Michelle Lujan Grisham

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 65th anniversary of Bueno Foods, a local company that has become synonymous with our traditional and cherished New Mexican dishes. In 1946, several brothers from the Baca family returned from serving in World War II and they scraped together enough money to buy a small neighborhood grocery store called the Ace Food Store. The small business was successful, until the larger chain grocery stores moved into the area. The Baca brothers wanted to compete and knew they must find innovative ways to keep the business profitable. They added a carry-out component using their mother's delicious home cooked New Mexican food and began manufacturing corn and flour tortillas on a pie crust roller and making tamales and posole for sale. Then they had an idea. Everyone was getting a freezer and Birds Eye frozen vegetables were very popular. They decided to roast green chile over an open flame in the early fall and freeze it so that people could have chile year-round. There was no equipment to flame-roast green chile on a commercial scale, and the brothers had to design and build equipment, and implement the process for large scale production. Bueno Foods was founded in 1951. For over 65 years, Bueno Foods has grown from a small neighborhood grocery store into one of the Southwest's premier producers of New Mexican and Mexican foods, serving restaurants and retail customers throughout the United States. It is still owned and operated by the Baca family, with Jacqueline ``Jackie'' Baca serving as President since 1986. Bueno Foods symbolizes the spirit and determination of true entrepreneurs who turned their idea into a thriving business that preserves and promotes our heritage. I would like to congratulate the Baca family and their employees for 65 years of supplying quality products, providing excellent customer service and creating opportunities to give back to the community.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 159 on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 1206, I am not recorded due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 160 on H.R. 1206, I am not recorded due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' On rollcall No. 161 on H.R. 4885, I am not recorded due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on rollcalls 153 through 158 due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: On rollcall No. 153 on H.R. 4570, I am not recorded due to a family emergency, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 154 on S. 719, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 155 on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 688, I would have voted ``nay.'' On rollcall No. 156 on H. Res. 688, I would have voted ``nay.'' On rollcall No. 157 on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 687, I would have voted ``nay.'' On rollcall No. 158 on H. Res. 687, I would have voted ``nay.'' Personal Explanation

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the President of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech), Dr. Daniel ``Dan'' H. Lopez, on his retirement after serving as President for the past 23 years. Dan is a leader in education and a dedicated public servant, whose contributions to our state will last generations. Throughout his career, Dan made serving our state his priority. Before entering academia, Dan had a long and distinguished career in public policy. He served as the Secretary of Employment and Security from January 1983 to August 1984 where he worked diligently to reduce unemployment in our state. Next, Dan served as the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration until December 1986, where he oversaw all the cabinet agency budgets. From January 1987 through March 1993, he served as the Chief of Staff of the New Mexico State Senate Finance Committee. In July 1993, Dan became the 16th President of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology where he has served ever since. As President of a world class institution, he is responsible for overseeing roughly 2,000 students, more than 100 tenured faculty as well as 1,000 employees, and a yearly budget of approximately $170 million. Dan has worn this responsibility well and has served as President longer than any other President in NM Tech's history. During his tenure, NM Tech's federal funding for research programs has grown from $20 million to over $123 million. Additionally, Dan secured $200 million for construction projects including the Altamirano Apartments and the Joseph A. Fidel Student Center, which will serve students for generations to come. Dan has also worked hard to recruit minority and female students to NM Tech. Before he became President, the school was only 10 percent Hispanic. Today, the Hispanic population has risen to 26 percent. Furthermore, over the past 20 years, NM Tech has witnessed a 33 percent increase in its female student population. We need more leaders like Dan at our universities and colleges to educate and empower future leaders. John Steinbeck once said, ``I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.'' Without a doubt, Dan is such a teacher. On June 30, 2016, Dan will retire after 23 years at the helm of NM Tech. Mr. Speaker, I wish Dan all the best in retirement and know that he will stay busy working hard to help others as he always has. Dan's dedication to his community and insistence on providing the best possible educational experience for his students is a manifestation of his outstanding character and desire to serve others. His accomplishments have touched thousands and will be felt for generations to come. Congratulations Dan.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cultivating Coders, a technology startup from Albuquerque which, on March 13, 2016, won ``Startup of Year'' at Tech.Col's South by Southwest interactive festival in Austin, Texas. This past November, Charles Ashley III and Charles Sandidge founded Cultivating Coders which takes an eight-week coding boot camp on the road to tribal, rural, inner-city, and otherwise underserved communities. The program provides graduates with knowledge of full stack web development theories and practical experience including web languages PHP, JavaScript, and HTML. Additionally, the company pairs students with small businesses and nonprofits in our community that need assistance with large web application development. This offers local companies access to technology services and creates job opportunities for the students. Only 5 months old, Cultivating Coders beat out 18 other startups to share the top prize with another startup called MentorMint. But Ashley and Sandidge are just getting started. Sandidge explained their enthusiasm behind attending the competition, ``If [Cultivating Coders] can find large scale partners--IBM, Microsoft, those places that see the benefit of what we're doing and where we're doing it, and helping with diversity in tech--that's a win for us at South by Southwest.'' Cultivating Coders is increasing the number of minorities in the technology industry and creating new jobs in the process. Mr. Speaker, we need more forward thinking companies like this which serve our communities, promote local businesses, train future leaders in technology, increase diversity, and drive innovation. I look forward to watching Cultivating Coders continue to grow and achieve success. Congratulations Cultivating Coders, keep up the great work.