Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to begin with responding to my friend's, Mr. Woodall's, concerns about the numbers of amendments, what the percentages are and all that stuff. We have authorized and made in order 407 amendments to be debated on the floor of this House. That is after some 475 amendments were debated in the Committee on Armed Services. Of the ones that we have today, let's see, 53 percent are bipartisan or Republican, and 46 percent are Democratic amendments. So, among all of these amendments, there is plenty of opportunity for all of us to have some say as to how the NDAA is going to be shaped for this coming year. The second thing that the gentleman mentioned was the Great American Outdoors Act. That is a bipartisan bill. The ranking member, Mr. Cole, stated his support for this thing which can and will preserve millions and millions of acres of public land and national parks through funding. We know the Senate has passed it. We consider it a major matter where time is of the essence for the benefit of beautiful places all across America, and we want to get that done. The two other bills are the childcare bills. In this pandemic that we face, childcare has been turned upside down like so many other things that have been dealt a blow by the virus. Time is of the essence in trying to correct that so America can get back to work, but without assistance in the childcare arena, that is just not going to happen. So we want to get these things moving. So, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia and my other colleagues for joining me here today to speak on the rule, the National Defense Authorization Act, the Great American Outdoors Act, the Child Care Is Essential Act, and the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act. Passage of this rule today will allow the House to continue our important work for the people. We will uphold our oath of office to protect the United States through consideration of the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act. We will complete the step we took last year to support full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund by passing the Great American Outdoors Act, and we will take meaningful steps to help hardworking Americans who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring that they have access to affordable childcare so they can get back to work as soon as possible through passage of these two acts. Over the next few days and weeks, we will take action on these important bills; we will begin our work to fund the government through the passage of the House fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills; and we will renew our calls for the Senate to act and pass the next pandemic relief package, the HEROES Act, to help Americans across the country as we respond to this miserable virus and its effects on our Nation. So I hope all my colleagues can join us in getting started with that work by passing the rule here today. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and on the previous question.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon), a member of the Rules Committee.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I inquire how much time remains on both sides.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee met on Friday and reported a rule, House Resolution 1053, providing for consideration of H.R. 6395, known as the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, under a structured rule which makes in order 407 amendments. The rule provides for en bloc authority with en blocs debated for 30 minutes each. The rule also provides for consideration of this Senate amendment to H.R. 1957, the Great American Outdoors Act. The rule further provides for consideration of H.R. 7027, the Child Care is Essential Act, and H.R. 7327, the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act, under closed rules. Finally, the rule provides for suspension authority through September 20, 2020, and recess authority as well as same-day authority through September 21, 2020. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by commending Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry for their leadership and calming influence that they bring to the appropriately named Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. This will be the 60th consecutive year that Congress enacts this important legislation, and I think it is a direct testament to the hard work and collegiality of these two gentlemen. The NDAA fulfills our constitutional obligation of protecting our Nation by providing our military the tools they need to provide for our national defense, confront terrorism, and defend our democratic values overseas. The legislation also provides essential care for the backbone of America's fighting force, our servicemembers and their families. The bill includes a 3 percent pay raise for our servicemembers and makes key investments in military infrastructure. The bill allows our military to maintain readiness, expand capabilities, and invest in the software and technologies required to secure our country. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, including our military. This NDAA would authorize funding to strengthen the DOD and the country's ability to respond to this and future pandemics by creating $1 billion pandemic preparedness and resilience national security fund. H.R. 6395 does all of this while abiding by the budget agreement from last year and incorporates hundreds and hundreds of bipartisan ideas. The Armed Services Committee adopted 475 amendments during their markup, and this rule makes in order another 407 amendments for the House to consider and work its will. This legislation exemplifies exactly how this institution is supposed to work. Another bill included in this rule is H.R. 1957, the Great American Outdoors Act. Since its creation in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected millions of acres of land across the U.S. It has funded national parks like the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado as well as tens of thousands of State and local park projects in all 50 