Doug Lamborn

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the heart of Colorado's Fifth Congressional District, Colorado Springs, Colorado. This July 31st, we celebrate 150 years since General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War hero and railroad magnate, founded Colorado Springs in 1871. The region's first inhabitants were Native Americans, such as the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and many others. They gathered at the base of Pikes Peak, known today as America's Mountain, near its abundant springs in what is now called Garden of the Gods Park. As they followed vast herds of bison, the Ute would camp in nearby red rock canyon and visit the bubbling mineral water springs we still enjoy today. The region lies along the extreme southwestern edge of the Louisiana Territory, which President Thomas Jefferson purchased in 1803. Following the Louisiana Purchase, explorers and settlers began to venture west. In November 1806, American explorer Zebulon Pike traveled through the area and was credited for ``discovering'' Pikes Peak. He and his group attempted to reach the summit, but they were neither dressed nor equipped to climb the mountain that ultimately came to bear his name. General William Jackson Palmer ushered in a new era of Colorado Springs history in 1869. During his first visit to the area, he fell in love with its ``most enticing scenery.'' In 1870, Palmer wrote to his wife: ``Could one live in constant view of these grand mountains without being elevated by them into a lofty plane of thought and purpose?'' In the 1890s, one of the richest gold strikes in American history was discovered on the western slope of Pikes Peak. Almost overnight, the Cripple Creek Mining District grew from an isolated cattle pasture to the home of more than 50,000 people. As a result, by the turn of the 19th century, Colorado Springs was called ``the city of millionaires.'' One of these millionaires was Spencer Penrose, who made his first fortune in Cripple Creek. He used his vast resources to build the Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain Highways and to establish the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Will Rogers Shrine, and The Broadmoor Hotel. In addition, he and his wife, Julie, created the El Pomar Foundation, which still generously supports many worthy causes in the Pikes Peak region and across Colorado. At the turn of the century, inspired by a trip to the summit of Pikes Peak, Katharine Lee Bates penned what has become our country's most famous poem and song, ``America the Beautiful.'' In the 1940s, the U.S. Army opened Camp Carson, marking the beginning of a strong and vital military presence in the Pikes Peak region. In 1954, the Air Force broke ground for the United States Air Force Academy to continue this military tradition. Today, Colorado Springs is home to major military installations, including Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Space Command, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), Schriever Air Force Base, and the United States Air Force Academy. In 1978, Colorado Springs became home to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Headquarters. In addition, over 20 National Olympic governing bodies, more than 50 national sport organizations, the Colorado Springs Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum reside in the Pikes Peak region. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in celebrating this great city's legacy and rich history. Out of humble beginnings and culture-rich traditions, Colorado Springs has grown to be a destination location for world-class athletes, nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers. Congratulations to Colorado Springs on their 150th anniversary. May God Bless them, and may God Bless America

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to a true woman of God and public servant, Mrs. Geraldine (Gerry) Price Childress Bagley, who celebrated her 100th birthday on June 15, 2021. Over the last century, Gerry has lived through the Roaring '20s, the Great Depression, countless wars, the Cold War, the moon landings, and amazing innovations such as the discovery of penicillin, color television and the internet. She has also witnessed the tenure of 18 United States Presidents beginning with Warren G. Harding. Mrs. Geraldine Price Childress Bagley has lived with conviction, genuine faith, and dignity for the past century. Through her 100 years, she says, ``God is faithful.'' Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife, Jeanie, and I, along with the people of Colorado's Fifth Congressional District, in honoring an outstanding patriot, friend, and prayer warrior, Mrs. Geraldine Price Childress Bagley, for a lifetime of dedicated service to her family, her community, and her Nation. God has blessed her for over 100 years, and for that, and the lives she has touched, we can only say, To God be the glory.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the leadership and service of Bishop Michael Sheridan in the Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colorado. When Bishop Sheridan arrived in Colorado Springs from Saint Louis in 2002, the diocese was still considered mission territory. Over the past two decades, Bishop Sheridan has worked tirelessly to ensure that, no matter where they live in the diocese, Catholics are served by a parish and a pastor. Under his leadership, several new parishes were established, and where existing churches were inadequate to serve the growing Catholic population, new ones were built. More importantly, Bishop Sheridan has overseen a robust vocations program that has attracted many seminarians, resulting in the ordination of new priests nearly every year since 2010. Bishop Sheridan is also known as an incredibly effective communicator and teacher of the