Jason Crow

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, 9 years ago today, Aurora, Colorado, faced an unbelievable tragedy when a shooter opened fire in a movie theater. Madam Speaker, 12 people lost their lives, 70 were injured, and countless others are still impacted by the trauma of that day. Every year, Aurora and the greater Colorado community come together to remember the lives lost and the trauma. We also come together to recognize the everyday heroes that stepped up to help their neighbors and loved ones. Their heroism saved lives. I thank my friend and colleague, Representative Ed Perlmutter for, again, offering a resolution to designate July 28 as National Heroes Day. This year, in particular, we recognize the everyday heroes that have helped us withstand this pandemic, our frontline workers, scientists, and healthcare professionals, and the first responders who stand on the front lines every day. As we reflect today, let us also be galvanized into action. In the 9 years since the Aurora tragedy, little has been done at the Federal level to reduce gun violence and mass shootings. Enough is enough. I am here, in part, because I have been inspired by my constituents who endured incredible tragedy 9 years ago and have directed that pain to fight for change. Let us not grow numb to the pain of this day, but let's continue to work toward meaningful and lasting change.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, the Army Ranger Creed reads, in part: ``I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy.'' Today, Afghans who worked for U.S. forces are in grave danger. The organization No One Left Behind, a nonprofit that advocates for the relocation of Afghan interpreters to the U.S., says that more than 300 translators or their relatives have already been killed since 2014, but that number only increasing every day. We cannot allow a slow bureaucracy to cost the lives of Afghans who served alongside our men and women. As an Army Ranger and paratrooper, I served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In both places, I worked very closely with Iraqi and Afghan interpreters who were absolutely critical to me accomplishing my mission. Mr. Speaker, I am not somebody who many people in this House would say is prone to hyperbole or exaggeration, but I can say with confidence that I might not be here today speaking to all of my colleagues had it not been for these men and women who trusted us, who fought with us, who died with us, shoulder to shoulder. They provided this service at great risk to themselves and their families, and they did so with courage and the understanding that we would stand with them and provide a safe haven if and when necessary. Well, my friends and colleagues, that time has come. Today, we are considering the HOPE for Afghan SIVs Act to allow the administration to waive the requirement that Afghan special immigrant visa applicants undergo a medical examination while in Afghanistan. As my colleagues already pointed out, there is currently one facility in Kabul that conducts all of these examinations. It is already dangerous and increasingly dangerous to get to that facility, to work through the backlog, and to afford those examinations. Under our bill, recipients would be required to get a medical examination within 30 days of arriving in the United States. Let me be clear. Nothing in this bill would impact the security screening and vetting process for these applicants. The National Security Council estimates that this change could decrease the SIV process by approximately 1 month per applicant. My colleagues, in combat and in a war zone, every hour matters. Minutes seem like hours, days like weeks. A month will save many, many lives. We wouldn't be considering this bill on the floor today if it weren't for a broad coalition of supporters. To my friend and colleague, Representative Wenstrup, I thank him for his partnership. I know how important this is to him, too, for personal reasons. Mr. Speaker, to the members of the Honoring Our Promises Working Group, I thank them for their steadfast attention to this issue and for their support of this bill, Republicans and Democrats alike. Mr. Speaker, I thank Leader Hoyer, Chairman Nadler, Chairwoman Lofgren, and her subcommittee staff, Ami Shah and Betsy Lawrence, for working very late the last couple of weeks to make sure we got this deal done. The American handshake needs to mean something, not just in and of itself. But we are strong as a country not because we have aircraft carrier battle groups, fighters, and tanks. We are strong because we have friends. And to have friends, we need to be a friend. We must stand by our partners. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the HOPE for Afghan SIVs Act.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the career of Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven, president of the Community College of Aurora, and congratulate her on her upcoming retirement. Dr. Oudenhoven joined CCA in 2011, as the vice president for student affairs. She possessed an extensive leadership background, serving students at institutions in Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, and Illinois. CCA recognized her commitment and exceptional service when they appointed her president in December 2013. In her time at CCA, Dr. Oudenhoven is recognized for advancing the institution's commitment to diversity and inclusion, prioritizing equity, and supporting student success. During her tenure, CCA also reaffirmed its role in the community by expanding enrollment in high school equivalency and English as a second language programs. Dr. Oudenhoven faithfully served students across the country for 42 years and helped transform CCA over the last decade. I congratulate Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven on her retirement and thank her for her commitment to our community. Recognizing the Life and Legacy of Dr. Felix Gilbert

