Michelle Lujan Grisham

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I would love to vote for a bipartisan tax reform that supports middle class families, ensures the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share, invests in the next generation, and protects small businesses. However, I can't vote for legislation that would raise taxes for 13 million middle class households next year; or that would give the top 0.1 percent of Americans an average tax cut of over $320,000 while raising taxes on 36 million families by 2027; or that would provide more tax benefit to the richest 1 percent than the lower 95 percent of Americans combined. Saddling the next generation with $1.7 trillion in debt while prioritizing millionaires and billionaires at the expense of everybody else is irresponsible and cruel. Mr. Speaker, I could spend countless hours describing how this bill harms middle class families, students, the elderly, and businesses in my home State of New Mexico, but since I only have 1 minute to address the floor today, I will be back tomorrow to talk about how this bill devastates investment and job creation in the quickly growing renewable energy industry in my home State of New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Landon Vranes, a 10-year-old Albuquerque student who represents the spirit of learning and innovation. As a 5th grade student, Landon has dedicated much of his time learning about, and building robots. Landon recently built a robot that is able to solve any combination of the popular Rubik's Cube puzzle. His creation was part of a class project led by Albuquerque Public Schools teacher, Ms. Amy Nevitt. Landon's robot was featured during recent TV news broadcasts, which highlighted his passion for technology and robotics. During an interview with KOB-4, Landon explained, ``Any scramble out of the 43 quintillion can be solved in 20 moves or less and it's trying to find out the quickest possibility.'' As the home to three federal research laboratories and distinguished research universities, New Mexico has a reputation for fostering innovation and exploration. It is my hope that students like Landon Vranes continue to have opportunities to thrive and succeed in New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Landon on this achievement and wish him all the best in his future scientific endeavors.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Albuquerque's Alex Bregman for his stand-out performance in the 2017 World Series. Bregman's heroics on the baseball diamond helped the Houston Astros win its first World Series in franchise history. Alex also made his hometown and the state of New Mexico proud as he fulfilled his childhood dream and showed the entire world the value of hard work. Bregman's baseball talent was the stuff of legend in Albuquerque, where he played for Albuquerque Academy. During his sophomore year at the Academy, Bregman was named USA Baseball Player of the Year. Bregman took his talent to Louisiana State University, where he played baseball with the Tigers from 2013 to 2015. The Astros drafted Bregman as the 2nd Overall pick in the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft. He quickly rose through the Astros system and during his first full year in the Major Leagues, Bregman hit .284 with 19 home runs and 71 RBI. In the World Series, Bregman produced 5 runs, 7 hits, 2 home runs, 5 RBI and a stolen base. He produced his biggest moment in what may be the most exciting game in the history of the World Series. With the score tied in the bottom of the 10th inning, Bregman hit a walk-off, RBI single that gave the Astros a pivotal, 13-12 win and the momentum they rode to the championship. While his offensive prowess contributed to the team's record-breaking statistical performance, Bregman's brilliant defense helped give the Astros an edge throughout the playoffs. He made several critical plays at third base, including an aggressive catch and throw to home plate in Game 4 to prevent a run. Following the end of the World Series, the Baseball Hall of Fame announced that Bregman's glove is one of three artifacts from the Series that will be enshrined in Cooperstown.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroism and bravery of Albuquerque native, Anthony Chavez, also known as the ``Red Hat Hero''. He helped five women escape gun fire during the deadly attack in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 1, 2017. Chavez was among thousands in the crowd at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival when a gumnan fired at the crowd from the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay Casino and Hotel. Chavez did not hesitate to help the women who were standing near him. He made a selfless and courageous decision to help his significant other and four strangers over the fence in front of them so they could retreat to safety. Without his help, it is likely that the women would not have gotten out unharmed. Chavez then stayed in the area for an additional hour, helping direct people to ambulances and safe locations. He won't refer to himself as a hero, but it is undeniably clear that without his help many could have been injured or killed. Chavez was dubbed the ``Red Hat Hero'' because one of the women he saved recognized his unique, red Albuquerque Dukes hat in a photo on social media. Chavez was one of many heroes during an otherwise tragic night in Las Vegas. As such, he deserves our gratitude for his actions.