Catholic faith. For over 10 years, he hosted a weekly radio show in which he interviewed a wide variety of Church leaders, theologians, authors, and other experts. This outreach provided an invaluable opportunity for Catholics in Colorado to gain deeper knowledge of the issues facing the church locally and around the world. Bishop Sheridan is passionate about Catholic education, and he did everything in his power to support and strengthen Catholic schools in the diocese. Notably, he made sure that tuition assistance was available for families who had limited financial resources but wanted a Catholic education for their children. He also worked with local leaders of all faiths to support school choice so that all parents could have access to the best educational options for their children. Bishop Sheridan has been a strong advocate for the poor and marginalized, and he has never flinched in the face of pressure to abandon or hide our brothers and sisters in need. In one of his most important accomplishments, Bishop Sheridan played an enormous role in the construction of Marian House soup kitchen in 2008, and the adjacent Hanifen Center in 2009. Those two facilities have served hundreds of thousands of people since their opening with meals, emergency aid, employment assistance, and many other services. Under Bishop Sheridan's leadership, the diocese has also expanded its Respect Life Apostolate, which works to protect life from conception to natural death. This includes supporting mothers in crisis pregnancies with baby items and adoption services, advocating for pro-life legislation on the local and national levels, and working to expand outreach to those who are imprisoned or homebound. Leaders are also judged by how they manage during difficult times. During his tenure, Bishop Sheridan led the faithful of a church that has been shaken by revelations of past mistakes. He has led during a time when the church is criticized both for defending itself and for advocating for its beliefs. He also helped navigate the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Bishop Sheridan embarks on a well-earned retirement, it is my highest privilege to honor and thank him for being a faithful servant to Colorado's Fifth Congressional District.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to protect the sanctity of human life, especially the lives of the unborn. The Hyde amendment has saved nearly 2\1/2\ million lives since its first inclusion in an appropriation bill in 1976. This historically bipartisan amendment which prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars paying for abortion is supported by a majority of Americans. H.R. 18, of which I am an original cosponsor, codifies the Hyde amendment and applies it to all government funding, cementing the protections for the most vulnerable Americans. This bill is called the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Thomas James Osborne, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, community leader, and sports enthusiast. Tom was born January 5, 1956, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Irene and Bill Osborne. Tom was the third of eight children. He graduated from high school from Central High School in Billings, Montana in 1974. At a young age, he developed a love for adventure, sports, and the great outdoors. Tom received a basketball scholarship to Eastern Montana College (now Montana State University--Billings) and earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education, graduating in 1978. Tom founded the Big Sky State Games, an Olympic-style sports festival in Montana, and served as the executive director from 1985 to 1993. In addition, he served as the executive director of the National Congress of State Games from 1993 to 2003 and assisted in the creation of the States Games of America. Tom also served as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors from 1996 to 2000. Tom met his wife, Amy (Tompson), during a fly-fishing class in Billings in 1995. Tom and Amy began dating, and he immediately started a careful pursuit for her heart and the hearts of her children, Ellie and Ben. After five years, they were married on November 3, 2001, in Midland, Texas, and became a family. In 2003, Tom and his family began a new adventure, moving to Colorado Springs so that Tom could join Colorado Springs Sports Corporation as the president and CEO. It didn't take long for Tom to find his footing in the Pikes Peak region. He quickly worked to bring various sporting events to Colorado Springs, including the Warrior Games, Pikes Peak Airstrip Attack, premier cycling events, youth sports programs, and much more, including the Labor Day Lift Off. In addition, Tom served as the Chairman of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for over a decade and was a member of the World Arena Board of Directors. Tom and Amy were members of the Pauline Chapel at The Broadmoor, attending the interdenominational service. Much of Tom's work coincided with non-profits across the community, helping people in all situations, including troubled youth and veterans, to find respite care and comfort in sports and the great outdoors. When asked about his relationship with the Lord, Torn would say, ``Me and Jesus, (crossing his fingers) we're good.'' Tom is described by his wife Amy, and his many co-workers, as the kindest, most supportive, humble, ambitious dreamer they have ever known. He had an extensive network of friends, staff, and community who often found themselves in awe of Tom's ambition and vision. A few words that Tom scribbled inside of a book cover sum up his life perfectly, ``Bars are meant to be raised,'' and indeed, he raised them. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 20 years, Amy; children: Ellie (Cameron) Kuehn and Ben (Kassy) Haughton; grandchildren: Charlie Rose and James Bridges; siblings: Doug (Jan) Osborne, Pat (Kathi) Osborne, Jeanne (Larry) Fritz, Mary (Michael) Andres, Cathy (Mark) Johnson, Jan (Doug) Grotiz, Will (Tina) Osborne; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Tom leaves a legacy in which no stone went unturned and no mission unconquered. Because of his ability to dream big, countless children and adults have a life-long passion for sports and athletics, many of whom made a career out of these passions. The lasting impact of his influence in the sports and outdoors community of the Pikes Peak region will endure and benefit many generations to come.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to honor the ministry and community impact of Mr. Larry Yonker at Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Springs Rescue Mission has become a pillar of the Pike's Peak region, not only by caring for the homeless but as a model of local business, government, and faith-based collaboration, for the good of the community. It was only one decade ago that Springs Rescue Mission was working to create its first shelter. The focus of its humble campus was still on feeding the homeless, men's addiction recovery, and some limited daytime services. Under Mr. Yonker's leadership, the Mission has become an expansive homeless resource campus--a Community of Hope for the most vulnerable men and women of Colorado Springs. With 450 beds, the Mission is now the largest homeless shelter in the region. The Resource Center offers case management and other essential services to help those in need to regain their health, return to work, and find permanent housing. Every day, hundreds of neighbors in need come to the Mission for a filling meal, a hot shower, a warm bed, and compassionate care. Just next door, 65 chronically homeless people have found a home at Greenway Flats. And in the middle of it all, a new 200-seat Samaritan's Kitchen, recently opened their doors to our community. As a Colorado native and graduate of the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo, Larry is motivated by a deep faith in God and compassionate love for his neighbors. Larry's drive and focus is derived from Matthew 25:34-40, and has been the inspiration for Larry's tenure at Springs Rescue Mission, ``Then the King will say to those on His right hand. `Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him. saying, `Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When die we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, `Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' '' Over the years, Mr. Yonker has been committed to bringing community partners both in the private and public sectors together, with a mission to provide lifesaving and life-building care for those most in need. He has been a champion for those trapped in homelessness, addiction, and poverty and for collaboration and partnership across every walk of life to ensure people receive the care they need. As Larry retires, it is my highest privilege to honor and thank him for being a ``faithful servant'' to Colorado's Fifth Congressional District.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Nelson ``Red'' Berkeley Noland, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and philanthropist. Red was born February 3rd, 1927, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late William Churchill and Mary Bleeker Noland. He was the last of three children, and at an early age, developed a love for adventure. Red was a man of faith and a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. He attended St. Christopher School in Richmond, VA. Red attained the rank of Eagle Scout at 14 years old and attended President Roosevelt's 1941 inauguration as part of the Eagle Scouts Honor Guard. During World War II, Red joined the U.S. Navy, reporting for duty on his 18th birthday. Following an Honorable Discharge after the war, Red studied at Princeton University, earning a degree in International Relations. Automobiles were a life-long passion for Red, moving him to ``Motor City'' Detroit, Michigan after graduation. Red began working as a lathe operator in a production line, building Cadillac transmissions. Because of Red's work ethic and interest, it did not take long before he was moved up to work in sales. He became the youngest new car salesman in the Cadillac factory's store in Detroit. In Detroit, he met the love of his life, Eloise ``Bunny'' Day. Red and Bunny were married in 1953 and had three children: Tom (1959), Betsy (1961), and William (1964). Earlier this year, the couple celebrated 67 years of wedded bliss. In 1974, the Noland family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and purchased the Silver State Cadillac store. Soon after, Red's appreciation for cars grew exponentially, and he acquired multiple franchise rights and expanded to numerous stores and a state-of-the-art collision center. Over the years, Red grew the Red Noland Auto Group dealerships from less than 20 employees to over 150. Red appreciated every one of the employees, keeping up with each birthday and family event. He was a true family man and considered his employees to be part of his family. Living and raising a family in Colorado was an ideal situation for Red. Not only was he able to work in the industry he loved, but he also found a place that let his hobbies thrive. Red owned and flew planes and gliders in Colorado and came close to breaking distance records with his gliders. He was an outdoorsman hiking many Colorado 14-ers and trails. Skiing was his favorite winter sport. Often he was found on the slopes of Vail up to his 90th birthday. Red had many joys in his life, but none more than his family and faith. Red is survived by his cherished wife, Bunny; loving children, Tom (Yingnan) Noland of Boulder, Colorado; Betsy (Stan) VanderWerf of Colorado Springs; and William of Leadville, Colorado; his adored grandchildren Erik, Carolyn, Katie, James, and Matthew; and his wonderful nieces, nephews, and friends. Red leaves behind a legacy of generosity, friendship, adventure, and faith. He lived his life with enthusiasm and purpose, and his deep commitment to his community and passions will transcend generations to come.