Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Casey Shade for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Casey Shade is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Casey Shade 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 Casey Shade 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 applaud Jessica Gutierrez Quezada for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Jessica Gutierrez Quezada is a student at Jefferson Jr./Sr. H.S. and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jessica Gutierrez Quezada 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 Jessica Gutierrez Quezada 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 applaud Isabella Ciotti for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Isabella Ciotti is a student at Arvada K-8 and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Isabella Ciotti 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 Isabella Ciotti 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 applaud Julie DeLuna for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Julie DeLuna is a student at Jefferson Jr./Sr. H.S. and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Julie DeLuna 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 Julie DeLuna 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 applaud Sabrina Zuniga for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Sabrina Zuniga is a student at Jefferson Jr./Sr. H.S. and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Sabrina Zuniga 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 Sabrina Zuniga 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 applaud Jamie Gonzalez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Jamie Gonzalez is a student at Jefferson Jr./Sr. H.S. and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jamie Gonzalez 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 Jamie Gonzalez 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 William (Bill) Alexander McKee of Golden, Colorado who passed away on February 7, 2021. Bill was born in Lake Forest, Illinois and grew up in Barrington, Illinois. He graduated from Barrington High School in 1970 and went on to graduate from the University of Denver in 1974 with a B.A. in Political Science. In 1977, he received a Masters of Urban Affairs with an emphasis in Budgeting and Administration from the University of Colorado. In 1979, Bill began his career with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment in the Water Quality Division. During his 26 years at the department, he worked to protect the rivers, lakes and streams of Colorado. Whether working with grants, permits, regional planning, nonpoint source pollution or as the Upper Colorado Watershed coordinator, Bill realized water pollution was about all of us working together and influenced how various jurisdictions were expected to comply with the Clean Water Act. Bill met his wife Suzy through common friends in 1978. They married in 1979 at Pine Valley Ranch in Pine, Colorado and moved to Golden, Colo. soon thereafter. During his 38 years in Golden, Bill was constantly working to improve his community. Bill embraced Golden, as he did water. He served from 1988 to 1996 on the Golden Planning Commission and was elected to the Golden City Council from 1996 to 2004. Bill's time on both city council and the planning commission coincided with important changes in the history of Golden. Alongside fellow city leaders, Bill worked to revitalize downtown and bring more business and tourism to Golden. Many of Bill's lasting contributions were to the boards and organizations where he served, such as his tenure as president of the Friends of the Golden History Museum and Park. Bill helped shepherd this organization from a volunteer organization to the professionally run museum it is today. For many years, Bill also volunteered for the Leadership Golden Alumni Association Board. In 2003, Bill joined the board of the Colorado Watershed Assembly. He served on the board for 10 years and as the chair for four years. Bill helped grow the yearly Sustaining Colorado's Watershed Conference into a top-notch multi-day event. He was a guiding force, a natural leader, and he saw the value of a statewide conference for watershed groups, private and government sectors, and concerned citizens to gather and share their mission of ensuring clean water for all Coloradans. Bill loved spending time with his family, gathering with close friends, hiking with his faithful dog Grace, attending local ribbon cuttings, attending meetings, attending more meetings, following our local sports teams, reading the Denver Post daily, skiing the steeps, golfing, biking, playing the guitar and occasionally his flute, making the best spaghetti sauce ever, enjoying quality scotch while smoking a cigar around the fire, whistling, singing to the radio, spending time in the mountains of Colorado, and traveling. Bill was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Suzy McKee, their children Meredith McKee, Gregory (Kari Hogan McKee); and grandchildren, Frances, Ace, and Mac McKee. I appreciate and thank him for a lifetime of service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the rule and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has cost the lives of