Greg Lopez

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Members of the House of Representatives, and my fellow Americans, lend me your ear. ``We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.'' Since 1776, the people of this great Nation have bestowed the responsibility of fulfilling that declaration and setting the course of the future of our Nation in the collective hands of Congress which is comprised of both Members of the House of Representatives and Members of the United States Senate. Since that time, every Member willingly raises their hand and publicly makes that sacred pledge to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. It is my belief that the American people look for the principles of respect, collaboration, friendship, unity, and statesmanship in every Member of Congress. I encourage all Members of Congress to subscribe to and remember this quote from Henry Ford: ``Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.'' The issues our Nation faces today are not Republican or Democrat issues. They are people issues. One issue I have repeatedly highlighted during my time here has been our national debt and the broken way in which Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, continue to support reckless spending. Spending the people's money irresponsibly has created a $36 trillion national debt which grows by $1 trillion every 100 days. A $1 trillion national debt equates to $107,594 per person, $272,546 per household, and $493,233 per child. Quite frankly, it is an embarrassment, and it needs to stop. Something must be done. I join the millions of Americans who pray that on January 20, the President in the 119th Congress will seriously focus on the budget crisis and make the right decisions to remove this heavy burden off the backs of hardworking people of this great Nation and the backs of our children. I thank my good friend, Jodey Arrington, chairman of the Budget Committee, and my friends on the Committee for sounding the alarm and for their efforts to help right this ship. Mr. Speaker, this evening I rise for the last time in this hallowed Chamber to bid my farewell. Even though my time here pales in comparison to the joy I find in family and faith, I proudly say that being among all of you has been more than an honor. It has been a privilege. Yes, this place has its problems, but it has so much worth celebrating. I made friends across the aisle and have gotten to know a few of you through the early morning congressional football practices or prayer groups. I have been blessed to know and learn from intelligent, loyal, and long-suffering staff that guided me through my journey. I have spoken on the House floor about issues that matter to the people of Colorado's Fourth Congressional District, also known as the eastern plains of Colorado. On January 2, my 6-month term as a sitting Member of Congress will come to an end. In just 6 months, my staff in D.C. and I have: Passed H.R. 9714 out of the Budget Committee, introduced a commonsense red card bill that would allow immigrant workers to remain in our labor force, introduced legislation that would place the national debt on every Federal voting ballot, highlighted and advocated for important local issues, presided over the House floor, played in the congressional football game, and drew national attention to the dangerous Tren de Aragua apartment takeover in Aurora, Colorado. I joined the DOGE Caucus and worked as a constructive Member of the Republican caucus to support commonsense legislation that will help families in Colorado. From July 21 to December 15, 147 days, my district staff back in Colorado have closed 401 cases, had 58 walk-in appointments, referred 1,116 constituent calls for further help, helped 21 constituents with grant requests, and helped return $564,760 back to constituents with $3,914,000 yet to be deposited into individual accounts for a total of $4,478,760 or, better yet, $30,468 a day. I recommended 52 individuals to the military academies. They assisted me in traveling to all 21 counties of the Fourth Congressional District at least twice within the last 5 months. Arriving in Congress wasn't a high point, and leaving isn't a low point either. It is life. You see, I describe my short time in Congress as that of a foreign exchange student. I arrived in July during the middle of the year. I missed the yearbook pictures. No one knew me. So both sides of the aisle liked me. I will not be coming back next year. As a veteran, I describe my time here as a TDY, better known as a temporary duty assignment. Now it is time to return home. Mr. Speaker, I treasure, Lisa, my wife, my children, Michael and Christina, my service in the Air Force, and my Lord more than any amount of time in Congress. I am proud to define my life by service to my Lord, my family, the Armed Forces, and now to the people of Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. To my wife, Lisa, I thank her for joining me in this unexpected and unbelievable opportunity of serving in Congress. Having her by my side every day here in D.C., along with her support, encouragement, and love, has made the hours in travel, the early mornings in briefings, the afternoons in meetings, the evenings with receptions, studying memos, and racing to late-night votes made it both productive and bearable. Lisa is my soulmate and my rock. I love her more than she will ever know. To my son, Michael, and my daughter, Christina, I love them both. I hope that I have made them both proud. One day I hope to bring my grandkids here. We will fly into Reagan airport and fight through the afternoon traffic. I will point out the never-ending construction on Cannon and lead the little ones to Statuary Hall before walking through the tunnels and eventually heading up to Rayburn's fourth floor where my office was. I will hold them close there and say that their granddaddy was a part of this. I will say that government for and by the people isn't an abstraction. It is in their bloodline. I speak of generations because that is what the government is for, to protect, preserve, and pass along a legacy for our children. At the end of my oath of office, I bound myself to my pledge by saying, ``So help me God.'' He has indeed helped me the same way that he has shepherded and guided this still-young Nation. As I prepare to depart, I am reminded of my parents, Gregorio and Victoria Lopez. They taught me the value of hard work, laboring in the fields under the Texas Sun. When the day was over, the foreman would come out and yell, ``Ya Vamenos. Ya cavamos de trabajar,'' which translated means, ``Let's go. Our work is done,'' then my parents would finish up and head home. Colorado is calling me home, and I must answer. My work here is done. I now depart. With immense gratitude to God, my family, Colorado's Fourth Congressional District, the friends I have made here, my staff, and this institution, I bid them all a fond farewell. In my story, this is just a chapter, and every chapter ends. That is for the best because we can see what happens next. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of the Special Order.