Michelle Lujan Grisham

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the former Mayor of Eagle Nest, New Mexico and my dear friend, John Dahl. John represented the best of our great State of New Mexico: he was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a loyal friend to many, a brilliant, hard-working and talented United States Army officer, businessman, and public servant. John was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on July 30, 1933, to John and Ellen Dahl. While at Okmulgee High School, he won the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Track Title and earned a five-year athletic scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. As an undergraduate, he helped the track team become one of the elite teams in the country. In his freshman year John enrolled in the Reserve Officers Training Corps program, and in 1957 he graduated as the most distinguished military graduate out of a ROTC class of 200. After college, John served for 22 years in the military and received over a dozen medals. In 1972, while a lieutenant colonel, the pentagon handpicked John to oversee a notorious Vietnamese prisoner of war camp located on the island of Phu Quoc. The camp held 33,000 POW's and was infamous for human rights abuses. John was tasked to end these inhumane practices and ensure the proper treatment of the POW's. His improvement of the camp's conditions and practices was instrumental in the passage of the Paris Peace Treaty and saved countless human lives. For his accomplishment he was awarded the prestigious Legion of Merits decoration. John married his wife Kay in 1978, and after retiring from the army he moved to Eagle Nest, New Mexico. There, he built multiple local businesses and garnered a reputation as one of the best sole proprietors in the region. In 1990, the Governor of Oklahoma asked John to serve as the state's Director of Civil Emergency Management. Just as in Vietnam, John demonstrated a deep respect for human life by improving and distributing new disaster plans to all 77 Oklahoma counties. By ensuring the implementation of the disaster plan and visiting each county personally, John and his team managed to avoid tornado fatalities that year. After returning to Eagle Nest, John lost his eyesight after years of exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. However, his determination never faltered and he was elected twice as the town's mayor. I met John during his tenure as mayor, and I had the privilege to work with him when I was Secretary of Aging and Long Term Services. John was a determined advocate for improving health care access and quality of care in his community and across our state. On May 14, 2016 John Dahl passed away at the age of 83. Surviving him is his wife Kay, two sons, daughter, six grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren. John was a true friend and inspiring colleague who contributed to the betterment of our community, country, and world. His 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, when we Democrats held our sit-in on the floor of the House, I proudly stood up and said that call to action was, in fact, the reason I came to Congress--not so much the act itself, but the rationale behind it. I came to Congress to get things done on behalf of my constituents. In fact, it baffles me, along with my constituents, that we aren't even allowed to debate, much less vote, on an issue as dire and as important as gun violence. Now House Republicans have left town for 7 weeks without addressing this very issue, and this part of the debate is in every community in America. It is not just gun violence. We have not adequately dealt with the Zika health crisis, and we have not dealt with the Flint water crisis. I am going to go home to New Mexico soon, where forest fires are raging across the West. But we did nothing to support those States and the Forest Service that battles those fires at home. I wasn't elected to apologize to my constituents every time I see them for the inaction of the Republican leadership. We should stay in this Chamber, and we should do the work that our constituents expect and demand of us.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, there have been 231 mass shootings in 193 days so far in 2016. That is more than one per day. We are all directly affected by this gun violence epidemic in this country. In my own State and community, we have in fact seen a dramatic increase in this violence. We cannot passively accept that the epidemic of gun violence kills as many people as car accidents every year. And while the mass shootings in this country have in fact become commonplace, I cannot continue to bear witness to the totality of human suffering that this is causing: the mothers and fathers who have lost children, the children who have lost parents, thousands who have lost loved ones, and all those who will in fact endure a lifetime of pain and suffering. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I joined all my Democratic colleagues in an unprecedented sit-in to urge Republican leadership to allow us to vote on legislation to close glaring problems in our Nation's background check system, including a loophole that has allowed 2,000 individuals on the FBI's terrorist watch list to successfully purchase a firearm since 2004. Americans have a constitutional right to live without fear of gun violence in our communities.