Joe Neguse

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chair, I want to say a deep note of gratitude to my distinguished colleague and my good friend from Colorado (Mr. Crow), who served our country so bravely and so honorably. We are all deeply grateful for his service in the Armed Forces and, of course, his service today in this Chamber. I don't know that I could say it any better than he did. I believe that this amendment reaffirms the support that we have for HAATS across our Colorado delegation and for the reasons he already so eloquently stated. I think, ultimately, any further codification, as my colleague from the Third Congressional District had referenced, would be a solution in search of a problem. Mr. Chair, I encourage every Member of this Chamber to support Mr. Crow's important amendment.

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, today I stand with the State of Colorado in mourning the loss of an historic and iconic public servant--Colorado Speaker of the House Ruben Valdez. Born in Trinidad, Colorado, Speaker Valdez left school at the age of 15 to find work and support his mother and family. He later received his high school diploma through a GED program and used this experience to motivate his passion for expanding education opportunities to all Coloradans. Early in his career, Speaker Valdez joined the United Steelworkers of America and rose through the union ranks. He eventually became the President of Steelworkers Local 5099 in Denver where he fought alongside his fellow union members for countless protections for workers throughout Colorado and the United States. Speaker Valdez was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 1970, representing west and southwest Denver. In 1975, he became House speaker, Colorado's first Latino Speaker. Throughout his time in the State Legislature, Speaker Valdez was a strong advocate for workers, consumer protections and equity in education. Speaker Valdez's involvement in politics remained constant throughout his life, even following his historic Speakership. Amongst many accomplishments, he served as a Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Transportation under President Jimmy Carter and worked as Executive Director of Colorado's Department of Social Services and Department of Labor and Employment. In his later years, he worked alongside his granddaughter as a lobbyist in the State Capitol, continuously pushing the legislative body toward justice and equity. Throughout his many years of service, Speaker Valdez created a legacy of which his family, friends, and supporters should be so proud. It is a legacy that will no doubt continue to influence lawmakers and Coloradans alike, for generations to come. For me, Speaker Valdez was a personal hero whose commitment to our state and to justice in our legislative process we can only hope to emulate. I join my Colorado community in mourning the loss of this thoughtful and empathetic leader, and send my deepest condolences to his entire family.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, there are people in every community who are the gears that make the entire engine run, and who make their homes better, stronger and more interconnected. On the precipice of her retirement, I wish to honor one of those people from my community, Elvira Ramos. For over a decade, Elvira served the Community Foundation of Boulder County in grantmaking, mentorship, and as co-director of the Leadership Fellows Program. We have been blessed by her service and commitment to all of us, and now it is our chance to honor her. An experienced trainer and facilitator, one of Elvira's greatest gifts to the Colorado community is her willingness to mentor and further the leadership skills of others, focusing especially on those from communities that are too often overlooked. She has led workshops in board and leadership development, inclusive leadership, volunteer management and strategic planning. Elvira convenes thoughtful, thorough conversations that tackle critical subjects and empower others with knowledge and expertise which they can pay forward to create a more just and representative society. Elvira has made inclusivity and diversity pillars of her work. As an activist and philanthropist, she has built beloved and vital local organizations, ensuring that these organizations were always reaching outwards and creating more space at the table. Elvira has worked to create permanent and positive change through civic engagement and has built a foundational legacy upon which new community leaders will stand. Each of us are truly fortunate to feel the effects of her life's work. One of Elvira's favorite quotes comes from Lao Tzu: ``A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.'' Though for countless Coloradans Elvira has emulated this exact form of leadership, kindly and gently guiding so many of us on a righteous path, today I would like to shine a bright light on her myriad contributions and powerful influence for good. The Colorado community wishes Elvira happiness and relaxation in her retirement, and sends our endless gratitude for her many contributions.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I first want to thank the gentleman from California for his courtesy and, of course, that of the majority leader. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a failure of our government to issue a promised and required set of regulatory guidance in a timely manner and a failure of our government to adequately prepare the American people for natural disasters and to provide relief for suffering communities. I happen to represent the great State of Colorado's Second Congressional District, and my State is no stranger to catastrophic weather events. Exacerbated by the dangers we face from the threat of climate change, we regularly experience forest fires, tornadoes, and other disasters. Six years ago, we experienced historic flooding most severely impacting Boulder County and Larimer County, both counties in my district. In September of 2013, we were inundated with heavy rainfall with up to 15 inches of rainfall in 1 week in some areas. The result was devastating flooding across the front range of Colorado. The storms took the lives of 10 Coloradans and caused nearly $4 billion in damage across 21 counties in our State, the most expensive disaster in Colorado's history. Rivers and creeks overflowed. Waters seeped into the homes of thousands and displaced 18,147 people across our State. Roads and bridges, as you can see here, were completely washed out. Much infrastructure was destroyed. My district, as I mentioned, contains two of the counties that were the hardest hit by these events, Boulder and Larimer Counties. Yet, today, more than 6 years later, many of these communities have still not been able to recover from the flooding fully. Rebuilding from a disaster this severe is a lengthy and expensive process. However, it is made more difficult by Federal grant regulations set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, that require cities and counties to rebuild infrastructure in the exact same way it had been built before the disaster in order to qualify for reimbursement. If these counties were to rebuild the roads and bridges that were destroyed in the flood the same way they were originally built, it would put these same communities at risk of future disasters once again. There is a lack of clarity and consistency for these cities and counties, as well as countless other cities and counties across the country, in FEMA's current determination of reimbursements. Many projects in my district have been deemed ``not cost-effective'' because the counties made an adjustment and wanted to improve their infrastructure, not just rebuild the same road right next to a river that would be washed out again with the next flood. Now, the good news is, Madam Speaker, that Congress has already acted in a bipartisan way to show that we understand this problem. Section 1235 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act passed last year, in 2018, and it required that FEMA issue interim guidance, which is based on ``the latest consensus-based codes and standards'' within 60 days of that law being enacted. Just to give you a sense of context in terms of time, the law was signed by the President on October 5, 2018. It has been almost an entire year since this bill was signed into law, yet FEMA has issued no interim guidance. I understand. I get it. I recognize that it may take longer than 60 days, maybe 90 days, maybe 120 days. But an entire year? This endangers not just the financial security of counties in Colorado that have millions of dollars at risk based on the pending project determinations, but it demonstrates a fundamental failure by the United States Government. There is simply no excuse for the extensive delay that FEMA has taken in issuing this interim guidance. Millions of dollars are at risk every day that counties have to wait to learn if their projects will be reimbursed or covered under FEMA rulemaking. I know there are hardworking people at FEMA who are doing their jobs each and every day to protect communities across our country, but I would just implore the Agency--and we have certainly communicated this directly to the Agency--that it should not have taken 6 years for communities to rebuild their infrastructure after a flood fully, and it certainly should not be caused by delays from red tape at the Federal level. Promises were made by the Agency to get this rulemaking done. I urge FEMA to take action to issue this guidance in the last few days of September, as they promised. We have just a few more days, Madam Speaker, until the month concludes. My constituents are waiting. The counties are waiting. The country is waiting. I ask FEMA to not allow for any other delays, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I recognize the participation of 120 veterans from Northern Colorado who visited Washington DC this past weekend with the High Plains Honor Flight. I am tremendously grateful each of these individuals had the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor in our nation's capital and to be recognized for their service to our country. With strong courage of conviction, these veterans took flight from Loveland, Colorado and traveled to Washington, DC to visit the memorials which recognize their contributions to our nation and world. The Northern Colorado community, as well as the American people, extend a debt of gratitude to these veterans and all of their fellow service members for their service and for all they have done to maintain and preserve the rights of the American people at home and promote peace and democracy abroad. I commend High Plains Honor Flight for continuing the work of Honor Flight Northern Colorado and advancing their effort to serve and honor the veterans of Colorado. I know I join with all my fellow Coloradans who witnessed their departure in expressing our gratitude and recognition of this historic Honor Flight. These veterans, above all, understand the gravity of the sacrifices that Washington, DC's memorials document, and I am grateful they had the opportunity to visit these monuments in-person, both to reflect on the enormous service they contributed to our nation and to pay respect to the fallen soldiers on behalf of each of us. I send my sincerest gratitude to the participants of the High Plains Honor Flight for all they have done for our Northern Colorado community and for the American people. Their service will never be forgotten.