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. David Seely who is retiring as the President and CEO of Kirtland Federal Credit Union (KFCU). Throughout his 27 years at the head of the lending institution, Seely oversaw tremendous success as the credit union grew from $80 million in assets to nearly $800 million. KFCU now serves more than 48,000 clients, including many men and women in uniform. Seely also earned a reputation for combatting predatory lending practices and promoting financial education. When the federal government shut down for several days in 2013, Seely ensured his members had access to services such as extended loan due dates and fee waivers while they were furloughed. In addition to his work with the credit union, Seely volunteered his time to help promote economic growth, as well as support military personnel serving at Kirtland Air Force Base. He served on the Kirtland Partnership Committee, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the New Mexico Association of Commerce & Industry. Recently, Seely received a Humanitarian award from the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque for his service to non-profit organizations and leadership at Kirtland Federal Credit Union. His work at the credit union and support for Kirtland Air Force Base was also recognized by Col. Michael Duvall, 377th Air Base Wing Commander, who singled out KFCU as the ``Best in the Air Force'' for its commitment to improving the quality of life of Kirtland personnel. Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend Mr. David Seely for all of his success and his contributions. We wish him well in his retirement. I thank David. He is an inspiration to us all.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of a woman who was dedicated to public service and advocacy. Susan Popovich focused on the needs of her community throughout her life and was a source of hope for many in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Susan began her career as an educator in Pennsylvania and taught in Arizona for 14 years. After teaching, she continued her career in education by working for the National Education Association, where she worked for 23 years in several roles. She started out as an organizer and moved into the position of Regional Executive Director. She was also a Negotiations and Organizational Development Specialist with the NEA. Eventually, political activism became an important part of her life. Susan participated in political campaigns and completed hundreds of hours canvassing. In doing so, she became a friend to many in Santa Fe and deeply understood hardships the community faced. I also admire Susan for her work as a caregiver for her mother and brother through the end of their lives. She was selfless and giving, proven by the work she dedicated herself to and her care for others. Her life will continue to inspire educators, activists, and politicians. A life led by such a devoted woman will be remembered and felt in the community for many years to come.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Evan Clark, a student at Sandia Prep in Albuquerque, N.M., who has made a name for himself as an advocate in the fight to eliminate Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Evan was diagnosed as having diabetes when he was 7 years old. Now, at age 15, Evan is bringing awareness to the disease at a national level. Evan currently serves as New Mexico's delegate to JDRF 2017 Children's Congress. He was one of 164 delegates chosen by JDRF, the leading global organization funding Type 1 Diabetes research. He recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Children's Congress, which included a Town Hall forum with delegates, professional athletes, actors and news anchors. Evan also participated in a hearing before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, where he and other delegates urged Congress to continue to fund diabetes research. They emphasized the organization's key principles for healthcare reform, and the need for robust annual funding for the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In New Mexico, Evan is a frequent speaker at JDRF events, such as the walk, the gala, Type 1 Nation, and other events that raise awareness and money for diabetes research. In 2012, Evan's family was named the ``Eternal Hope Honoree Family'' during that year's gala, where 400 guests raised more than $300,000 for JDRF. Evan was most proud of the fact that his own school and classmates donated money to fund a cure to help him. When he's not advocating for JDRF, Evan enjoys the outdoors. He is an avid fisherman, rifleman and marksman. He also enjoys flag football, basketball and track. Evan is an inspiration to his family, friends and the entire community in New Mexico. He has taken on a major challenge in the battle against Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. I am confident we can find a cure as long as we invest in research. And I have no doubt Evan will ensure that those investments continue.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, it has been 57 days since the President abruptly and irresponsibly terminated the DACA program. For 57 days, students have been panicked about how much longer they can go to school. Brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters, are terrified that they might lose their loved ones any minute. Parents are afraid to take their children to the hospital or to school, and breadwinners don't know whether they will be able to continue to earn a paycheck to support themselves and their families. For 57 days, the Republican-controlled Congress has been silent, doing nothing to provide certainty for 800,000 American DREAMers who are caught up in Congressional dysfunction. Without a permanent legislative fix, these young Americans, like Maritza from Texas, will be at risk of detention and deportation. Maritza works part time to help her pay for college so she can pursue her dream career in journalism after graduation. Over months, she and her family saved up $1,000 to pay for an attorney and the DACA program application fee. All she needed was her school to provide her records so she could finish her application. But then Hurricane Harvey hit and flooded her family's home in east Houston and shut down school for 2 weeks. While Maritza and her mother were recovering from