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. I thank my distinguished colleague from California for yielding time. Mr. Chairman, in the 2012 Presidential election, dark money groups such as these spent over a quarter billion dollars on partisan political campaign activities. In 2014, we saw the greatest wave of secret special interest money ever raised in a congressional election. In 2016, dark money groups have spent nearly 10 times what they did at the same point last year. We must ensure that social welfare groups exclusively spend their money on their social welfare mission like early childhood education or veterans' assistance. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote for this sensible amendment to help ensure that our elections are transparent.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, the Honorable Judge Carol A. Connor. Carol represented the best of our great State of New Mexico: she was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a loyal friend to many, a brilliant, hard-working and talented lawyer and judge, and a dedicated advocate for the rights of women, Native Americans, and the environment. Carol was born in Wolf Point, Montana to Lora M. Worthington and Fred Whitebear Connor on December 31, 1941 and belonged to the Assinibione Sioux tribe. After she graduated from the University of New Mexico Law School in 1978, Carol began an extraordinary career representing numerous tribes across the country. The capstone of her career was her appointment to sit on the bench as a Federal Administrative Law Judge, where she served for 20 years. In addition to her prolific career, Carol helped establish the New Mexico Women's Bar Association. She lived a life dedicated to serving others and fighting for the rights of those in need. Carol's greatest joy in life was her family whom she cherished. After meeting in Normandy, France, Carol married Jacques Lacan. They spent their time together in Albuquerque, in the company of family, friends, and their three dogs: Bisoux Boy I, Bisoux Boy II, and Kissy Face. Carol's passion and love of life touched all those she encountered; her mark on the world is truly endless. On May 10, 2016, Carol passed away at the age of 74 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her loving son, Robert. Surviving her are her husband, Jacques, her daughters, Cindy Montgomery and Lori Matier Vittatoe, as well as her 4 grandchildren, and 5 great- grandchildren. Carol was a true friend and we will all miss her dearly. I cherish our friendship and 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. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, the United States is a leader in the research and development of directed energy technologies, including high energy lasers. Now, this technology plays a significant role for our military on and off the battlefield, offering substantial advantages to our troops. Directed energy technology uses highly focused energy to minimize collateral damage, reduce civilian casualties, and then give our troops the advantage they need on the battlefield. Now, I have seen these systems being developed and tested when I visited the Air Force Research Laboratory in New Mexico. I am very proud of the groundbreaking work being done there and New Mexico's contribution to developing and advancing this important technology. Now, I hope that as this technology develops, it could spur the development, then, of non-defense and civilian-related applications. My amendment increases the funding for the HEL-JTO by $7 million. The HEL-JTO is the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office which oversees the high energy laser research for the Air Force, Navy, and Army. Now, this funding will support the development of beam directors, adaptive optics, deformable mirrors, and high energy diodes. These components, in fact, will help high energy laser technology to become smaller, more portable, and more efficient, which expands the possibilities for the military. Given that the Army's current work is focused on large ground systems that lack mobility, I was pleased that the House Appropriations Committee recognized the need for smaller and more portable directed energy technology and urged the Army to invest in directed energy capabilities for both combat vehicles and dismounted soldiers. The committee further encouraged the Secretary of the Army to reduce the size, weight, power, and cost for these directed energy systems and to focus on integrating them into our existing or future combat and tactical vehicles as well as individual soldier weapon systems. It is clear that the committee understands the importance of further development of this important technology through HEL-JTO, and I hope to continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that they have the funding that they need to fulfill their important mission. Mr. Chairman, it is my hope that you will continue to work with me as this process moves forward in order to ensure that we are, in fact, fully investing in these and other technologies that really can make the difference, frankly, on and off the battlefield. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque, which was chartered on July 1, 1916, with 31 charter members embracing the Rotary International motto of Service Above Self. Community service projects have been a central theme throughout the club's history. Among the first efforts of the Albuquerque Club was ``boosting'' the climate and health facilities of the city, at a time when tuberculosis sanatoriums were a leading industry. Rotarians promoted and supported good roads for Albuquerque when it became apparent that the automobile was imperative to future growth. The Club helped direct attention to the recurring problem of flooding from the Rio Grande, and generated local support for the institution of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, which continues to deal with a variety of critical water issues today. Over the years, the Club has played an important role in the expansion of cultural life in Albuquerque. Members launched the Symphony Orchestra in 1932, which is now the New Mexico Philharmonic that has delighted and inspired audiences for over half a century. The Club also helped sustain the Albuquerque Little Theater for nearly as long. In more recent years, the Rotary Club cosponsored the Grand Opening of the New Mexico Natural History Museum and provided major sponsorship for the ``Children's Fantasy Garden'' at the Albuquerque Biological Park. Members are currently leading a Signature Centennial Project to provide $500,000 to the Explora! Museum for the ``Working Together to Build a Village'' project, which will lead participants to experiment with science, engineering, architecture and the daily application of the construction process, encouraging an appreciation for STEM. As it completes its first century of service in our city, the Rotary Club of Albuquerque will continue to play a leading role in helping solve problems and improve the community. The moral and ethical foundation of Rotary is timeless, and will continue to inspire members with a sense of civic pride and service for many years to come.

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, New Mexico is, frankly, very fortunate to have many natural resources, including vast amounts of minerals, oil, and natural gas; but water is, by far, New Mexico's most precious commodity. As a Representative from New Mexico, I have witnessed the devastating impact that long-term severe drought can have on businesses, communities, and the State. Drought conditions threaten the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers who depend on this natural resource to run their operations. In addition, there are many communities in New Mexico, both in urban and rural areas, that may not survive without an affordable and a sustainable water source. These conditions go beyond New Mexico and extend, in fact, to the entire Southwest. Based on the most recent available science, experts believe that this region of the country will continue to experience megadroughts in the future. It is critical that we make investments now not only to protect and conserve this scare resource but to also research and develop alternative, affordable, and sustainable water technologies to ensure that Southwest communities and businesses can continue to thrive in persistent drought conditions. My amendment would prioritize $25 million for an energy water desalination hub, as proposed by the Department of Energy. The hub will develop the technology to reduce the cost, energy input, and carbon emission levels of water desalination. Desalination technology has been around for many years, and I have visited several countries that are currently using desalination technology. New Mexico would greatly benefit from this technology, since the State has large brackish water reserves that could become viable water resources through desalination. Desalination can also help the State's oil and gas industry to address water shortage and wastewater disposal challenges. Despite the number of benefits and industry advancements, unfortunately water desalination is still cost-prohibitive for small communities and companies. This is why I think it is crucial that we develop this technology to make it as affordable and energy-efficient as possible. Making important investments in water technologies like water desalination will be critical in determining the future of Southwest communities and businesses. Now, I am disappointed, of course, that this is not something that is currently included in the bill. I am looking forward to working with the majority on this really important issue. At this time, Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to withdraw my amendment.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

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

