Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Addison Wallace for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Addison Wallace is a student at Three Creeks K-8 and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Addison Wallace is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Addison Wallace for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Christine Arbogast for receiving the 2020 Wayne N. Aspinall Water Leader of the Year award presented by the Colorado Water Congress. This lifetime achievement award honors Coloradans who have long demonstrated courage, dedication, knowledge, and strong leadership in the development, protection, and preservation of Colorado water. As only the third woman to receive this prestigious honor, Christine exemplifies all of these qualities and is deserving of this recognition. Christine is the President of Centennial-based Kogovsek & Associates, specializing in water management, development and conservation, the use and protection of public lands, and American Indian issues. Christine has worked for decades on these issues and has made an impact on the state of Colorado. She is the current President of the National Water Resources Association and led its Federal Affairs Committee for years. Christine is also the President of the non-profit Women in Water Scholarship Fund. She previously served as a Special Projects Administrator for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Christine's contribution to our state is remarkable as exemplified by the Colorado Southeastern Water Conservancy District when they stated, ``She was instrumental in completing the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Rights Settlement, defeating American Water Development Inc.'s attempt to appropriate Rio Grande groundwater, and creating the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Rio Grande Natural Area.'' Christine's dedication to the development, protection, and preservation of Colorado water is tremendous. I extend my deepest congratulations to my friend Christine Arbogast on this honor and for her contributions to our community and the entire State of Colorado.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Eaton Senior Communities on being awarded the West Metro Chamber of Commerce Medium Business of the Year Award. Eaton Senior Communities (ESC) evolved from the West Alameda Community Baptist Church with big ideas and a passion for serving their community. ESC is also the parent organization of several nonprofits including local senior communities in the area and the Eaton Healthy Food Truck. Since 1980, ESC's mission has been to provide affordable housing in a service-rich environment that enables all individuals to live to their fullest potential. Their wholistic approach on providing services for the whole person means they are focused on the physical, emotional, intellectual, nutritional, environmental, social, and spiritual aspects of each individuals, which is what earned them this recognition. I extend my deepest congratulations to Eaton Senior Communities for this well-deserved recognition

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Mathnasium of Littleton, and its owner Suzie Shride, on being awarded the West Metro Chamber of Commerce Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award. Opened in 2015 by Suzie Shride, the supplemental education franchise in Littleton started with six students and has now grown to serve over 175 students. In 2019, Mathnasium of Littleton was the number one Mathnasium Center in Colorado based on revenue, student count, and parent satisfaction. Suzie is an active member of south Jefferson County, investing significantly in her community and partnering with a variety of local organizations. Over the past two years, she and the Mathnasium of Littleton have donated nearly $50,000 to Jefferson County Public Schools and the Jefferson County Schools Foundation as well as thousands of dollars to Littleton and Denver Public Schools. In 2018, Suzie created the Junior Instructor Program which contributes to the leadership of dozens of fourth through eighth grade students each year. She serves as a board member for the West Metro Chamber, the Chamber foundation, and is a part of the Leadership Jeffco Alumni Association. She was instrumental in creating the Women in Business and South Jeffco Professionals at the Chamber. I extend my deepest congratulations to Mathnasium of Littleton and Suzie Shride for this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your continued contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Red Rocks Community College on being awarded the West Metro Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year Award. With campuses in Lakewood and Arvada, Colo., Red Rocks Community College is a tremendous asset in our community assisting students in meeting their career and educational goals through multiple pathways to success and in a collaborative environment. Red Rocks Community College serves thousands of students each semester, the vast majority of whom are considered non-traditional students. A typical student at Red Rocks is 28 years old on average and most work part or full-time, in addition to pursuing their degree. Many students also have a family to support as well. Red Rocks offers 150 degree