Ruben Kihuen

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Lisa Patterson. Lisa attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Lisa was very active in her community. She coached softball teams, served as the president of the St. John Fisher's PTA and was active in her church. Lisa was married to her husband, Robert, for more than 20 years, and they enjoyed running a hardwood floor business together. Lisa and Robert had three children together--Robert, Jr.; Amber; and Brooke--and had one dog named Holly Wolf. Lisa was warm and caring to everyone she met. She had an infectious energy and a fierce love for her family. I would like to extend my condolences to Lisa Patterson's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the entire country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Carrie Parsons. Carrie always made sure to live her life by her favorite saying: ``live, laugh, and love.'' She enjoyed playing intramural softball and working at the staffing firm, Ajilon. Carrie recently got engaged in Hawaii to the love of her life, and they were excited to start their life together. She went to the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1 with four of her friends for a girls trip. Carrie always loved dancing and singing to her favorite country songs, and she made sure to ensure everyone was having a good time. Her friends remember her as being a ``one in a million friend'' who was young, vibrant, and full of life. I would like to extend my condolences to Carrie Parsons' family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Jennifer ``Jenny'' Parks. Jenny attended the Route 51 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Jenny was a remarkable kindergarten teacher at Anaverde Hills Elementary School in Lancaster, California. Jenny loved all of her students and their families but ensured to leave a big place in her heart for her husband, Bobby, and their two kids, Bryce and Lea. Jenny was a loving person who always went out of her way to help people. She is remembered by her family and friends as being a beautiful and intelligent woman who had a wonderful sense of humor. I would like to extend my condolences to Jenny Park's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Rachael Parker. Rachael attended the Route 51 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Rachael worked as a record technician at the Manhattan Beach Police Department for 10 years. She was known as the ``matron'' of the police department's front desk. Rachael always treated people the same, no matter their circumstances. She loved her family, and had a passion for animals. She rescued two dogs, that she loved more than anything else. Rachael always went out of her way to help those in need. Everyone knew her and remembers her as being a gifted, kindhearted, and caring woman. I would like to extend my condolences to Rachael Parker's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to remember the life of Adrian Murfitt, who went to Las Vegas on October 1 for the Route 91 festival. Adrian had a love for fishing. He would spend months on a commercial fishing boat to catch and sell fish. When it was not fishing season, he would repair appliances, tinker with cars, and spend time with his friends. Adrian was a very hard worker and decided to reward himself for a successful fishing season by traveling to Las Vegas. He loved to listen and sing country music with a voice that friends described as ``beautiful.'' He enjoyed his two dogs, Laika and Paxson, and always made sure to spend time with them. Adrian had many friends who remember him as being silly and goofy and wanting to make people laugh, no matter what. I would like to extend my condolences to Adrian Murfitt's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Austin Meyer. Austin moved to Reno, Nevada, to study transportation technology at Truckee Meadows Community College. He had a passion for cars and sports. He loved to watch basketball, especially the Boston Celtics. Austin was excited to watch his favorite band perform at the Route 91 festival on October 1 in Las Vegas. Austin went to the festival with his fiancee, Dana Getreu, to celebrate his birthday and their anniversary. Austin dreamed of opening up his own auto repair shop after graduation and was excited to get married to Dana and start a family. He always had a smile on his face and made people laugh. Austin's friends and family remember him for being ambitious, smart, and hardworking. I would like to extend my condolences to Austin Meyer's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Patricia ``Pati'' Mestas. Pati was a good mother to her three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Patricia was a retired gas station and convenience store worker who loved country music and traveling. Patricia would go to almost every country show within driving distance of her house. One of her favorite artists was Jason Aldean, and she was excited to see him perform at the Route 91 festival on October 1 in Las Vegas. Patricia loved to laugh and smile. She had a fun-loving spirit and was young at heart. Patricia is remembered for being outgoing, likable, and being sensitive to other people's concerns and problems. I would like to extend my condolences to Patricia Mestas' family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Sonny Melton. Sonny was lucky to find the love of his life while working at the Henry County Medical Center in Paris, Tennessee. As a certified nurse, Sonny would often assist his wife, Dr. Heather Melton, during surgeries. Sonny and Heather had planned to move into a lake house together. They were in the process of building it in Big Sandy, Tennessee. They traveled to Las Vegas together to celebrate their 1-year anniversary at the Route 91 festival. When gunfire erupted, Sonny died when he was trying to get his wife out of harm's way. Sonny's wife and all those who knew him remember Sonny as an enthusiastic man who had an infectious positive attitude. I would like to extend my condolences to Sonny Melton's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the entire country mourn with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Calla Medig. Going to the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas had become an annual tradition for Calla. She would always take time off from her job as a waitress in Edmonton, Canada, so she could travel to Las Vegas just for the festival. Calla was a hard worker and was about to become the newest manager at her restaurant. She was a mature, grounded, and lighthearted person. Calla will be remembered for being kind and warmhearted and for being someone who would always greet you with a beaming smile. I extend my condolences to Calla Medig's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Kelsey Meadows. Kelsey attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Kelsey