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about a crisis in my home State of New Mexico, a crisis that has hurt real people who rely on the Medicaid program for lifesaving care. Mr. Speaker, almost 3 years ago, the New Mexico Human Services Department, with the support of Governor Susana Martinez, claimed that it had credible allegations of fraud and suspended Medicaid payments to 15 behavioral health providers. This move wiped out the behavioral health system in a State where there are already significant provider shortages. I want to take a minute to talk about what that really means. That means if you are a person who struggles with schizophrenia but manages it effectively with regular treatment, that regular treatment stops and you go back to square one. That means that if you are someone who has been diagnosed as bipolar, who has finally found a trusted provider, someone who has brought some stability and comfort to your care plan, you no longer have access to that person. The loss of services is devastating, and I have seen it firsthand. There is a constituent who typically calls my office every day, multiple times a day. He calls my office. He calls other members of the delegation, the mayor's office, and the chief of police. But from time to time the calls stop. They stop because this individual, who can be the most warm-hearted person I know, is in jail. He has a mental illness and a substance abuse problem and can be belligerent when he feels threatened, so he sometimes has run-ins with local law enforcement, and he ends up in jail because the system is failing him. He is not receiving the services he needs. Our jails and sometimes our emergency rooms have become the de facto behavioral health system in our State because, when you don't have the infrastructure to care for individuals with behavioral health issues, that is where people end up. Mr. Speaker, I am, frankly, appalled that people in my home State are being treated in this way, but if you can believe it, it gets worse. Last month, the New Mexico attorney general completed his review of the allegations and found that there did not appear to be a pattern of fraud. Thirteen of the 15 providers accused of fraud have now been cleared, and the people of New Mexico are left to wonder why, why a whole State's behavioral health system was wiped out and a large population of vulnerable individuals left to fend for themselves. I think they deserve answers. I have been working with my colleagues in the New Mexico delegation, pushing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to exercise Federal oversight and ensure accountability since the payment suspension was announced. We have sent multiple letters, made phone calls, held in-person meetings with officials at every level at CMS and HHS, and I have to say I am extremely disappointed by their lack of engagement. We sent another letter to CMS in February sharing the attorney general's report and asking that they conduct a Federal investigation, and we are going to continue pushing for accountability and working to make sure this never happens again. I plan to introduce legislation that would ensure network adequacy and continuity of care in a State's Medicaid program, and I know my colleagues have legislation in the works as well. Mr. Speaker, I have spent my entire career fighting for vulnerable New Mexicans, people who are voiceless in the political process. It would be easy to ignore them, as so many have done, because they are too busy struggling to survive to engage in the political process. It would be easy, but it would be wrong. This is the most egregious abuse of power I have seen in my decades of government service, and I will not sit idly by while the most vulnerable among us suffer. We must have action. We must have accountability. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in calling for a long overdue Federal investigation of the behavioral health provider suspension in New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Cindi Feldwisch, a champion of women's rights who served her country with distinction as one of the ``First Five'' women in the United States Air Force Honor Guard (USAFHG). When Lt. Col. Feldwisch entered uniformed service in 1975, women did not serve in the USAFHG. This elite ceremonial unit in the United States Air Force (USAF) is charged with representing the USAF at all public and official ceremonies in the National Capital Region. These ceremonies include funerals for deceased USAF personnel, occasions for visiting dignitaries and military officials, wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and White House arrival ceremonies. In 1973, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs had issued a memorandum instructing the USAF to incorporate women into the USAFHG. In 1976 a new training program began with the intention of integrating women into the USAFHG. Lt. Col. Feldwisch and four comrades defied expectations and, in the words of their commanding officer, Captain Marcel Mayer, ``they not only survived the training, they excelled.'' On July 15, 1976, Lt. Col. Feldwisch along with Teresa Brown, Margaret Jones, Madelyn Ritz, and Elizabeth Root graduated and became the first female members of the USAFHG. Collectively, they are known in the USAFHG as the ``First Five.'' Nevertheless, the First Five still endured discrimination and sexism. For example, the First Five were not initially allowed to carry M-1 rifles in ceremonies because of a ban prohibiting women from participating in combat. It would have been easy to accept this second rate status, but Lt. Col. Feldwisch and the other female members of USAFHG refused. In 1977 they penned a letter to First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, who issued a statement in their support. By January 1978, there was a change in policy allowing women to participate in all ceremonies with their M-1s. Lt. Col. Feldwisch went on to serve four years of active duty in the USAFHG. After receiving her Bachelor of Science at the University of Northern Colorado, she returned to duty as an enlisted member of the Colorado Air National Guard, earning her commission as a Second Lieutenant, in 1991. She has risen through the ranks, and in 2006 she became a Lieutenant Colonel. From November 2000-October 2003, Lt. Col. Feldwisch served three years of active duty at the Air Force Safety Center in Kirtland, New Mexico. From July-October 2004, she deployed overseas and served in Baghdad. Currently, Lt. Col. Feldwisch is the Executive Officer for the Assistant Adjutant General, Joint Force Headquarters, New Mexico National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Col. Feldwisch is a highly decorated officer and has received numerous awards and decorations for her service to her country. These include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the United Nations Medal. Our military has undertaken tremendous advancements since Lt. Col. Feldwisch entered the USAFHG. Indeed, women can now serve alongside men in combat, something that was hard to imagine when Lt. Col. Feldwisch entered the service. She was influential in expanding women's rights in the military and has paved the way for future generations of women to serve their country with distinction. Lt. Col. Feldwisch and the other members of the First Five who bravely entered the USAFHG in 1976 are role models for all women and girls. Lt. Col. Feldwisch demonstrated that nothing is impossible so long as you are not willing to take no for an answer. For this and her years of service I honor her today.