Michelle Lujan Grisham

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend all those involved in assembling a remarkable and successful professional international soccer match that took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday, June 27, 2015 between Lobos de la BUAP of Ascenso, Mexico and Albuquerque Sol Football Club (FC) of the Premier Development League. The Sore No More Summer Clasico was organized by PinVaca & Associates, LLC, a local sports marketing firm committed to bringing quality sporting events to New Mexico. Under the leadership of New Mexico State Representative Antonio ``Moe'' Maestas, a local company which manufactures and distributes a natural pain relieving gel, ``Sore No More,'' agreed to be the title sponsor. Professional Club de Futbol Lobos de la Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla is based in Puebla, Mexico and is a professional team representing the Autonomous University of Puebla. The club conducted a youth soccer clinic while in Albuquerque and brought several dignitaries from Puebla, including the University President. Lobos de la BUAP felt right at home, as the club's mascot is also the mascot of the University of New Mexico--where the match was played. Albuquerque Sol FC was founded in 2013 by Ron Patel, a native of Liverpool, England who played soccer with his local team, grew up playing soccer with his dad in the front yard and watching his national team compete for the European and World Cups. His passion for ``the beautiful game'' has contributed greatly to Albuquerque's growing soccer culture. The fans in attendance were treated to an exciting match featuring world class play. Both teams demonstrated exceptional defense and attacking offense that ended in a 0-0 draw. This type of competition brings the community together and emphasizes to New Mexico's youth the importance of dedication, teamwork and camaraderie. We look forward to more international friendlies in the future. I thank the sponsors for reaching out to talented soccer clubs around the world and bringing them to New Mexico.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with family and friends in celebrating Tony J. Jaramillo, Sr.'s 87th birthday. Tony was born July 14, 1928 in Socorro County to Juan and Flora Jaramillo--he was the eldest of eight children. When it came time to start high school, Tony received a scholarship to attend Lourdes High School in Albuquerque with the intent of becoming a priest. Ultimately, Tony decided not to stay at Lourdes and would later graduate from Socorro High School in 1947. Shortly after, in 1948, he married the love of his life, Gloria Jean Bowers and they started a family. What drives Tony is his passion for politics, his selfless dedication to public service, and his resolve to ensure that the citizens of Socorro are living in a thriving community. He has held many elected offices during his lifetime, beginning with Justice of the Peace from 1966 through 1970; member of the Socorro School Board from 1966 through 1972; member of the Socorro City Council from 1970 through 1978; Mayor of Socorro from 1978 through 1986; and Socorro County Manager from 1986 through 1990. He has also been very involved in the Democratic Party, serving as the Democratic Party Chairman from 1972 to 1988 where he actively engaged the New Mexico Legislature. As a businessman, Tony has been very successful. A licensed Real Estate Broker, he owned and operated a Property and Casualty Agency for many years and was the owner of La Fiesta Bakery and the Mountain Mail Newspaper. Many in Socorro remember his time as the manager of the local Loma Theater, a position he held for over 20 years. And, when he served as mayor, he made economic development a priority and brought the Industrial Park and new businesses to the city. He and his wife, Gloria, raised eight children and they have many grandchildren and great grandchildren. I would like to extend a ``Happy Birthday'' to Tony J. Jaramillo, Sr., and thank him for his dedicated public service and for his efforts to create a vibrant community for the citizens of Socorro.

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 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 could be in efficiently delivering services to tribes and their members. Through these contracts, tribes 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, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Services, the Forest Service does not currently have this authority. Several tribes have expressed to me that they would like to see the Forest Service have the authority. Many of the pueblos in New Mexico have land in tribal forests that are adjacent to national forests, and we know that wildfires and pests can quickly affect entire regions, regardless of who owns the land. In fact, the Las Conchas wildland fire, which is one of the largest wildfires in New Mexico's history, started on June 26, 2011, in the Santa Fe National Forest. It burned more than 156,000 acres in New Mexico, including land belonging to the Pueblos of Santa Clara, Ohkay Owingeh, San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Jemez, Cochiti, and Kewa. It is imperative that the Forest Service and tribes actively work together to co-manage forests. I urge Members to support my amendment, which will improve the Forest Service's ability to partner with tribes in order to work on projects that impact tribal lands and forests. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, absolutely. I appreciate that offer. Thank you.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Nolan).

