townsend, Kyle Velasquez, and Dave Sanders. We remember the families, the survivors, and the entire Columbine community. Some became the country's first gun violence prevention advocates, like Tom Mauser, the father of Daniel Mauser. For 25 years, he has gone toe to toe with the gun lobby and the State and Federal governments to fight for change, all while wearing the shoes his son was wearing the day he was killed. To honor their memories, we cannot allow another 25 years to pass before we say ``never again'' and finally mean it.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act to reauthorize section 702 of FISA. As one of the Nation's most essential intelligence-gathering tools, the importance of reauthorizing FISA cannot be overstated. Every day, our Nation's diplomats, intelligence professionals, defense officials, soldiers, marines, and airmen rely on intelligence derived from section 702 to advance their missions and to protect our country. It provides vital insights into the kinds of threats that we need to be able to protect Americans from, including threats against our critical infrastructure, our computer networks, our financial system, and our citizens. This bill is the product of careful, bipartisan negotiations. These negotiations have insured that this bill will not only maintain the effectiveness of FISA, but also enhance protections for America's civil liberties. It makes targeted reforms to address compliance issues and to prevent abuses. The amendment proposed by my colleagues to require a warrant before accessing this information, which has already been lawfully collected and reviewed by courts and is in the possession of the U.S. Government, would serve as a de facto ban on ever accessing it. It creates an unacceptable level of risk with consequences that will be felt almost immediately for Americans and our national security. Therefore, Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject the Biggs amendment and to support the underlying bill.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Professor Ved Nanda. For 57 years, Ved was a distinguished professor at the University of Denver law school. During his tenure, he established the international legal studies program and served as director of the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law. He was an officer and board member in several international and national NGOs and a leader in the international law community. More than that, Ved Nanda was a valued mentor to many. In every corner of Colorado, you can find someone who benefited from Ved's calm wisdom. His legacy will continue to inspire me and many around the world. He will be deeply missed.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to implore House Republicans to bring the bipartisan national security supplemental to the floor for a vote. All we want is a vote. I just returned from Ukraine with a bipartisan group where we met with Ukrainians, and I can tell you that these folks are fighting and dying, not just for their own freedom and their own democracy but for freedom and democracy around the globe because Vladimir Putin and Russia will not stop at Ukraine. They will continue marching if they are not stopped here. This national security supplemental bill, this is not charity. We are not doing this simply out of the goodness of our hearts. This is in the best interests of Americans and American national security. Let's break this down. By providing this support, we will be able to stop Russian from its march anyplace else in Europe. We will be able to protect the 100,000 servicemen and -women, Americans and their families who live in Europe and work with our allies and who would be at great risk if Putin is not stopped here. We also protect our largest trading partner in Europe and our largest security partner. Our economy and our businesses rely on a stable and prosperous Europe. We would also be protecting the world's food supply and food prices, keeping food prices lower and making sure that food supplies are not interrupted. That is all the things that this bill will do. Let's also talk about how this bill is structured and how it provides that support. It provides that support by spending over half of the money right here in the United States in U.S. businesses and on U.S. workers, from places like Texas and North Carolina and Pennsylvania and Colorado, all throughout this Nation who will be building the equipment and supplies that we will be sending to our military, because that is another part of this. Our military sends our old equipment to Ukraine, and Ukraine uses it with great effect on the battlefield, then the new stuff is kept by our military. Let's break this down. We are supporting our economy. We are protecting our 100,000 troops. We are ensuring a stable and prosperous Europe. We are defeating the Russian military. We are ensuring food supplies. We are updating our own military stocks. We are infusing money in the U.S. defense industrial base and into our own workers and businesses. We are doing all of this for less than 5 percent of our annual defense budget. That is a great deal for the American taxpayer. It is a great deal for the American people. We would be remiss if we didn't act now and take this up. There are moments in history that will judge people and determine the course of the world. We are at one of those moments now. I implore you. Bring this for a vote so we can ensure a stable and prosperous world and make sure it is one that our children and grandchildren want to grow up in.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Janice McDonald for her decades of service to the Cherry Creek School District, City of Aurora, and surrounding communities. A Colorado native, Janice graduated from East High School in Denver before moving with her husband to Aurora in 1957. All five of their children and fourteen of their grandchildren attended Cherry Creek Schools. Over the years, Janice dedicated much of her time and energy to giving back to children and her community. At Ponderosa High School, she served as the Vice President and President of the Parent Teacher Community Organization and represented the school on the Parents Council. Janice also served on the School Accountability Committee and started several multi-cultural programs at Prairie Middle School. Each month, she would offer a presentation to students about diverse cultures, countries, and industries. She also developed a student-adult mentoring program specifically geared toward young African American students. In November 2015, Janice was elected to the Cherry Creek School Board of Education as the first African-American woman to serve in that role. As the representative for District B, she prioritized strengthening community involvement and focused on closing the achievement gap for all students. With her vast personal and professional experience in the district, she wanted to give back to a community that she believed had served her children and family well. On October 9, 2023, Janice delivered final remarks during her final board meeting as a Cherry Creek School District Board Member. In part they read: ``In retrospect, I have been afforded the opportunity to serve eight years. An opportunity that I haven't taken for granted. I truly believe to whom much has been given, much is required. I have been committed. When my five children came through the district I wanted the best for them, now my grandchildren. I want the best for them as well, but beyond my personal desires, I have truly wanted the best for all students.'' Her parting advice was to ``Let the agenda always support what's best for the children in every deliberation.'' Janice's colleagues also offered remarks in honor of her service and to pay tribute to her unwavering focus on the children and her well- known and often-asked line, ``How are the children?'' I commend and thank Janice for her decades of service to the community, including eight years of service to the Cherry Creek School District. As she begins her retirement, may Janice's experience and commitment to service leave a lasting legacy on the students, faculty, and the Board in the years ahead.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Is that the message we want to send? No. You can't say you are for our national security and also support this measure. More than anything else, this is a moral argument. I don't want to see yellow ribbons tied around trees, I don't want to see people thank people for their service, I don't want to see 10 percent discounts on coffee or meals if they are willing to support a policy that undermines the morality of this country and the ability of our young men and women to get the care they need and for our young servicewomen, in particular, to be treated equally.