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the life of Dr. Felix Gilbert following his passing on April 27 of this year, 2021. Dr. Gilbert was a pastor, an Air Force veteran, a professor, a mentor, a father, a brother, and a grandfather. He built his ministry, Restoration Christian Fellowship, and the community development corporation, Restoration Christian Ministries, in Aurora, with his wife, Pastor Kotane Gilbert. Through these organizations, Dr. Gilbert built collaborative partnerships with members of the community to meet their needs where they live, learn, work, play thrive, and worship. These efforts include establishing Restoration Christian Academy and working with the Food Bank of the Rockies and the city of Aurora to feed hundreds of families per month. During the pandemic, Dr. Gilbert devoted his time to public health and housing. He worked with the city of Aurora and UC-Health on testing and vaccination efforts, and with Interfaith Alliance of Colorado and other local agencies to support his ministry's Affordable Housing and Unhoused Residents Village Initiatives. Dr. Gilbert was an inspiration to his community and worked to mentor local pastors. To honor his legacy, may we strive to build people up and love them just as they are. Congratulating Deputy City Manager Nancy Freed

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy City Manager Nancy Freed and congratulate her on her retirement following 28 years of service to the city of Aurora. During Nancy's career, she oversaw nearly every department in the city. Nancy's impact can be felt across every part of Aurora, as she was integral in the planning, construction, and operation of many community services across the municipality, including libraries and recreation centers. Nancy saw Aurora through incredible challenges, through drought, unprecedented population growth, and tragedy. She rose to each occasion, creating the Prairie Waters Project, one of the country's first reuse water projects; helping plan Colorado's light rail system, including bringing the RTD's R Line to Aurora; and founding the Aurora Strong Resilience Center and the 7/20 Memorial Garden project following the 2012 Aurora Theater shooting. In 2018, Nancy was named an Unsung Hero of Aurora by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. A powerhouse of knowledge and creativity, I thank Nancy for her dedicated service and leadership. Recognizing Arapahoe Rescue Patrol

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the lifesaving work of the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol. Formed in 1957, in Arapahoe County, Colorado, the search and rescue operations by this team are managed by local high school students. These students dedicate hundreds of hours to field search and rescue training, wilderness survival, winter operations, aircraft crash rescue, and more. They live their high school career on call prepared to save lives. When a person is lost in the Colorado mountains, the patrol's teenage volunteers handle dispatch, patrolling, active search and rescue, emergency medical care, and command of the operation. In towns like Littleton, Englewood, and Aurora, they manage block searches and neighborhood canvassing to find lost children and elderly neighbors. Patrol members are also on scene for disasters like blizzards, floods, chemical spills, and commercial plane crashes, providing assistance to local police, fire, and the sheriff department. I am proud to take a moment to honor the hundreds of young heroes who served admirably in the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol over the last 60 years, balancing their high school careers with the commitment to saving lives. We owe a debt of gratitude to these dedicated, service-minded young folks.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the importance of ALS Awareness Month and continued Federal support of funding towards a cure for ALS. ALS a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. This devastating disease can affect anyone, anywhere, at any age, and, still today, is always fatal. Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS, which is why ALS has been designated a service-connected disease. Not only is there no cure for ALS, but there is also no effective treatment to halt or reverse the progression of the disease. Patients typically live 2 to 5 years after diagnosis. President Biden announced an initiative to leverage a $50 billion investment over the course of his presidency through a new HHS program, called ARPA-Health. This investment would bring focus, scale, and innovation to combat devastating diseases like ALS, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and cancer. Madam Speaker, the need is urgent, and I would encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting these investments. Our response must meet the moment.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the life of Cody Lyster, son of Kevin and Lea Ann Lyster, of Aurora, Colorado. Cody passed away on April 8, 2020, and is Colorado's second youngest victim to die from COVID-19. He was a criminal justice major at Colorado Mesa University, following in his father's footsteps to become a law enforcement officer. Cody was an avid baseball player. As a freshman, Cody was named team captain of his school's club baseball team, a first for Colorado Mesa University history. He helped others through his love for the game and had a knack for bringing people together and could be counted on during times of calm and times of crisis. Cody made his community better. In his honor, a $1 million scholarship was established at Colorado Mesa University, and a sportsmanship award and scholarship at Arapahoe Little League were dedicated to a life well-lived. Cody was an inspiration to others, and I can think of few as deserving of this honor today. I honor Cody and thank the Lysters for drawing strength from tragedy to make sure Cody's story is heard and to save as many lives as they can during this pandemic.