over 500,000 Americans-- more than all the casualties of World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam war combined. Millions more have been infected and are recovering from the virus. Our economy has lost more than 10 million jobs. Countless businesses have failed or are at risk of failing. So our job today in Congress is to move quickly to address the physical, emotional, and financial health of all Americans. We can accomplish all three of these priorities through passage of the American Rescue Plan. I want to touch on a few of the provisions included in this package. First, our State and local governments, firefighters, police, transportation workers, and healthcare providers have been on the front lines of the pandemic, supporting their communities by developing testing capabilities, supporting vulnerable populations, and now deploying the vaccines as quickly as possible. I am glad this bill includes $350 billion for State and local governments all across the country. We also need to work quickly to extend expiring unemployment programs, which expire on March 14. We saw what happened when Senator McConnell paused last year, and Coloradans are still struggling to receive the benefits they are owed. This legislation will invest $130 billion to support K-12 schools as they work to return to in-person learning and help students catch up. It will also include $40 billion in rental and housing assistance. In the last month, Colorado has seen a record amount of requests for rental assistance. The time for action is now. President Biden is laser focused on delivering relief to all Americans, and I am proud of his leadership so we can provide this needed assistance as we vaccinate more people each day. America needs this, America wants this, and they are going to get it.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sharon Leatrice (Karr) Ritzman of Golden, Colorado who passed away on February 8, 2021. Sharon's childhood was spent in Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating high school in Nebraska, Sharon went on to attend the University of Iowa. There she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Shortly thereafter, Sharon married Vern Ritzman on August 28, 1965 in Omaha, NE. Following their wedding, Sharon accompanied Vern on his career path of family medicine, all the while holding a variety of meaningful positions herself. Sharon's accomplishments include chief operator for Northwestern Bell Telephone in Sioux City and Iowa City, Iowa; client advocate with the Colorado Job Corps; special assistant to the United States Air Force Red Horse Officer Corps at Osan Air Force Base in Korea ('68-'69 Pueblo Incident); healthcare quality assurance consultant for Northrop Corporation ('84 Saudi Arabia); office manager of Vern's practice, president of both the Clear Creek Valley and Colorado Medical Society Auxiliaries, and an advocate for child health issues through the American Medical Association. Sharon became active in the community in which she and Vern raised their family--Wheat Ridge, Colo. She owned a ladies' boutique, Stepping Out, where her daughter helped to manage the store and created memories there together until Sharon's retirement in 2004. During retirement, Sharon and Vern traveled the world and enjoyed time with their family and friends. Sharon was a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. Sharon is survived by her husband of fifty years Dr. Vern Ritzman; son Michael Ritzman of Breckenridge, Colo.; daughter Michelle (Matt) Spidell, of Glenwood Springs, Colo.; grandson Trevor Ritzman of Lakewood, Colo.; and furry granddaughters Daisy and Maya. I appreciate and thank her for her lifetime of service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize William (Bill) Douglas of Boulder, Colorado who passed away on February 4, 2021. Bill grew up outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended Drexel University before joining the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant in the Korean War. After the war, he entered graduate school at the University of Colorado. Upon graduation, he began a multi-faceted life and career as an author, historian, tennis coach, college administrator, foundation president, and business consultant. In 1959, his graduate thesis, A History of Dentistry in Colorado 1859-1959, was published as a book and widely read by dentists and Colorado historians. Bill was known and admired for his passion for education and he held several administrative positions at the University of Colorado including dean of admissions, financial aid, and registrar. In 1972, Bill helped found the University's Presidents Leadership Class (PLC) to help prepare students to become ethical leaders for Colorado's future. The class became one of the first collegiate leadership programs in the United States. After leaving the University, Bill became assistant vice president of the Boettcher Foundation from 1980 to 1987 and then President from 1987 to 1996. As president, he oversaw numerous grants and scholarships that the Foundation awarded to individuals and organizations throughout the state. After retiring from the Foundation, Bill served as the Colorado representative for Fiduciary Trust International for more than 12 years before retiring in 2013. In 2005, the University of Colorado and the Boettcher Foundation established the William A. Douglas Endowment Fund for the Presidents Leadership Class. Bill was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Susan, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I appreciate and thank him for his lifetime of service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joe ``Val'' Valentin Vigil of Thornton, Colorado who passed away on February 5, 2021. Val, as he was known, was born on July 9, 1947 in Taos, New Mexico to Manuel Vigil and Felicia Vallejos. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and secondary education from Adams State University in 1971. Val went on to start his own financial consulting business, Vigil & Company, which he continued operating until his passing. Val served in local and state government in Colorado for many years. I had the pleasure of working with him when he was a State Representative for House District 32 and during his tenure as a Thornton City Councilmember for eight years--two of which he was Mayor Pro Tem. Beginning in the 1970's, Val became active in the Democratic party for many years where he advocated for the Latino community and issues such as education. During his term in the Colorado State Legislature from 1999 to 2006, he became known for his legacy of promoting higher educational opportunities for students across Colorado. One of Val's lasting impacts on Colorado was his work to pass the ASSET Bill (Senate Bill 13-033), which grants in-state tuition to undocumented students. In addition to his service in state and local government, Val served on the Board of Trustees for Adams State University from 2011 through 2019. He was an active member of the Adams State Denver Alumni Chapter, and volunteered many hours at local schools as a guest speaker. He was in high demand to speak on immigration issues and was considered an expert on the topic, as he was the first legislator in Colorado to introduce the in-state tuition legislation in 2000. Val was known and admired for his passion for community service and his dedication to expanding educational opportunities and advocating for issues important to Colorado's Latino community. Val was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He loved camping, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Celina Annabelle Vigil, children Nadine (Sammy) Cordova and Valerie Vigil, and grandchildren Brandon, Jared (Brianne), and Amanda (Jorge) and one great grandchild, Hazel. I am deeply grateful for his lifetime of service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carl Cerveny of Wheat Ridge, Colorado who passed away on January 27, 2021. Carl Albert Cerveny was born on October 11, 1929. He attended Columbine Elementary School, Smiley Middle School and graduated from East High in 1947. He then enrolled at the University of Colorado as a second-generation CU student in the business school and graduated with a degree in marketing in 1951. In 1957, Carl helped to found the Wheat Ridge Optimist Club. Being a founding member was no coincidence, with family and friends frequently describing Carl as one of the most optimistic people they knew. He ran their annual Optimist Pancake Supper for 60 years and served as president of the club twice. In 2010, the Club established the Carl Cerveny Scholarship Fund for graduates of Wheat Ridge High School. Carl was known and admired for his passion for community service and his dedication to the Wheat Ridge community. He played an active role in enforcing the special election provision of the TABOR amendment in the city. Carl served on the board of the Westridge Sanitation District for 10 years, also serving as its president, and also served on the Planning Commission of Wheat Ridge for 10 years. In 1997, he walked the entire length of Wheat Ridge with his wife, Gretchen, when she ran and was elected the Mayor of Wheat Ridge. Carl had a separate career running the Scotchman Restaurant in Wyoming. After the closure of the restaurant in 1977, Carl began his second career in real estate. After earning a Broker Certification from the University of Colorado and working for several agencies, Carl owned/operated Carl Cerveny Realty until he retired in 1999. Carl served on the Legislative Committee of the Colorado Association of Realtors and was honored with the Political Service Award by the Jefferson County Association of Realtors in 1991. Carl was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gretchen, along with their three children and families: daughter Mara Marks, husband Stephen and their son Colby; daughter Carla Rail, husband Anton and their son Jacob, daughter Martha, and son Nathan with his wife Emily; son Chris Cerveny, wife Lorie Chandler and their sons Chandler and Chase. I appreciate and thank him for his lifetime of service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain David Sagel of the Westminster Fire Department who passed away on January 24, 2021 after courageously battling work-related cancer for more than a year and a half. Captain Sagel served in the Westminster Fire Department for 34 years, in roles as a firefighter and engineer to lieutenant and captain. Throughout his career, Captain Sagel was best known for his passion for community service. In his off-duty time, he