States. LWCF ensures all of us can enjoy fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities and preserve our public lands for future generations. I have long supported the LWCF, and I was proud to see the LWCF permanently reauthorized last year. Now, with H.R. 1957, the House can pass the Great American Outdoors Act and make the funding for the LWCF permanent. As the Trump administration continues to slash protections for our public lands and natural resources, it is now more important than ever to permanently fund the LWCF. I am glad the Senate has finally acted and passed this important bill so we can send this to the President's desk for his signature. The last two bills addressed in this rule focus on important gaps in our economic recovery from COVID-19. The Child Care is Essential Act, H.R. 7027, creates a $50 billion stabilization fund to help childcare providers which have been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic, with over 40 percent of providers in danger of closing. Access to childcare is absolutely necessary for our economic recovery. This bill will stabilize childcare providers so we can ensure parents can get back to work as the States reopen. But we must also ensure this childcare is affordable for working parents hit hard by the economic downturn. That is why our next bill, the Child Care for Economic Recovery Act, H.R. 7327, expands and makes refundable the childcare tax credit and includes additional resources to improve childcare facilities. By filling the gaps to make childcare more accessible to working families, this bill helps parents who would otherwise reduce their hours or delay reentering the workforce due to childcare. I urge all my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bills. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1053 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Woodall), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Ruiz).

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, with you, to honor the heroes from the Aurora theater shooting in Colorado on July 20, 2012, and the everyday heroes who make sacrifices for their community, including those we have seen emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight years ago today, 12 lives were taken, 70 were wounded, and hundreds more suffered emotional trauma. Yet, even in this tragedy, we saw incredible heroism that night--those who carried people to safety and cared for the gravely wounded. We saw those who sacrificed themselves by shielding others, such as: Jonathan Blunk, John Larimer, Matt McQuinn, and Alex Teves. It is these four men who inspired you, Mr. Speaker, and me to introduce H. Res. 1051, to designate July 20 as National Heroes Day. Today, we mourn John Lewis, another real national hero. During these trying times, everyday heroes have been particularly visible during the coronavirus pandemic where we have seen tremendous acts of selflessness and bravery. Join me in saying thank you to the hero in your life, and let us exhibit their courage and service today and throughout the year.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Mark Johnson, Executive Director of the Jefferson County Public Health Department for receiving the American College of Preventive Medicine's Distinguished Service Award, recognizing his more than 30 years of service in the public health sector. Additionally, in September 2019, Dr. Johnson also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Public Health in the Rockies. Both awards recognize Dr. Johnson's significant contributions and leadership in public health. During his tenure at Jeffco Public Health, Dr. Johnson has been instrumental in improving the quality of life and health outcomes for local residents and communities. Among his notable accomplishments is his work to help write and pass the Colorado Public Health Act in 2008, which requires use of assessments to determine population health and systemwide capacity issues; develops a five-year state and local public health improvement plan based on assessment results; and engages communities to increase and improve the availability and quality of public health services. The goal of the bill is to ensure that core public health services are available to every person in Colorado. Under Johnson's leadership, Jeffco has been one of the healthiest areas in the state with lower teen birth rates, lower sexually- transmitted infections, access to parks and recreation, safe food and access to healthcare. Jeffco is doing better in some areas than Colorado and the country. Dr. Johnson also worked to establish the Colorado School of Public Health, comprised of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado State University and the University of Northern Colorado. It is the first accredited and only collaborative school of public health in the region. Dr. Johnson planned to retire in June 2020 but in an effort to maintain continuity for the public health workforce on the frontlines of the pandemic and a population facing a health crisis, announced he would delay his retirement to help see JCPH and Jefferson County residents through this unprecedented time. In retirement, Johnson was looking forward to spending time with grandchildren, and remaining active in his church. We appreciate his sacrifice and ongoing service to our community during this crisis and congratulate Dr. Mark Johnson on a lifetime of service to public health and to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor heroes from the theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado on July 20, 2012. Twelve lives were taken, seventy were injured, and hundreds suffered emotional trauma. Yet even in this tragedy, we saw incredible heroism that night--those who sacrificed themselves to save others, those who helped others while badly wounded themselves, and lives that were saved by the tireless efforts of first responders and medical teams. These men inspired me to act on a National Heroes Day Resolution: John Larimer, age 27, was a Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class and cryptologic technician who was stationed