Harvey's devastation, they were the victims of another disaster, but this one was created by their own government. They watched Attorney General Jeff Sessions announce on live TV that the Trump administration was ending DACA and cutting off new applications for young immigrants just like her. The devastating news crushed Maritza and her family. Now they and countless others have waited 57 days for us to fix it. Today we have the opportunity to uphold our values and to pass the Dream Act so that these young Americans aren't waiting in fear any longer. Mr. Speaker, there is a quote directly above your chair from Daniel Webster imploring us to do ``something worthy to be remembered.'' So how will we be remembered? Will the Republican-controlled Congress continue to sit here and passively accept the Trump administration's cowardly decision to eliminate protections for countless DREAMers across the country? Or do we want to do something about it? We have an opportunity to protect our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends, constituents, and members of our military who have done everything to try to contribute to this great country. One vote would change the lives of nearly 800,000 Americans forever. One vote would allow them to pursue the American Dream, to go to school, to continue to work, to buy a house, or to start a business. Mr. Speaker, isn't that why we were sent here? Wouldn't that be something worthy to be remembered? I ask my colleagues to vote against the previous question so that we can immediately bring the Dream Act to the floor and provide certainty for Americans like Maritza, who want to continue to work, learn, and live in the country that they love, the only country they have ever known. We cannot afford to wait another day.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Luciano ``Lucky'' Varela, a hard-working New Mexican who fought for New Mexico families in the state Legislature. Luciano represented Santa Fe in the New Mexico House of Representatives from 1987 to 2016. Rep. Varela was known for his expertise in government finance and his unwavering support for the employees who deliver services to New Mexicans. He always treated constituents with the utmost dignity and worked for New Mexico families. Prior to serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives, he was the Director of the State Personnel Office, Chairman of the Board of the Public Employee's Retirement Association, and served on the House Appropriations Committee, in addition to the Legislative Finance Committee. Rep. Varela was an advocate for fair wages and policies to support low-income families in New Mexico. In 1998, he sponsored legislation to expand the low-income comprehensive tax rebate. Years later, in 2007, he sponsored a bill for public employee salary increases, which would increase the salaries of public employees including police officers, teachers, and higher education employees. I will always remember Lucky as someone who was tough and transparent, but always fair. New Mexicans know that he worked hard to provide support for working families. He devoted his career to public service, for which, we are all grateful.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lawrence Baca, a local artist in Santa Fe, for his outstanding work. Lawrence is well known for his beautiful silver creations and his award winning jewelry. He pulls from historic and cultural roots when making the jewelry. Born and raised in Santa Fe, Lawrence is inspired by the strong Native American and Hispanic cultures that run deep in our state. He celebrates long-lasting traditions and keeps history alive by creating jewelry that uses metals and stones that were once used by our ancestors in New Mexico. Collectors and fans from all over the world travel to the Spanish Market in Santa Fe to buy jewelry from Lawrence and other local artists. In 2015, he was awarded the Master's Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Spanish Market and Museum of Spanish Colonial Art. The Spanish Colonial art features authentic artistic traditions which can be traced back over 400 years. Skilled artists, like Lawrence, create breathtaking expressions of a living tradition, and many of them count their art as their only source of income. My hope is that Lawrence will continue to use his talent to honor the Spanish and Native American history in New Mexico, and will inspire future artists to do the same.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Donovan Smith, who is a young entrepreneur and philanthropist, who has made a positive impact in our community through his soap making business. Donovan came to New Mexico in 2011 with his mother, Ms. Casey Smith, after falling upon hard times. Ms. Smith, a Navy veteran, had lost her job, and was unable to find employment due to health problems. They were able to find a place to stay at the Henderson House in Albuquerque, which provides shelter for female veterans. After overcoming this experience, Donovan has dedicated himself to helping others. In 2014, Donovan was able to learn soap-making from his mother as a part of his math and science education. At the age of 11 he started his bath product business at a local market held every weekend. He soon began selling online specialty soaps made from ingredients such as goat's milk and aloe vera. He generously donated a portion of his profits to help fight homelessness. Donovan has also donated thousands of bars of soap to St. Martin's Hospitality Center, where the soap can be distributed to people in need. In light of his philanthropic work, TV personality Mike Rowe reached out to Donovan as part of his Facebook show, ``Returning the Favor,'' and set him up with a storefront in Downtown Albuquerque to continue his business and charitable work. In addition to his work to fight homelessness, Donovan has been a vocal advocate against child abuse in New Mexico. He received the McDonald's 365Black Community Choice Award, as well as the Good Samaritan Award by the City of Albuquerque. Donovan's story is inspiring and proves that with determination, amazing things can be achieved. I look forward to seeing Donovan's success grow as well as his continued efforts to make a difference in our community.