instituted and led a foster home renovation program where he worked with Adams and Jefferson Counties to identify foster homes in need of repairs and recruited the help of other fire department members and local businesses to assist in renovating them at no cost to the families. For many years, he served as the organizer for the ``Hot Times KOOL Cars'' event in conjunction with KOOL 105.1 FM, which was an annual car show that raised money for Children's Hospital of Colorado. Captain Sagel's passing during Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder to redouble Congress' efforts to prevent occupational cancers of firefighters and invest in additional healthcare research and development of new safety equipment to protect firefighters as they work to protect our communities. Captain Sagel was a beloved and devoted husband and a loving father. He was a master craftsman who loved woodworking and restoring cars and tractors. He spent his free time fishing with his boys and father, traveling the world with his wife and close friends, and making a mess in his barn. Captain Sagel is survived by his wife, Pam, and his two sons Spenser and Austin. I appreciate his lifetime of service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize William (Peter) W. Grant, III, who passed away surrounded by family on December 12, 2020. Peter was born in New York to W.W. Grant III (Bill) and Katherine (Kocie) O'Connor in 1932. He attended Phillips Academy, Andover MA and Yale University, graduating with a degree in English. While at Yale, he met Rhondda Lowery and they were married in 1955. They moved to New York City where he had started his career at Bankers Trust Company in 1954. Together they moved to his parents' hometown of Denver in 1958. He attended Harvard University's two summers-long Advanced Management Program in the mid '70s, widening his ever-growing circle of friends and associates worldwide. A nearly lifelong Colorado resident, he retired in 1993 from his position as Chairman of the Colorado National Bank of Denver and Colorado National Bancshares after a 35-year career there. He rose from bond trader to President and Chairman, over years that brought a multitude of changes in banking from a single branch to holding companies; the addition of a credit card issuer (Rocky Mountain BankCard); interstate banking and finally a sale to First Bank Systems (now USBank) in 1993. His second career as a devoted philanthropist and advisor spanned over many years. He was a Director of Plains Petroleum and Barrett Resources. He served on, often chairing, the Boards of The Gates (rubber) Family Foundation, The Denver Museum of Nature and Science (formerly the Denver Museum of Natural History), The Nature Conservancy of Colorado, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Episcopal Church Foundation, Four Mile Historic Park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy (formerly the Rocky Mountain Nature Association), the Illif School of Theology, the Midwest Research institute, Colorado Energy Science Center, KRMA-TV, Channel Six, as well as an active vestryman and Senior Warden for St. Barnabas Episcopal Church (of Denver). He was active in the Andover Alumni Association and funded a scholarship. With his wife of 65 years, Rhondda, they supported the Smithsonian American History Museum providing lead funding on the Jefferson Bible conservation and printing and the Abraham Lincoln exhibit at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. They have been significantly involved in the Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, supporting the Gates Summer Internship Program as well as other initiatives in stem cell research there. Most recently, they were one of three sponsors of the Denver presentation of American Democracy: a Great Leap of Faith developed by the National Museum of American History and currently on exhibit at the History of Colorado Center. He stood with integrity, honesty, intelligence and admirable devotion to his large Grant family and his friends with a great sense of humor. Peter was a long-time steward of Grant family interests in Colorado properties. His father Bill initiated development of their parents farm property southwest of Denver in the early '80s. Peter and two other family branch representatives entered into a partnership with Jordan Perlmutter to develop a number of shopping centers at the sites. One family branch resides in England; Peter was instrumental in persuading British Airways to open daily direct service to Denver. The Grant Family managing ``Senior Committee'' which he developed, survives today as a model of family investment and stewardship now serving and benefiting the 4th, 5th and 6th generations. Peter was a devoted fan of the Colorado Rockies, both the hockey team (now the New Jersey Devils) and his beloved baseball team. He is survived by his wife Rhondda, their three daughters: Hallidie Haid (Don), Deirdre Mercurio (Jim) and Liza Grant, as well as six grandchildren: Relly, Wes, Marielle, MacKenzie, Patrick and Caleigh. I appreciate his lifetime service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Harry T. Lewis, Jr., a long-time Denver business and civic leader, who passed away on November 11, 2020. Harry was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Margretta (Borrmann) and Harry T. Lewis. The family moved to Denver when Harry was two years old. Harry attended East High School and earned his A.B. in Art History from Dartmouth College and his M.B.A from the Amos Tuck School of Business in 1956. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and spent most of his service stationed in Honolulu, HI. Harry began his career in Denver in 1959 as a C.P.A and spent the bulk of his career as an Investment Banker in Denver with Boettcher & Co. and Dain Bosworth. In 1990, he established his own firm, Lewis Investments. Throughout his life and career, he held strong beliefs in the importance of giving back to the city and state he loved. He invested substantial time and expertise to multiple non-profit and civic organizations, guided by his viewpoint we should all strive to improve our quality of life and better the City of Denver. Harry served on numerous community boards including the Boettcher Foundation, Colorado Outward Bound School, C.S.U. Research Foundation, Colorado Forum, Dartmouth Association of the Great Divide, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Denver, Inc. and The Stapleton Foundation. In his personal life, he was an avid skier and fly fisherman, loved fine art, good wine and opera, and was a passionate gardener. Harry Lewis was predeceased by his beloved wife, Tanya (deLuise) Lewis (2001) and a son, Colin M. Lewis (2016), and is survived by his son, Kevin H. Lewis, his daughter Valerie Lewis Savoie, and grandchildren Derek and Connor Lewis, Isabelle and Duncan Lewis and Julia and Cael McCarthy. I appreciate his lifetime service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lee Moss Kutner who passed away surrounded by family on December 18, 2020. Lee was born in Niagara Falls, New York in 1955. When he was nine, his family moved to Oak Park, Michigan. When in college, Lee's parents later moved to Denver, Colorado. Lee graduated from the University of Michigan in 1976 and then went on to graduate from the National Law Center of George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1980. Following his graduation, Lee moved to Denver and began as an associate in a law practice in 1981, in short time becoming a partner. He later became the primary shareholder in Kutner Brinen, PC where he enjoyed 37 years practicing corporate reorganization and bankruptcy law with his partner and friend, Jeff Brinen. Lee pushed the practice of bankruptcy law forward, setting precedent, speaking at conferences, and publishing chapters in respected legal texts. Lee was a beloved and devoted husband of 38 years and was a loving, father, and grandfather. He never missed a moment in the lives of his children and never missed a moment to celebrate his wife. He was brilliant, honest, and kind. He told his family he loved them every day, and it was the last thing he told them before he passed. Lee is survived by his wife, Cynthia, his children, Justin (Jennifer Sisk), Alyssa, Mia, and his grandson Charles Julian Kutner. He is also survived by his sister, Roslyn Zigmond, and many sisters and brothers- in-law and nieces and nephews. I appreciate his lifetime service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeff Dorschner of the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado, for his more than 20 years of service to the state and people of Colorado. Throughout Jeff's time with the U.S. Attorney General's office, he has had many different responsibilities and roles--from Spokesman and Public Affairs Specialist to a Member of the Executive Management Team. He is best known and will be remembered for his hard work and dedication to the office and the people it serves. During his tenure, Jeff handled media relations for the office on issues large or small, and no matter what time or day of the week. This required Jeff to know about all office activities, stay up to date with major investigations and law enforcement events, and be well versed in all offices policies and programs. He served as a spokesperson on many diverse subjects, ranging from criminal law to civil law and financial litigation, and served as a credible voice on behalf of the U.S. Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorneys. He developed long-standing, close relationships with members of the news media, referred to by many reporters upon his retirement as one of the state's ``top-tier'' Public Information Officers (PIO), always helpful, trustworthy and responsive. In his role in public affairs and as part of the Executive Management team, Jeff provided sound advice and counsel to the U.S. Attorney as well as responded to citizen inquiries. On occasion, Jeff would also handle inquiries from Members of Congress or state or local elected officials. Jeff was on duty on 9/11/2001 and was subsequently assigned as the Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Attorney's Anti-Terrorism Advisory Committee (ATAC). During his tenure with the U.S. Attorney's Office, Jeff coordinated more than ten different visits by other U.S. Attorneys General as well as visits by the Deputy Attorneys General of the United States. He served four Presidents (Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump) along with many presidential appointed and acting U.S. Attorneys (Tom Strickland, Richard ``Dick'' Spriggs, John Suthers, William ``Bill'' Leone, Troy Eid, David Gaouette, John Walsh, Bob Troyer and Jason Dunn). I want to extend my deepest appreciation for Jeff's long career in public service and countless contributions to our community. I wish him the best in retirement and future endeavors