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to champion the heartbeat of America's economy, our small businesses. These are not just storefronts or individuals who are looking to open a business for their own satisfaction; these are individuals who risk their daily lives trying to be successful. When you look at a small business owner, I would urge you to realize that they are on the front lines of our economy. There are servicemen and -women in uniform, and we should always salute them because they are in harm's way in order for us to live the American Dream. I am here to tell you that there is a second army, and that is the small business community. Every day they get up not knowing whether they are going to have a successful day, not knowing whether they are going to be able to achieve those dreams, but they have families and friends and employees that they must provide for. Madam Speaker, I am here to urge everyone to remember that small business is big business. Small business is the heart and soul of our Nation. Without small business, there would be no communities. There would be no quality of life. Every single day, every American, when you walk around in your daily lives, you will touch anywhere from seven to eight small business owners. You will touch them and you will help them because that is the fabric of America. Every major corporation started small. No one begins as a large company. I am here to remind you that you must always recognize that when small business is suffering, our communities are suffering. I previously served as the mayor of Parker, Colorado, and I used to be the former director of the United States Small Business Administration in Colorado. I would remind people that when corporate America sneezes, small business catches pneumonia because they are the ones that are struggling the most. I am also here to tell you that our farmers and our ranchers are small business owners. A lot of people forget that most of our farms are family owned. I have 21 counties in Colorado that I represent and it is rural Colorado. I have hundreds of families that are farmers and ranchers, and these are small businesses. We must protect them. We are going to be talking about the continuing resolution and how we are going to fund government for the rest of the year going into the year 2025. I am glad to know that we are going to look at how we are going to support the small business community, specifically our farmers and ranchers. One of the things that I always remind people is that in America you can live that American Dream by being that small business owner, by understanding that you can create your own destiny. For those of you who believe a small business owner is rich, that for some reason, somehow they have hit the lottery, I am here to tell you that small business owners work long hours. They work 14, 16 hours a day just to be able to be successful. At the end of the day, they will pay their employees before they will pay themselves. That is what America is all about. It is creating that strong foundation in every single community. For those entrepreneurs out there, know that there is a voice in the Small Business Administration that will always champion your cause and know that there are people that understand the contributions that you make to this Nation. Most importantly, you are the future. You are the entrepreneurs. You are what makes America great. You are the individuals who bring hope and prosperity to Main Street in every community. Madam Speaker, I salute them, and I wish them the best. Let us all remember: Small business is big business.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the decay of the moral compass that our Nation is facing. The moral compass of faith, family, and self-resilience that this Nation was founded on is being treated as if it is a cheap suit or an old pair of shoes that needs to be discarded and replaced. There is a national movement today that is focused on distorting the foundational values on which our great Nation was founded, values such as faith, family, and self-reliance. This movement is found in our schools; our military; our Federal, State, and local government; our churches; and in the public square. Our Nation's values have been distorted to merely hollow words and are no longer seen as a foundational bedrock of our Nation. When our educational system focuses on teaching our children that gender identity is more important than learning to read, write, or to do math, that is a sign that society is losing its moral compass. When society and medical professionals promote the concept that God can make a mistake when it comes to gender and that only science can correctly assign the two genders of our adult brothers and sisters and to our children, that is a sign that society is losing its moral compass. When society openly allows the labeling of the killing of babies as women's health or body autonomy, that is a sign of society losing its moral compass. When man believes he has the ultimate authority to redefine marriage and turn his back on traditional marriage between a man and a woman, that is a sign that society is losing its moral compass. When lawmakers vote in favor of allowing biological men who are experiencing gender confusion to equally use women's facilities and compete in girls' sports, that is a sign of society losing its moral compass. When the church decides to ignore its role in educating the people on the Biblical values that America was founded on, that is a sign that society is losing its moral compass. Just last week, Nancy Mace, a Member of Congress, was physically assaulted in the Halls of Congress because she stands on a basic commonsense principle. The commonsense principle that caused her to be physically assaulted was her firm belief, as it is mine, that individuals experiencing gender confusion should not be allowed to utilize opposite facilities or participate in women's or girls' sports. The majority of the American people share that commonsense belief and are thirsty for bold leaders who will openly defend our Nation's fundamental values. America needs and deserves strong leaders who are not afraid of fighting and speaking in the public square about regaining our country's moral compass. Some of our brothers and sisters, instead of focusing on promoting our Republic's foundational moral compass, are fighting to ensure that government plays an overreaching role by dictating what America should think, eat, be educated on, and why they should be happy to pay more in taxes to fund the runaway spending of government. Mr. Speaker, America is at a crossroads, and we, the people, through our Federal, State, and local elections, will determine the moral compass that will lead us into the future. Our job here in the sacred Halls of Congress is to limit government and revitalize civil society. The $36 trillion national debt is a sign that our country has lost its moral compass. Self-reliance has given way to dependence, and a loss of respect for persons and property continues to spread like cancer. In 1837, John O'Sullivan wrote: ``The best government is that which governs least. . . . [Government] should be confined to the administration of justice, for the protection of the natural equal rights of the citizen and the preservation of the social order. In all other respects, the voluntary principle, the principle of freedom . . . affords the true golden rule.'' Our Nation's founding documents were written with the unwavering understanding that the nature of government is force, not freedom. The language used in the founding principle was to limit the role of government to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Imagine an America where the elected officials understood the true role of government and allowed us to live freely. Imagine if every American believed in and followed the golden rule, as written in Luke 6:31: Do to others as you would have them do unto you. Imagine an America where every individual not only believes in the American Dream, but that they can actually experience it. Imagine an America that openly embraces the fundamental values that founded this great Nation. Mr. Speaker, may God bless America.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Wellington High School football team for making it to the Colorado 2A State Championship game in only their third season with a record of 10-3. The town of roughly 12,000 residents last had a High School between 1926 and 1964. Wellington Middle-High School opened in August of 2022, choosing to honor the previous school's colors and mascot, the Eagles. The combination of the players' determination and their coaches' admirable leadership throughout their playoff run culminated into a remarkable season. They are great examples of the extraordinary potential of the young people of Colorado. I thank the players for setting an example that will serve as an inspiration for future generations of high school athletes. They should all be extremely proud of what they have accomplished and know that this is just a precursor for the many great achievements each of them will have in their lifetimes.