was known by her parents as a miracle child. She went into heart failure at 6 weeks old, but survived. Growing up, Kelsey was a tomboy who chose jeans, boots, fishing, and hunting over everything else. She was a gifted teacher who demonstrated a skill and passion for her career. Kelsey had a sweet spirit and a love for children. She loved country music and was a Denver Broncos fan. Her friends and family will never forget the big smile she always had on her face. I would like to extend my condolences to Kelsey Meadows' family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Jordan McIldoon. Jordan, who came from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, was an only child with a big heart who worked hard and loved his family. He was just days away from his 24th birthday and was about to start trade school to further his knowledge as a mechanic's apprentice. Jordan was always making jokes and loved trucks, motorcycles, and country music. He died saving his girlfriend, Amber Bereza, from gunfire at the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Jordan was a selfless person who only wanted to make people happy. He always wanted to have a good time and was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. Jordan is remembered for his sense of humor and laugh that could light up a room. I would like to extend my condolences to Jordan McIldoon's family and friends. Please note that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Victor Link. Victor was an intelligent man who had a vast knowledge on many topics. He was the father to his adopted son, Christian, and was engaged to be married to his fiancee, Lynne. Victor loved music and loved sharing his expertise on craft beers. He attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. He often traveled around the country to attend many different music festivals with his fiancee, but he always made sure to make time for friends and family. His son remembers him as being a very strong role model who had a deep passion for life. I would like to extend my condolences to Victor's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the entire country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Rhonda LeRocque. Rhonda attended the Route 91 Festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Rhonda was married to her husband, Jason, for 21 years, with whom she had a 6-year-old daughter, Ali. Rhonda and Jason were very active in their church and enjoyed participating in humanitarian projects together. One of their biggest projects was when they traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild homes. Rhonda worked for a design firm in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but dreamed of opening up her own catering business. She loved skiing, cooking, and baking, but nothing could surpass her love for her family. She is remembered for being a selfless and joyful woman who had a strong faith. I would like to extend my condolences to Rhonda LeRocque's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Maloney and Ranking Member Waters for providing me this opportunity to speak about the critical importance of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the CFPB. Mr. Speaker, during the recession, Nevada was ground zero for the housing crisis. For 5 years, Nevada led the Nation in foreclosures. In 2010, 70 percent of Nevada homeowners were underwater on their homes. I saw firsthand as family, friends, neighbors, and constituents who lost their homes because of big banks and unscrupulous mortgage lenders. While Nevada has made a tremendous recovery since the recession, the scars are deep and still fresh. In the wake of the financial crisis, the CFPB was created to protect Americans from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices that led to the financial crisis, and to take action against companies that break the law. The CFPB has cracked down on predatory lenders and aggressive debt collectors, and forced financial institutions to return over $11 billion to Americans who have been taken advantage of. Since 2011, the agency has been a resource for thousands of my constituents. More than 14,000 Nevadans have gone to the CFPB with complaints, and over 3,400 of them about mortgages. It is appalling that Mr. Mulvaney and congressional Republicans are focused on destroying the CFPB at the expense of American families. When someone has an unwarranted overdraft, an incorrect credit score, or is misled by their bank, they turn to the CFPB for help. I will do everything I can to ensure that Nevadans never again have to experience the pain of being foreclosed on or being preyed upon by unscrupulous lenders. The cost to consumers is not only their livelihoods, but the future of our economy, because a strong economy includes a strong consumer.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to remember the life of Carly Kreibaum. Carly attended the Route 91 Festival on October 1 in Las Vegas. Carly was a doting mother to her two children, Dalten and Cambri, and she was a loving wife to her husband, Chris. She worked at Walmart in Spencer, Iowa, as a department manager for 12 years. As a kid, she loved playing in her high school band and singing in the choir. She enjoyed playing basketball, and threw shot put for the school track and field team. Carly went to Las Vegas with two of her friends for a fun getaway. She was very involved in her community and was known for being very kind and outgoing. I would like to extend my condolences to Carly's family and friends. Please note that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Jessica Klymchuk. Jessica was the mother of three daughters and one son. She was an educational assistant, bus driver, and librarian at St. Stephen's School in Valleyview, Alberta, Canada, for 4 years. She went to the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1 with her fiance, Brent. The couple had recently been engaged and looked forward to their wedding. Jessica always put her family first and loved camping with them. She is remembered for being a loving woman who always worked hard and dedicated her life to her children. I would like to extend my condolences to Jessica's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Teresa Kimura. Teresa traveled to the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1 with six of her friends. She was known for making every gathering an amazing experience. Teresa worked at the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. She is remembered for her big heart, love of life, beautiful spirit, and infectious laugh. I would like to extend my condolences to Teresa Kimura's family and friends. Please note that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Jennifer Irvine. She attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Jennifer Irvine devoted her life and career to defending