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I am filled with sadness and anger following the attack on the U.S. Capitol today. It is the result of a fever that has been building for weeks, months and years and which has only been further incited by President Trump. Today is a point of inflection and reflection, and we need to say enough. This only strengthens our resolve to get the Electoral Votes counted and certified and continue with a peaceful transition of power, as has been a hallmark of our nation. The vote was decisive. Despite the ongoing pandemic, we saw a historic 158 million Americans vote. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won 306 votes in the Electoral College after earning the support of more than 81 million Americans. After 60 failed lawsuits and dozens of recounts, there is not one shred of evidence of major fraud in this election. Yet ever since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won this election, there has been a concerted effort to overturn the will of the voters. These objections are unfounded, absurd and dangerous. They are contrary to 60 courts which denied claims of fraud or vote improprieties. I am saddened to see many of my colleagues continue to peddle these lies and falsehoods instead of supporting the peaceful transition of power enshrined in our Constitution. Our elections are among the safest and most transparent in the world. For that, I want to thank the tens of thousands of Americans who work to secure our elections each and every year, including Colorado's elections officials and workers who continue to exemplify a successful mail-in voting system and workers for Dominion Voting Systems based in Colorado. Unfortunately, due to these baseless attacks on the election results, many of these election workers have been threatened and intimidated. Yet these poll workers did their duty and counted the votes, shepherding and overseeing one of the most fundamental and integral pillars of our democracy--free, fair and open elections. Today, Congress resolves to complete our work in Joint Session to formally receive the votes of the Electors, which have not been disputed by any state. Our job is not to overturn the will of the voters or the states, it is simply to certify their decision on who will be the next President and Vice President of the United States. I urge all my colleagues to reject these frivolous and dangerous objections to the vote of the Electoral College and join with the country in supporting the peaceful transition of power. It's time to get back to the business of the people and of the country as we build a better future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Dale Schmitz, WWII Veteran who served with the 115th Cavalry. Mr. Schmitz not only served his country honorably; he is a grandfather and a man of integrity that has committed to serve his community. On December 22nd, Mr. Schmitz will turn 100 years old. On this day, Adams County will proclaim, ``Dale Schmitz Day'', honoring his six years of service to our country and commitment to his family and community. After his service with the 115th Calvary in World War II, Mr. Schmitz took a job with Eaton Metals in Denver, CO, staying with the company until the 1980's. During this time, Mr. Schmitz continued his service to the community by helping the Guardian Angels Catholic School in the Berkley neighborhood with maintenance work. Mr. Schmitz was an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity until the age of 95 and continues to give back to Veterans through organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project. At the age of 97, Mr. Schmitz flew to Washington, D.C. by himself with the, ``Rocky Mountain Honor Flight Program'', visiting the memorials and landmarks that were dedicated to the service of WWII Veterans. Mr. Schmitz has been recognized by his community and has helped every neighbor through acts of service by shoveling their snow, mowing their grass, outdoor repairs, and becoming a favorite with the neighborhood dogs by providing them with hot dogs. Mr. Schmitz was called to service when his country needed him, and then continued his service to his fellow neighbors and community. I want to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to Mr. Schmitz for his contribution and service.