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the New Mexico chapter of NAIOP which received the prestigious Chapter of the Year award, for the medium chapter category, at NAIOP's annual retreat on February 10, 2016 in Washington, D.C. NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, was founded in 1967 and is the leading organization for developers, owners, and related professionals in office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. With 52 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, NAIOP comprises more than 15,000 members. It advances responsible commercial real estate development while simultaneously advocating for effective public policy. The New Mexico chapter of NAIOP, founded in 1981, was originally comprised of less than 10 members. The chapter has grown with vigor and today proudly counts more than 260 members in its ranks. NAIOP-New Mexico has been successful in advocating for their members at the local, state, and federal level. In addition to Chapter of the Year, I am proud to report that they were honored for the excellence of their Legislative and Government Affairs at the annual retreat. The work that NAIOP-New Mexico performs is important not only because it promotes job growth and excellence in the commercial real estate industry, but also because of its educational programs. For example, the Developing Leaders Program provides members under 35 with the tools necessary to excel and become future leaders in commercial real estate. In the past three years, they focused on reaching out to millennials who are interested in careers in commercial real estate and have grown the program by 126%. NAIOP-New Mexico has also partnered with the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College to educate students who are interested in commercial real estate, providing them with important skills for future careers. In fact, their members have donated more than $20,000 to these student projects and initiatives. For these accomplishments, NAIOP-New Mexico also received the award for the best medium-sized chapter in the Developing Leaders Program. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate NAIOP-New Mexico for winning three prestigious and competitive awards. In particular, I would like to call attention to NAIOP-New Mexico's CEO, Tom Bisaquino, and President, Lynne Anderson, for their outstanding leadership and to commend all the staff and members who made these awards possible. I look forward to hearing about the future successes of NAIOP-New Mexico as they continue to attract new members, train and educate future leaders, and improve commercial real estate in our state. Congratulations, NAIOP-New Mexico; keep up the great work.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant First Class Matthew McClintock--a dedicated husband, father, soldier, patriot and hero--who was killed last month while serving his country in Afghanistan. Matthew was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He graduated from Eldorado High School in 2004 and spent two years at the University of New Mexico before joining the Army in 2006. After completing his training, he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division and deployed to Iraq in 2007. Matthew demonstrated that he was an exceptional soldier, and in May, 2009 he was selected for training in the U.S. Army Special Forces School. In November 2010, he was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington and deployed to Afghanistan from August 2012 to May 2013. Following his second tour, Matthew left active duty and joined the Washington Army National Guard in December 2014 where he served as a Special Forces engineer sergeant. This past July, Matthew deployed to Afghanistan as a member of the Washington Army National Guard's Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Group. Despite having already served his country twice overseas, Matthew was eager to put on his uniform again and serve a third tour. On January 5, 2016, Matthew was killed during an hours-long battle near the city of Marjah, in the southern Helmand province. Matthew and his fellow Green Berets were on a mission advising their Afghan counterparts during the battle, where two of Matthew's comrades were also injured. In total, since joining the Army, Matthew has been awarded four Army commendation medals, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and now the Purple Heart. In addition to his bravery on the field of battle, Matthew was also a loving, devoted and adoring husband and father. Matthew and his wife Alexandra married on Christmas Eve 2012 and this past October, Matthew returned home to Tacoma, Washington in time for the birth of his first child, a beautiful boy named DecIan. After only a few weeks home, Matthew returned to his unit in Afghanistan. Following Matthew's death, Major General Bret Daugherty, commander of the Washington Guard, said, ``Staff Sergeant McClintock was one of the best of the best. He was a Green Beret who sacrificed time away from his loved ones to train for and carry out these dangerous missions. This is a tough loss for our organization.'' Matthew's wife Alexandra added, ``Matthew's greatest wish was to be a father, a husband and a Green Beret. He got to do all of those things in his too short life. Declan will grow up knowing his father was the greatest man I've ever dreamed to know and a hero.'' Matthew sacrificed his life overseas to preserve the freedom and liberty of millions of Americans. He fought to create a richer and safer life for his wife, his son and his fellow Americans. Matthew represents the very best of our country and his enduring legacy of service and sacrifice will remain a lasting inspiration for future generations.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the University of New Mexico College of Nursing which celebrated its 60th Anniversary this past year. The College of Nursing is a world class institution of learning whose graduates have been a blessing to the individuals they have cared for and helped save countless lives. The University of New Mexico College of Nursing was founded in 1955 after Dr. Marion Fleck and Mary Jane Carter acquired a $60,000 grant from the New Mexico State Legislature. Since its founding, the school has aimed to educate and train future leaders in nursing, research innovative methods to improve and deliver patient care, and design a world class health system. Over the past 60 years, the College of Nursing has seen more than 6,000 alumni graduate from its ranks. These nurses have gone on to serve our community and provide invaluable care to hundreds of thousands of patients. Throughout its history, the University of New Mexico College of Nursing has demonstrated exemplary leadership in its field. For example, it was the first program in New Mexico to establish a Master of Science in Nursing degree, as well as a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. The school has also created nurse managed clinics and partnered with the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center to address the healthcare needs of veterans in our community. Furthermore, through their membership in the New Mexico Nurses Education Consortium, the College of Nursing has partnered with local community colleges to provide access to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing throughout the state. Lastly, the PhD program is one of only a few in the nation to offer a health policy track to train future leaders in nursing. We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding institution training our future healthcare providers. It gives me great pleasure to report that the University of New Mexico College of Nursing has been recognized for these impressive accomplishments. In 2015, the College of Nursing was ranked tenth overall on Value Schools' list of the top-valued undergraduate nursing programs. Dr. Nancy Ridenour, dean of the College of Nursing explained that ``Credit goes largely to our renowned faculty who provides an education that emphasizes working with rural and underserved populations and prepares our students to transform nursing and health care.'' Indeed, the University of New Mexico College of Nursing has proven itself a model in philanthropy and community involvement. From July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 alone, the faculty and students from the College of Nursing spent more than 83,000 hours working