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I grew up a gun owner. I have been hunting since I was 12 years old. I became an Army Ranger and went to war for this country, where I led over 100 combat missions, carrying weapons of war at war in defense of our Nation. But I am also a father, and I also represent a district that has been hit by some of the worst mass shootings in our Nation's history. I learned in the Army years ago that citizenship comes with duties and rights come with responsibility. Mr. Speaker, we are failing each other in this country. It is time that we start fulfilling our duties and our responsibilities to each other. We have the opportunity to do that now and to save thousands of lives. Mr. Speaker, I implore my colleagues to join with me and to pass the Bipartisan Background Checks Act.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1, the For the People Act. I have said since day one on this job that if you want to do big and transformational things in America, you first have to get rid of big money in politics. Whether you want to tackle the climate crisis, reform healthcare, address the gun violence epidemic, or level the playing field for American workers, it is all about shutting off the flow of big money, ending gerrymandering, bolstering our ethics laws, and expanding access to the ballot box. H.R. 1 will do all of these things. This transformational package includes my bill, the End Dark Money Act, to crack down on mega-donors who hide their political contributions through phony social welfare organizations. If we have learned anything in the past few years, it is that our democracy is in need of reform. We can and must do big things again, and it begins by passing H.R. 1. I urge my colleagues to join me in this historic effort.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the American Rescue Plan. We cannot grow numb to the pain and devastation the COVID pandemic brought this past year. Mr. Speaker, 500,000 Americans are dead. Millions have lost their jobs and can't find meaningful employment. Children, including my own, have had to adapt to online learning. Millions of small businesses are struggling to keep the lights on. Folks in Colorado want to get this done. In fact, over 70 percent of Americans want to get this done, and there are very few things more bipartisan than that. They want it fixed, and they want it fixed now. This bill is the first step to building back better. It will support vaccine distribution and research and provide relief to small businesses, schools, and Coloradans who are out of work. So let's get this done. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the American Rescue Plan.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protecting America's Wilderness Act. I would first like to thank my friends and colleagues in the Colorado delegation, Congressman Joe Neguse, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, and Senator Michael Bennet for their leadership on this package. Colorado's identity is closely tied to nature. Colorado is home to four national parks, 42 State parks, and a wide variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, to camping, and skiing. Our public lands are central to the Colorado way of life, and I want to ensure that future generations can enjoy these treasures just as my children do now. The conservation package we are considering today will grow the outdoor recreation economy, help create jobs, and protect hundreds of thousands of acres of Colorado land for future generations. The Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act will establish the first-ever national historic landscape at Camp Hale. Now, Camp Hale was the training ground of the storied 10th Mountain Division, an elite unit trained in mountain climbing and skiing. They fought valiantly in World War II, and many of them later returned to Colorado, where they helped establish the U.S. ski industry. This is particularly important to my family as my wife's grandfather served in the initial 10th Mountain during World War II and was actually wounded in fighting in Italy. As a veteran, and a Coloradan, I believe it is important to honor their service and their legacy, and to preserve this historic landscape so that we can tell the story to future generations. I commend my Colorado colleagues for their work on this effort and their commitment to our public lands, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment. The registered apprenticeship system is one of America's most successful Federal workforce programs and has created a pathway for millions of Americans to achieve the American Dream. With more than 600,000 apprenticeships nationwide, including more than 6,000 in Colorado, apprenticeships provide workers with paid, on- the-job training, and more than 94 percent of apprentices have a job after completing their program. The National Apprenticeship Act would bring this successful program into the 21st century by investing more than $3.5 billion annually and creating 1 million new apprenticeships over the next 5 years. Mr. Speaker, my amendment will ensure that we include educators in this program. Across the country, there is a growing demand for qualified teachers. Schools, particularly low-income schools, are struggling to hire and retain qualified teachers. In Colorado, we have a critical shortage of thousands of teachers. Simply put, today, we can't even fully staff our classrooms. By including teachers in the expansion of this program, we will help solve this problem. I grew up going to neighborhood public schools. I know the lasting impact teachers can have on students. Without them, I wouldn't be standing here today. Investing in teachers and in our children should always be a top priority, and I urge my colleagues to support my amendment in the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record this letter of support from the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, Annapolis, Maryland, February 4, 2021. Dear Representative: On behalf of the