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ron Wagoner with the City of Lakewood for his long tenure with the City and his countless contributions to our community. Ron began work with the City of Lakewood on December 28, 1970 and, after 50 years of service, plans to retire in January 2021. Throughout his time with the City, he has had many different responsibilities and roles--from Laborer to Maintenance Supervisor--but he is best known for his work ethic and delightful nature. Through 50 winters, he has ensured snow removal and ice control for the City of Lakewood and its residents. He actively participated in the Colorado Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA), particularly related to snow, ice and pavement, and chaired the APWA Snow and Ice committee from 1985 to 2013. During his service, he also managed pavement quality for 1,345 lane- miles of city streets. This meant selecting, coordinating and directing suppliers of multiple maintenance materials including pavement, sewer, waterline, sand, and salt as well as evolving equipment purchases to support maintenance of streets, sewers, waterlines and storm water facilities. Ron also helped lead and participate in emergency responses to infrastructure failures, storm damage, police responses and fire responses, and helped hire and supervise untold numbers of employees with varied backgrounds. Ron's work ethic and leadership earned him Lakewood's Employee of the Year in 2016. Outside of work, Ron is a dedicated father and grandfather. I want to extend my deepest appreciation for Ron's long career in public service and countless contributions to our community. I wish him the best in retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Rob Strain, a friend and constituent who is retiring as President of Ball Aerospace headquartered in Colorado. Rob first joined Ball Aerospace in 2012 after serving as Director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. At Goddard, Rob's strong oversight and leadership skills contributed to the success of more than 13 missions as he was able to blend technical and programmatic solutions while under intense Congressional and agency scrutiny. Rob has a hands- on managerial style and collaborative nature which makes him a critical contributor on mission teams and not just the person in charge. Rob helped devise and execute a smooth transition from the flawed tri-agency NPOESS program for the Nation's next generation polar weather satellites to the NASA-NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) based at Goddard to ensure the continuity of these critical weather satellite observations. The significance of his thoughtful, effective leadership during the program's transition cannot be overstated. Rob also served a key role for the final Space Shuttle servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission encountered a major programmatic challenge from a pre-launch computer failure one month before the scheduled launch. In this ``failure is not an option'' moment, Rob brought together the government and industry expertise to fix the problem, ensured the team stayed on track, and minimized schedule impacts. The result was a successful servicing mission, extending Hubble's incredible contributions to our scientific community as we approach 31 years in service. Prior to joining NASA, Rob led the Space Department of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where he was integral to the successful development, launch and operations of the New Horizons spacecraft to Pluto. New Horizons overcame numerous technical and instrument availability issues to meet an extremely tight planetary launch window and successfully flew by Pluto in 2015. Through his career at Ball Aerospace, Rob has been a strong champion for diversity and inclusion across his teams and empowering all members of the team to be themselves and contribute to the success of the business and the mission. Despite the success Rob has achieved in his career, he remains an incredibly approachable and humble person. Rob remains accessible to individuals at all career levels, actively seeking their input and making them feel valued. I will miss Rob, for his dry sense of humor which often brought levity to serious meetings and tense situations. I thank him for his friendship and his work on behalf of the aerospace community, Colorado and the Nation. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Hodge, a former Colorado State House Representative, State Senator, current Adams County Commissioner, and a great Coloradan. Commissioner Hodge was born and raised on the eastern plains, an area she has well-represented for decades. Throughout her tenure serving the State of Colorado, Commissioner Hodge has held numerous positions. Commissioner Hodge was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2000 where she served two terms. She then was elected to the Colorado State Senate and finished her second term in 2016. During her time in the Colorado State Legislature, Commissioner Hodge held several leadership roles, including Chair of the House Local Government Committee, Chair and Vice Chair of the Joint Budget Committee, and Chair of both the Rural Economic Development and Early Childhood Development Joint Legislative Interim Committees. As a legislator she championed legislation supporting whistleblower protections for local government employees; Newborn Heart Defect Screening Pulse Oximetry; and the completion of Fitzsimons Veteran Community Living facility. In 2016, Commissioner Hodge was elected to serve as the District 5 County Commissioner for Adams County, and in 2018, she served as Chair of the Board. As Commissioner, she maintained an equitable trajectory of projects for the eastern plains, the most notable being the pioneering of an innovative new gravel road mixture and technique. Another notable achievement driven by Commissioner Hodge was the designation of the new Colorado Air and Space Port. She was critical in championing this project, garnering political support and refining Adams County's proposal to expedite the comfort and trust of their partners at Denver International Airport. While our state has been blessed with capable leadership throughout its history, few rise to the caliber and reputation of Commissioner Hodge. I wish Commissioner Hodge all the best in retirement and send gratitude for her service to the Adams County community and the great state of Colorado. I thank her for her service.