in the community in order to provide healthcare services to more than 19,500 children, individuals and families through clinical practice and training exercises at more than 375 healthcare facilities throughout the state. The College of Nursing also emphasizes teaching its students how to serve rural and underserved populations, and the school is committed to diversity in its classes so that its campus will better reflect the communities its graduates go on to serve. With a shortage of nurses in the country, especially in largely rural areas like New Mexico, it is fundamental that world class institutions like the University of New Mexico College of Nursing continue to train exceptional nurses who will serve our community for years to come. The New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee estimates that New Mexico currently faces a shortage of at least 270 nurses. However, the care that nurses provide is the crux of our medical model. I am grateful for the tremendous work that the University of New Mexico College of Nursing has done to supply our state with such invaluable caregivers. Indeed, we must continue to support this world class institution and others like it. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize this special and important institution for recently celebrating its 60th Anniversary. Congratulations to the University of New Mexico College of Nursing; keep up the great work.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Curtis Beach, a tremendous athlete from Albuquerque, New Mexico who has demonstrated some of the best qualities an athlete can have--sportsmanship, a competitive spirit, and the refusal to give up. Curtis, the eldest of two children, was born on July 22, 1990 to Jeana King-Beach and David Beach. At an early age, Curtis proved that he was destined to be a runner when he was chasing a horse named Lobo. Curtis went up to Lobo who promptly ran away, but Curtis gave chase, caught up to Lobo who ran off again, but Curtis refused to give up and kept running after Lobo. This continued for two hours without Curtis tiring. Curtis also started playing sports when he was young, but even then it was clear that his main passion was running. When he was five, Curtis tried recreational soccer. Jeana fondly recalls Curtis running back and forth across the field but not pursuing the ball. Jeana told him that he should try to score, but Curtis continued to run. Three years later Curtis joined the track club and has not stopped running since. From 2004-2009, Curtis attended Albuquerque Academy where he won 17 individual New Mexico state high school titles in track and field. At the 2009 Great Southwest Classic in Arcardia Invitational, Curtis set the national high school decathlon record with 7909 points. Then, at the National Scholastic Indoor Championships in New York, in March 2009, Curtis reached 4127 points in the pentathlon, winning the championship and ranking second all-time in the event. Later that year, he won the decathlon at both the Pan American Junior Games and the USATF National Junior Championships. DyeStat, a prominent track and field website, noted that ``[Beach] ends all doubt--he is the greatest US high school decathlete ever.'' But Curtis was just getting started. Curtis enrolled at Duke University where in his freshman year at the 2011 NCAA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championship, he finished second overall in the decathlon. This included a time of 3:59.13 in the 1500 meters which shattered the previous collegiate record and was the second-fastest 1500 meters ever for a decathlon. As a sophomore, Curtis finished first in the heptathlon at the 2012 NCAA Men's Indoor Track and Field Championship with 6,138 points. Curtis also broke his own world record in the heptathlon 1000 meters with a spectacular finish of 2:23.63. Upon graduation, Curtis was a two-time All-American in the decathlon and a three-time All-American in the heptathlon. I would also like to commend the remarkable sportsmanship that Curtis displayed at the 2012 Olympic trials. Curtis had injured his elbow, so he lacked the necessary points to win the decathlon. But in the final event, the 1500 meters, Curtis' friend, Ashton Eaton, had an opportunity to set the world record in the decathlon. Recognizing this, Curtis paced Eaton and then slowed down to allow Ashton Eaton to win the event in which he set the world record. Not only is Curtis a world class athlete, but he is also a true role model. Curtis recognized that there is more in sports than just winning--team play and sportsmanship matter just as much and for this he was awarded the International Fair Play Award in 2012. Curtis also received the Athlete of the Year award in 2012 and 2014 from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Field. Now that Curtis' illustrious college career has ended, he has turned pro. In September, 2014 he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to train at the World Athletic Center with other star athletes from around the world. He made his professional debut at 2015 Azusa Pacific University and placed second. A month later, Curtis qualified for the Olympic trials which will take place later this year in July. If Curtis places in the top three he will qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Curtis is a fierce competitor, a tremendous athlete, and a rare and true model of sportsmanship. We are lucky to call him our own, and it has been a pleasure to watch his many victories. I look forward to watching his career blossom, and I will be cheering him on as he tries out for the 2016 Olympics.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frederick ``Fred'' Albert Langille, Jr., a devoted husband and father, an outstanding social worker, and a dear friend. Fred was born on January 15, 1942. In 1959, Fred graduated from Kailua High School, Oahu, where, in his senior year, he was a mile track record holder in Hawaii. This feat earned him a scholarship to the University of Michigan where he worked diligently to earn a master's degree in social work in 1971. After graduation, Fred began his career as an engineer in Lincoln, Nebraska. However, he switched his focus to public policy and social work, which he pursued in Illinois and Colorado. Throughout an accomplished career, Fred held many titles and positions. During his time in Illinois, he was the Chief of the Welfare Division, Illinois Institute for Social Policy and Assistant Director for Welfare and Manpower Programs, Illinois Bureau of the Budget. In 1975, after moving to Colorado, Fred became the Executive Administrator/Deputy Director of the Colorado Department of Social Services. Three years later, he served as the State Planning Director, Office of State Planning and Budgeting, for the State of Colorado. From 1978 to 1996, Fred served as the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at National Jewish Hospital. In 2000, after a distinguished career, Fred retired as the President of the Privatization Partnerships Division for Policy Studies. In addition to these tremendous professional accomplishments, Fred was a family man and pursued many activities outside of the office. He enjoyed biking, hiking, running, photography, reading, art, music, traveling and spending time with his family, friends and many pets. Fred and his wife of 35 years, Rita Barreras, had two children, Michael Victor Langille (Shelly George) and Heather Marie Coffey and have a grandson, Dylan Michael Langille. On August 6, 2015, Fred passed away in his home after a brave fight against prostate and bladder cancer. He was 73. Mr. Speaker, I join family, friends and all those who have felt Fred's warm embrace in celebrating the wonderful life he lived. We will continue fighting to eradicate these terrible diseases that take our loved ones away with all the strength we have.