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. 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 Alberta Lente, a respected elder and patriarch of a proud family from the Pueblo of Isleta. Alberta had amazing role models in her parents, Esquipula and Juanita Jojola, who raised nine children while maintaining several jobs. Coming from a big family meant that Alberta had to make sacrifices. She started attending business school aspiring to one day work as a professional secretary, but her father urged her to come home and help with the household finances. The news was devastating for Alberta, but she forged forward, knowing that her family needed her support. She put her dreams on hold, came home, and took on the role of primary caregiver for the family. From 1945 to 1984, Alberta worked as a seamstress for the famous ``Tiwa Weavers'' and later went on to work for the Pueblo of Isleta Elder Center as a delivery driver and site manager all while caring for her children and younger siblings. She never failed to carry out her commitment to her family. Every morning, Alberta would wake up and catch the 6:30 a.m. bus from Isleta Pueblo to work. On a typical day she would not return home until 7:00 p.m. and always made sure she had enough groceries to feed the family. Often her children would find her up in the middle of night fixing dolls or clothing, trying to earn extra money for the family. At age 93, Alberta has no plans to slow down any time soon. Incredibly, she has won more than 80 medals in soccerkicks, shuffleboard and many more events in the New Mexico Senior Olympics. Today, Alberta prepares for her 5th National Senior Olympics and hopes to add a second Gold medal to her collection. It is clear that Alberta's zest for life is endless and her dedication to her family is one of a kind. She reminds us to cherish our family, fight for those we love, and continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. Alberta is truly a remarkable woman, and I join all her family and friends in celebrating her accomplishments.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Luciano Francisco Ramon Baca, otherwise known as ``Lu'' in his beloved community. Born and raised in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Dr. Lu dedicated his life in the service of others and to his fellow New Mexicans. For more than 10 years, Lu worked as a Social Studies teacher at Leah Harvey Middle School teaching students the heartfelt principles, values, and beliefs that make our country great. Dr. Lu's work transcended the classroom; as Head of the Legislative Educational Committee Lu spearheaded efforts to better finance and improve educational outcomes in New Mexico. Dr. Lu also had a firm belief that our workforce--the individuals who gave their hard work, persistence and determination to build our country--deserved the support and protections they earned when they retired. After serving in state government, Lu dedicated his life to senior citizens, and carried out every task with the full weight of his energy. He served as the former chief of public school finance for the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, helped create the constitution of the State Board of Education as well as the equalized Public School Funding Formula in 1974, and served on the Board of Directors for La Familia Medical Center and with the AARP for 15 years. More than anything, Lu loved his family and wife of 55 years, Mindy Esquibel Baca. In fact, it was rare to find a time when they were not sharing an experience together, celebrating a family event, or helping out in the community. Dr. Lu cherished his time with his family and could be consistently found going above and beyond to help out an individual in need. While Dr. Lu is no longer with us, his lasting contributions are still a presence in the community to this day. His character is espoused in the individuals he inspired throughout his life, and his enduring principles live on in the hearts and minds of all those he met. May the memory of Dr. Lu continue to live on in all of us.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great honor to recognize Dr. Paul Hommert, Director of Sandia National Laboratories and President of Sandia Corporation as he prepares for retirement. In 1976, Paul began his career as a member of the technical staff for Sandia in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Paul stood out among his colleagues, and gradually was given increased responsibility with a broad range of programs and management assignments. He led programs supporting energy research, and from the mid- to late-1990s, Paul served as the Director of Engineering Services. Paul went on to become the Director of Research and Applied Science at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in the United Kingdom, where he led the science and engineering division responsible for the country's nuclear deterrent. From 2003 to 2006, Paul served as the lead for the Applied