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Congresswoman Boebert's bill. She will be taking over for my district during the 119th Congress, so it is an honor to be here to support this. For too long, this issue has been plaguing small communities. As a former mayor of Parker, Colorado, I know firsthand the challenges that residents have when they are not able to receive the mail on time and when they are not able to actually get emergency services. I believe that this is commonsense legislation. I am glad to see that our colleagues are supportive of it. Mr. Speaker, I champion this, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote unanimously behind this bill.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that affects all of us deeply: the safety of our roads and the lives of those who travel on them. Each year, preventable tragedies unfold on our highways. Families are shattered, lives are cut short, and dreams are lost. This is not because of chance, but because, somewhere along the way, safety standards were neglected, corners were cut, and human lives were undervalued. This isn't just about statistics or regulations. It is about people: fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, friends, and neighbors. These are people who trust the system in place to protect them, such as the Federal highway safety standards, which exist for one purpose: to save lives. These guidelines are not arbitrary. They are the result of decades of research, real-world testing, and collaboration among safety experts, engineers, and policymakers. We know what works to prevent accidents, protect construction zones, and keep our roads safe. Yet, in Colorado, time and time again, we see these safeguards disregarded, with devastating consequences. Think about the mother driving home from her nightshift who never made it to her kids because her car was rear-ended in an improperly managed construction zone. Think about the newlyweds, full of hope and plans for the future, killed when a semi overturned due to inadequate lane shifts and insufficient traffic controls. These are not just accidents. They are preventable failures to prioritize safety, to honor the trust of those who use our roads, and to follow the very standards designed to prevent these tragedies. Federal highway safety standards are not optional. They are essential safeguards meant to ensure that every person who steps onto a highway has the best chance of getting to where they are going alive and uninjured. Cutting corners on these standards isn't just irresponsible, but it is unacceptable. Every poorly designed lane shift, every missing warning sign, every unfunded safety measure represents a choice to put cost or convenience above human life. The Colorado Department of Transportation has a responsibility and a moral and professional duty to follow these standards without compromise. This is not about bureaucracy. This is about humanity. The failure to adhere to these safety guidelines is a failure to uphold the sacred trust we placed in them every time we step onto the highway. It is a failure to protect the workers in construction zones, who deserve to go home to their families at the end of the day. It is a failure to protect the people who rely on these roads for their livelihoods, their loved ones, and their lives. Mr. Speaker, we cannot stand idly by as construction-zone fatalities in Colorado reach record highs. We know that CDOT receives over 40 percent of its funding from Federal programs. Yet, it continues to operate with a lack of transparency and accountability. Legislators seeking answers to basic safety questions through CORA requests have faced roadblocks. Meanwhile, Colorado's construction-zone deaths have increased year after year, making 2024 the worst year since 2020. This points to a systemic failure not just within CDOT, but within the leadership overseeing transportation in our State. This is not just a Colorado issue. It is a regional one. Colorado is part of the Department of Transportation region 8, which includes Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. If these issues persist in Colorado, how can we be certain they are not happening across the region? Competent leadership, from the regional director to the executive level, is critical to ensure that safety is not an afterthought, but a priority. Federal oversight must demand adherence to safety standards and hold agencies accountable for every dollar spent and every life put at risk. Today, I call on all lawmakers, transportation leaders, and community members to demand better and demand that Federal highway safety standards be followed to the letter. There is no excuse, no delay, and no corner worth cutting when lives are at stake. Every life matters, and every injury prevented is a victory for humanity. Together, we can ensure that our roads are places of safety, not sorrow. We owe it to every driver, every worker, and every family to make this a reality. There is no need for loss of life on our highways because we know better and because we can do better.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wray High School Football team for winning the 1A State Championship with an undefeated record. Their overwhelming victory over Forge Christian, another undefeated team heading into the championship, is a testament to the teamwork and determination of each and every member of the team. I say thank you to the players for setting an example that will serve as an inspiration for future generations of high school athletes. They should all be extremely proud of what they have accomplished and know that this is just a precursor for the many great achievements that each of them will have in their lifetimes. I am honored to celebrate with the team and wish them all the best in their future seasons and beyond.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Cheyenne Wells Football team for winning the A6 State Championship with an undefeated record. Their overwhelming victory over Stratton, who won the past two A6 state championships, is a testament to the teamwork and determination of each and every member of the team. I say thank you to all the players for setting an example that will serve as an inspiration for future generations of high school athletes. They should all be extremely proud of what they have accomplished and know that this is just a precursor for the many great achievements that each of them will have in their lifetimes. I am honored to celebrate with the team and wish them all the best in their future seasons and beyond.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, Colorado high school women's volleyball coach Michelle Baker was recently awarded the Horizon Award from the Colorado High School Athletics Association. This award is presented to Michelle for the significant improvements to Wiggins High School's volleyball program she has brought about over the past few years. Her dedication to her team and the women's volleyball program at Wiggins High is an inspiration to all. Every student deserves the opportunity to compete in sports. Coaches like Michelle make that possible by coaching their players towards success on and off the court, teaching them skills like discipline, teamwork, and work ethic that will benefit them for years to come. It is my distinct privilege as the United States Representative of the 4th District of Colorado, to congratulate Michelle for her hard work in achieving this award, and for improving Wiggins High School's women's volleyball team. Her dedication to the development of Colorado athletics cannot be understated, and I encourage Michelle to continue cultivating the best women's volleyball program at Wiggins High for the betterment of her players and the school at large.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, Colorado high school women's volleyball coach Christin Sutter was recently awarded Coach of the Year from the Colorado High School Athletics Association. This award is presented to Christin for the significant improvements to Merino High School's volleyball program she has brought about over the past few years. Her dedication to her team and the women's volleyball program at Wiggins High and CHSAA is an inspiration to all. Every student deserves the opportunity to compete in sports. Coaches like Christin make that possible by coaching their players towards success on and off the court, teaching them skills like discipline, teamwork, and work ethic that will benefit them for years to come. It is my distinct privilege as the United States Representative of the 4th District of Colorado, to congratulate Christin for her hard work in achieving this award, and for improving Merino High School's women's volleyball team. Her dedication to the development of Colorado athletics cannot be understated, and I encourage Christin to continue cultivating the best women's volleyball program at Merino High for the betterment of her players and women's volleyball throughout Colorado.