more than 359,000 members of the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), I write in support of H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. As you know, the Registered Apprenticeship programs of the UA and North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) are the gold standard in the industry. This bill would protect that status while also ensuring Registered Apprenticeships are more accessible for all industries seeking a highly skilled workforce. The United Association is extremely proud of our Registered Apprenticeship and training programs. We invest more than $275 million of private money each year to ensure our members are the best trained and most highly skilled workers in the industry. Simply put, these programs produce the most highly skilled workforce in the world at no cost to the American taxpayer while also providing a fair wage, quality healthcare, and retirement. We can all be proud of the continued success of our training programs, resulting in generations of the safest workplaces and highest standards in the industry. This speaks not only to our high standards, but also to the dedication of the men and women of our union. The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 will continue to protect our high standards and ensure the safety of apprentices across industries. In addition, it provides apprentices with a debt-free ladder of opportunity to not only build the skills needed for a job--but for a career. The entire United Association is incredibly proud of our Registered Apprenticeship program and we look forward to seeing H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, signed into law. Thank you for all you have done to protect the livelihoods of the men and women in the construction industry. Our training and apprenticeship programs are second to none, and this bill will ensure the success and longevity of the Registered Apprenticeship system. I urge swift consideration and passage of this bill and look forward to working together to strengthen protections for our members and the entire labor community. Respectfully yours, Mark McManus, General President.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, this waiver vote is about our long history of civilian control of the military, a critical safeguard of our democracy. But let's be really clear what this vote is not about. It is not about the rise of China or artificial intelligence or autonomous warfare or any of the other issues that I have heard people talk about that are really the purview of the Senate at this point in the process and President Biden. It is also not about changing the law, because the law remains in effect and the limitation remains in effect. The question before this body is whether there are specific extenuating circumstances in this moment in time to grant a waiver and whether the heart and mind of the nominee is consistent with the spirit of the law. In the aftermath of January 6, we are reminded how deeply rooted racism exists in our country. Among those who stormed the Capitol were current and former military, a fact that highlights the national and domestic security threat of extremism in our military. Secretary-designee Austin is uniquely qualified with his experience and his background to address this threat. He understands in a deeply personal way how to deal with it. He is a man who understands that our military is more than a formation of tanks, planes, and troops; that it is actually a standard bearer of our values, and we are stronger when we lead with our values and we channel the full strength of our diversity to meet our threats. In addition to that, nobody can stand up here and say, as we are still under cyber attack by Russia and meeting so many other threats, that the extenuating circumstances of the time do not merit getting a nominee into this role immediately. That is why I rise in strong support of Lloyd Austin's nomination and waiver, and I will be working very hard to support him as our next Secretary of Defense.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, last week, I stood in that gallery to defend this Chamber against the violent mob called here by Donald Trump. I have dedicated my life to the defense of our Nation, and Donald Trump is a risk to all that I love. Some of my Republican colleagues are afraid of the consequences of an impeachment vote, but this Congress sends our young men and women to war every day. I am not asking you to storm the beaches of Normandy but only show a fraction of the courage we ask of our troops every day. Leadership is hard. It is time to impeach.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I grew up knowing what it felt like to struggle financially, that fear and anxiety of not knowing where your next rent check would come from, working a shift at Arby's or a 14-hour day on the construction site and still not making ends meet. That is why I am voting for this bill. As imperfect as it is--and there are plenty of things that are not in this bill that should be--it will provide immediate relief for millions of families and small businesses that simply can't wait any longer, including those that are left out of prior rounds of relief. For example, my district is one of the most diverse districts in the Nation and home to thousands of refugees and immigrants. That is why I have been fighting hard to get payments to mixed-status ITIN families in this bill. We have been successful in doing that. Madam Speaker, I look forward to working with the Biden administration to provide more relief in the coming months so that we can tackle this crisis together.