Physics Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory, charged with nuclear weapon design and assessment, weapon performance code development, and weapon science support. In 2009, Paul returned to Albuquerque to serve as the Executive Vice President and Deputy Laboratories Director for Sandia's Nuclear Weapons Program, eventually becoming the Director of Sandia National Laboratories and President of Sandia Corporation. Paul has propelled Sandia to new heights, bolstering its reputation as the nation's premier science and engineering laboratory for national security and technology innovation. In recognition of Paul's efforts and accomplishments, the Federal Laboratory Consortium named Paul Laboratory Director of the Year in 2013 for his steadfast commitment to Sandia's technology-transfer activities. Paul has received numerous accolades and achieved many accomplishments throughout his career. Most notably, he inspired and prepared a new generation of scientists and engineers who are making important contributions to our national security. It is with great honor and privilege that I take this moment to thank Paul for his service on behalf of the United States of America. I wish him continued happiness and an enjoyable, well-deserved retirement. His successes and contributions will always be appreciated.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 75th anniversary of Bandelier Elementary School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The school opened its doors in the southeast heights of Albuquerque which, at the time, seemed like the middle of nowhere. There were no trees, houses or structures surrounding the school. During World War II, military planes used the red roof of the building to guide them into landing at the Kirtland Army Air Field, as it was known in those early years. The school became the center of activity as the community grew around it and served children from all walks of life. Many families looked forward to the annual events that included a Halloween Carnival, singing Christmas Carols around a bonfire, Track and Field Day and the Student Safety Patrol Program. Over the years, the fundamental reading, writing and arithmetic were combined with music, art, track and field, baseball and soccer, which created an environment for well-educated and well-rounded students. I join all the community members who are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Bandelier Elementary School. I am certain that the academic excellence, community involvement and exceptional learning environment will serve many more students in years to come.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge and honor a group of World War II veterans from New Mexico who visited Washington, D.C., last week. They came to visit the memorials, their memorials, that are dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. We have about 5,000 World War II veterans in New Mexico, and I appreciate the efforts of the Williamson Foundation in supporting the veterans by organizing this week's Honor Flight. While I am sure each veteran appreciated the opportunity to visit the memorials, I know many of them were just as impressed with the gratitude expressed by their fellow New Mexicans for their service. Huge crowds greeted them at the airport in Albuquerque. One veteran said he had never received a thank you before this trip. New Mexicans played pivotal roles and sacrificed a lot during the war in Europe, north Africa, and the Pacific. We must never forget what these and all veterans have done for our great Nation. I thank them for their service.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

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

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 309, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, imagine that your loved one was diagnosed with terminal leukemia on January 1. They will undergo chemotherapy, need daily medical care and attention, and be unable to work. Without any income, they apply for Social Security disability insurance benefits and are quickly approved. However, due to an archaic, bureaucratic law, your loved one will have to wait 5 months before receiving any benefits. If you were diagnosed with a terminal illness on the first week of the new year, you wouldn't receive disability benefits until this week, the 21st week of the year. Mr. Speaker, I wish this was just a hypothetical example, but this happened to an Albuquerque resident and my friend, Jeremy Sanchez, who had to wait months before receiving the benefits that he earned, after being diagnosed with leukemia. That is why I, along with my colleague Congressman Israel, am introducing the Sanchez-Young Social Security Disability Insurance for the Terminally Ill Act, which would repeal the 5-month waiting period for the terminally ill and ensure that SSDI protects the most vulnerable recipients when they need it most. I urge my colleagues to support this sensible bill.