at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora for about a year. He was murdered protecting his girlfriend and his friend inside the theater, jumping into action to protect them once the shooting began. John was the youngest of five siblings from Crystal Lake, Illinois. Jonathan Blunk, age 26, served his country in three tours in the Middle East. His desire was to become a Navy Seal. He was at the theater with a girlfriend when the shooting started and immediately pushed her under the seats, saving her life. Jonathan was shot multiple times and suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his heart. He left behind a widow and two small children in Reno, Nevada. Matt McQuinn, age 27, was in love with his girlfriend and wanted to marry her and start a family. When the shooting began, he leaned over his girlfriend to get her out of harm's way. She was shot but survived. He was shot nine times; the most of anyone in the theater. He was survived by his parents, brothers, and girlfriend in Ohio. Alex Teves, age 24, was born and spent his early years in New Jersey before moving to Arizona and then onto Colorado where he earned a master's in psychology the month before he was killed. He counseled kids with unique learning and emotional challenges at Humanex Academy. He was murdered after pulling his girlfriend down to safety, leaving himself exposed; a bullet hit him in the forehead as he whispered comforting words of love. He was the oldest of three siblings. After his death, Alex's parents, Caren and Tom, began the ``No Notoriety'' movement asking that the media stop concentrating its coverage on the shooters for the sake of public safety. This movement is widely endorsed by law enforcement and on both sides of the aisle. These individuals inspired me to introduce a resolution with my colleagues from the Colorado Congressional Delegation to designate July 20th as ``National Heroes Day'' to honor their memory and all those who save lives and improve their communities. Those whose loved ones have been taken by horrific acts of violence, have honored their memories with action and now ask us to do the same. I will always remember the exceptional acts of courage displayed by those in Aurora and will continue working with my colleagues to enact meaningful reforms to prevent these horrific acts of violence.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sherry Ellebracht, who after 22 years working for the Regional Transportation District (RTD), is retiring. Sherry's dedication to transportation for the State of Colorado has made a significant impact which will last for years to come. In 1998, Sherry joined RTD's government relations department working to engage with local, state and federal leaders on issues related to transit and transportation in Colorado. In her role, Sherry managed all state and federal activities and monitored proposed legislation in the Colorado state legislature and in the U.S. House and Senate. At the federal level, one of her primary responsibilities involves coordinating the agency's annual appropriations requests and authorizations in the transportation funding bills. In addition, she monitored all municipal activities and worked with the RTD local government liaison to stay abreast of local issues, including representing RTD on the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies (CASTA) Board of Directors and even serving as President of the organization. She has been a part of RTD for the passage of two significant public votes, 4A for the SE corridor and FasTracks, as well as FFGAs for the Southeast ($525 million), West ($308 million) and Eagle P3 lines ($1.03 billion) and over $257 million in federal funding for Union Station--a total of close $2 billion in federal funding. Outside of her work at RTD, Sherry is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority alumnae and has held various positions in that organization. In 2008, she was nominated for the Denver Area Panhellenic Alumnae Achievement Award. Through her work with RTD and other groups, Sherry has created numerous partnerships and helped improve outcomes in the transit community and for the quality of life of the residents of Colorado. I congratulate Sherry on a lifetime of service and wish her all the best in retirement.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today, to recognize the 20th anniversary of a local small business in Lakewood, Colorado--A Fresh Start. A Fresh Start is a prime example of the American Dream--owned and operated by Tom Bogeljic, a Bosnian refugee who came to the U.S. in 1997, and shortly after settling into the Denver suburbs, opened his own small business. A Fresh Start has grown substantially in the last 20 years, and Tom has been at the forefront of its growth. A Fresh Start opened its doors in Lakewood, Colorado on December 1, 1999 and has provided commercial and residential cleaning to places across the 7th Congressional District and Denver Metro area. It has survived quite a few challenges over the last 20 years, surviving the Great Recession as well as being designated an essential service during the current COVID-19 public health crisis. During Small Business Month, I want to recognize Tom and his business as examples of a true entrepreneurial spirit and his contribution to our community by using eco-friendly materials and putting his employees first. I extend my congratulations to Tom and A Fresh Start on its achievement of 20 successful years in our community. Keep up the good work.