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address our national debt. I say to my fellow Americans, we have a serious problem. In the past 40 years, Congress, which comprises both the Senate and the House of Representatives, has only passed a budget four times. Only four times in the last 40 years has a budget been passed by Congress. That has contributed to our overwhelming national debt of over $36 trillion, which grows by $1 trillion every 100 days. If we continue to pass continuing resolutions and omnibus bills, our annual deficits will double, our interest payments will triple, and for every dollar we borrow, 50 cents will go just to paying interest on the debt. The American people are tired of Congress not doing the hard work that is necessary to bring spending under control and stop the national debt from growing. As Members of Congress, we have an obligation to bring spending under control and ensure that present and future taxpayers are not forced to fund any Federal program that is duplicative, wasteful, and inefficient. Every Member of Congress knows that passing continuing resolutions or omnibus bills does not bring spending under control, but simply adds to our $36 trillion national debt. The current continuing resolution expires on December 20. Once again, in the next couple of weeks, Congress will debate on how we are going to fund the government in 2025. What will it be? Will it be a continuing resolution? Will it be an omnibus bill or will it be a balanced budget that will fund the government in 2025? Speaker Johnson assures us that it will not be an omnibus bill and because Chuck Schumer refuses to pass the appropriation bills passed in the House, some will argue that the only option left on the table so that we don't face a government shutdown is a continuing resolution. Most Americans are not aware that there is a bogeyman that lurks in the Halls of Congress. This bogeyman shows up twice a year, sometimes three times a year. It first shows up in September, and then it appears again in December. What is the name of this bogeyman that Congress is afraid to face? Its name is government shutdown. For countless years, the leaders of Congress have lacked the courage and strength to take on this bogeyman for fear of having to explain to the American people why we are unable or perhaps refuse to pass a formal budget as outlined in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. The American people are not afraid to shut down the government, and I stand with the American people. It is morally wrong for Congress to force the American people to carry a $36 trillion national debt on their backs and to expect our children to carry this growing debt on their backs as well. I say it is time for Congress to pass a formal budget that spends less than what it collects in taxes from the American people. I say it is time for Congress to evaluate one by one the 1,200 unauthorized expired programs that are currently being funded by Congress to the tune of $516 billion and vote to either reauthorize or terminate each one of them. I hear in the Halls of Congress that if we want to be home with our families during Christmas, we must settle for a continuing resolution. I would remind Congress that we have men and women in uniform that have taken the same oath of office that we did, and many of them will not be spending Christmas with their families because they have a duty to fulfill. We also have a duty and obligation to fulfill to the American people: that is to bring spending under control and stop the national debt from growing. That responsibility comes before family or any holiday on the calendar. Congress should not allow the leadership of either the Senate or the House of Representatives to lead us into 2025 with a shameful continued legacy that Congress is incapable of putting people over politics and passing a balanced formal budget that spends less than we receive from the taxpayers. Chuck Schumer should put his ego and pride aside and sit down with Speaker Johnson and develop a plan to utilize the appropriations process outlined in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to fund the government in 2025 before the end of the year. There are plenty of days still left on the calendar to do this. Where there is a will there is a way. Every Member of Congress should be committed to working long hours, if need be, to pass a formal budget for 2025. Together, let us roll up our sleeves and do what is right for the future of our Nation as it pertains to the budget. Together, let us show the Nation that as Members of Congress, we are ready, willing, and able to fulfill the assignment the American people have bestowed upon us. Together, let us make history by stopping decades of wasteful spending, and together let us protect the purse of the people.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hispanic community. On November 5, our Nation turned a page of history with an election of a Republican President and a Republican-controlled Congress. This is a defining moment in our Nation's history, as a sleeping giant has arisen that will forever determine the future of our Nation: the Hispanic vote. For the first time in American history, nearly 50 percent of my Hispanic brothers and sisters voted their values of faith, family, and freedom and voted Republican. To my Republican brothers and sisters, I urge you to seize this moment. I firmly believe that the Hispanic vote not only saved America but also saved the American Dream that we all aspire to achieve by electing President Trump. Why do I believe that? I am glad you asked. First, I firmly believe that our misguided brothers and sisters of the Democratic Party would still be in positions of leadership if it wasn't for the Hispanic voters who decided to fire them and hire new leadership. Let me remind you that we are all Americans, and as Americans, we want leaders who care about us, who understand us and, most importantly, who listen to what we have to say and treat us with respect. We believe in work and opportunity. We believe that dignity and respect come from hard work and providing for our families. We believe we play a role in the tapestry and future of America, and we are one of the many communities that are the lifeblood of this Nation. I am a living example of this belief. Second, the American Dream, something that for generations so many of us came to this country to pursue, is being destroyed as job opportunities are dwindling and the cost of living is becoming unbearable. Soaring inflation has made it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet and for our children to achieve the American Dream. As an American from Mexican descent, I am proud to stand here today and witness my community break free from the Democratic Party. It is a shift that not only reflects the frustration many of us feel but also the recognition that the values that truly resonate with the Hispanic community, values such as faith, family, and freedom, are in line with the core principles of the Republican Party. These are not just abstract concepts. They are the foundation of our lives and the very essence of what made this country great. Faith has always been an essential part of the Hispanic community. It is our guiding light in times of trial and our source of hope for the future. We want our newly elected Republican President to stand firm in his commitment to protecting religious freedom. Whether it is defending the rights of churches to operate freely or standing up for the religious freedoms of all Americans, the Republican Party is a party that understands