and certificate programs, 40 department of Student Success Services programs, and recently became the first community college in the nation to offer a master's degree and two bachelor's degrees. Red Rocks has been ranked first among Colorado Community colleges for first-year graduate earnings and ranked third among Colorado public and private 2-year and 4-year institutions. I extend my deepest congratulations to Red Rocks Community College for this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud retired Wheat Ridge Police Chief Dan Brennan on being awarded the West Metro Chamber of Commerce Steve Burkholder Diamond Legacy Award. Throughout his career, Chief Brennan left his mark on Jefferson County--from the Lakewood Police Department, to helping create Jeffcom 911 and a regional SWAT Team, to a community approach to policing that addresses the causes of crime, not just the crime. Brennan began his 42 years in law enforcement with the Lakewood Police Department rising through the ranks from Police Agent to Commander. During his career at Lakewood Police Department, he worked in multiple positions where his leadership and dedication to the community became apparent. After being appointed Chief of the Wheat Ridge Police Department in 2005, along with other department employees, Brennan developed a new mission statement for the department: Exceptional people providing exceptional service. They also established a core set of values, with integrity at the core--which became Chief Brennan's mantra for the next 14+ years. At the Wheat Ridge Police Department, he led the charge for a community policing approach to responding to crime, traffic, and quality of life issues in the community while ensuring all officers and supervisors received CIT mental health training and engaging the community and stakeholder groups to listen to community concerns and feedback. During that time, he served on various local, state and national boards and committees, including as the President of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police. Throughout his esteemed career, he was awarded numerous awards and recognitions and was known for always trying to do the right thing for the right reasons. Chief Brennan's leadership, compassion, is collaboration, and integrity left a positive mark on our community for years to come. I extend my deepest congratulations to Chief Dan Brennan for this well- deserved recognition and thank him for his countless contributions to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Severe Weather Shelter Network on being awarded the West Metro Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Year Award. The Severe Weather Shelter Network was developed out of the Severe Weather Collaboration in 2012. The Collaboration is one of seven sub- committees of the Heading Home collaboration in Jefferson County with the goal of addressing the needs of families and individuals experiencing homelessness during life-threatening weather, such as winter nights. As a Christian ministry, the group welcomes all volunteers who share a passion for aiding individuals experiencing homelessness. The Severe Weather Shelter Network partners with community organizations and agencies to provide overnight shelter on life- threatening winter nights for individuals living on the streets. They work with local churches to provide sites to host individuals and families overnight where they can also enjoy a hot, homemade meal and friendly conversation. The group also connects homeless individuals with other much-needed resources. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Severe Weather Shelter Network for this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of victims of gun violence. Gun violence rips through a community, leaving trauma with the families and friends of the victims, the medical staff, the first responders, and the entire community for a lifetime. It is a trauma and a scar too many communities in Colorado have faced, as well as the rest of the Nation. I represented Aurora, Colorado, on July 20, 2012, during the Aurora Theatre massacre. I will never forget the victims and the families impacted by that tragedy, including, A.J. Boik, 18; Jon Blunk; Jesse Childress; Gordon Cowden, who died protecting his children; Jessica Ghawi; John Larimer; Matt McQuinn; Micayla Medek; Veronica Moser- Sullivan, only 6 years old; Alex Sullivan; Alexander Teves; and Rebecca Wingo. These people died far too young. These stories are just a few of the 36,000 Americans killed each year, and 100,000 Americans shot and injured by firearms. We cannot let this type of violence and tragedy rip through another community. Let's make 2020 the year we finally honor these victims with action.