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the achievements of Jerry Rhodes who is retiring as an Assistant Fire Chief of the South Metro Fire Rescue Fire Protection District in Colorado's 6th District. Jerry Rhodes is a proud 8th generation member of the fire service who started his career on August 20, 1974 with the City of Glendale Fire Department. There he served in many critical roles including Paramedic and Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention. His career continued with the Cunningham Fire Protection District in Colorado where he worked his way up to Fire Chief. Throughout his career, Jerry has served on countless boards and committees to further the efforts of fire and emergency medical services and has given back to the community in so many ways, including his service as adjunct instructor for community colleges and universities. His leadership and outreach with elected officials, community groups, religious institutions, and professional organizations sets the standard for future fire service organizations. Jerry's contributions to the community and fire service have been celebrated through many honorable distinctions and awards. In 2018, Jerry was instrumental in the consolidation of the Cunningham Fire Protection District, South Metro Fire Rescue, and Littleton Fire Rescue into a single fire protection district that will improve the quality and long-term sustainability of prevention, mitigation, and emergency response services across a community of 287 square miles. As Jerry Rhodes retires, we want to express our sincere gratitude for his dedication, hard work, leadership, and service he has provided to the citizens and members of the South Metro Fire Rescue Fire Protection District and to the entire fire service for the past 46 years.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Brian Johnson of Aurora, Colorado, founder of the nonprofit organization, WarriorNOW. Brian is an Army veteran who served in Iraq and personally grappled with suicide after leaving the service. He founded the nonprofit organization, WarriorNOW, to help veterans get through the same struggles that he faced after coming home. His approach to combating veteran suicide is to connect at-risk veterans with peer mentors. Brian has developed a mentor certification program to ensure that every veteran receives quality mentorship and to ensure that the mentors are supported as well. In the wake of COVID-19, Brian saw how the pandemic led to worsening PTSD anxiety, depression, and substance abuse throughout the entire veteran community. As a result, he created Daniel's Room, a virtual nightly check-in that began with Daniel, a veteran who Brian was working with who was struggling with substance abuse. Thus far, WarriorNOW has served over 800 veterans in Daniel's Room. I would like to thank Brian Johnson and his organization, WarriorNOW, for their tireless support of Colorado's veterans. Honoring the Life of Mikaela Lakin

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mikaela Lakin, an Aurora Police Department officer who lost her life in an off-duty motorcycle accident on September 18, 2020. Mikaela was a dedicated officer with the Aurora Police Department when she died at the age of 24. A proud Coloradan, Mikaela loved all the outdoor activities our State has to offer, including camping, hiking, and snowboarding. She will be deeply missed by her mother, Stephanie Renken; her brother, Alexander Lakin; her father, Michael Lakin; her grandparents, Connie and Steve Ostroha; and her beloved dog, Quentin. She impacted the lives of so many with her outgoing and welcoming spirit and positive outlook. Officer Lakin should be remembered for her commitment to those in need and for the unwavering support she provided to her friends, family, and community. May she rest in peace. Honoring Natural Helpers

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of the Aurora Natural Helpers program and its steadfast commitment to the community. Aurora is an increasingly international and diverse city in Colorado's Sixth District. With the creation of the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs and the launching of the second phase of their Immigrant Integration Plan, Aurora is quickly becoming a national leader in the field of immigrant integration. Launched by the city of Aurora in collaboration with local nonprofits in 2016, the Aurora Natural Helpers program trains leaders from immigrant refugee communities so they can help integrate their community members. Trained Natural Helpers are equipped to provide information and resources to newly arriving immigrants and refugees on topics including city services and private assistance. With the support of local partner organizations, more than 150 people from 25 countries have been trained, and crucial immigrant and refugee leadership has been fostered and empowered. I would like to thank all of those involved in the Aurora Natural Helpers program for their dedication to our community. Their hard work connecting communities in Aurora to crucial resources not only ensures that immigrants and refugees in the Sixth District have the opportunity to thrive but that their leadership also comes from within. Recognizing Tri-County Health Department

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the Tri- County Health Department as a recipient of the National Association of County and City Health Officials 2020 Model Practice Award. The Tri- County Health Department serves the three counties in my district: Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas. As we work to address the COVID-19 crisis, this recognition is a reminder of the many ongoing public health initiatives led by our city and county health departments, achievements they make despite challenging and adverse conditions. This award recognizes programs demonstrating excellence in response to a critical local public health need. As part of this year's public health award series, Tri-County Health Department received one Model Practice Award and two Promising Practice Awards. The Model Practice Award was awarded to Tri-County's project on partnering with local businesses on workplace health and well-being. I would like to thank the professionals of Tri-County Health Department for their many contributions to public health. Both before and during the pandemic, their programs and services have been instrumental in protecting the public health and well-being of our community.