the importance of faith in daily lives. Family is another cornerstone of our community. Hispanic families are close-knit, resilient, and supportive. We prioritize our families above all else, and we want to ensure that our next generation has the opportunity to thrive in a country that offers them safety, prosperity, and the ability to achieve their dreams. Under the leadership of the Republican Party, we will again see policies that continue to promote family values, policies such as tax cuts helping working families and support for school choice. These are the kinds of policies that truly uplift families, and they are policies that have resonated with Hispanic Americans. Finally, freedom. We live in a country where each person has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, to work hard, and to succeed on their own terms. It is what drew so many of us to America in the first place. The Republican Party will continue to stand strong in defending individual freedoms, whether it is economic freedom, the right to bear arms, or the freedom to speak our minds. November 5 was a pivotal day in American politics. It wasn't just a victory for one party or one candidate. It was a victory for the values that have always been at the heart of the Hispanic community. Latinos are rejecting the extreme agenda of the Democratic Party, and they are finding a new home in the Republican Party, one that will put their interests first, defend their values, and ensure their voices are heard. This is only the beginning. The Hispanic community in America is waking up to the reality that the Republican Party offers a better path forward. Mr. Speaker, 2025 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Hispanic community, a chapter that will be defined by prosperity, safety, and opportunity, all of which will return under the leadership of President Trump. As we look to the future, let us be clear: The Hispanic community is no longer a guaranteed vote for the Democratic Party. We are standing up, we are speaking out, and we will never stop. Together, we will continue to build a future where every American, regardless of their background, can achieve the American Dream.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, State Board of Education member Debora Scheffel, representing the 4th Colorado District, deserves recognition for her outstanding service to Colorado's education system. Currently Dean of the School of Education at Colorado Christian University, Debora has succeeded in strengthening and improving our state's education in many ways throughout her career. Debora is a published author in literacy, special education, and higher education assessment. Her professional affiliations include the International Neuropsychological Society, the International Dyslexia Association, and the Council for Exceptional Children. She previously served on the editorial board of Learning Disabilities Research and Practice and currently serves on the editorial board of Journal of the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. During her time on the State Board, Debora has been a strong advocate for data privacy and parental choice. She is passionate about quality public education, a range of available educational options, and knows the value of exemplary teachers, great school leaders, and parents who best know their children's educational needs and potential. It is my distinct privilege as the United States Representative of the 4th District of Colorado to commend Debora for her success in improving Colorado's education system. Her dedication to Colorado students cannot be understated, and I encourage Debora to continue working to create the best education system possible for all the students of Colorado.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, Colorado student Austin Collins from Wray, Colorado is a testament and great example of what driven, community focused students can offer this country. His achievement throughout his high school career in sports, academia, and extra-curricular activities have benefited not only him, but his entire community. Austin has served in Wray High School's National Honor Society and Student Government, working alongside his peers to create a strong community and experience for everyone. He has also excelled academically, holding a 4.0 GPA and impressive SAT score. Athletically, Austin Collins has performed just as exceptionally, placing in national championships year after year in wrestling and earning Football First team All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention. In addition to all of this, Austin finds the time to be a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and his local church. He also volunteers as a coach in the Wray youth flag football and wrestling programs and the Wray Library Book Buddies program. It is my distinct privilege as the United States Representative of the 4th District of Colorado to commend Austin for his hard work and dedication to excellence in every of facet of his life. His service to the community of Wray, Colorado is an inspiration of what it means to be leader, and I encourage him to continue pursuing excellence in his future endeavors.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize the accomplishments of three outstanding women. Kara Baker, Donna Miller, and Karen Leigh will be honored by the Northwest Douglas County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation as ``Women Who Soar.'' Kara Baker is a registered nurse in the cardiac catheterization lab at AdventHealth Littleton. Inspired by her father's heart surgery during her childhood, she pursued nursing, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2007 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2009. Following her father's death from cardiac arrest in 2018, Kara became an advocate for heart health, organizing community screenings and donating Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) to local schools. In 2023, she was nominated for a Nightingale Luminary Award and received a DAISY Award with her team for excellence in patient care. Donna Miller is a Captain for American Airlines, flying Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. Notable experiences include serving as First Officer on an Honor Flight to Pearl Harbor for WWII survivors in 2016 and accompanying D-Day veterans to Normandy in 2019. She began her aviation career in South Korea, earning her private license while working for the Air Force, and has since flown various missions globally. In 2003, she represented Colorado at Kitty Hawk, where she flew Neil Armstrong during the Centennial of Flight celebration. Active in general aviation, she has flown WWII bombers for the Collings Foundation and served over 20 years as secretary of the Mile High Wing of the OX-5 Aviation Pioneers. Donna is passionate about aviation history and has collaborated with notable figures like Elrey Jeppesen and Louis Zamperini. Outside of flying, she uses her flight benefits to run marathons on every continent, including Antarctica. Karen Leigh is an evening news anchor at a major CBS station in Denver, Colorado, serving over 1.8 million households since 2008. With over 25 years of experience in television, she has expertise in various areas of communications, conducting interviews with a wide range of figures from presidents to celebrities. Known for her calm demeanor, she excels at diffusing tense situations and has covered significant events, including natural disasters and mass shootings. She has won four Emmy Awards for her journalistic work, including coverage on child abuse and the 2008 Recession. In addition to her broadcasting career, Karen has been active in supporting non-profits, helping them raise funds and engage with communities. She is involved with several charities, including the American Heart Association and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. From saving lives to Emmy winning inspiration, this year's recipients have made a lasting impact on those around them and in our community. It is leaders like these women who will allow us to achieve a more prosperous and inclusive future, and I congratulate them all on being recognized as ``Women Who Soar.''

