Greg Lopez

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of America's heroic veterans and to recognize the Honor Flight Network, which conducts annual trips for veterans to Washington, D.C., to tour the memorials built in celebration of their bravery. On April 28, 2024, High Plains Honor Flight gave many of our courageous veterans this extraordinary opportunity, flying them to our nation's capital. I am pleased to congratulate the April 28, 2024, High Plains Honor Flight and to acknowledge the Korean and Vietnam War veterans of Colorado who took part in it. Mr. Speaker, those who participated in this flight are as follows: Korean War Veterans: Pasquale DeMarco, Paticia Gilmore, Kenneth Harvey, Howard Hoxie, Jerry Motooka, Wilbur Noffsinger, Richard Peterson, James Roppo, Terry Udell, Charles Wilson, Jesse Wilson, John Wolf, Wilbur Zeller Korean and Vietnam War Veteran: Robert J Rea Vietnam War Veterans: Dale Aagesen, Gene Acklie, Gene Anderson, Richard Barrett, Larry Bauer, Mark Bolin, Patrick Branigan, James Brompton, Patrick Calavan, Christopher Cameron, Terrance Carney, Clyde Chess, Timothy Clark, Theodore Coffelt, David Cole, James Cowman, James Curwood, Donald Darnell, Darrel DeGrofft, Dennis Dooley, John Dubler, Ronald East, Burton Eaton, Richard Ellin, Larry Erickson, Gilbert Espinoza, Donald Foster, David Franson, Jose Gonzales, Donald Greer, Louis Grill, John Grosvenor, Jr., Robert Hanzel, Randall Hayes, Thomas Herret, Jon Howdeshell, Lloyd Jacox, William Kaufman, Laurie King, Randall King, Thomas Kitzmiller, David Kling, David Krapes, Roger Krumbach, Bernard Larson, Robert LeDoux, Charles Livermont, Alan Lovely, Alonzo Martinez, David Martinez, James McBride, Lyle McBride, Arthur McKown, Edward Melko, Michael Melo, Dean Millard, Gary Mitchell, Quentin Moeller, Juan Mohr, Richmond Morse, Francisco Muniz, Louis Nagel, Fred Neal, Gilbert Pagat, Richard Panter, Dennis Patriquin, Richard Payne, Thomas Pearson, Kenneth Perkins, Joseph Perry, Robert S. Pickett, Robert H. Pickett, Jon Piper, Ronald Pretty, James Prince, Clarence Rarden, Norman Reichardt, William Rideout, Delbert Ritchhart, Feladelfio Romero, Steven Roon, Fred Rupple, Donald Sammons, Jimmy Sanchez, Daniel Schell, Kenneth Schneider, Richard Searles, Robert Smith, Herbert Teter, Fred Thomas, III, Steven Thompson, Raymond Twiss, Donald Waldburger, Richard Walker, Duane Wallon, Robert Wardell, Robert Warner, Dan Watt, Clifford Wigfield, Steven Witmer, Gary Wright, Michael Wulfeck, Michael Yoder, Ernest Young and James Zack, Jr. It is my distinct privilege as the United States Representative of the 4th District of Colorado to recognize the honor, courage, and sacrifice of these heroes, along with that of all other members of America's Armed Forces. I thank them for their dedication and service to this Nation.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 3954, a bill originally introduced by Representative Buck of Colorado, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Madam Speaker, the Biden administration's newly proposed Title IX rule is yet another example of how we are losing our moral compass. This new rule diminishes the undeniable respect that we must as a society extend to all women. It completely destroys the distinctions between men and women and forces schools to allow men into private women's spaces, including locker rooms and bathrooms. Make no mistake about it, under this proposed rule, women will be compelled to change with and go to the bathroom next to naked men. That simply cannot stand. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. ``Mr. Speaker, le agradezco por este distinguido honor de dirigirme a los Miembros del Congreso esta noche.'' ``Mr. Speaker, thank you for this distinguished honor to address the Members of Congress this evening.'' Four days ago, Americans across our Nation celebrated the Fourth of July, our day of independence from the British Empire. It was on July 4, 1776, that the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. I am proud to carry the Constitution and Declaration of Independence in my pocket. As I stand in this prestigious Chamber, I am filled with a sense of gratitude: Gratitude for being given an opportunity by my Lord and Savior and the good people of Colorado's Fourth Congressional District to join you, my brothers and sisters, in the 118th Congress; Gratitude for my parents, Gregorio Beltran Lopez and Victoria Barron Lopez, who grew up working in the fields, believing in the American Dream. They always spoke of how America always allows everyone to live the American Dream regardless of wealth or educational achievements; Gratitude for my wife, Lisa, of 36 years and our children, Michael and Christina, for always believing in me and standing by my side. My son was not able to join us here tonight, but my wife and daughter are. My time with you is short, as I will not be serving in the 119th Congress. However, in that short time, I vow to stay true to the virtues of respect, collaboration, friendship, unity, and most importantly, statesmanship. My brothers and sisters, these are the virtues the American people thirst to see once again in our national, State, and local representatives. Together, let us be that beacon that people seek. Together, let us restore hope back into the American Dream for the younger generation. Together, let us put people over politics.