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I wish to express my sincere sorrow for the loss of Sanford Morris ``Sandy'' Treat, Jr., a veteran of World War II, serving with the 10th Mountain Division and a longtime resident in the Vail Valley and pillar of the community there. Sandy was one of the first soldiers at Camp Hale, which was established during the Second World War to train soldiers for winter and mountain warfare. The skills he honed there and exposure to the Mountain West would stay with him through war, future business endeavors and raising a family. He returned to Colorado years later as a master skier, historian of the 10th Mountain Division, and beloved resident. Sandy's loss will be felt by so many across the state of Colorado, military, and snow-sports communities. An avid ski racer, he helped to facilitate world renowned races in Vail and the surrounding areas. He was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame--an honor recognizing Sandy's passion and dedication to the outdoors as well as the service of those at Camp Hale. His advocacy to enact policy that protected public lands are still having an impact; in the large public lands bill worked on by many members of Colorado's Congressional delegation, Camp Hale is recognized as protected public lands and would be designated as the first ever National Historical Landscape. It was my honor to meet Sandy before his passing and I will hold that memory close to my heart as we press forward on the proposals for which he spent so much of his life advocating. My wife Andrea and I are holding Sandy's loved ones and all those who knew him in our prayers, and hope the nation will join us in mourning the loss of this tremendously passionate, brave, and skilled individual.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Chair, I appreciate that my colleague from the Third Congressional District, Mr. Tipton, is highlighting a program that is so deeply valued by the entire Colorado delegation, myself included. HAATS, as was just mentioned, offers unique training for rotary wing pilots in power management at high altitudes. It is the only Department of Defense aviation school that teaches pilots this skill outside of the classroom. Students come from all over the world to receive this incredible training. As more skiers, hikers, and rock climbers visit Colorado, there are more instances where outdoor enthusiasts may need to be rescued and evacuated. And, because of the work done at HAATS, evacuations can happen in some of the most unforgiving terrain on Earth. Of course, as my distinguished colleague mentioned, HAATS also provides the training for our military aviators to simulate real-world combat scenarios to be prepared to support our men and women in uniform. I know I speak for the entire Colorado delegation when I say that the work done at HAATS is critically important, and we are proud to have such a renowned training facility headquartered in Colorado in the Third Congressional District, as my colleague mentioned, which borders my own beautiful congressional district, the Second. It is also for those reasons I would just say that I do believe it is important, as cosponsors of wilderness legislation, that we work to ensure that the bills that we pursue don't adversely affect current or future military transit and training in Colorado. I would like to address the comment made by my colleague from Colorado Springs, the distinguished gentleman, to say that the good news is my bill that I have introduced, the CORE Act, with Senator Bennet does not adversely affect current or future military transit and training in Colorado, nor does it impact HAATS. Years have been spent working constructively with representatives from the Colorado National Guard, HAATS, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, the FAA, and relevant land management agencies to ensure that that bill in particular would allow for continued and future military training and transit in Colorado, so that is why I am excited that that bill is making its way to the floor. Again, I appreciate my colleague's dedication to ensuring that the mission of HAATS is protected. I certainly share that dedication, and I look forward to continuing to support this program that brings so much pride to our State, alongside my colleague, Mr. Tipton. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Chair, while I do not oppose the amendment, I would like to take advantage of the time in opposition.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, today I wish to honor the great Colorado statesman and devoted community member, University of Colorado Regent Emeritus Tilman ``Tillie'' Bishop, who passed away at the age of 86 on Sunday, June 16th. Born and raised in Colorado, Tillie dedicated his long and influential life to service for the people of our state. In 1970, he was elected to the Colorado General Assembly and served for four years in the Colorado House of Representatives and an additional 24 years in the Colorado Senate, during the last six years of which he was president pro tem. Tillie's 28 years of service in the General Assembly place him fourth in Colorado history for years of continuous service, and he is the longest-serving state senator from the Western Slope. His tenure of public service also includes four years as a Mesa County Commissioner. Finally, Tillie represented our state's 3rd Congressional District on the University Board of Regents from 2007 to 2013. Nationally, Tillie served as Colorado's representative on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures. He also sat on the Executive Committee of the Energy Council. Tillie's passion for education and commitment to promoting a school system that diligently serves each and every student that passes through it was tangible, and no doubt came from the seven years he taught in public schools and the 31 years he served as a Mesa State College administrator. It was my honor to serve on the Board of Regents alongside Regent Bishop. Together, we consistently found ways to work across the aisle in order to ensure that the students at the University of Colorado were given a top-tier education which would prepare them for a successful future. I'll never forget Tillie's determination and devotion to the University and the people of Colorado. I send my deepest condolences to Regent Bishop's wife Pat, and to all of his family.