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Quarrier ``Q'' B. Cook who represented the best of our great state of New Mexico. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, a loyal friend to many, a philanthropist, and a dedicated advocate for the rights of women, and the environment. Q was born in Wheeling, West Virginia to Nancy Fulton and Thomas Moffat Bloch on April 7, 1935. She graduated from the Wheeling Country Day School, the Ethel Walker School, and Vassar College where she earned a degree in political science that served her well through years of political activism. Q gained a passion for activism by observing her parents, who were involved in civic and public service. Q began her philanthropic career as a board member of the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Not long after, she founded Santa Fe Style, a southwestern home furnishings boutique in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Q helped to run the business for 11 years as store purchaser. During her time in Santa Fe, Q worked to support nonprofit groups, and cultural organizations, including the Santa Fe Community Foundation and the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. Q joined the board of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival in 1987 and served as board president from 2002 to 2005. Among their many successes, Q and her husband, Philip Cook, were granted the Santa Fe Community Foundation's Philanthropic Leadership Award in 2016. Q married the love of her life, Philip Cook, in Santa Fe on March 11, 1991. They recently celebrated 25 years together, marked with joy and travel among family and friends. On May 4, 2017, Q passed away at age 82. She was surrounded by family at her home in Santa Fe after a yearlong struggle with breast cancer. She was survived by her husband, Philip, and three children, Thomas McKittrick Jones, Nancy Jones Carter, and Clarke Fitz-Gerald Jones, as well as her seven grandchildren. Q was truly a fighter of justice and we will all miss her dearly. I treasure all of the wonderful contributions she has made to our state. Her memory and legacy is a blessing to us all.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great honor to recognize Steve McKernan, Chief Executive Officer of University of New Mexico Hospitals, as he prepares for his retirement after 37 years of service to the people of Bernalillo County and the State of New Mexico. In 1980, Mr McKernan began his career at the University of New Mexico Hospital. Mr. McKernan began as a staff accountant and worked his way up through the organization, becoming CEO in 1996. During his 21 years as CEO, Mr. McKernan was an integral part of a team relentlessly focused on improving the care of the people of New Mexico. Thanks to Mr McKernan's vision and leadership, UNM Hospitals provide the level and specialties of care that are only available in the largest teaching hospitals in the country. During Mr. McKernan's tenure, the Barbara and Bill Richardson Pavilion opened in 2008 and a network of community-based clinics was established, providing healthcare throughout the City of Albuquerque. In addition to his achievements in growing the mission and reach of UNM Hospitals, Mr. McKernan has gained national prominence in the hospital community, serving on the Board of the America's Essential Hospitals. He has also been involved in a variety of local community and business groups, including the Rotary Club, the New Mexico Hospital Association and the Boy Scouts of America. It is with great honor and privilege that I take this moment to thank Steve for his service and commitment to our community, the lives of New Mexicans are forever changed because of his work. I wish him and his wife Becky an enjoyable and well-deserved retirement.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague for yielding me time. Mr. Chair, yesterday the House passed a $7.9 billion downpayment to address the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey, which is projected now to cost as much as $180 billion--by far, today, the costliest hurricane to hit the United States. Today, we are considering an amendment which would prohibit BLM from implementing a rule to address the wasteful venting, flaring, and leaking of methane, which is a climate change-causing emission 30 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. New Mexico is currently home to the largest methane hot spot in the world. Not only is methane a powerful greenhouse gas, but every cubic foot of gas that is wasted into the atmosphere cheats hardworking New Mexican taxpayers out of precious royalty and tax payments which go toward public education, infrastructure, and community development programs. Our State desperately needs these investments, and we cannot afford to let money disappear into thin air. BLM, in fact, should work with stakeholders, especially small independent producers who have low- producing wells to make this workable. But taking a sledgehammer to our Nation's energy policy is a shortsighted and counterproductive effort. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment and to collaborate to make this rule effective for producers and taxpayers alike.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 3440, the DREAM Act, to protect Vanessa, a DREAMer from New Mexico, who dreams of becoming a doctor.