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Flights Wine Cafe, and its owners Dave Granquist and Lavonne Wise, on being awarded the West Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. Dave Granquist and Lavonne Wise purchased Flights Wine Cafe about four years ago in Morrison, Colorado. In 2019, they relocated to a larger location in Olde Town Arvada in a quaint cottage home with large outdoor patio. The Cafe hosts a variety of events from baby showers to birthday parties to weddings. They offer beer, spirit, and great food in addition to wine, and they are always looking for uncommon wines. As part of its contribution to the local community, the Cafe's ``Flights Crew'' is a community-minded group which works with Impact and Jeffco Public Schools. I extend my deepest congratulations to Flights Wine Cafe for this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tim Horne who is retiring after 27 years of public service. Tim began his career with the General Services Administration in 1993 in the Rocky Mountain Region. He worked his way up and is retiring as the Regional Commissioner for the Rocky Mountain Region of GSA's Public Buildings Service based out of the Denver Federal Center, located in the heart of my district. The Denver Federal Center is an important asset with the highest concentration of federal agencies located outside of Washington, D.C. comprised of approximately 28 federal agencies and more than 6,000 federal employees. Tim also served as the Acting GSA Administrator in 2017 leading GSA's staff of 12,000 nationwide, overseeing more than 375 million square feet of property, and approximately $50 billion in annual contracts. These positions reflect his leadership abilities, passion for public service, and a true talent for bringing people together to get things done and improve local communities. In his years of service, he has worked with me and my staff on a number of important issues and projects that impact federal agencies and federal employees in my district and the state. Tim always held the mission of GSA and the agencies and employees he served in high regard and worked to find innovative solutions on behalf of those he served. I want to congratulate Tim Horne on a long and distinguished career, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Career Links Team at Jefferson County Public Schools for receiving the 2019 Behind the Scenes Award from the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Jeffco Career Links is a one-stop resource providing tools and building connections between classrooms and careers for industries and schools. Career Links supports the work-based learning opportunities for Jeffco students to ensure their experience is connected to learning targets and real-world experience. The Career Links team is committed to providing support for Jefferson County schools in order to support quality programming and successful career paths for every student. The Career Links team has been integral in positively shaping conversations with local partners around the skills and knowledge needs to improve Arvada and Jefferson County's local talent pipeline leading to economic mobility and skill alignment for the future workforce in our community. By connecting and collaborating with industry partners, Career Links helps Jeffco Public Schools train and prepare the future workforce. Their works makes a long-lasting impact on the success of Jeffco students, builds meaningful connections with the local business community, and helps grow the local economy. Congratulations to the Career Links Team at Jefferson County Public Schools for this recognition from the Arvada Chamber, and I extend my deepest appreciation for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kevin Garcia, Communications Supervisor at Jeffcom 911, for his exceptional performance and contributions to our community and for his recognition of an Industry Professional by the NG911 Institute. Kevin is one of 20 Communication Supervisors at Jeffcom 911, overseeing the day-to-day operations of a large Communications Center and the management of 118 Emergency Communications Specialists. As a dispatcher of 23 years, Kevin played a critical role in Jeffcom 911's first 18 months of operations since launching as the new consolidated regional communications center. Kevin was one of the select few line- level personnel involved in the integration of eight public-safety answering point (PSAP) and 24 agencies that serve 600,000 residents and produced a call volume of 971,254 emergency and non-emergency calls. Kevin was instrumental in using his experience for developing organizational policy and user guides for a multitude of systems, including individual training for major upgrades on the `Safe-to-Tell' software--which was particularly time sensitive for informing local School Resource Officers of potential threats to staff and students within Jefferson County. Kevin worked hand-in-hand with the IT department with the development and functionality of the CAD system at Jeffcom 911 from the start when the operations floor was an empty shell all the way through construction and set-up to the state-of-the-art facility it is today, resulting in an enormous resource of information and guidance for the 150 Jeffcom 911 staff. In addition to his technical acumen, Kevin is equally valuable to the Jeffcom 911 staff for his leadership in personnel matters and does a tremendous job managing a difficult watch schedule, assessment of trainees on the floor and providing in-the-moment guidance to employees on organizational policy, Kevin is truly a force-multiplier for management as a leader on the operations floor and has solidified himself as the ``go-to'' Supervisor for guidance on any issue. Over the past year, Kevin has also served as an instructor in the Jeffcom 911 Academy, a six-week course for training new Emergency Communication Specialists, where