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a native New Mexican and dear friend, Deborah ``Deb'' Seligman. Deb can trace her New Mexican roots back to the 1800s when her ancestors owned a number of trading posts in New Mexico long before it became a state. Deb attended college at the Washington University of St. Louis and returned home to the University of New Mexico to study law--graduating in 1978. Today, she is a sole practicing attorney and represents banks and small businesses. In 2011, the New Mexico Business Weekly included her in the ``Best of the Bar''--a list of the top attorneys in the state. She was recognized for her excellence in business and corporate law. Deb is an exemplary citizen and has volunteered her time on numerous boards and charities. She is a board member of the local Casa Angelica (a home for children and young adults with developmental disabilities), the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque and the Jewish Historical Society. Deb is also the Commissioner and Chairwoman of the Village of Los Ranchos Planning and Zoning Commission. Furthermore, she is extremely generous in her donations to animal charities, including the Save the Manatees Club. Above all, I want to honor Deb for her latest feat, running in the Chicago marathon this past year. Deb took up running about 6 years ago and has run in numerous marathons since, including the New York City, San Francisco and Phoenix races. Deb runs with Albuquerque Fit, which recently awarded her for her tremendous improvement since joining the group. In the Chicago marathon, after extensive training and a refusal to quit, Deb achieved a personal best of four hours and fifty-five minutes. Deb and her husband, Judge Robert Mawe met in 1986 and were married three years later in 1989. Together, they are active in their community and the Democratic Party in New Mexico. Deb is one of the most determined and generous people I have met. Nothing can stop her. I am confident that she will continue to be a leader in our community and I look forward to hearing about her continued successes in the future. Congratulations Deb.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent and long-time colleague, Jennifer Stone. Jennifer represents the best of our great State of New Mexico: she is a loving parent, a loyal friend to so many, a brilliant, hardworking and talented professional, and a dedicated member of her community. She is also my dear friend. Jennifer was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico on November 1, 1965, to Peggy and Sid Pinkston. In 1985, she was the Grand Worthy Advisor of the State of New Mexico for the Order of Rainbow for Girls, an organization dedicated to empowering young women with leadership, public speaking, project management, teamwork and interpersonal communication skills. Jennifer was always a brilliant student. In 1983, she graduated a year early from Los Alamos High School and then enrolled in the University of New Mexico where she met her future husband, Chip Stone, and subsequently graduated in 1988. While an undergraduate, Jennifer worked full time from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Rodey Law Firm, one of Albuquerque's oldest and most prestigious firms. Somehow, Jennifer found the energy to work until midnight, go home, do her homework, sleep a little, and then wake up fresh for another day while maintaining a full course load. After graduating, she attended the University of New Mexico School of Law, and on the first day of her third year, her son Jordan was born. During that third year of law school, in addition to being a new mother, Jennifer was also the Lead Articles Editor for the New Mexico Law Review from 1990-1991. In 1991, Jennifer graduated cum laude, Order of the Coif, and was the University's recipient of the Outstanding Clinical Law Student Award. Following graduation, her impressive legal career included being: an associate at the Rodey Law Firm (where she had previously clerked during the summers while she attended law school), an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New Mexico, in-house counsel for the Sun Healthcare Group, a partner at the Miller Law Firm, and General Counsel and Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health. She then returned to her beloved Rodey Law Firm, where she remains a partner and shareholder. I met Jennifer through our children and their schools and our families have been close ever since. I even had the opportunity to work professionally with Jennifer when she was General Counsel and Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health while I was serving as the Secretary of the Department. I already knew that Jennifer was a gifted legal writer and researcher, but she proved to be the best teammate I could have ever asked for. Jennifer managed all litigation brought against the Department and provided me with stellar advice and penetrating wisdom on how to better operate the Department. Her intellect, professionalism, and passion enabled us to help many New Mexicans. Jennifer is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Southwest Super Lawyers for her expertise and experience in healthcare law. In 2009, Jennifer was selected by New Mexico Business Weekly as one of New Mexico's ``Best of the Bar.'' Jennifer has had an outstanding legal career and New Mexico is fortunate to have her. Chip and Jennifer married on May 30, 1987, and have two wonderful children. Jordan, 25, lives and works in Denver, and Caitlin is a 22- year-old senior at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. On December 15, 2015, Caitlin gave birth to Jennifer and Chip's first grandchild, a beautiful girl named Catarina Elyse Martinez. Jennifer has many hobbies. She took up knitting in middle school and became a world class knitter, making beautiful creations for friends and family. Jennifer and Chip traveled frequently to Grateful Dead concerts prior to Jerry Garcia's death in 1995, and have collected Grateful Dead and rock poster art for decades. In recent years, Jennifer and Chip have been devoted to indoor and outdoor rock climbing. Jennifer has remained steadfast in her determination to bring good things to our community despite the burdens of living with ovarian cancer. Even while undergoing cancer treatments, Jennifer participated in the HERA Women's Cancer Foundation's Climb4Life in Boulder, Colorado, to raise funds for research to eliminate ovarian cancer. That year, Jennifer was the only participant who climbed outdoors in Boulder Canyon, despite active cancer treatment. This came as no surprise to me as she is one of the most determined and energetic people I know. Jennifer is one of my oldest and dearest friends. It has been difficult to watch such a close friend, so loving a mother, such a skilled and hard-working colleague, and such a dedicated member of our community struggle with this terrible disease. I cherish our friendship and all of the wonderful contributions she has made to our state.