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, my amendment prioritizes funding to study the treatment of detainees and the conditions of private immigration detention centers. ICE is increasing apprehensions and putting immigrant communities at higher risk of apprehension, detention, and deportation. At the same time, the Trump administration has lowered detention standards when signing contracts with private facilities. This has led to the highest number of deaths in ICE custody since 2011. We have seen a complete disregard for civil and constitutional rights of detainees, many of whom are torn from their families without basic due process protections. These facilities are not holding prisoners. They are holding asylum seekers who risked everything to start a better life. They are holding hardworking community members. They are holding family members: mothers, fathers, and children. Information regarding detention facilities is already inconsistent, outdated, and, frankly, overall lacking in transparency. Medical neglect, poor treatment by guards, sexual abuse, and even in-custody deaths plague numerous facilities across the country. Even worse, repeat offending private prison companies continue to receive lucrative contracts for additional facilities. We have to have an objective and transparent review of these private immigration detention centers. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' for my amendment to ensure that detainees are treated humanely and provided basic due process protections. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 377th Air Base Wing, Air Force Global Strike Command, Kirtland Airforce Base, for earning the 2016 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The award recognizes the exceptional service of the 377th Air Base Wing from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016. The 377th Air Base Wing accomplished a number of achievements during 2016. The air base wing provided comprehensive combat preparedness and superior installation support to 22,000 airmen and more than 110 mission partners. The airmen executed 71 ground missions, moving 765 assets and ensuring global strategic deterrence. The air base wing made progress to mitigate a 40-year-old environmental calamity by installing the first extraction well in December of 2016. The temporary treatment system was implemented in June 2016 and treated 17 million gallons of contaminated water, removed nearly seven grams of ethylene dibromide (EDB), and protected 36.7 million gallons of water. The permanent treatment system has treated 235.5 million gallons of water and removed 69.1 grams EDB as of July 31, 2017. The air base wing also developed a 25-year strategic roadmap that included $110 million in upgrades to the Kirtland Underground Munitions Maintenance and Storage Complex that houses the Department of Defense's largest stockpile of Protection Level One assets. In addition, the air base wing expanded its tribal relations program. Air base leaders worked in collaboration with state Native American tribes to create a Memorandum of Understanding which protects tribal cultures by allowing tribes to request that the military air crews avoid low-level flights above sacred areas or religious events. The air base wing was active in assisting local fire departments fight the Dog Head Fire that burned 17,000 acres of land and threatened four communities. With Kirtland Air Force Base's help, they saved approximately 37,000 homes. Last, in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Kirtland Air Force Base, the air base wing hosted an air show for the first time in five years to commemorate the occasion. The air show was hosted in coordination with more than 20 organizations, 1,200 volunteers, and more than 50,000 spectators in the audience. Additionally, service members visited elementary schools to discuss the air base wing's history and the military's commitment to the country and local surrounding community of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Those are only a few of the achievements that prove the excellence of the 377th Air Base Wing. I am confident that the achievements of the 377th Air Base Wing will be a lasting positive impact in our community.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katherine Augustine's lifetime of achievements that have touched countless New Mexicans through her work as a nurse and advocate for Native American health. Fittingly, Katherine chronicled her amazing experiences in an autobiography that contributes to the history of New Mexico. Katherine was born on September 30, 1929 in the Pueblo of Laguna. She went to Albuquerque Indian High School and attended Sage Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in neighboring state, Arizona. In 1951, she moved to California and started a family. She later moved back to New Mexico. Katherine started her career at the Presbyterian Hospital Center, where she worked for 29 years. After retiring, she continued to work at the Indian Health Service at Acoma-Canoncito-Laguna Hospital in San Fidel and the Albuquerque Indian Hospital. She also worked at the Albuquerque Tribune and the Roundhouse newspaper. During the past 22 years, Katherine has volunteered her time with numerous organizations, helping neighbors and friends throughout the community. She was on the Committee of the Ancient Living Village, Vice- President of the Laguna Colony of Albuquerque, served on the Council of Elders at the New Mexico Geriatric Education Center, and was a member of the Environmental Health Community Advisory Committee. She traveled around the world to promote her favorite projects-- Friendship Force of New Mexico and Sister Cities of Albuquerque. I wish Katherine all the best with her future endeavors. Her work has and will continue to influence those in her community. Thank you and congratulations, Katherine.