people in family court and criminal court. She opened her own law firm in downtown San Diego, California, where she worked tirelessly to defend each of her clients. In her free time, Jennifer loved snowboarding, hot yoga, cats, and sailing. She had even earned a black belt in tae kwon do. She hoped to one day learn indoor rock climbing and to later experience skydiving. Jennifer is remembered by all those who knew her as loyal, fierce, and passionate. She had a genuine devotion for helping people and was always driven to be her best self. I would like to extend my condolences to Jennifer Irvine's family and friends. Please note that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Chris Hazencomb. Chris attended the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Chris was a sports junkie who loved the Angels, Raiders, and Lakers. He worked at the local Walmart and is remembered by all of his customers as being very friendly. Chris was close to his mother, Maryanne, and even had a gift for her with him while at the festival. Chris died shielding his friend, Nikki, from gunfire with his own body. He is remembered for his love of helping people and his constant need to put others before himself. I would like to extend my condolences to Chris' family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Charleston Hartfield. Charleston was a military veteran who served for 16 years and was deployed to Iraq. He had received a Presidential Citation for extraordinary heroism in Iraq, along with numerous other individual commendations and achievement medals. After the military, Charleston began his career with the Las Vegas Police Department, where he had worked for 11 years while also being an active member of the National Guard. Along with protecting our Nation, he also enjoyed coaching youth football. Although he had no experience in football, he bought and studied books about coaching. Charleston was a husband and a father to a son and a daughter. He attended the Route 91 music festival on October 1 in Las Vegas with his wife, who was his high school sweetheart. Charleston died trying to save the lives of concertgoers. As gunfire erupted, he immediately jumped in to usher people to safety. He was loved by many and touched many lives. As a published memoir author, Charleston's story will always be remembered. He was a selfless man who dedicated his life to protecting the community and country he loved. We also grieve the loss of Charleston's mother, who died 2 days after his funeral from what many people said was a broken heart. I would like to extend my condolences to Charleston Hartfield's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas and the State of Nevada and the entire country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Angie Gomez. Angie visited Las Vegas on October 1 for the Route 91 music festival. Angie is described by her friends as a natural-born caregiver. It was only natural for her to want to get certified as a nursing assistant, so she did. Outside of caring for others, she loved theater and choir, participating in both throughout middle school and high school. Angie loved nothing more than to spend time with her two nieces, whom she adored. Friends and family remember her as a team player who wasn't afraid of being herself. She was fun-loving, sweet, and had a great sense of humor. I would like to extend my condolences to Angie's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Keri Galvan. Keri attended the Route 91 music festival in Las Vegas on October 1. She was a mother of three and a wife to her husband, Justin Galvan. She worked as a cocktail server at Mastro's Steakhouse, where she worked for almost a decade. She was known by her friends as supermom, and was always there for anybody. Keri never forgot anybody's special occasion and constantly made sure everybody was okay. She is remembered for being a devoted wife and mother who put others before herself. I would like to extend my condolences to Keri Galvan's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Dana Gardner, who attended the Route 91 music festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Dana worked for San Bernardino County, California, for 26 years in the Assessor-Recorder Office. When she went home for the day, she always made sacrifices for her three children and two grandchildren. She wanted to make sure that her kids understood the importance of loving and caring for all humans. She did this through her actions as a dedicated public servant. Dana was an amazing cook who had just begun to travel more and spend more time with her friends. She had a contagious smile and a great sense of humor that could light up a room. She is remembered by all those who knew her as a go-to person with a lot of knowledge and a can- do attitude. I would like to extend my condolences to Dana Gardner's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the whole country grieve with you.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that my colleagues plan to speak in favor of Yucca Mountain tonight and once again attempt to revive the long-dead project that brings nuclear waste to my State of Nevada. They want to make Nevada's Fourth Congressional District, my home, my district, the dumping ground for the rest of the country's nuclear waste. The Nevada delegation has raised a number of concerns about this project, including its location, which sits less than 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Nevadans have strongly opposed the construction of this project. As a State with no nuclear energy facilities, it is exceedingly unfair that Nevada is asked to serve as the dumping ground for the rest of the country's waste. Rather than throw away millions more of taxpayer money to revive this shortsighted project, this funding could be better spent on infrastructure and job creation. I will continue fighting tirelessly to ensure the Yucca Mountain project stays dead, and I urge my colleagues to join me in finding better ways to deal with the nuclear waste created in their States.

Mr. KIHUEN

Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of Brian Fraser, who attended the Route 91 Festival in Las Vegas on October 1. Brian loved adventures. He enjoyed hunting, deep-sea fishing, snowboarding, and above all, attending the sporting events of his four kids. When he wasn't working as the vice president of sales at Greenpath, he was out flying a plane with his newly earned pilot's license. Brian was known for being willing to help anyone and everyone. He loved giving back to the community and acted as a mentor for so many. He will be remembered for his love and passion for his children and family. I would like to extend my condolences to Brian Fraser's family and friends. Please know that the city of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the entire country grieve with you.