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month to commemorate a people, my ethnicity, who are crucial to the prosperity of this Nation. I want to encourage all my brothers and sisters across America to participate in this celebration from September 15 through October 15. America thrives on the cumulative efforts of all ethnicities working for the collective good, beginning with the annexation of Florida, Louisiana, and the northern part of Mexico. More than 100,000 Hispanic people became U.S. citizens in the 1800s to be followed by millions more over the next 200 years. Today, the American-Latino population amounts to over 65 million people and roughly 20 percent of the total U.S. population. The name of my home State of Colorado comes from the Spanish phrase ``coloreado rojo,'' ``colored red.'' This name originates from the 16th century conquistadors who explored the area in search of gold over 400 years ago. Their journey paved the way for exchanges that continue to shape our society today. In the late 1800s, following the end of the Civil War, 25 percent of New Mexico's Hispanic population moved to Colorado and established towns throughout. One of the most notable was the trading post of El Pueblo, which at the time was the border between the United States and Mexico. This area became a hub of commerce and culture, illustrating the vital role of Hispanic communities in our Nation's development. San Luis, the oldest town in Colorado, was founded by Hispanic settlers who came to farm and raise livestock. These pioneers laid the groundwork for agricultural practices that are still necessary to our economy today. Then, in the early 1900s, Hispanic families moved to Greeley, Colorado, to work for the Great Western Sugar Company, which offered workers the chance to own a small home. This opportunity allowed families to build a foundation for future generations, demonstrating the enduring spirit of resilience and hard work. Some individuals in the Hispanic community have stood tall as leaders in Colorado, including Rodolfo ``Corky'' Gonzales, a boxer and poet who led the crusade for justice during the Chicano movement in the 1960s and 1970s fighting for the rights of the Hispanic community nationwide. His dedication to social justice continues to inspire community activists today. Joe Trujillo, a good friend of mine that for years lived in Colorado, was an instrumental mentor not only to myself but to others to always be proud of our heritage, to always be proud of what we came from, and never forget our humble beginning. You see, I come from humble beginnings. My mom and dad grew up working in the fields. My dad had a sixth-grade education and never learned to read and write. My mom has a tenth-grade education, and yet, I stand before you here in Congress as a true representation of what America offers the Hispanic community, and it is an honor to be an American. Just 6 years ago, Kendrick Castillo, a young Hispanic boy attending a STEM school in Highlands Ranch, sacrificed himself for his classmates, when a shooter entered his school, saving their lives. His bravery serves as a reminder that any of us can have the courage to stand up for our communities. These individuals exemplify the resilience, character, integrity, and passion that is the lifeblood of the Hispanic community. Moreover, the arts, the culture of the Hispanic community have enriched American life, influencing music, literature, politics, and businesses across the Nation. Many of the Christian beliefs of our Founding Fathers constitute the pillars of the Hispanic community. Core values like family, faith, and freedom are instrumental to my culture and are essential to the success of a nation. These values unite us and provide a path for future generations to thrive as well. For centuries, members of the Hispanic community have legally migrated into the U.S. for the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. The influx of illegal immigrants and criminals is damaging this crucial process and is unfair to those who have legally immigrated to America. It is imperative that we differentiate between those seeking refuge and opportunity and those who seek to undermine our laws. The term ``Latinx'' is a derogatory term and when utilized is an insult to Hispanic Americans and should never be used. This term was invented to erase the male and female gender of the Hispanic community and culture. It is a perversion of the Spanish language and an insult to Hispanic heritage. It is vital that we continue to uphold our values of justice and fairness, ensuring that the pathways to citizenship remain open for those who seek a better life. We must support comprehensive immigration reform that honors the contributions of immigrants while addressing security concerns. In closing, let us celebrate the rich history and achievements of the Hispanic community, recognizing together we can create a future where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, can contribute to the American story. For my Anglo brothers and sisters, I leave you with this: If you like tacos, you are one of us.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank the many responders, agencies, organizations, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to respond to the Alexander Mountain Fire, which last month ravaged 9,600 acres near Loveland, Colorado, and destroyed more than 50 structures, including 26 homes. As with previous disasters, these people and organizations, such as Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Thompson Valley EMS, Windsor-Severance Fire Protection District, Larimer County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management, and many others, rose to the challenge and kept the tragedy from being much worse. We know from experience that when faced with adversity, the people will come together in the spirit of community during and after an emergency to respond vigorously and recover profoundly. We owe first responders and the families that support them a huge debt of gratitude. Madam Speaker, we recognize these amazing efforts and know that if and when great challenges come before us in the future, we will conquer them and emerge stronger because that is what we can expect from the great people of Colorado.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, Colorado native Jennifer Jaime is a testament and great example of the hardworking students Colorado has to offer. She is a first-generation student from metro Denver, and enrolled in CU Denver in 2017, and participated in the Marc U-Star Program--a scholarship program for students interested research careers and plan in pursuing their Ph.D's in behavioral and biomedical sciences. Through the MARC U-program Jennifer participated in a summer research program at Princeton University. She graduated in 2019 with a BA in psychology and was admitted to the University of Michigan's competitive Neuroscience Graduate Program for her doctorate. Jaime received her PhD in May 2024 and has chosen to return to Colorado for her post graduate work at CU Anschutz where she started her post-doctoral fellowship in August 2024. It is my distinct privilege as the United States Representative of the 4th District of Colorado to congratulate Jennifer for her hard work in achieving this accomplishment and I'm so glad she chose to return home to Colorado. Welcome home to Jennifer, and I thank her for her example and the research she is doing.