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this highly partisan and divisive legislation. In Colorado alone, this bill puts 700,000 acres into the most restrictive land use category of all--wilderness. I know the intent of the sponsors is to protect the land, but in practice, the use of land under wilderness designation is so restrictive, hardly anyone can use it. Do you dream of taking your kids or grandkids for a bike ride on wilderness land someday? Forget about it. Bicycles are prohibited by BLM in wilderness land as well as motorized vehicles, roads, wheelbarrows, and carts. The land is locked away from future generations. I prefer public lands with many uses, and that is where this bill fails our children. You can't even take a baby onto wilderness land in a stroller. Do you care about the health of our forests? Then don't vote for this bill. The most basic types of preventive maintenance are illegal under wilderness designation. You can't take a chain saw and cut away fire traps, and you can't trim branches or overgrown timber stands and underbrush. Colorado has had too many forest fires, and with beetle kill, parts of Colorado are a tinderbox. Should this become law, with its restrictions on fire prevention, we are going to see bigger and hotter fires in Colorado than ever before. I don't want to see Colorado burn up. That is why I am voting ``no'' on this bill. Many county commissioners, individual citizens, and even the U.S. Representative for western Colorado oppose this bill. Like me, they don't want to see the public lose access to wilderness areas, and they don't want to see our forests go up in flames. Vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Missouri for her courage and backbone in supporting these vital social issues. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on the dangers of H.R. 5, the so-called Equality Act. This bill would have disastrous effects on our culture. H.R. 5 will not only turn the Civil Rights Act on its head, it would harass individuals and entities who are merely seeking to exercise their sincerely held religious beliefs. Under the current text, countless faith-based businesses and nonprofits across the country would simply cease to exist. I am not convinced that my colleagues across the aisle understand the far- reaching consequences of the so-called Equality Act. The reality is that churches could be forced to violate their beliefs simply to stay open if it were enforced as written. This awful legislation also creates fundamental inequalities for many Americans. Parents sending their kids to public schools would live in fear that their young daughter would have to use the same locker room or restroom as a man because the Equality Act would open the door to biological males self-identifying as females. I have introduced an amendment to the Equality Act protecting accommodations choosing to designate private, single-sex spaces, such as restrooms or locker rooms. I hope the Democrat majority allows a vote on this commonsense amendment that tens of millions of American parents want. In addition, the so-called Equality Act would significantly disadvantage women participating in sex-specific sports leagues. That is why I have also introduced an amendment, originally filed as a bill last Congress by Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, protecting equal opportunities for women and girls in high school and college sports. This amendment of mine seeks to protect women and girls simply wanting to compete against other biological women and girls on a level playing field. Women and children suffer when Democrat policies are enacted. Women's sports, and the girls and young women who just simply want to compete with other females on an equal basis, will be the victims of Democrat policies. Madam Speaker, I adamantly oppose the radical Equality Act, and I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will take a stand and oppose it as well.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 48th anniversary of the tragic Roe versus Wade Supreme Court Decision. That fateful decision has ended the loss of over 62 million unborn babies' lives. Consider that while America is the land of opportunity, more than 62 million unborn Americans were given no opportunity to pursue the incredible opportunities our great nation affords. At home and abroad, the unborn are under attack. Our colleagues on the other side of the aisle disastrously intend to burden the consciences of millions of Americans by forcing them to use their hard- earned tax dollars to subsidize abortion. I'm also deeply concerned by the current administration's decision to rescind the Mexico City Policy and instead force taxpayers to fund abortions overseas. In fact, recent polling shows that three-quarters of Americans want significant restrictions on abortion. If we are truly representing the American people, we will work as a Congress to pass abortion restrictions here in these halls. Until that happens, I will continue fighting tirelessly to defend the sanctity of unborn lives.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I had intended to vote ``Yea'' on Roll Call No. 18.