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, trust between law enforcement and the public that they are sworn to protect is not just important but essential to safe, collaborative, and constitutional community policing. Trust promotes healthy relationships and interactions that are in the best interest of the both the public and the police. Unfortunately, the public's trust in law enforcement has eroded in many communities across the country, including my own. The Federal Government needs to make targeted investments to ensure that law enforcement has the tools to rebuild and strengthen that trust, which is the cornerstone of successful policing. That is why I am so proud to introduce this bipartisan amendment, along with my colleagues Congressman Murphy and Congressman Blumenauer, to add $2 million to the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act programs. These programs provide a broad range of services, including crisis intervention training for State and local law enforcement agencies to identify and improve responses to people with mental illnesses and substance abuse issues. Crisis intervention training can help prevent injuries to officers, deescalate potentially dangerous situations, and alleviate harm to the person in crisis. Interactions between the mentally ill and law enforcement too often end in tragedy. Since the beginning of the year, 385 people have been shot and killed by police, and about a quarter of these individuals have been identified as mentally ill. The more training we can provide law enforcement to improve their skills to interact with the public, the more likely crises will be resolved peacefully. And the more nonviolent peaceful interactions police have with the public, the more we can strengthen trust between police and the public that they are sworn to protect. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleagues for working so diligently on this very important improvement to public safety and police training, and I encourage all Members to vote in favor of this amendment. 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 Harold Daum, an exceptional individual who has worked tirelessly to ensure vulnerable seniors receive essential legal services. It is with fond recollection that I remember my time working alongside Harold during the Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP)'s infancy. His persona struck me instantly; Harold had this vibrant personality, determined fervor and you could sense that anything he undertook would feel the full weight of his energy. For over 27 years, as a retiree, Harold has committed himself to LREP. When seniors would call to inquire about the program Harold was the first to answer--he took in their concerns, assuaged their worries, and was instrumental in our commitment to guaranteeing seniors quality legal representation. Those at LREP will tell you that his vitality is endless, and his charismatic smile is a pleasant welcome for anyone coming into the office. Harold is a truly remarkable person and deeply loves his country and community. He can often be found sharing an exciting story about his service as a United States Navy medic during World War II. As Harold enters his retirement and we celebrate his contributions, we are reminded of the joy that he brings all of us. It is through Harold that we recognize the profound impact one individual can have on an entire community. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with Harold--he is an inspiration to us all.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the landmark locations in New Mexico where thousands of Spanish speaking New Mexico Hispanos fought valiantly during the Civil War. When the U.S. Territorial Governor issued a call for service in 1861, 4,000 men aged 18 to 45 from Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Taos, Mora, Chaperito and other surrounding villages answered the call and were organized into five regiments known as the New Mexico Volunteers. Brigadier General Henry Hopkins Sibley led Confederate troops into New Mexico in an attempt to capture Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Fort Union and the Santa Fe Trail so his army could take control of the gold and silver mines in Colorado. His plan was to eventually arrive at the coast of California in order to replenish the South's depleted funds. The Battle at Valverde took place on February 20th and 21st, 1862, near Fort Craig in southern New Mexico with the Union Army under the command of Colonel Edward Canby. Union forces blocked the passage of Confederates at the river ford until reinforcements arrived and a fierce battle ensued. During the engagement 68 Union soldiers and 36 Confederate soldiers were killed with over 300 wounded. In the end, the battle was a victory for the South. Union forces returned to Fort Union and the Confederate forces captured Albuquerque and Santa Fe before also moving on towards Fort Union over Glorieta Pass, where the armies were destined to collide. The Battle of Glorieta Pass took place March 26th through March 28th, 1862, in Apache Canyon with the bulk of Union forces in head-to-head combat with Confederate troops. During the battle, a group of New Mexico Volunteer scouts under the command of Lt. Colonel Manuel Chavez, and Captain Rafael Chacon, Corporal Albino Garcia, Innocencio Arellanes, and Anastasio Duran detected the Confederate supply train near Johnson's Ranch and destroyed eighty supply wagons and drove off 500 horses and mules. At the end of the Battle of Glorieta Pass the Union lost 51 soldiers with 78 wounded, and the