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional young person from my district. Michael Jose Zelaya, a member of Boy Scout Troop 220 in Albuquerque, NM. Michael recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout following 12 years in scouting. Michael's perseverance and dedication in the Boy Scouting program has helped shape his desire to be a leader in his community. For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Michael constructed several large barriers at the Albuquerque Bio Park. This was designed to deter aggressive gorilla behavior, enhancing both the experience for the patrons as well as the safety of the animals. Through scouting Michael has grown as an individual and as a member of his community. With Boy Scout Troop 220, Michael and many of his fellow boy scouts have volunteered countless hours of community service. Landscape projects, food banks, trail preservation, awareness walks, tree and garden restoration, and several improvement projects at his church that kindly host the troop are just a small representation of Michael's character and work ethic. Over the last 12 years in scouting, Michael has hiked hundreds of miles, learned lifesaving first aid and CPR, has visited the Federal Court and U.S. Marshall Facility, also learned auto mechanic basics, practiced gun safety, rifle shooting, and many more experiences; but most importantly, he has built friendships and grown in the love he has for his country. I am confident that Michael will continue to be a leader in our community and I look forward to hearing about his continued success. Congratulations, Michael.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional young person from my district. Daniel Schoellkopf is an Albuquerque High School graduate who recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout following 11 years in scouting. Daniel's dedication to his goal of reaching the highest rank in the Boy Scouting program helped shape his desire to be a leader in his community. As part of his Eagle project, Daniel worked with the Drug Enforcement Agency on a program to encourage people to turn in unused prescription drugs at convenience centers. This effort is particularly important in New Mexico as we work to discourage the abuse of opioids, especially among young people. During his senior year in high school, Daniel worked at Kirtland Air Force Base as a lifeguard, where he was awarded the Bright Star civilian award by the U.S. Air Force. He has also worked summers at Camp Gorham north of Santa Fe. Daniel earned a ROTC scholarship to the University of New Mexico, where he would like to study political science and eventually become an officer in the military. Daniel recently visited my office in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) with the M.S. Society advocacy group. The M.S. Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with M.S. by funding research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with M.S. and their families. I am confident that Daniel will continue to be a leader in our community and I look forward to hearing about his continued success. Congratulations, Daniel.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, my amendment ensures that NNSA has adequate work space to fulfil its national security mission. In my home State of New Mexico, over 1,000 Federal and contract employees at NNSA currently work in a network of old and rapidly deteriorating facilities on Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. A portion of the existing facility includes a 60-year-old former military barracks, which creates a number of health, safety, and quality-of-life issues for its employees. These employees are involved in some of our Nation's most important national security work, including managing our Nation's nuclear deterrent and reducing global nuclear and radiological threats. The NNSA administrator, Lieutenant General Klotz, said that: The highly talented employees in Albuquerque are frankly forced to work in facilities that are inadequate to NNSA's current mission. Furthermore, because of the age of the buildings, NNSA is forced to spend approximately $6 million every year on maintenance and repairs just to keep them habitable. In fact, the $40 million worth of deferred maintenance alone on the old buildings is approximately one-fifth of what it would cost to build a new, modern, and reliable facility. So this is a perfect opportunity to save money in the long run. I strongly support NNSA's efforts to replace the existing complex with a single new building that will provide safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure that improves the safety and working environment for approximately 1,200 employees. The new state-of-the-art facility will meet enhanced environmental standards and consolidate staff for a more efficient delivery and support of the important national security work at NNSA. The current total project cost is $202 million, and I agree with Chairman Simpson that we have an obligation to ensure that every single taxpayer dollar for this project is used efficiently and effectively. I know that the chairman shares my concerns to ensure that NNSA has the infrastructure and resources it needs to fulfill its national security mission now and in the future. That is why I am pleased that he has agreed to work with me on this issue to ensure that we are fulfilling our oversight responsibilities while moving the construction of the Albuquerque complex project forward. With that, I am prepared to withdraw my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairman's words and respect his work prior to this and in this current effort to get this space and the facility infrastructure issues addressed. I look forward to working with him on a variety of ideas to make sure that we get this project completed in a timely and effective manner. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time, and I withdraw my amendment.