he has provided over 40 hours of instruction and brings both experience and great passion to the training. Congratulations to Kevin for earning recognition as an Industry Professional from NG911, and I extend my deepest appreciation to Kevin Garcia for his leadership and contributions to Jeffcom 911 and the Jefferson County community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thrive Workplace for receiving the 2019 Chairman's Choice Award from the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Since opening in Arvada just one year ago, Thrive Workplace--or Thrive West Arvada--has proved their commitment to the Arvada community. By offering a place for individuals and businesses to come together, they have shown their investment in the success of local entrepreneurs and businesses and their focus on resiliency, leadership and building community. The workspace features ample desk space laid out to foster a welcoming, vibrant space where people feel inspired to work, the lively energy that permeates our dedicated and mobile/drop-in desk space is captivating. Our workspaces aim to establish a sense of community and a familiar atmosphere that strives to promote collaboration and innovation. With more than 50 private offices and a number of private phone booths, Thrive's third location also offers a serene escape from the bustling energy of our open spaces. It also offers a 1,400-square- foot training room designed to accommodate a variety of events and is equipped with whiteboard walls and a projector as well as three conference rooms of varying sizes and a private rooftop deck. Thrive West Arvada has become the ``go-to'' spot, from lunch-and- learns to corporate training sessions for the whole team, happy hours for networking and so much more, our new venue is equipped with the versatility to meet the needs of teams large and small. It is also conveniently located near RTD's G Line and I-70, connecting the thriving Arvada community to downtown Denver. Congratulations to Thrive Workplace for the recognition from the Arvada Chamber, and I extend my deepest appreciation for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jack's & Steamers for receiving the 2019 Business of the Year Award from the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Jack's & Steamers owners--Jack and Athan Miller and Scott Parker-- not only run a successfully and lively restaurant and coffee shop in Arvada, they also give individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to have meaningful employment. Adults with developmental disabilities can gain hands-on experience and training in their prep kitchen and elsewhere in the restaurant. From their humble beginnings of two employees to their current payroll of over 120 employees, they continue to grow their mission by offering meaningful employment and expanding their business portfolio. One of their new business offerings includes A Different Kind of Jam, their own line of gourmet specialty jams, jellies and pie fillings using only the freshest natural ingredients. Jack's & Steamers continues to prove it's possible to run an enterprising and sustainable business while also focusing on employing adults with development disabilities. Congratulations on the recognition from the Arvada Chamber, and I extend my deepest appreciation for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize BeyondHome for receiving the 2019 Non-Profit of the Year Award from the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. For 30 years, BeyondHome, formerly Colorado Homeless Families, has been helping working families who are experiencing homelessness or who are on the verge of becoming homeless by helping them through difficult periods and ultimately to achieve self-sufficiency for life. BeyondHome housed its first family in December 1988. As of December 2019, it has housed 543 families with children. Of those, 446 families have graduated from BeyondHome achieving full self-sufficiency, including purchasing their own homes, graduating from tech schools, colleges or universities, and increasing their income. Today BeyondHome's specific services include affordable housing, career development, counseling, direct financial assistance and resources, and group classes focused on job readiness, nutrition and cooking, parenting or recovering from domestic violence. In 2016, BeyondHome expanded their services to include private trauma-informed therapy for parents and children. Every adult served by BeyondHome is required to complete courses in life skills, parenting, healthy relationships, financial literacy and much more. BeyondHome continues to play a critical role in the lives of working families. Congratulations on this recognition from the Arvada Chamber, and I extend my deepest appreciation for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dwayne Cameron for receiving the 2019 Ambassador of the Year Award from the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Dwayne has shown incredible commitment to the Arvada Chamber and the Arvada community through his role as an Arvada Chamber ambassador. As an ambassador, he consistently attends events and meetings and offers support and a friendly face to other business owners. It is clear Dwayne has a deep understanding of the local business community and is invested in