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Olympians and Paralympians from Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. To compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games is one of the highest honors an athlete can achieve. It takes years of hard work, grit, and determination, and I am honored to stand here today to celebrate their achievements in Paris. Anna Hall, Jessica Thoennes, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Derrick White have all dedicated their lives to advancing their sports, and to them, I say congratulations. Each one of them has reached the top of their personal Everest. I hope that they feel incredibly proud when they reflect on their time in Paris and take a moment to celebrate their amazing accomplishments. Each of them has had to persevere through injuries, defeats, and personal setbacks. The example they have set serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes and is something they should be deeply proud of. Mr. Speaker, Colorado's Fourth Congressional District was lucky to have such high-caliber athletes representing them this summer. They have made us proud, and I look forward to watching each of their careers grow.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Madam Speaker, I stand before you today to highlight the most disgraceful failure of the Biden-Harris administration with respect to our southern border. The most important job of a President is to protect our borders from invasion of any criminal element that seeks to undermine the safety of American citizens, our communities, and our Nation. President Biden, in his misplaced wisdom, determined that the best person suited for that job was not himself but his Vice President Kamala Harris. He announced that as the border czar, Kamala Harris was competent and understood what needed to be done to protect our southern border. Boy, was he wrong in making that decision. Perhaps Vice President Harris misread the memo that stated she was tasked with protecting our border, not surrendering it. Her incompetence has made every State in America a border State, leaving local governments to deal with violent criminal gangs, thugs, murderers, sex traffickers, and drug smugglers. In recent weeks, I, along with the rest of the public, have watched the events in Aurora, Colorado, with horror. As Members of a violent Venezuelan prison gang commandeered multiple apartment complexes, gave the green light to kill cops, and wreaked havoc on small Colorado communities, this administration insists that our border is secure. If this administration won't do anything about the vicious gangs running rampant in our country, I will. I have introduced a bill that would compel the Department of Homeland Security to quickly detain and deport all illegal immigrants with known gang affiliations. This is a commonsense public policy that will help keep our streets safe and free from the terrors being perpetrated by these animals. I would urge my colleagues to join me in this worthwhile fight. A failure to do so will inevitably result in more senseless pain and suffering for our people. The presence of the gang we saw in Aurora is not limited to that town. This group has spread like a cancer throughout our country, with incidents in Texas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Chicago, Florida, Louisiana, and New York, among many others. A recent CBP report showed that over 500,000 individuals have been flown in and paroled by this administration in a massive and largely unseen mass parole program. Kamala Harris doesn't care about this crisis, and she doesn't care about the Americans that she is hurting. She never spoke to the past two Border Patrol chiefs who served during the Biden-Harris administration. She has only visited the southern border one time during the past 4 years. That is not leadership. That is not someone trying to solve a problem. That is someone who is trying to hide from a problem that she created. This crisis has created real heartbreak and human cost. Many men, women, and children have been targeted and victims of abuse or trafficking. Something not often talked about is the mental health impact this has on the DHS law enforcement officers. In 2022, 17 members of the CBP committed suicide. The point is that something must be done. We have a moral responsibility to right this wrong. We can start that effort by deporting the gang members that have been allowed to breed in our country. We should pass my commonsense legislation that ensures that illegal aliens with known gang ties are no longer allowed to live here and cause havoc. I will fight every single day I am here to make that happen. I would urge all Members to do the same.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate yesterday's 237th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. What began as a grand experiment in governance has culminated into the most free, productive, and powerful nation in the history of the world. The wisdom that our Founding Fathers embedded into the U.S. Constitution has proven the test of time, and we must hold to it just as strongly today as we have through the centuries of intermittent war and economic depressions. We live in a time of great social unrest, political polarization, and differing ideologies threatening to tear this country apart. However, if we hold steadfastly to the truth and guiding principles of our Constitution, we will not only weather the storm of today's issues but all that follow them as well. We remember that we are all Americans, and it is our collective pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness which unites us together. May the Constitution continue to remind us of this for generations to come.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, a knock at the door will make the blood of families run cold. Today, armed prison gang members patrol the perimeter of an American community with their fingers on the trigger, waiting to dish out death and dread. Today, inhabitants will endure with gritted teeth, unable to ask for help for fear of reprisal, longing for a setting sun to cast shadows that will hide the brazen faces of foreign invaders. Mr. Speaker, an outpost of hell has sprung up in the suburbs of Denver. Vicious thugs have descended on Aurora like a plague or a cancer. The government doesn't care. The police can't be found. The Governor says that it is all in their heads. Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal gang started in a Venezuelan prison, has invaded multiple apartment communities with all the ferocity of wild dogs. TDA extorts residents, intimidates witnesses, and has received clearance from their leadership to shoot cops. The Biden-Harris administration encourages this with a senseless border policy that refuses to prioritize Americans' safety. Will TDA be the first virus not to spread, the first cancer not to metastasize? If we don't wake up, the next knock on the door will be for us.