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding to me. I have heard from people today who voted ``yes'' on Mattis and now they are ``no;'' or they voted ``no'' on Mattis and now they are a ``yes.'' I guess that makes me a model of consistency because I am a ``yes'' and a ``yes.'' Mr. Speaker, we should vote ``yes'' to give this waiver because, as Mr. Hoyer has just said, the security needs are pressing upon us. We can't take weeks and weeks to get this person installed. So we need to act quickly and we need to have a waiver rather than starting all over again in this process. The other thing is Mr. Austin has been out of the military for almost 5 years. Under the law, there is a 7-year cooling off period. Five years, in my mind, is almost as good as 7 years. I mean, what is magic about 7 years? Is 6 years and 10 months not good enough, but 7 years and 1 month is good enough? There is a little arbitrariness involved here when choosing 7 years in the first place. I believe that 5 years--almost 5 years is sufficient for Mr. Austin to have cooled off. We had a roundtable today in committee. I thank the chairman for having that roundtable. We heard from Mr. Austin. He very eloquently stated, yeah, he could stand up to people who were in the military. He can tell them what is good for the civilian control of our country. I trust him. He is the right man for the job. Our security needs are too pressing to keep dilly-dallying on this. Let's vote ``yes'' on this issue and supply the waiver today.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Joyce Haber Schuck, cherished wife, mother, grandmother, patriot, community activist, and dear friend. Joyce was born December 9, 1937, to loving parents, Frank and Florence Haber, in Long Island, New York. She met the love of her life, Steve, while at a party hosted by a mutual friend. They married in 1958, following his college graduation. As newlyweds, Steve and Joyce lived and worked in Syracuse and New York City until they accomplished their dream of starting a family and moving to Colorado Springs. They had three beloved children: William David (1959), Thomas Allen (1961), and Ann Elizabeth (1968). Joyce lived an extraordinary life by all measures. Her husband, Steve, describes her as ``beautiful at many levels, and bordering on being renaissance.'' Joyce embraced the popular role of being a homemaker to her family, but her efforts and passions didn't end there. Joyce returned to college in her 40s and graduated with a degree in social work. Her passion was always in the well-being of those less fortunate. Joyce blazed historic trails in her community. She co-founded Community Transitions, a non-profit organization that served homeless families, established a volunteer program for the District Attorney's office, and built the DA's `Shape Up' initiative. She was appointed by Governor Bill Ritter to the board of the Charter School Institute and served on the boards of the League of Charter School and the Youth Transformation Center. Additionally, she co-founded and chaired the board of Colorado's first military charter school, the Colorado Military Academy. The Schuck's had an unwavering commitment to children, particularly to those who are disadvantaged. They founded Parents Challenge, a nationwide nonprofit to empower low-income parents with financial and informational resources so that they may choose the schools best suited for their children's needs. Parents Challenge has been carrying out its mission of serving parents and children across our nation for over 21 years. In a move that took her out of her comfort zone, Joyce embraced the campaign life when Steve sought the Republican nomination for Governor of Colorado in 1986. Not so secretly, many expressed that they wished she was the candidate because she excelled at building relationships and communicating with people from all walks of life. Unbeknownst to Steve, Joyce kept a diary of her experience on the campaign, which she converted into a trailblazing book titled, ``Political Wives, Veiled Lives.'' Joyce had many passions in her life, but none more than her family. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Florence, and sister Rolene. Joyce is survived by her loving husband Steve, children: Bill (Dede), Tom, and Ann; her grandchildren: Emily, Molly, Hillary, Whitney, Gabriel, Conner, Colton, and Bryce; great-grandchildren: Madyson, Emyrson, Grayson, Hudson, and Liam. Joyce leaves behind a legacy of grace, kindness, compassion, and generosity. She lived her life with enthusiasm and purpose, and her commitment to those in need will benefit generations to come.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Mr. James Berry Craddock of Colorado Springs, Colorado. James Berry Craddock sadly passed away on November 5, 2020. I extend my deepest condolences to his loving wife, Linda, their sons, Matthew Ryan (Jenny), Michael Lewis (Michelle), and James Berry (Amy); 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Roy Rall and Joseph Rall; and sister, Mary Lou Kaiser and to all of those who were privileged to call him a friend. Berry's life, family, and spirit are a testament to the American dream, fortitude, drive, work ethic, humor, and full enjoyment of all this life offered. James Berry Craddock was born on January 12, 1935 in Pueblo, Colorado. When Berry was five years old, he skinned his knee playing outside and developed Osteomyelitis, but was saved by a new drug at the time, penicillin. Despite having to learn to walk again, Mr. Craddock never let his disability define or hinder him in any way. He was known as a risk-taker and an accomplished skier, racing the slalom and the downhill. Berry even received his first appearance in the local paper for rafting down the Royal Gorge on a one-man raft. Berry graduated from Canon City High School and attended the University of Colorado, graduating in Civil Engineering and Business Management. After college, he worked designing warehouses at Welbourne Construction Company. It was at Welbourne Construction where Berry pioneered twin tee construction and designed what would become known throughout Colorado and New Mexico as ``The Craddock Building''. On June 24, 1967, Berry married his