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment. The registered apprenticeship system is our nation's most successful federal workforce program and has created a pathway for millions of Americans to achieve the American Dream since its creation more than 80 years ago. With more than 600,000 apprenticeships nationwide, including more than 6,000 in my home state of Colorado, apprenticeships provide workers with paid, on-the-job training, and more than 94 percent are employed upon completion. However, while this time-proven apprenticeship model is successful, we can and must do more to expand and equip it to meet the demands of our changing workforce. The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 would do that by greatly expanding upon the apprenticeship system and investing more than $3.5 billion to create nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years in nontraditional industries. And my amendment will ensure that the education sector is included in this expansion. Across the United States, there is a growing demand for qualified teachers. Schools--particularly low income schools--are struggling to hire and retain qualified teachers, which further perpetuates a cycle of inequality that harms students, teachers, and the public education system as a whole. Including the education sector in the expansion of the registered apprenticeship system would address this crisis and help build a pipeline of qualified teachers that are prepared to teach on day one. As a product of public schools, I know the lasting impact teachers can have on students. Improving American education by investing in our teachers should be a top priority. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. CROW

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of Mrs. Mary Hodge, a former State legislator and current Adams County commissioner, and congratulate her on her upcoming retirement. Commissioner Hodge is a Colorado native, who has dedicated her career to making an impact in her home State. Mary, among many things, is a former State representative in the Sixth District of Colorado and a county commissioner. Mary has also taught first grade in Greeley and preschool in Glenwood Springs. Mary went on to own and operate a motel in Wyoming and worked for several businesses. Her public service began in 2000, when she was elected as a Colorado State representative. As a servant leader, Commissioner Hodge is a tireless champion for education and small businesses. I commend Mary for her support for the Colorado Air and Space Port. Her steadfast advocacy was integral in bringing that project to fruition. Commissioner Hodge's diverse professional background and leadership experience has benefited our community for many years. I congratulate Commissioner Mary Hodge on her retirement and thank her for her service to our community and to Adams County.

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, in the early morning hours of August 5, five Senegalese immigrants, including an infant and a toddler, died in an arson fire in their Denver home. The victims deserve to be recognized. Djibril Diol, who was 30 years old, immigrated to the United States from Senegal 10 years ago to make a better life for himself and his family. He graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in civil engineering and was an outstanding student with a bright future ahead of him. He was well loved by his family and friends. His brother described him as ``a good person, a good worker, and a good Muslim.'' A coworker said that Djibril ``was a way better man than I will ever be.'' Djibril's wife, Adja, and 2-year-old daughter, Khadija, also died in the fire, as did Coumba Diol Hassan, Djibril's sister, and Hawa Beye, her 10-month-old son. We don't know what motivated this attack, but it has deeply shaken our African immigrant community and left them feeling unsafe. While this was a tragic incident, and we mourn for the family, I want to emphasize the strength and resilience of our African immigrant community. As a case in point, the African Leadership Group, ALG, a local nonprofit that provides a wide variety of vital services to our immigrant neighbors, has consoled and supported the Diol family and kept pressure on law enforcement to solve this horrific crime. Led by Papa Dia, who is a native of Senegal himself, I thank them for their service. Recognizing Stanley Marketplace

Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of Stanley Marketplace, a community-focused urban market in Aurora, Colorado. Located in northwest Aurora on the border of Denver's Central Park neighborhood, Stanley Marketplace is a community of businesses and people who believe in doing things differently--sustainably, creatively, and with more than the bottom line in mind. The marketplace's 22-acre site was once the site of the Stanley Aviation factory. It is now a community gathering place, home to 50 independently owned Colorado businesses. Today, the same innovative spirit that once filled Stanley's building has been harnessed to offer our community an urban marketplace featuring goods and services from local independent businesses. The property includes a 30,000-square-foot sustainable greenhouse and an urban farm. Under construction is an inclusive playground where children of all abilities can play. During the pandemic, the Stanley Marketplace team has gone above and beyond to support its community of small business owners, helping them weather the continued challenges of COVID-19. Stanley Marketplace is guided by a document they call the Stanifesto, which includes these lines: We believe the best rules are simple and clear: Love your neighbor. Leave each place better than you found it. Be good and do good. I congratulate the Stanley team on their ongoing work to support our neighbors and locally owned small businesses. Honoring the Tireless Workers in Colorado During the 2020 Census