the success of businesses in Arvada. In addition, Dwayne contributes to the Arvada community through his ownership of the Minuteman Press, a full-service marketing and print and design company based in Arvada. With years of experience and unparalleled expertise in the print industry, Dwayne and his staff offer a variety of offerings--from business cards and brochures, to labels and calendars--but always reliable service and affordable prices. Congratulations to Dwayne for this recognition from the Arvada Chamber, and I extend my deepest appreciation for his contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ron Slinger for receiving the 2019 Chairman's Choice Award from the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. The Chairman's Choice is selected annually by the Chairman of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to recognize a member of the community who has shown leadership and outstanding support to the Arvada Chamber. For more than 10 years, Ron has been a staple of the Arvada and Jefferson County community. During that time, Ron served as Red Rocks Community College's Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Solutions as well as Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Red Rocks Community College Foundation. Ron's extensive involvement, leadership and contributions in Arvada have resulted in a significant and long-lasting impact in the community. His sense of humor and kindness bring positive energy and perspective to any opportunity he undertakes. In addition, Ron positively impacted the community through active and abundant volunteerism, leadership and advocacy. He is a true advocate for the Arvada Chamber and has fully dedicated himself to the betterment of the community. Recently Ron took a new position as President of Miles Community College but has left a legacy in our community that will be difficult for anyone to fill. Congratulations to Ron on this recognition from the Arvada Chamber, and I extend my deepest appreciation for his contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lucinda (Cindy) Avram, who recently passed away. She was a great Coloradan, wife, mother and grandmother. Cindy was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and attended the University of Colorado, Boulder where she received a Bachelor of Science in 1969. She was a proud resident of Colorado and Adams County where she dedicated more than 30 years serving her community as a medical technician. As a lifelong Democrat she had a passion for politics and was very active in her party. Cindy loved her family dearly, she often spoke of them fondly to everyone she met. I got to know Cindy through politics over the years. We spent countless hours working together for our shared values. It was because of her hard work and dedication she was awarded the 2010 Volunteer Democrat of the Year Award from the Colorado Democratic Party. Cindy's vibrance and good work in our community will never be forgotten. Her passion, good nature and sense of humor was a true delight. On behalf of the people of the 7th Congressional District, I honor Lucinda (Cindy) Avram for a life well-lived and extend my deepest appreciation for her contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, the President should be impeached. His actions were an abuse of power that jeopardizes America's national security and compromises our elections. No one is above the law, and that includes the President. By withholding $400 million Ukraine desperately needed to defend itself against Russia until Ukraine did the President's political bidding, the President committed High Crimes and Misdemeanors for which he should be impeached under Article I, Section 2, Clause 5 and Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution. This abuse of power is compounded by the President's refusal to cooperate with Congress' impeachment investigation and his stonewalling of witnesses from testifying or turning over documents to Congress. Almost 14,000 people have been killed since Russia invaded Ukraine. Withholding $400 million Congress appropriated to help Ukraine defend herself unless Ukraine helped the President dig up dirt on his political rival Joe Biden was the last straw for me. People's lives and our national security were placed at risk. This was more than paying hush money for strippers, profiting from foreign governments staying at resort properties, or even obstructing justice as laid out in the Mueller Report. The Founders fought and died for freedom and independence from a tyrannical ruler and foreign government. Impeachment and removal from office was the remedy they included in the Constitution to act as a check on a President who placed himself above the law, abused his power for his own personal benefit, and invited foreign governments to get involved in our domestic affairs, especially our elections. A President who flaunts the separation of powers and checks and balances in our Constitution and who refuses to allow witnesses to appear before Congress would receive our Founders' universal condemnation. Treating taxpayer money as his own to extort a ``favor'' from a foreign government to aid him in his re-election goes to the very heart of concerns raised by our Nation's Founders when they drafted and advocated for impeachment to act as a check on the awesome powers of the chief executive. For instance, Madison said in Federalist No. 47, ``the accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive and judiciary, in the same hands . . . may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.'' He went on to say during the Constitutional Convention, ``the Executive will have great opportunities of abusing his power,'' and further that a President ``might betray his trust to foreign powers.'' George Washington's Farewell Address warned of ``foreign influence and corruption'' which leads to the ``policy and will'' of America being ``subjected to the policy and will of another.'' Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist No. 65 that impeachment ``proceeds from the misconduct of public men . . . from the abuse or violation of a public trust.'' The USA Today editorial board stated it perfectly when they wrote in their December 12, 2019 editorial: In his thuggish effort to trade American arms for foreign dirt on former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter, Trump resembles not so much Clinton as he does Richard Nixon, another corrupt president who tried to cheat his way to re- election . . . This isn't party politics as usual. It is precisely the misconduct the Framers had in mind when they wrote impeachment into the Constitution. Impeachment is the remedy the Founders placed in the Constitution to remove a President during his or her term of office. This is especially true when the misconduct involves an upcoming election. The President invited foreign participation in our elections at least three times. First with, ``Russia, if you're listening . . .,'' second with his demands on Ukraine to ``do us a favor, though,'' and third with his request for China to get involved in the 2020 election by starting ``an investigation into the Bidens.'' Any further delay or simply allowing the election cycle to run its course results in the harm and abuse impeachment was designed to prevent. For the sake of the Constitution, fair elections free of foreign interference, and our national security, President Trump should be impeached.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Judy Altenberg for receiving the 2019 Golda Meir Award from JEWISHColorado. This award honors local Jewish women who have exemplified extraordinary leadership, community involvement and support of the Federation, as well as has an outstanding ability to inspire others. Judy exemplifies the qualities deserving of this recognition. She has been active in the community for several decades through her volunteerism and nonprofit work. She has tirelessly volunteered on several boards, including as past chair, lifetime board member and trustee of the Board of National Women's Philanthropy of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). She is the past chair of the Jewish Women's Philanthropy Center of JEWISHColorado, where she has chaired several fundraising divisions, and alumna of the United Jewish Communities' National Young Leadership Cabinet. She is a 2010 graduate of the Wexner Heritage Program, an intensive two-year program of Jewish leadership and learning. Most recently, in 2019, Judy joined the Rose Community Foundation as Director of Gift Planning and Advisor Relations. She has been involved with the Foundation since 2007 as a trustee and member of the Education Committee and chair of the Jewish Life Committee. In addition to her work within the Jewish community, Judy has been involved locally and at the state level and helped at her children's K- 12 schools, including as past Chair of the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation. Judy's dedication to her community is outstanding. I extend my deepest congratulations to Judy Altenberg for her contribution to our community and our state.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee met last night and reported House Resolution 739, providing for consideration of H.R. 2534, the Insider Trading Prohibition Act, under a structured rule, which makes in order two amendments. The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Financial Services and provides for one motion to recommit. Lastly, the rule makes the motion to discharge H. Con. Res. 77, if offered by Representative Gabbard from Hawaii, in order on December 11 and that the resolution be debatable for 20 minutes. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased we are here today to provide for consideration of H.R. 2534, the Insider Trading Prohibition Act, which will establish a statutory prohibition on insider trading. For millions of hardworking Americans, investing in the stock market is an important tool to save for retirement, send their kids to college, or save for a downpayment on a home. The foundation of an efficient market is rooted in fairness and transparency, that all investors have access to the same information so they can make reasonable and prudent investment decisions. Insider trading erodes the foundation of fairness and transparency. When company insiders, or market participants with insider knowledge, use nonpublic information to trade stocks, bonds, or other types of securities, not only do they unfairly gain a financial advantage over families saving for their futures, but the insiders also erode trust in our Nation's financial