wife, Linda, of 52 years. Soon after their marriage, Berry and Linda moved to Colorado Springs where they raised their sons, Matthew, James, and Michael. Mr. Craddock was known as a family man and he frequently stated that his biggest legacy was his three sons. He was fiercely proud of them and their accomplishments, their families, and their character. It was also in Colorado Springs where Berry brought his vision to life and started Craddock Development Company. With only $5,000 to his name and help from his business partners, Berry built a real estate empire that lasts to this day. Berry was a fierce advocate of the Pikes Peak Region and constructed over 300 buildings in his career, from hotels, to restaurants, warehouses, offices, and self-storage facilities. In his free time, Berry loved the outdoors, golf, fishing, and entertaining friends and family at Lake Uneva. Berry cherished his hunts with his band of brothers at the Sanborn Ranch Duck Club and his annual pheasant hunt in South Dakota. Berry was an active member of the Broadmoor Golf Club, the El Paso Club, the Garden of the Gods Club, and the Vail Valley Foundation. It was in Vail where he developed lasting friendships with former President Gerald Ford, Senator Jack Kemp, and Clint Eastwood. Today, on behalf of Colorado's 5th Congressional District, we celebrate Mr. Craddock's impactful life and legacy, he was truly one of a kind. May it be of comfort to his family and friends that we all pray for them during this sad time. May Mr. James Berry Craddock rest in peace.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5458 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire, by donation only, approximately 40 acres of non-Federal land for inclusion in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. As many of you may know, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the crown jewels of our National Park System. The land to be donated is directly adjacent to the current park boundary and was recently donated to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. The land being donated is entirely undeveloped, so it won't increase the deferred maintenance of the National Park Service in any way. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5459 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to exchange a 0.18-acre parcel of park land for the same amount of private land to resolve a land ownership issue within the boundary of the Rocky Mountain National Park. In the 1970s, the National Park Service purchased land surrounding a private inholding. An error in the bank's legal description incorrectly included a 0.18-acre parcel in that purchase. As a result, the parcel the National Park Service acquired included a family cabin, and the private owner acquired a vacant lot, not the cabin site. This bill will permanently resolve this issue with an equal value land swap and ensure that the intent of the original purchase is met. This may be the tiniest amount of land that we have ever considered in a land use bill, but it is, nevertheless, an important piece of land and a good bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman).

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to fill in for the ranking member of the full committee, Representative Bishop. He was here briefly earlier, but he is definitely under the weather. Mr. Speaker, on this bill, I simply yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Huffman, for his support of this bill. He made some great points in favor of it, and I acknowledge and appreciate that. I commend Congressman Don Young from Alaska for his tireless commitment to our fishermen. Don Young is the dean of the House, having served longer than any other of the 435 Members of Congress. Research funded by Alaska Sea Grant found that the average age of Alaskan fishers was over 50 years old, an increase of more than 10 years over the past generation. Young commercial fishermen are facing increasing challenges, such as barriers to entry and limited training opportunities, not to mention that U.S. fisheries are among the most highly regulated, monitored, and enforced fisheries in the world. While NOAA has stated it has existing programs that address some of these concerns, no one program is dedicated to training, educating, and assisting the next generation of commercial fishermen. This bill addresses that deficiency. Again, I thank Congressman Young for his leadership on these issues. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5040, the AIR Safety Act, authored by Congressman John Curtis from Utah. This is a simple bill that will improve our ability to fight the wildfires that have continued to wreak havoc in our Western States. Although laws exist prohibiting interference with wildfire fighting, many people still fly their private drones near fires to take pictures and videos. Unauthorized drones flying in these areas can cause all aerial firefighting tools, including helicopters dropping flame retardant, to be grounded, which wastes valuable time and money that could otherwise be used to suppress the fire and save lives and property. The AIR Safety Act directs our land management agencies to study drone incursions over the past 5 years and mandates that the agencies develop better strategies to prevent drones from interfering in firefighting activities in the first place. In the wake of yet another devastating wildfire season, it is critical that we do everything we can to empower our brave wildland firefighters with the tools they need to safely and quickly respond to fires. This bipartisan bill is a small but important step toward achieving that goal. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis), who introduced the bill and has sponsored it, along with the bipartisan sponsorship of Mr. Huffman.

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.