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Reform and Improvement Act (H.R. 3842). This bipartisan bill will codify and reauthorize the duties and responsibilities of Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETCs). FLETCs improve domestic preparedness, prevention, and response to terrorism by providing basic and advanced training to federal employees involved in federal law enforcement activities or homeland security operations. I am proud that this important national security work occurs in several locations across the country, including in my home state of New Mexico. However, I have concerns about one particular provision within H.R. 3842: The ability for FLETCs to offer state and local law enforcement agencies training, which is meant for federal security personnel. Although I strongly believe that federal security personnel need to coordinate and work closely with state and local law enforcement agencies to prepare, prevent, and respond to terrorism, I have grave concerns with the ability of community police departments to have complete and unrestricted access to military-style training at FLETCs. For example, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has access to every Department of Energy National Training Center (NTC) class, which are intended for federal law enforcement personnel to protect our nation's nuclear materials. APD has completed dozens of DOE-instructed classes, including lessons on ``vehicle ambush,'' ``tactical leadership assault executions,'' and ``how to lead a small element in a combat situation.'' The U.S. Department of Justice is currently reviewing APD's use of NTC classes, resources, and facilities. I encourage FLETCs to enact sensible oversight mechanisms and restrictions on state and local law enforcement access to FLETC resources and facilities. FLETCs should have criteria to determine what training topics or classes, if any, are appropriate for state and local law enforcement. FLETCs should also consider the duty assignments and responsibilities of individual officers when determining allowing access. In addition, police departments under a Department of Justice consent decree for violating the constitutional rights of Americans or departments with a history of excessive or unnecessary force, should not receive military-style training provided by FLETCs. I will continue to work with the Administration on strengthening the mission of FLETCs and on ensuring that state and local law enforcement have appropriate access.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I too believe that Congress must act quickly to address terrorist threats in order to keep Americans safe. Congress promptly acted in a bipartisan manner this week to strengthen glaring holes in our country's Visa Waiver Program. However, we have done absolutely nothing to close an equally alarming loophole which allows suspected terrorists to purchase guns. Unlike felons, domestic abusers, and the adjudicated mentally ill, suspected terrorists can legally purchase firearms in the United States. I think that is worth repeating. Individuals who are suspected of being involved in terrorist activities by the FBI can legally purchase dangerous weapons--including military-style assault rifles and explosives--in this country. In fact, more than 2,000 suspects on the FBI's terrorist watch list have purchased firearms over the last 11 years. If our intelligence community is concerned enough about an individual's suspected ties to terrorism to prohibit them from boarding an aircraft, why would we allow that person to purchase a firearm? The American people are urging Congress to address gun violence and strengthen our Nation's security against increasing threats from ISIS and other terrorist organizations. This bill provides a rare opportunity to do both. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership has refused to even debate this bill. We cannot, Mr. Chairman, wait to act any longer. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and help ensure that every American lives free from the threat of gun violence.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Thompson, I appreciate this Special Order on wildfires and forest management, and I really appreciate your leadership on the House Agriculture Committee as chairman of our Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry. Most recently, the subcommittee held a hearing on the 2015 wildfire season and long-term fire trends, a much-needed hearing recognizing the concerns and urgent needs of many of our Members who watched their districts and States burn to unprecedented levels this year. What is abundantly clear from the testimony we heard, especially that of Forest Service Chief Tidwell, was how crippling the current wildfire budget system is to the agency and how, frankly, it prevents the Forest Service from carrying out its congressionally mandated mission. The current process for funding wildfire suppression is inefficient and wastes taxpayer dollars. Once the Forest Service exhausts their wildfire suppression budget, the agency is then forced to transfer funds from nonfire programs, which are often needed to prevent fires, in order to support the immediate, emergency needs of fire suppression. In the last fiscal year, FY15, the Forest Service spent $700 million more than what Congress initially appropriated. Since 2004, the Forest Service has needed eight supplemental appropriations. This is now the norm, not the exception. This year's wildfire season devastated much of the Western United States. The Forest Service spent $1.7 billion fighting these fires. More than 9 million acres were burned, thousands of homes and other infrastructures were lost, and 13 firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. While I am thankful New Mexico avoided any big fires this year, I know firsthand how devastating fires can be. For 3 years in a row, New Mexico endured the biggest fires the State has ever seen. The Whitewater-Baldy Complex, Las Conchas, and the Gila fires devastated our land, our resources and our communities. These fires are natural disasters that require emergency response and recovery and should, frankly, be funded the same way as hurricanes, floods and tornados. Now, it is clear to me that Congress needs to urgently fix this funding problem before more communities are destroyed and lives are lost. In addition to the ``fire borrowing'' issue, Congress also has to address the rising 10-year suppression cost average for wildfires. Rising wildfire costs means that less funding is going to nonfire Forest Service employees and programs each year. Because of this, the Forest Service now has fewer resources for recreation, research and development, and road maintenance. There are also fewer resources to carry out activities and projects that many say we need more of, such as NEPA analysis, timber contracts, timber salvage, controlled burns, and other Forest Service management activities. Lack of resources often means that these projects get delayed or canceled. And we aren't just talking about Forest Service projects; they are projects in each of our districts that are developed by our own constituents and partners within each of these communities. Now, I understand that the broken wildfire budget and rising costs are only part of the problem. Wildfires are burning bigger and more intense than ever before. Climate change is causing more drought, higher temperatures, bringing new diseases and pests to new areas, and changing the vegetation on the ground. Our forests are not the same forests that they were 50 years ago, or even 20 years ago. Climate change is undoubtedly changing our forest dynamics, and we must make our forests more resilient. Fixing the broken wildfire budgeting process is the most effective thing Congress can do to begin to address the devastating wildfires that are plaguing this country. I also agree that we need more management work done on the ground, so let's work together to ensure that the Forest Service has sufficient resources to do their work. I understand that there have been talks on both the House and Senate side about including a budget fix in the upcoming omnibus, but that a deal remains elusive because some parties are unwilling to address the budget caps in order for wildfires to get treated as exactly what they are, as natural disasters. This would treat wildfire natural disasters just like every other natural disaster in this country. We out west have helped fund hurricanes, tornados and flooding in the Midwest and in the eastern parts of the country. We should be doing the same for our natural disasters out west. I urge Speaker Ryan, and Chairman Price of the Budget Committee, to recognize this simple, yet important distinction. House leadership, Mr. Thompson, and others, I know, we can sit down and we can come to an agreement to fix the broken budget process and address some of the management needs. I stand ready at any moment to have these conversations and find a path forward. I thank the chairman very much.