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Colorado statesman and a devoted community member, University of Colorado Regent Emeritus Tilman ``Tillie'' Bishop, who passed away on June 16. Born and raised in Colorado, Tillie dedicated his long and influential life to service for the people of our great State. He held a wide variety of elected offices, including 28 years in the Colorado General Assembly, making him the longest serving State senator from Colorado's western slope, as well as 6 years on the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Tillie's passion for education and his commitment to promoting a school system that diligently serves each and every student was tangible and, no doubt, came from the over 30 years he worked as a public school teacher and college administrator. It was my honor to serve on the board of regents with Regent Bishop. He always found ways to work across the aisle to ensure that the students at the University of Colorado were given a top-tier education that would prepare them for a successful future. And I will never forget Tillie's determination and his devotion to those he served. He was a great statesman, and I know that many in Colorado, myself included, will miss him. I send my deepest condolences to Regent Bishop's wife, Pat, and to all of his family, and we thank him for his incredible service.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chair, I want to thank the gentleman from Alabama, and as he articulated, I think there is incredible work happening with respect to the Space Grant Program in his State, in my State, and in States across the country. With that, I appreciate the ability to offer the amendment, and I urge a ``yes'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chairman, I have another amendment at the desk.

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment that would provide an additional $1 million increase to the NASA Office of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Engagement for the purpose of supporting the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program also known as Space Grant. I first want to thank Chairman Serrano and the House Appropriations Committee for providing $48 million for the Space Grant Program, especially given that the President's fiscal year 2020 budget request proposed an entire elimination of not only the Space Grant Program, but also the entire Office of STEM Engagement. Founded in 1989, the NASA Space Grant Program is made up of a national network of colleges and universities. It is a program that inspires, educates, and develops America's future technological workforce with hands-on projects, courses, and research, ensuring that our next generation is excited and equipped to thrive in our Nation's aeronautics and space programs. I would be remiss if I didn't say that my district, Colorado's Second District, which I am proud to represent, is home to three Space Grant consortium members: Colorado State University in Fort Collins; the University of Colorado in Boulder; and Front Range Community College. These institutions support almost 300 students, preparing them for successful STEM careers. In April, I was proud to lead a bipartisan letter with the entire Colorado delegation in support of this program. The program doesn't just provide benefits to my home State, but to the entire country, Space Grants consist of over 850 affiliates and 52 total consortia across the country. There is one in every State, as well as the District of Columbia. From reaching Mars, to exploring the depths of the galaxy, if we want to ensure that our Nation remains on a path of discovery and innovation, we must invest in our students and education. With that, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment before them, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of funding for a critical, lifesaving program, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS. We know that background checks save lives. Since the NICS background check system was put into effect, over 38 million background checks have been conducted, preventing over 3 million firearm purchases from ending up in the wrong hands. In 2018, Colorado conducted 340,816 checks against the NICS system with 6,279 denials. Making sure that guns are not sold to people who should not have them is one of the most important things we can do to prevent gun violence. But we can, and we must do more to strengthen the background check system. The dangers of an incomplete system are clear. Just about 2 years ago in November of 2017, a gunman walked into a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and fatally shot more than two dozen people. The shooter was prohibited from owning a firearm due to a domestic violence conviction he received while serving in the military, but the Air Force failed to upload the proper record to NICS, and the gunman was able to pass a background check and purchase the firearm that he used in that massacre. In response to that incident, this body authorized additional funds to support the efforts of States and Federal agencies to submit critical criminal history and mental health records to NICS. The need for these funds was underscored just 2 months ago in April in my home State of Colorado. A Florida woman who should not have been able to buy a gun and could not have bought one in her home State, traveled to Colorado, passed a background check, and purchased a shotgun. Schools around the region were forced to close as authorities searched for the woman following credible threats made to schools across the Front Range. These episodes underscore why it is so critically important that we increase funding for the NICS program so that we can continue to enhance it and improve it, and ultimately save lives. I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment to try to prevent gun violence in our country. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Chair, I want to thank my distinguished colleague from South Carolina for his leadership on this amendment. With respect to the Member from Arizona, I, given his comments, look forward to him voting for this amendment as well. It is an incredibly important amendment, and, ultimately, this program has been our Nation's premier conservation program for over 50 years. I would like to thank the Appropriations Committee for their work to reprioritize the program after the President's budget actually proposed drastic cuts to LWCF. As a result of their efforts, the bill before us today would provide the highest level of funding for the program in 17 years. I have the great honor of representing the State of Colorado, and I have seen firsthand the benefits that LWCF brings to our State. Colorado received $278 million in LWCF funding over the last decades, including for a variety of areas in my district: Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, to name just a few. LWCF not only conserves critical land; it is an investment in outdoor recreation economies. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in the LWCF is $4 in economic value from natural resource goods and services. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the distinguished gentleman from South Carolina for bringing forth this amendment. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, due to a committee meeting, I was delayed with regards to the following vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 356. Stated against:

Mr. NEGUSE

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to spare me this false outrage because if this really were about gang violence, my colleagues have continuously had opportunities to pass legislation that would curb that threat. If this were about gun violence and gang violence, where were my Republican colleagues last year when Congressman Connolly introduced H.R. 5960, a bill actually called the Preventing Gang Violence Act of 2018, a bill that they killed in committee? If my colleagues across the aisle truly wanted to combat gang violence, why did they refuse to let H.R. 1297, the Youth PROMISE Act, come out of committee when it was introduced in the 114th Congress by Congressman Scott? At the end of the day, there is no question that no one is interested in allowing gang members to benefit from the American Dream and Promise Act, and that is why this bill addresses this exact issue. At the end of the day, the Secretary has the ability to deny any applicant if they have directly participated in gang activity, even if they have not been convicted of a crime. Mr. Speaker, what we have lost in the debate today, in my view, is what this bill is all about at its core. I rise today not just as a Member of this body, not just as a proud American, but as the son of immigrants, as the son of African refugees who came to the United States over 35 years ago from a war-torn country in east Africa. They became naturalized citizens, and they never forgot nor took for granted the freedom and the opportunities that the United States of America gave them and their children. That I am able to stand in this Chamber with all of my colleagues today is proof that the American Dream is real, and I want it to be attainable for generations to come. That is why we must pass H.R. 6 today. Right now, there are young people all across our country who know no other home but the United States. These kids are dedicated and willing to put in the hard work to earn a college education. They are excelling in their careers. They are contributing to our communities in countless ways every day. We cannot allow these young people to continue to live in fear, to be at risk every single day of being ripped away from their lives and losing everything that they know. In America, immigrants are integral parts of each of our communities and of our economy. They are our friends. They are our neighbors. They are our coworkers. They are fighting each and every day, just as we are, to live up to the American ideals that our country was founded on. Mr. Speaker, I have often heard my colleagues on the other side of the aisle offer quotes in this Chamber, in my limited time here. Well, let me give you a quote. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer a quote, and the quote is as follows: ``It is bold men and women, yearning for freedom and opportunity, who leave their homelands and come to a new country to start their lives over. They believe in the American Dream. And over and over, they make it come true for themselves, for their children, and for others. They give more than they receive. They labor and succeed. And often they are entrepreneurs. But their greatest contribution is more than economic, because they understand in a special way how glorious it is to be an American.'' That quote, those are not my words. Those are the words of President Ronald Reagan, and they were delivered by President Ronald Reagan in 1980, the same year my parents came to the United States. Let's pass H.R. 6 today, and let's treat every person in our country who has struggled and is just as American as you and I are, let's treat them with the respect that they deserve. Vote ``no'' on this motion to recommit, and let's pass H.R. 6 today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I may be new to Washington, but, apparently, I have learned something that the other side of the aisle has not, which is how to read a bill. If my colleagues go to page 11, line 21, of this bill, they will learn that gang members are not eligible under H.R. 6. Mr. Speaker, if my colleagues don't believe me, I will quote the bill, that the applicant ``knowingly, willingly, and willfully participated in offenses committed by a criminal street gang . . . with the intent to promote or further the commission of such offenses'' may be denied by the Secretary of Homeland Security. So, look, spare me. Spare me, Mr. Speaker. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. NEGUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the motion to recommit.