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chair, we have a provider shortage in this country, and it is only projected to get worse. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that the United States could face a shortage of 90,000 physicians by 2025. One of the most common complaints I hear from veterans in Albuquerque is that even with the flexibility they have to see outside providers through the Veterans Choice Act, there just aren't enough providers-- especially behavioral health providers--to treat everyone who needs care. If trends continue, we will be without the workforce needed to treat an aging population that will increasingly live with chronic health care issues. The provider shortages hit rural, poor, and underserved communities and states like New Mexico particularly hard. According to the New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee, every single healthcare profession in New Mexico has a shortage of providers. In fact, Los Alamos, New Mexico, is the only county in the entire State without a shortage of primary health care providers. And primary care physicians are four more times available in urban areas than in rural New Mexico. The result: longer waits, longer travel, patients not receiving the care they need, and worse health outcomes. We have to educate and recruit more providers, but that will not be enough to keep up with growing demand. We have to do a better job at leveraging the resources we have to put VA providers in the best situation we can to provide quality and timely care to their patients. The Department of Veterans Affairs, the largest healthcare system in the United States, should be leading in using telehealth technology to provide care and promote patient wellness. The VHA's Home Telehealth Program is growing and provided 2.1 million consultations to more than 677,000 veterans in 2015. But we can do much more. In a report last year, the VA Inspector General's office found that the VA missed opportunities to serve additional patients with the Home Telehealth Program, which could have ``potentially delayed the need for long-term institutional care for approximately 59,000 additional veterans.'' The VA Inspector General also found that ``telehealth patients showed the best outcomes in terms of patient admissions and bed days of care.'' It also saves money. Using telehealth instead of placing a veterans in a contract nursing home facility saves approximately $92,000 a year, and the veteran gets to stay independently at home. The VA should follow models such as the University of New Mexico's Project ECHO and think creatively about sharing expertise among specialists, primary care physicians, and medical centers to ensure patients in underserved communities get the care they need. Mr. Chairman, the VA should increase its focus on programs that are proven to improve clinical outcomes and expand access to care while reducing treatment costs. I urge Members to support my amendment to prioritize funding for the VA Home Telehealth Program. 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 honor Boxing Bear Brewing on their victory at the 2016 World Beer Cup awards. The Brewers Association hosts the World Beer Cup every two years, a competition which features over 200 judges for over 90 categories of beer. Large and small breweries throughout the globe enter this prestigious event. I am honored to know that Albuquerque, New Mexico's very own Boxing Bear Brewing received the Gold in the Sweet Stout of Cream Stout category, for their Chocolate Milk Stout, out of a total of 63 entries from around the world. Boxing Bear Brewing was founded along the sandy banks of the Rio Grande River in northwest Albuquerque. Since opening, they have expanded rapidly in New Mexico with an outstanding selection of beer. After their victory at the World Beer Cup, head brewer and co-owner Justin Hamilton said, ``To win for a stout in a category with great breweries including Irish and American breweries just really solidified the fact that we have a presence not only locally, but nationally and now around the world.'' As a small locally owned manufacturing and service business Boxing Bear Brewing represents the prosperity of a burgeoning local craft beer industry in New Mexico. Boxing Bear Brewing is a testament to the contributions small businesses make to our country and communities and the idea that with hard work and dedication nothing is unattainable. To this day lawyers, government officials, business leaders, political icons, artists and students continue to enjoy exquisite beers in Boxing Bear Brewing's friendly atmosphere. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to recognize Boxing Bear Brewing for their accomplishments in the 2016 World Beer Cup competition and commitment to our community at large. I am proud to know that we have a great business located in the First Congressional District of New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor La Cumbre Brewing on their outstanding accomplishment during the 2016 World Beer Cup awards. The Brewers Association hosts the World Beer Cup every two years, a competition which features over 200 judges for over 90 categories of beer. Large and small breweries throughout the globe enter this prestigious event. I am honored to know that Albuquerque, New Mexico's very own La Cumbre Brewing received the Gold in the International Style Lager category, for their High Plains Pils, out of a total of 103 entries from around the world. La Cumbre Brewing President and Master Brewer, Jeff Erway explained that his company has been working on the recipe for this exquisite beer for the past three years. La Cumbre Brewing was founded in Albuquerque in 2010 by Jeff and Laura Erway. Initially, the company had only three, 15 barrel fermenters and five part time employees. However, in the past five years they have expanded rapidly throughout New Mexico and the country. Today annual production exceeds 11,000 barrels of beer and La Cumbre Brewing employs a team of 35 people. As a small locally owned manufacturing and service business La Cumbre Brewing represents the prosperity of a burgeoning local craft beer industry in New Mexico. La Cumbre Brewing is a testament to the contributions small businesses make to our country and communities and the idea that with hard work and dedication nothing is unattainable. To this day lawyers, government officials, business leaders, political icons, artists and students continue to enjoy exquisite beers in La Cumbre Brewing's friendly atmosphere. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to recognize La Cumbre Brewing for their accomplishments in the 2016 World Beer Cup competition and commitment to our community at large. I am proud to know that we have a great business located in the First Congressional District of New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marble Brewery on their impressive showing during the 2016 World Beer Cup awards. The Brewers Association hosts the World Beer Cup every two years, a competition which features over 200 judges for over 90 categories of beer. Large and small breweries throughout the globe enter this prestigious event. Two years ago I had the privilege of honoring Marble Brewery for their first place finish out of 59 entries in the Kellerbier or Zwickelbier category. I am honored to be able to recognize Marble Brewery again for winning Bronze in the same category at this year's competition. Indeed, Marble Brewery beat out 67 other entries from around the world with their outstanding pilsner. Marble Brewery was founded in Albuquerque in 2008 by Tim Rice, Jeff Jinnett, and John Gozigian. Since opening, they have expanded rapidly in New Mexico with an exceptional selection of beer. Today Marble Brewery's beers are already staples in restaurants and bars throughout our state, as well as in Colorado, and parts of Arizona. Marble Brewery is a manifestation of the power of local businesses to provide jobs and services to our community. Mr. Speaker, the First Congressional District of New Mexico is lucky to have such a wonderful and world class brewery in downtown Albuquerque. I wish Marble Brewery years of continued success and look forward to hearing about their future achievements.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nexus Brewery on their triumph during the 2016 World Beer Cup awards. The Brewers Association hosts the World Beer Cup every two years, a competition which features over 200 judges for over 90 categories of beer. Large and small breweries throughout the globe enter this prestigious event. I am honored to know that Albuquerque, New Mexico's very own Nexus Brewery received the Gold in the Honey Beer category, for their Honey Chamomile Wheat, out of a total of 55 entries from around the world. Nexus head brewer, Kaylynn McNight explained, ``I'm also very proud of it because it's my own recipe. It's one of the first seasonal beers that I made here that turned into a house beer.'' As a small locally owned manufacturing and service business, Nexus Brewery represents the prosperity of a burgeoning local craft beer industry in New Mexico. Nexus Brewery is a testament to the contributions small businesses make to our country and communities and the idea that with hard work and dedication nothing is unattainable. To this day lawyers, government officials, business leaders, political icons, artists and students continue to enjoy exquisite beers in Nexus' friendly atmosphere. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to recognize Nexus Brewery for their accomplishments in the 2016 World Beer Cup competition and commitment to our community at large. I am proud to know that we have a great business located in the First Congressional District of New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Second Street Brewing on their tremendous success during the 2016 World Beer Cup awards. The Brewers Association hosts the World Beer Cup every two years, a competition which features over 200 judges for over 90 categories of beer. Large and small breweries throughout the globe enter this prestigious event. I am honored to know that Albuquerque, New Mexico's very own Second Street Brewing received the Silver in the Imperial India Pale Ale category, for their Trebuchet Imperial India Pale Ale, out of a total of 181 entries from around the world. Second Street President and Brewmaster, Rod Tweet, explained, ``It's well known that Imperial IPA is an extremely competitive category, and with 181 entries this year, it was the second largest in the contest. Our Brewing team is really proud of the award.'' Second Street Brewing was founded in 1996 and today brews 60 unique styles of ales and lagers. As a small locally owned manufacturing and service business Second Street Brewing represents the prosperity of a burgeoning local craft beer industry in New Mexico. Second Street Brewing is a testament to the contributions small businesses make to our country and communities and the idea that with hard work and dedication nothing is unattainable. To this day lawyers, government officials, business leaders, political icons, artists and students continue to enjoy exquisite beers in Second Street's friendly atmosphere. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to recognize Second Street Brewing for their accomplishments in the 2016 World Beer Cup competition and commitment to our community at large. I am proud to know that we have a great business located in the First Congressional District of New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Canteen Brewhouse on their achievement during the 2016 World Beer Cup awards. The Brewers Association hosts the World Beer Cup every two years, a competition which features over 200 judges for over 90 categories of beer. Large and small breweries throughout the globe enter this prestigious event. I am honored to know that Albuquerque, New Mexico's very own Canteen Brewhouse received the Silver in the Bohemian-Style Pilsner category, for their High Plains Pils, out of a total of 65 entries from around the world. Canteen Brewhouse was founded in Albuquerque in 1994 as the Il Vincino Brewing Company. Over the past 20 years their beers have become staples in our state and have gone on to win over 140 local, national, and international awards. In 2014, Il Vincino Brewing Company updated its name to Canteen Brewhouse. As a small locally owned manufacturing and service business Canteen Brewhouse represents the prosperity of a burgeoning local craft beer industry in New Mexico. Canteen Brewhouse is a testament to the contributions small businesses make to our country and communities and the idea that with hard work and dedication nothing is unattainable. To this day lawyers, government officials, business leaders, political icons, artists and students continue to enjoy exquisite beers in Canteen Brewhouse's friendly atmosphere. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to recognize Canteen Brewhouse for their accomplishments in the 2016 World Beer Cup competition and commitment to our community at large. I am proud to know that we have a great business located in the First Congressional District of New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bosque Brewing on their achievement during the 2016 World Beer Cup awards. The Brewers Association hosts the World Beer Cup every two years, a competition which features over 200 judges for over 90 categories of beer. Large and small breweries throughout the globe enter this prestigious event. I am honored to know that Albuquerque, New Mexico's very own Bosque Brewing received the Bronze in the Australian or International-Style Pale Ale category, for their Riverwalker IPA, out of a total of 84 entries from around the world. Bosque Brewing was founded in Albuquerque in October 2012. Since opening, they have expanded rapidly in New Mexico with an outstanding selection of beer. Although just four years old, Bosque Brewing's beers are already staples in restaurants and bars throughout our state. As a small locally owned manufacturing and service business Bosque Brewing represents the prosperity of a burgeoning local craft beer industry in New Mexico. Not only is Bosque Brewery a thriving business in the heart of downtown Albuquerque, but they are an active and engaged partner in our local community. Each month Bosque Brewery designates an ``Adoption Brew'' and donates $1 from every sale to the ABBA fund, an organization that extends 0 percent interest loans to families aspiring to adopt domestically and internationally. Bosque Brewery is a testament to the contributions small businesses make to our country and communities and the idea that with hard work and dedication nothing is unattainable. To this day lawyers, government officials, business leaders, political icons, artists and students continue to enjoy exquisite beers in Bosque's friendly atmosphere. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to recognize Bosque Brewery for their accomplishments in the 2016 World Beer Cup competition and commitment to our community at large. I am proud to know that we have a great business located in the First Congressional District of New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, Evalynn (``Evy'') Diamond. Evy represented the best of our great State of New Mexico: she was a loving wife and mother, a loyal friend to so many, a brilliant, hard-working and talented teacher, and a dedicated activist in our community. Evy and her husband of 40 years, Jeff, met in 1975 when they were both teaching at Temple Beth Shalom in Santa Ana, California. They shared a love for the state of Israel and became active in the Anti- Defamation League (ADL). She and Jeff fund ADL's A World of Difference program in Haifa which fosters tolerance between Jewish, Christian, and Muslim children. Evy made frequent trips to Israel to meet with Israeli leaders, journalists, and other activists, whether Jewish or Muslim, to uphold the values of the ADL. She was a committed activist who dedicated much of her life to promoting peace and cooperation. In addition to her work with the ADL, Evy worked tirelessly with Jeff to promote and fund cancer research. After their son Shannon died from melanoma on August 31, 2009, they established a fund in his memory at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation. The fund seeks to educate the public about early diagnosis, preventions and treatment of melanoma in medically underserved communities in New Mexico. Whether working with the ADL or funding cancer research, Evy has consistently demonstrated