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to draw attention to the concerns and frustrations among parents, educators, business leaders, and so many others in my home State of New Mexico. Today, I voted in favor of the Every Student Succeeds Act because I believe this legislation is better, quite frankly, than the status quo, and it will work to improve our education system. However, we cannot forget that many of New Mexico's schools are in trouble. These troubled schools stem from a lack of leadership at both the Federal and State levels. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Education has not held New Mexico's leadership accountable for this failure. In fact, the Federal Government has enabled our States, including New Mexico, to put special interests ahead of student success. That is why Education Week ranked New Mexico as 49th out of 51, with a D-plus in preparing kids for college and a D-minus in K-12 achievement. This lack of accountability at the State and Federal levels is harming a generation of New Mexico students. New Mexicans deserve far better. It is time we had leaders who take responsibility for improving our schools and that hold each other accountable when their actions are failing students. While the ESEA moves beyond the status quo, more needs to be done to help our students. I hope we will work together to do that.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, which would clarify Federal law, restore parity for tribal governments, and protect tribal autonomy. As you have heard today, tribes have a right to govern themselves, manage their own land, and regulate tribal enterprises according to their own culture, traditions, and law. They have the right to regulate labor relations with their employees as a result, and I expect tribal governments to view this legislation, in fact, as an opportunity to strengthen their own worker protections. No worker, as you have also heard today, should be without a voice or an ability to petition their employer for stronger benefits or a better work environment. In fact, many tribes across the country and in New Mexico have developed labor ordinances that, in fact, protect these rights. During negotiations of the 1999 tribal-State gaming compact, Indian tribes in California agreed to adopt the Model Tribal Labor Relations Ordinance in order to strengthen worker protections. Although this bill does not prevent similar tribal efforts to protect workers, I am disappointed that it doesn't do anything to promote stronger tribal labor practices. Congress should provide tribes the resources they need to develop and implement labor laws and regulations at Native American enterprises. Employee protections and tribal autonomy are not opposing values. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and to work for protecting workers' rights.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Madam Chair, I have an amendment made in order under the rule.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Madam Chair, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise in support of my amendment that allows the Forest Service to establish a pilot program to execute contracts with tribes under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, known as 638 contracts. 638 contracts allow tribes to manage and implement Federal programs in Indian Country. When I was the New Mexico Secretary of Health, I witnessed how successful and beneficial these contracts can be at efficiently delivering services to tribes. Through these contracts, tribes can operate hospitals, health clinics, mental health facilities, and a variety of other community health services. Having tribes manage and operate programs in their communities not only recognizes tribal self-determination and self-governance, but it also helps ensure that tribal needs are being met through traditionally and culturally appropriate methods. Although several agencies have the authority to execute 638 contracts, such as the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Services, the Forest Service does not have this authority. Several tribes have expressed to me that they would like to see the Forest Service have this authority. Many of the Pueblos in New Mexico have land and tribal forests adjacent to national forests, and we know that wildfires in the past can quickly affect entire regions, regardless of who owns the land. In fact, the Las Conchas wildland fire, which was one of the largest wildfires in New Mexico history, started on June 26, 2011, in the Santa Fe National Forest and burned more than 156,000 acres in New Mexico, including land belonging to Pueblos of Santa Clara, Ohkay Owingeh, San Ildefonso, Pojoaque Jemez, Cochiti, and Kewa. So it is imperative that the Forest Service and tribes actively work together to co-manage forests. This amendment previously passed by voice vote as part of the Resilient Federal Forest Act, which the House passed this July. I urge my colleagues to once again support my amendment, which will improve the Forest Service's ability to partner with tribes to work on projects that impact tribal lands and forests. 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 thank Representative Sablan and Representative Newhouse for their support. I also thank Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Grijalva for their help in bringing this legislation to the floor. Of course, I extend my gratitude to our Senator Tom Udall for working with me on this important piece of legislation. I am the proud sponsor of the House companion to the Albuquerque Indian School Land Transfer Act, which, as you have heard, directs the Secretary of the Interior to take into trust four tracts of land for the New Mexico 19 Pueblos. The land taken into the trust would be used for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development of the New Mexico Pueblos. The four parcels are located within a former Federal Indian boarding school site called the 1884 Albuquerque Indian School Reserve in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1969, the United States started the long process of converting the Reserve into land under the jurisdiction and control of the New Mexico Pueblos. Since then, Congress has enacted legislation in 1978, 2001, and 2008 to convey additional land from the Reserve in trust for the New Mexico Pueblos. Pursuant to the 2008 legislation, the Bureau of Land Management conducted a new survey of the former school properties and identified minor discrepancies in the previous trust deeds and, also, identified the correct boundaries of two additional tracts of land within the Reserve that the Bureau of Indian Affairs no longer needed for its administrative functions. This legislation addresses those technical discrepancies identified by BLM's survey, and it would complete the process of transferring BIA's portion of the Reserve to New Mexico's Pueblos. This transfer allows the Pueblos to expand their current economic development plan for the region, which creates jobs, expands educational and cultural opportunities, while continuing to generate revenue for the New Mexico Pueblos. I urge my colleagues to support this noncontroversial legislation, which, as you have heard, has the support of the entire New Mexico delegation and would benefit the New Mexico 19 Pueblos.