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise for a couple of purposes today. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Rob Strain, a friend and constituent who is retiring as president of Ball Aerospace, headquartered in Colorado. Rob first joined Ball Aerospace in 2012, after serving as director of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. At Goddard, Rob's strong oversight and leadership skills contributed to the success of more than 13 missions, as he was able to blend technical and programmatic solutions while under intense congressional and agency scrutiny. Rob has a hands-on managerial style and a collaborative nature, which makes him a critical contributor on mission teams and not just the person in charge. Rob helped devise and execute a smooth transition from the flawed tri-agency NPOESS program for the Nation's next-generation polar weather satellites to the NASA/NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System, JPSS, based at Goddard to ensure the continuity of these critical weather satellite observations. The significance of his thoughtful, effective leadership during the program's transition cannot be overstated. Rob also served a key role for the final space shuttle servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission encountered a major programmatic challenge from a prelaunch computer failure 1 month before the scheduled launch. In this ``failure is not an option'' moment, Rob brought together the government and industry expertise to fix the problem, ensured the team stayed on track, and minimized scheduled impacts. The result was a successful servicing mission, extending Hubble's incredible contributions to our scientific community as we approach 31 years in service. Prior to joining NASA, Rob led the Space Department of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where he was integral to the successful development, launch, and operations of the New Horizons spacecraft to Pluto. New Horizons overcame numerous technical and instrument availability issues to meet an extremely tight planetary launch window and successfully flew by Pluto in 2015. Through his career at Ball Aerospace, Rob has been a strong champion for diversity and inclusion across his teams and empowering all members of the team to be themselves and contribute to the success of the business and the mission. Despite the success Rob has achieved in his career, he remains an incredibly approachable and humble person. Rob remains accessible to individuals at all career levels, actively seeking their input and making them feel valued. Rob, I will miss your dry sense of humor, which often brought levity to serious meetings and tense situations. Thank you for your friendship and your work on behalf of the aerospace community, Colorado, and the Nation. I wish you the best in your retirement. Election Results Were Fair

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, the second purpose I rise today is to respond to one of my friends who is questioning the validity of the election. He couldn't be more wrong. The gentleman from Alabama and I work on legislation together. We cosponsored a bill that was just signed. But with respect to his allegations and the allegations of attorneys that there has been major fraud in this election, I can tell you that they couldn't be more wrong. There is not a shred of evidence. I would say to my friend, under the Constitution--under Article I, Section 1.4--the States are in charge of their elections. And under the section concerning the Presidency, Article II, Section 4, we choose when we hear from the electors of the electoral college--which will be January 6. But citing a New York Post article of an unnamed Democrat, who supposedly is an expert in elections, certainly is not evidence. In the cases across the country, there has been no evidence, and case after case has been thrown out, as they deserve to be thrown out. In fact, the Supreme Court just threw out a case yesterday concerning claims against Pennsylvania and its election process. Mr. Speaker, I don't understand how these attorneys can bring these cases without facing sanctions by the various courts for bringing frivolous, vexatious, and abusive litigation. This election was fair. There have been many instances where they are trying to find some level of fraud. No fraud has been found. Joe Biden is the President-elect, and we will make him President on January 20, when the inauguration occurs.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I was not present to vote on passage of H.R. 1380 on Thursday December 3, 2020. I wish to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote. Had I been present for roll call No. 232 on passage of H.R. 1380, the Big Cat Public Safety Act, I would have voted YEA.