her compassion and devotion to fighting for important causes. However, Evy's greatest love, after Jeff and her sons, was her career as a teacher. She was an outstanding educator who instilled a love of learning, hard work, and excellence in all her students. Those students have gone on to become leaders in law enforcement, health care, and many other professions throughout our community. Indeed, we need more teachers like Evy who devote themselves to their students with passion and find innovative ways to teach and support her students. On April 18, 2016, at the age of 84, Evy passed away in her home in Carlsbad with Jeff and her son, Max Shaw, at her side. In addition to her husband Jeff and her son Max, she is survived by Shannon's wife, Christine, and their two children, Jacob and Marlena Shaw Davis. Evy was a true friend whom we will all miss dearly. I cherish our friendship and 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. I thank my colleague for yielding time. Mr. Chairman, opioid abuse has become, as we have heard today, a critical national issue as 78 Americans are killed by heroin and prescription drug overdoses each day, and drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States. The number of unintentional overdose deaths from prescription painkillers almost quadrupled between 1999 and 2013; but as bad as the opioid epidemic is across the country, it is much more severe in my home State of New Mexico, which has had one of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the country for several years. Unfortunately, it is getting worse. From 2013 to 2014, the death rate from drug overdoses in New Mexico increased 21 percent. Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, has the highest overdose death rate in the Nation--one in 500 people dies from overdose--which is about six times the national average. The over-prescription of opioids for pain management is part of the problem, and an increasing number of patients is becoming dependent on these powerfully addictive medications. In fact, 259 million opioid prescriptions were written in 2012--more than one for every adult in the United States. Once addicted to these prescription opioids, many then turn to heroin and to synthetic opioids due to their increased availability, lower prices, and higher purity. We must act to respond to this public health crisis, but we need to do it in a balanced way. We need to be mindful of the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain. We need to ensure that patients and providers continue to have access to the best, most medically appropriate course of treatment while cutting off access to those who abuse the system. This is why I strongly support H.R. 4641, which would establish an interagency task force to review and update medical best practices for pain management and prescribing pain medication; but we can't stop here. We have to do more than just study the problem, because only 11 percent of Americans who need treatment for substance abuse are receiving it. Many of those who remain find themselves in our criminal justice system. Our prisons have become de facto treatment centers. More than 65 percent of our prison population has a substance abuse problem. We have to provide the funds necessary to fully invest in opioid prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment programs. We have to support the placement of substance abuse treatment providers in the communities that are most in need, like Rio Arriba County. We have to improve access to the overdose reversal drug, naloxone, which can help save countless lives every year. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which will address this disease that has destroyed the lives of so many.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 30 as El Dia de Los Ninos: Celebrating Young Americans. This holiday serves to honor and celebrate the importance of children in our Nation. El Dia de Los Ninos, which when translated means Day of the Children, helps bring Hispanic families and other communities together nationwide to recognize the importance of literacy and education for all children. Recognizing this day highlights the growing presence of Hispanic youth in the United States and the lasting impact of Hispanic Americans on the social, political, economic, and cultural fabric of this Nation. This important holiday is celebrated by numerous countries and more than 130 cities across the United States. In order to support the many cities, counties, States, and communities that already celebrate El Dia de Los Ninos, I will introduce a resolution with Senator Bob Menendez to recognize April 30 as El Dia de Los Ninos: Celebrating Young Americans. Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Jack Reed, and Representative Ruben Hinojosa began the movement to recognize El Dia de Los Ninos 17 years ago. I am committed to continuing their work. I urge my colleagues to support this important holiday and to join me in cosponsoring my resolution to recognize April 30 as El Dia de Los Ninos: Celebrating Young Americans.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 164 on H.R. 4820, I am not recorded due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 165 on H.R. 4096, I am not recorded due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''