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charles F. Sanchez, a devoted husband, father and distinguished World War II Veteran. Charles was born on November 11, 1918 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a graduate of Albuquerque High School and briefly attended the University of New Mexico. He married the love of his life, Mary F. Lucero, becoming proud parents of six children: Bernie S. Sanchez, Charles E. Sanchez, Sylvia L. Sanchez Wortzman, Paul A. Sanchez, Elaine M. Sanchez Fordice and David G. Sanchez. Corporal Charles F. Sanchez served in the United States Army's 200th Coast Artillery Anti-Aircraft Regiment. In August 1941, he left Albuquerque to serve his country at Clark Air Base, located in the Philippines. Shortly after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Clark Air Base was attacked. Charles' Regiment, led by General Edward P. King, fought bravely against the Japanese assaults in the Bataan Peninsula. However, after several months of fighting and with low supplies, General King surrendered and Charles became one of the tens of thousands of prisoners who endured the infamous Bataan Death March to Camp O'Donnell. Prisoners endured physical abuse, received little food or water, and many were executed along the way. Thousands of Filipino and American prisoners died before they reached Camp O'Donnell in what would become known as one of the most heinous Japanese war crimes. Charles and his first cousin, Herman Tafoya--whom Charles assisted along the way, survived against all odds and completed the 60 mile ordeal. As a prisoner of war, the Japanese forced Charles and his work group to transport ammunition inland into churches where the Japanese thought that it would be safe from U.S. attacks. After that, he was sent to Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp where he was required to move and bury bodies. In September 1945, Charles and a friend, Manuel Archuleta from Blanco, New Mexico, were placed on a freight ship to Japan. Conditions were so poor that there was no room to sit or lie down and Charles and Manuel tied themselves together with their belts to keep from falling. After the Japanese surrendered on August 15, 1945--approximately 4 years since he was first deployed to the Philippines--Charles was freed and taken back to the United States. Later that year, Charles finally returned to his home state of New Mexico where he was reunited with his loving family. Charles F. Sanchez will always be known by his friends and family for the sacrifices he bravely made for his country. It is my sincere honor to preserve his story in the Congressional Record, so everyone may remember and take pride in the life of one of New Mexico's greatest sons.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, hunger and malnutrition affect millions of Americans every day. I have witnessed this in my home state of New Mexico, which has some of the highest hunger rates in the country. These rates are especially high among vulnerable populations, such as children and seniors. Many working families have to rely on food banks and church-sponsored meal programs to put food on the table. Often times, these families live in food deserts and cannot access affordable and healthy foods, which puts them at risk of becoming malnourished. Nearly 16 million American children face hunger, and most of the food they receive is not considered healthy; rather, their parents are more inclined to buy the most affordable food available. The lack of access to healthy food hurts a child's development, including physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity. Seniors are among the most physically vulnerable to hunger. They face unique nutritional requirements, medical conditions and mobility restrictions. In addition to the lack of access to nutritious foods, many seniors are not able to absorb certain foods, compromising their health and putting them at risk for increased long-term care and hospitalization. Although hunger and malnutrition affect so many in our communities, Congress is not doing enough to address these issues. Instead, we've seen Congress try time after time to cut funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food for more than 45 million Americans. We've also seen Congress attempt to roll back school meal standards, which are aimed to improve nutrition among children. Cutting funding for nutritional programs will not save the federal government money. We know that hunger and malnutrition increase risk of illness and result in longer hospital stays, slower healing, greater risk for re-hospitalizations and complications. As a government so concerned about health care costs, how are we not laser-focused on the nutritional status of patients? We seek solutions for health care costs every day, particularly from those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. However, it is clear that nutritional status deserves more attention. September 28 through October 2 has been designated as Malnutrition Awareness Week. Let us use this as a call to action to increase awareness and find solutions that support better nutrition for our communities. Healthy citizens mean a healthy society and healthy economy.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Juan Bautista Mora who turned 98 years old on May 3, 2015. Mr. Mora was born in Chilili, New Mexico in 1917 as the youngest member of the family that included nine children. His father was a logger assistant who traveled to the southern part of the territory and his mother was a homemaker who also took care of many chores on the family farm. Juan was placed on a horse at age 6 and taught how to do some of the farming and ranching. In 1922, he became very ill and was cared for by one of his sisters until he recovered. Juan received most of his education from a home school teacher, since he had many responsibilities on the farm. At age 17, he became a U.S. Census Taker in the Sandia Mountains and would travel from farm to farm, gathering the necessary information. At age 18, he decided to take the test to enter the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). At the time, he weighed less than 105 pounds and there was a weight requirement. Juan and his friends went to town and ate as many bananas as they could before being weighed for a second time. He made it into the Corps. He was assigned to Camp #8 in LaVentana, New Mexico where he was assigned the work of building cabins and roads. He earned $1.00 per day and would keep $5.00 each month and send $25.00 home to his family. The Corps was part of the New Deal by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and provided unskilled labor jobs related to the conservation and development of natural resources in rural lands owned by federal, local and state governments. Juan spent 18 months in the Corps. In 1945, he married Petra Aragon, a teacher with a degree from Highland University. Juan worked for the Charles Ilfield Grocery store as a driver and he and his wife had five daughters before 1957. Petra went back to teaching at the San Ignacio Parochial School but became very ill and passed away in 1960. From that point forward, Juan raised their five daughters on his own. He was employed by the City of Albuquerque from 1959 to 1978, first as a laborer, then a welder and eventually a supervisor, responsible for training new employees. In 2007, Juan attended a reunion of the CCC boys and was able to reconnect with many of his friends and share memories from that time in his life. He is still very involved with his daughters, M. Virginia Mora de Lazo, Margie Mora Brown, Deanna B. Mora, Lillian D. Stephens and Ruby Mora and their families. He has two grandchildren, Linda Lzao Sheroma and Andres F. Lazo. I would like to extend my thanks to Mr. Mora for his service as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression and for his service to the community as a City of Albuquerque employee.