Confederates lost 50 soldiers with 80 wounded. Although Confederates won the battle on the field, the loss of supplies and livestock completely crippled them and they were forced to make their way back to Texas in defeat. In 1993, the Congressional Civil War Sites Advisory Commission was tasked with identifying the nation's historically significant battle sites and the Battle of Glorieta Pass received a Priority 1, Class A, as one of the principle strategic operations having a direct impact on the course of the war--Gettysburg and Antietam received the same distinction. Portions of the Glorieta Pass Battlefield have become a part of the National Park System and it is also designated as a National Historic Landmark. It is fitting and proper to erect a memorial at the site of the Battle of Glorieta, honoring the Hispanic Civil War Veterans who lost their lives and those that fought with courage and honor for their country.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Brooks Supermarket, and in particular, Nettie Alvarado for her exceptional customer service and dedicated commitment to our senior citizen community. Since 1979, John Brooks Supermarket has prided itself as a locally owned and operated establishment. The John Brooks on Candeleria and 12th Street in Albuquerque, New Mexico, certainly takes on this persona; it's a neighborhood corner spot that caters to each of its customers on an individual level and takes great lengths to serve our senior community. That's how I first heard about Nettie Alvarado, a radiant, compassionate woman who has spent thirty years of dedicated service to John Brooks' customers. Every Monday and Thursday, store owner John Brooks and Nettie trade off delivering groceries to the senior community living at The Good Samaritan Society: Manzano Del Sol Village on 5201 Roma Avenue NE. These are crucial services for many of the seniors there who are unable to drive or take transportation to the grocery store. Nettie takes this dedication one step further. Customers will inform her of a sick friend, disabled relative or struggling senior and it's not long before numbers are exchanged, a grocery list is filed and Nettie is off making deliveries. Nettie has earned a reputation for her selfless actions and genuine, heartfelt appreciation for others. When asked, Nettie will tell you ``I want them to be taken care of'' and has no qualms about dipping into her free time to ensure her beloved Albuquerque residents receive the services they need. Nettie's sentiment towards others extends beyond age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status--it's universal. I am inspired to see that we have individuals like Nettie in our community and stores like John Brooks that put people first and serve our ailing seniors. By valuing our community and continuing these practices of goodwill and shared responsibility we will achieve a better tomorrow and build a stronger America.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert my statement into the Record that the House should focus on the real priorities of Americans instead of another attack on women's health care.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, we have an obligation to fight discrimination wherever it exists and in whatever form it exists. This resolution would allow employers to discriminate against employees who make decisions based on the interests of their health and their families. If employers don't like the personal health care decisions that their employees make, this resolution would allow employers to fire them. Is it right to allow employers to fire women who use contraception or who try to conceive through in vitro fertilization? Employees should be judged on their job performances and nothing else, especially not on their private medical decisions. Nobody has the right to interfere with those decisions--nobody--not an employer, not the House of Representatives, not any of us.

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 23 high school students from Moriarty High School that will represent New Mexico this month in the We the People National Finals, a three day civics competition on the U.S. Constitution. During the competition these exceptional students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of constitutional principles in simulated congressional hearings before panels of judges. Since its inception in 1987, more than 30 million students have benefitted from participating in the We The People program of constitutional study. The program divides students into teams where they are able to learn together and challenge each other. Surveys have shown that these students are more civic minded, politically active and have a better understanding of how government functions. Moriarty High School won the We the People New Mexico state competition to earn a spot in this month's National Finals. I commend these students, and their dedicated teachers and coaches for participating in this instructional program that helps students learn about participating in government as effective, responsible citizens. School: Moriarty High School. Teacher: Amy Page. Students: Martin Andazola, Audrianna Aragon, Nicholas Arellano, April Arguello, Katherine Arnold, Joshua Berson, Robert Castle, Samantha Chavez, Ethan Delora, Sarah Elliott, Marion Gerhart, Shannon Goldrick, Christopher Gonzales, Haley Hamblin, Troy Jack, Frances Licon, Regina McCleave, Matthew Mink, Savanna Nelson, Logan Smyth, Melissa Summers, Alexandru West, Grant Windsor. I congratulate these outstanding students and thank them for their contributions to New Mexico.