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. As we all know, today is September 11, and we all recognize and remember what happened to our Nation on that day. For most Americans, it is the day that terrorism was brought on to our shore, and it was the beginning of America fighting against terrorist attacks. I want to talk today about what happened on August 26, 2021. That is the day of the unpardonable and disgraceful failure that was the Biden- Harris administration's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. When we look at what happened that day, as a veteran I watched and saw a Commander in Chief abandon America's sons and daughters. That is not a Commander in Chief. A Commander in Chief stands tall and never leaves a soldier behind, never leaves an American citizen behind. Yet, that is exactly what that administration did. Who is lower than a thief who steals the honor of his countrymen? Who is more abhorrent than a man who betrays their friends and gives comfort to his enemies? President Biden and Vice President Harris fled a country we freed for two decades and left it in the grasp of merciless terrorists. Why did we have to lose 13 brave American servicemembers? We didn't. We lost them because there was no real plan on how to get out of Afghanistan. Any real, true Commander in Chief would know that you must plan accordingly, that you must plan every single step to make sure that there is no one left behind. When you don't have that experience, when you don't understand the conflict that you are in, you will fail like this administration did. They say that if you want to test the character of a person, give them power. Well, we know the character of our Commander in Chief on that day, and truly the character shows that it was more important to deal with the optics politically than it was to protect the men and women in uniform. I am here to tell you that I firmly believe, a lot of Americans believe, and a lot of veterans that I know, friends, sons of my fellow brothers and sisters that served, they truly believe that the blood of these Americans is on the hands of the President and Madam Vice President. I talk to veterans that served in Afghanistan, and they talk about when they saw what was going on, when they saw it on the TV, it was a gut-wrenching thing to see because they had been there for years. They had deployed more than once or twice to stand tall and protect, and to see what happened tore them apart. It is difficult to encourage the young men and women to serve in our military when we have a Commander in Chief that abandons them. Billions of American taxpayer dollars in the form of advanced military weapons and equipment fell directly into the hands of terrorists to be used to target our allies and our troops, yet, they don't want to talk about that. They don't want to talk about the billions of dollars that were left behind. And worse was the fate of our Afghan allies who dedicated their lives to the betterment of their country, only to be brutally murdered when we pulled out, and the Taliban came to power. I know individuals that helped America, and their families were left behind, and they asked me: Why did this occur? How can America allow this to happen? I wish I had an answer for them, but the only thing I can tell them is it happened because we had a lack of courage. It happened because we had no foresight. We had no means to understand what we were doing, and so we must change that. Many of those Afghan allies and their families are dead today, and, once again, we know whom to blame for that. I watched the debate last night, and when the question was asked: Are there any regrets? there was silence on that question. I am here to tell you, Mr. Speaker, that I understand why there is silence. It is because they don't have the courage to not only stand in front of those family members who lost their sons and daughters, look them in the eye, and apologize for the mistake they made. You see, Mr. Speaker, true leadership recognizes when mistakes are made. True leadership stands tall and makes sure that it never happens again. However, silence leaves everyone wondering: What will they do the next time that situation arises? I hope that should there ever be another time, that we will have a different Commander in Chief, someone who truly understands how to protect, how to defend, and how to make America proud again when we send our sons and daughters into the battlefield. Those mistakes will make America look weak on the world stage, and we know that they have. Our credibility with our allies and everyone we have ever made promises to has been severely damaged, emboldening our adversaries around the globe. Shamefully, our chaotic withdrawal has weakened the morale of our servicemembers and rightfully so. When I served, I wore my uniform with honor. I wore it proudly because I believed in America, and I believed that the Commander in Chief would always have my back. Today, I question that. I question where the loyalty is of those individuals who made those decisions on that day. You see, Mr. Speaker, those perilous days in August in 2021 will always remain a stain on that administration's legacy for the lack of leadership. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker. It is a stain on our flag. It is a stain that we must all endure only because they didn't have the courage and the understanding to do the right thing. How do you explain to the family members that they lost their loved ones for no real reason? How do you explain that? This is why they refuse to even acknowledge the family members, because there is no explanation. President Biden and Vice President Harris cannot undo the damage and the pain that they caused, but they could speak honestly to the American people about the facts of this failure. I urge them in the strongest terms to do that because the American people deserve the real truth.

Mr. LOPEZ

Mr. LOPEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and dedication of local newspapers to the communities of Colorado's Eastern Plains. The Burlington Record, Burlington Plains Dealer, and Lamar Ledger have kept citizens of eastern Colorado informed for over 100 years. It is an honor to celebrate their achievements today. Sadly, all three newspapers will be closing their doors at the end of this week. Established in 1888, 1905, and 1907 respectively, the Burlington Record, Burlington Plains Dealer, and Lamar Ledger have consistently provided plainspoken, accurate, and even-handed reporting and resources for their communities. Upholding the highest journalistic standards, they have reported on some of the most influential moments in our country's history from the Great Depression to the world wars to 9/11, covering births, graduations, deaths, and local triumphs. They have covered 20 Presidential Inaugurations, watched 28 Colorado Governors take office, and existed before the district that I represent was even created. To say that these newspapers were ingrained in the local communities they served would be an understatement. Local journalism has long served as the bedrock of American society. Responsible for not just educating their local community but highlighting local stories, they offer an experience more personal to citizens in Prowers or Kit Carson County. The closure of these institutions will certainly impact the communities of eastern Colorado. I thank each talented staff member for their many years of service to their neighbors. The Burlington Record, Burlington Plains Dealer, and the Lamar Ledger will be missed.