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Garamendi, and certainly thank Mr. Tonko for their incredible statements about what is really at risk and why it is at risk. I think it is very important for viewers, and our constituents, and families, to really understand that this is not a healthcare debate. This is not a healthcare reform measure. Nothing that has occurred and passed in the House or in the Senate has involved serious discussion or debate of any kind of healthcare reform because what this really is, as you stated, is a tax break, not just for the wealthiest of Americans, but for two critical corporations, insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies, who, I assure you, do not need additional tax breaks, who are still making record profits. And when we look at the pharmaceutical industry, in particular, it has been one of the most profitable industries in America's history. So this is an effort to provide more benefits to the three groups who do not need these benefits; and the way in which they pay for it is to remove healthcare benefits from millions of Americans. And as the gentleman pointed out, 32 million Americans are at risk of losing their healthcare, and many more who are in jeopardy of having to pay far more for the benefits that are necessary and lifesaving. I really wanted to weigh in because States like mine, rural, frontier, very poor States, in fact, we have the most to lose of any State in the Nation if this draconian measure, which is one step closer, is passed in the Senate after today's procedural vote. It means $11.4 billion out of our economy. It is a devastating blow to one of the poorest States in the Nation, who has one of the highest percentages of individuals in Medicaid to the expansion. For the first time in my lifetime, I am seeing New Mexicans in a position to have access to care, the right care at the right time at the right place. If this country is going to get healthcare right, then we have got to make sure that people have access so we are not the sickest population in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The only way that you do that is providing access. We provide access in the Affordable Care Act by giving people subsidies and asking insurance companies to treat their beneficiaries and enrollees fairly, right? Subsidies to afford those premiums, by making sure that they have to cover preexisting conditions, by making sure that they are not making women and other populations pay more for their care. This is a Congress that has an obligation to address the things that both Republicans in Congress and pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies have done to us, not for us. Premiums are still too often too high; copays still too often too high; and deductibles, still too high. But is that the fault of the Democrats or an administration that worked to make sure that insurance companies got payments to deal with the rising costs of folks with serious catastrophic illnesses and chronic disease? No, it is Republicans who refuse to continue to fund those risk corridors and those cost-sharing mechanisms. Did we do anything in this Congress to require pharmaceutical companies who sell the very same drugs for 10 cents on a dollar to nations around the world, to make sure that you got a fair drug price, after your tax dollars helped those same pharmaceutical companies do the research required? And then we give them patent protections to make the most possible money, including now protections on generic brand drugs? No, we did nothing to hold that industry accountable, which would mean lower costs for consumers. But what I know happens for sure with this bill is, not only do they rip the rug out from under any of those protections by hardworking New Mexicans and hardworking Americans who deserve the protection and the knowledge that their healthcare will be there for them tomorrow, we also close every rural community health center, every rural hospital at risk in the country, which is why no hospitals, no doctors, no insurance companies, no pharmaceutical companies--because who are they going to sell these proceeds to--are supporting this bill. And the Senate is ignoring every Republican Governor whose State took up Medicaid, who is saying this is a disaster. They want something else. Yet this is the path we are under because it would be more important to give tax breaks than to do this--to protect Mr. Templeton in my State, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2016. He began treatments in January 2017. He explained in an email that, without the ACA, he is not able to afford any of his treatments. He said: ``Am I being sentenced to death by Congress? How many more U.S. citizens are out there like me?'' The answer to Mr. Templeton's question is there are at least 32 million. As I close with what I think is an outrageous effort by Republicans in the House and the Senate, and by that procedural vote in the Senate, is at the same time they are looking at ripping healthcare away from millions of Americans, they are willing to put $1.6 billion into a wall that they promised that Americans would not pay for. Here is an idea. You have got $1.6 billion to invest; invest that to protect folks with their costs under the ACA. Give more subsidies. Let's deal with Medicaid fairly. Let's make sure that we drop prescription drug costs. Let's lower copays. Let's invest in rural community health centers more. Let's have a targeted effort to deal, as you said, with opioid and substance abuse problems that were created by pharmaceutical companies. Let's do that. If you really care, this is money that would hire more nurses. This is money that would hire thousands more teachers. This is money that would put thousands of New Mexicans and Americans back to work in better, safer, more productive infrastructure for our futures--our very future, Mr. Garamendi, Mr. Speaker, at stake by the wrong path and the draconian efforts today in the Senate. I thank the gentleman for the opportunity to highlight how terrible these efforts are and how important it is for us to encourage our supporters to fight for fairness and justice in this country.