system. We cannot allow insiders to take advantage of the folks who play by the rules. Current law on insider trading has been largely developed by the courts based on the antifraud statute in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, yet there is no specific law prohibiting insider trading. This lack of clarity in the law, combined with recent court decisions limiting the ability of the SEC to prosecute insider trading, has opened the door for bad actors to profit at the expense of average investors. Insider trading is wrong and undermines our economy. It is time for Congress to act and provide a clear legal standard for insider trading. This bill passed the Financial Services Committee on a voice vote in May, showcasing the importance of finally codifying a prohibition on insider trading. Since the markup, the sponsor of the legislation, Representative Jim Himes from Connecticut, has negotiated with Ranking Member McHenry to address any outstanding issues and incorporate feedback from the SEC. The text of the bill we are considering today incorporates many of the suggestions from Mr. McHenry and other Republicans. Discussions between Mr. Himes and Mr. McHenry, which concluded late yesterday, have resulted in the McHenry amendment, which enjoys the full support of Mr. Himes and Chairwoman Maxine Waters. I understand adoption of this amendment, which makes further clarifying changes, will bring the support of Ranking Member McHenry and many more of my Republican colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Himes on his efforts over the years in coming to this bipartisan compromise. This bill will be a big step forward in reinstating trust in our financial system and providing transparency for our markets. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would remind the body that we are here to talk about insider trading prohibition and not specifically the National Defense Authorization Act. But let's talk about some of the differences between the House and the Senate that my colleague from Wyoming would, apparently, just give up. She doesn't, apparently, care or is recommending that we forget about the widow's tax, which the gentleman from Georgia has really eloquently discussed the need for it. But, obviously, that is something that is in the House-passed bill and not in the Senate bill. Secondly, in the House-passed bill, there is parental leave for members of our military. That certainly is not part of the Senate bill. There is a whole section on upgrading and improving military housing for those who serve our Nation and protect us; and I know there is a specific provision in there to assist nuclear weapons workers who have become sick or ill due to all the toxicity and radiation that they suffered during, particularly, the Cold War period and, since then, in dealing with our nuclear weapons arsenal. I would suggest to the gentlewoman from Wyoming that she is just wrong on wanting to give up, recede, and let the Senate control all of this. Those priorities are serious priorities for the men and women of our military, for our nuclear weapons workers, and for widows. I appreciate her comments. We certainly want to see the National Defense Authorization Act passed as quickly as possible, but it, like so many other things, has gotten stuck in the Republican majority Senate: 275 bills, minimum, bipartisan in nature, sitting on Senate Majority Mitch McConnell's desk, no action having been taken. I would say that there is a lot of bipartisan legislation that certainly can be passed today if the Senate majority leader would actually take some action instead of just sitting there doing nothing. But coming back to this particular piece of legislation, this is a good bill; it is done in collaboration between Democrats and Republicans; and it needs to be passed. I would urge that we need to proceed with this process, move forward, get this rule passed, so we can get on with this particular piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I don't have any other speakers as well, so I will close. I assume that was my friend's closing.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I always enjoy doing these rules with my friend from Georgia. He is very kind in his compliments, and he makes points that are well taken. One, though, that I would take some issue with that he raised was with respect to the widow's tax, the bill that he brought up in committee last night. I would just say that particular bill was incorporated in the National Defense Authorization Act, which this House passed months ago, which, like so many other things, was caught up in a logjam over in the Senate where at least 275 bills, bipartisan bills, are sitting on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's desk and have not seen any action being taken. But we are here today to talk about the Insider Trading Prohibition Act, which really has come a long way. Mr. Himes from Connecticut has been working on this piece of legislation for some time. And, as Mr. Woodall said, there has been a lot of collaboration which has resulted, and, upon the passage of Mr. McHenry's amendment, will result in a pretty good bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Himes) to speak on this rule and his bill.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.