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Zachary McMillan for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Zachary McMillan is a 12th grader at Bollman Technical Education Center/Legacy High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Zachary McMillan 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 Zachary McMillan for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jason Waring for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Jason Waring is a 11th grader at Bollman Technical Education Center/ Legacy High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jason Waring 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 Jason Waring for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephanie Rossi, who after 40 years of teaching, is retiring. Stephanie's dedication to education in the Jefferson County School District and to the State of Colorado has made a significant impact on students which will last for years to come. Stephanie started teaching in the Jeffco School District in 1994. Currently she teaches courses in social studies--including AP U.S. history, world religions, and psychology--as well as geography and American government. Her reputation has become so legendary that kids who haven't even reached high school cross their fingers to one day join her classroom. She even has special nicknames, becoming known as Rossi Woman or Mama Ross within Wheat Ridge High School. And she does all of it with a smile on her face, and the passion and creativity that she gives to her students each and every day is tremendous. In addition to her teaching career, Stephanie has provided countless hours and resources to the Jefferson County community by serving on local and state boards and commissions. She spent countless hours working with the Jefferson County Education Association and in 2015 received the Williams College's annual George Olmsted, Jr. Class of 1924 Prize for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching. In her spare time, she works to improve school culture by promoting and encouraging diverse perspectives for students and adults alike. She also leads a Peace Jam Club, which promotes peaceful problem solving, and Compassion Crew, an anonymous student group that recognizes people who commit acts of kindness. Her contribution to the Jefferson County School District and the Jefferson County community is remarkable and her teaching has inspired thousands of students to pursue their dreams. I congratulate Stephanie on a lifetime of service and wish her all the best in retirement.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lilie Stoolman for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Lilie Stoolman is a 12th grader at Horizon High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Lilie Stoolman 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 Lilie Stoolman for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners 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 Kay Martinez-Acosta, who after 30 years of teaching, is retiring. Kay's dedication to education in the Jefferson County School District and to the State of Colorado has made a significant impact on students which will last for years to come. Kay Martinez-Acosta was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Growing up, Kay was known for being an exceptional student and avid reader. She was committed to her chosen career path at a young age. Kay always knew she wanted to be a teacher. After she graduated from Marycrest High School in 1986, she received a scholarship and enrolled in the teacher's program at the University of Northern Colorado. She received her bachelors degree in Elementary Education in 1990 and did her student teaching with Denver Public Schools. In 1991, Kay accepted her first elementary school teaching position with Jeffco Public Schools and remained with the district throughout her career. She taught at Eiber Elementary School, Sierra Elementary School and has been currently teaching at Vanderhoof Elementary School for 24 years! In 1992, Kay married her husband Lee Acosta and they moved to Arvada, Colorado and raised two daughters, all while maintaining her teaching career and continuing her education. In 1999, Kay received her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Development from the University of Phoenix. In addition, she received an English Language Learner endorsement. Kay has made a difference teaching first, second and third graders, touching the lives of more than 750 school children during her notable career. She has even taught two generations of Jeffco families. I salute Kay on her retirement from 30 years of teaching in the field of elementary education and thank her for her incredible service to our community. Kay's contribution to the Jefferson County School District and the Jefferson County community is remarkable. I congratulate Kay on a lifetime of service and wish her all the best in retirement.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, it is good to see a Coloradan in the chair. I rise today in support of the rule, the HEROES Act, and H. Res. 965. Madam Speaker, I want to start by thanking Chairman McGovern for his leadership and his vision through this Congress and especially these last difficult months. COVID-19 has affected every corner of our country and the world. The impact of the virus and the blow to our economy is massive, and Congress must act with force and speed. While some of my colleagues may argue that we are spending too much money, these packages are a fraction of the losses we have suffered in this country and around the world. I am proud the HEROES Act includes a provision I introduced with Representative Joe Morelle to provide $500 billion for States to help them to respond to the crisis and to avoid harmful cuts to law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, healthcare, and others at a time when we can least afford it. The HEROES Act also includes a $375 billion provision from fellow Coloradan Joe Neguse for local, county, and municipal governments so they can maintain critical services. Another provision that I worked on is the inclusion of the bipartisan SAFE Banking Act to provide legitimate cannabis businesses that are legal under State laws access to the banking system. The bill passed this body last fall with 321 votes, including 91 Republicans. Cannabis businesses across the country have been deemed as essential during this pandemic, and these businesses and their estimated 243,000 employees deserve equity with other legal businesses. The SAFE Banking Act would also address the increased health risk of spreading COVID-19 on banknotes and coins, as well as the increased public safety risk associated with this cash-only industry. At a critical time, SAFE Banking will help protect jobs and encourage lending in our communities. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the HEROES Act, and I also encourage them to vote for H. Res. 965. We had a spirited debate on this yesterday in the Rules Committee, and the fact is that we cannot let Congress come to a grinding halt, which is what I think some of my Republican colleagues would like to have us do. I believe it is legislative malpractice if we don't allow for remote voting during this pandemic. Mr. McGovern has acknowledged this is a first step, and I hope we continue discussions and eventually work on a permanent change to the House rules to ensure Congress operates with speed through future emergencies.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kerry Glenn, who after 30 years in the Adams 12 School District, is retiring. Kerry's dedication to STEM education in the Adams 12 School District and in the City of Northglenn has made a significant impact on students which will last for years to come. In 1984, Kerry graduated from Northglenn High School and received his bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1989. In 1990, he started teaching math at his alma mater, Northglenn High School. He continued to advance his own learning, and in 2003, he earned a MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, Denver. From 2003 to 2012, Kerry was the instructional leader of the math department at Northglenn High School. In addition to teaching all levels of mathematics, Kerry also taught Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering classes from 2010 to 2012. These positions reflect his talent for bringing people together and fostering and strengthening collaboration in education--all with a smile on his face. In addition to his teaching career, Kerry has provided countless hours and resources to his community by serving on local and state boards and commissions including District STEM Coordination, CTE DAG team, City of Northglenn Business Recognition, City of Northglenn Branding, Adams County Business Pitch Committee, Adams County Education Consortium, Adams County Manufacturers Youth Pipeline, Colorado P TECH, as well as Board President of Anythink Libraries. He also cofounded STEMinspired. In 2012 as STEM Coordinator, Kerry used the K-8 Adams 12 STEM Model to design and implement the curriculum in grades 9 through 12. In 2016, Kerry became the District P TECH/STEM Coordinator. Through both the STEM and the P TECH programs in Adams 12, Kerry has created hundreds of industry partners that work side by side with students, helping to improve outcomes for students and the surrounding community. I congratulate Kerry on a lifetime of service and wish him all the best in retirement.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Building Safety Month and the men and women of the International Code Council (ICC) for their dedication to public safety. Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council and its partners to remind the public about the role our code officials' play in ensuring safe, efficient, and livable buildings. The theme this year is ``Safer Buildings, Safer Communities, Safer World,'' and encourages all of us to raise awareness of the importance of safe and resilient construction, fire prevention, disaster mitigation, and new technologies in the construction industry. The International Code Council brings together local, state and federal officials to develop an international standard to protect us in the buildings we live, work, and play in. Those standards are then implemented year-round by building safety officials, architects, engineers, and laborers to ensure the safe construction of buildings. Building and fire prevention departments are essential to the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic by protecting the health and welfare of building occupants. They enforce regulations requiring sanitation of hospitals, plumbing systems, and adequate facilities for handwashing. They inspect existing infrastructure, including plumbing, mechanical, ancillary, and fire safety systems to verify safe maintenance. With natural disasters increasing in frequency and severity, building codes include important safeguards to protect the public from snowstorms, tornadoes, and earthquakes. In April of this year, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) found adopting modern building codes saves $11 for every $1 invested. This means fewer casualties, property damage, business interruptions, and insurance costs. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking the International Code Council Board President and Chief Building Officer for Thornton, Colorado, Greg Wheeler, ICC's Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, ICC's members and staff, and ICC's partners in the construction and design community across the country as we all recognize Building Safety Month.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Faylenn Denny for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Faylenn Denny is a student at Drake Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Faylenn Denny 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 Faylenn Denny 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 Aiko Prindavong for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Aiko Prindavong 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 Aiko Prindavong 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 Aiko Prindavong 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 Abigail Troestler for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Abigail Troestler is a student at Arvada West High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Abigail Troestler 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 Abigail Troestler 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 Kindria Cunningham for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Kindria Cunningham is a 10th grader at The Academy and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Kindria Cunningham 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 Kindria Cunningham for winning the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.