Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Leonard Michael Perlmutter, a great Coloradan and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and cousin. Leonard Perlmutter, born October 16, 1925 to Phil and Belle Perlmutter in Denver, Colorado died July 8, 2018 in Denver. Leonard (or ``Len'' or ``Laz'' as he was known to many) was married for 66 years to his college sweetheart Alice and they had three children Ed (Nancy), Joe, and Cassie (Joe Levi), six grandchildren (Alexis, Abby, Zoe, Ian, Aaron and Braden) and one great-granddaughter (Lily). He was predeceased by his mother and father, his sister Ann Reinstein, brother Jack, and sister Roz Altenberg. Laz was a lifelong Coloradan and lived in Denver and Jefferson County. He attended Colfax Elementary, Lake Junior High, West High School and the University of Colorado at Boulder. He played all manner of sports from baseball to tennis to skiing to squash and handball. As a kid, he fished pretty much every stream Colorado has to offer. Laz was a true citizen of the West in business and civic matters. In 1951, with family members and a close friend, he helped start and build Perlmutter and Sons, a prestressed and precast concrete company. Perlmutter and Sons became Prestressed Concrete of Colorado before eventually becoming Stanley Structures, which spanned the Rocky Mountain West, Texas, Arizona and Canada, and employed more than 2,000 people. Laz served as CEO of Stanley Structures for many years. It was a union business from top to bottom and was instrumental in building thousands of structures including airports, resorts, roads and bridges, federal and state installations and laboratories, military bases, apartments, warehouses, office buildings, shopping centers, and hospitals. Laz was a dedicated ambassador for National Jewish Health for more than 40 years. He became a member of the Board of Directors in 1978 and served in a variety of key leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1983 to 1986. He was on the Executive Committee of the Board since 1980 and a Lifetime Director and even served as interim President and CEO from 1991 through 1993. Laz's other civic engagements included: lifetime member of the Colorado Forum; Chairman of the Denver Symphony; Chairman of the international trade and standards organization called Prestressed/ Precast Concrete Institute; Chairman of the Santa Fe Opera; Board Member of the Foothills Art Center; Trustee of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Board Member of Colorado National Bank Shares; President and Chairman of Colorado Open Lands; President of Reed Street Elementary and Wheat Ridge Junior High PTA's; precinct committee man and district captain for the Democratic Party in Jefferson County; head of Economic Development in the Roy Romer Administration; Chairman of the University of Colorado Foundation; and Board Member of the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges. He also taught graduate courses in political science at the University of Colorado at Denver as an adjunct professor. He loved and respected everyone, no matter their station in life or their background. He had time for everyone, especially his family and friends. Laz was a Democrat from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. Even so he had friends all over the political spectrum. He was egalitarian and community-minded. He had a great sense of humor with a big wide smile and a twinkle in his eye for just about everyone. On behalf of my family and the people of Colorado, I extend my deepest appreciation to Leonard Perlmutter for his dedication to and good works for his community and for his love of Colorado, the mountains and his family.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Nadler. Mr. Speaker, I agree with Mr. Gianforte and with Mr. Cuellar. We have outstanding men and women in Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I am not going to do anything to disparage the many good men and women that we have, but I will never, never support these abominable policies coming out of the Trump administration that tear families apart, that these men and women are having to implement because the White House has decided they are going to go into the immigrant communities and tear them apart. This is a piece of legislation that is not necessary, and I say that to my friends on the Republican side. We support the good men and women in law enforcement as Democrats, but I will not support any of these policies or even look like I am supporting any of the immigration policies of this President. They are terrible, and they are hurting this country. I urge a vote of ``present'' on this particular piece of legislation.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I was not present to vote from July 10, 2018 through July 13, 2018 due to the passing of my father, Leonard Perlmutter. Had I been present for roll call No. 321 on passage of H.R. 200, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act, I would have voted ``NAY.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 325 on passage of H.R. 3281, the Reclamation Title Transfer and Non-Federal Infrastructure Incentivization Act, I would have voted ``NAY.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 326 on passage of H.R. 6237, the Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019, I would have voted ``YEA.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 328 on passage of H.R. 50, the Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act, I would have voted ``NAY.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Sergeant George J. Seader, Jr., U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force, for his service to our country. Sergeant Seader served in the Army Air Corps from March 11, 1942 to October 23, 1945 as an aircraft engine mechanic in the Air Forces in the European Theater of Operations. He performed maintenance and repair work on B-17 bomber motors, inspecting, testing and replacing parts in the motors and flight control systems of the bomber aircraft. During his service overseas, Sergeant Seader was stationed in England, France and Belgium with the 353rd Headquarters Detachment, 353rd Fighter Group. Sergeant Seader was awarded the Army Good Conduct, European- African-Middle Eastern Campaign and WW II Victory Medals. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Sergeant Seader returned to Colorado and worked as a farmer, in construction and as a truck driver. Sergeant Seader celebrated his 100th year birthday on June 30, 2018. Sergeant Seader's courageous service has charted the path for future generations of men and women to serve in the military. I extend my deepest appreciation to Sergeant Seader for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Captain Thomas A. Hoffman, U.S. Army, for his service to our country. Captain Hoffman graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Science and as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon his graduation and went on to serve on active duty for almost five years in the U.S., Europe and Republic of Vietnam. He served with the 14th Cavalry Regiment patrolling the border of East Germany and as an airborne parachutist officer in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, Captain Hoffman participated in the TET Counteroffensive and the Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III and IV. His military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation, National Defense Service Medals and Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars. Captain Hoffman served for 24 years in the Jefferson County Public School system in various positions from teacher to school administrator. Additionally, Captain Hoffman continued his public service as a community activist, mediator, ski instructor, and volunteer firefighter and on the board of directors for the Coal Creek Canyon Fire Protection District. Captain Hoffman's courageous service has charted the path for future generations of men and women to serve in the military. I extend my deepest appreciation to Captain Hoffman for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the team from Red Rocks Community College on becoming a finalist for a fourth year in a row in the National Science Foundation's Community College Innovation Challenge. This program serves as an innovative way for community college students to partner with local industries to create pioneering STEM-based solutions for real world issues. The Red Rocks team addressed the important challenge of helping the 250,000 Americans suffering with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury each year by designing BraceX, a low-cost solution to help patients stay mobile during recovery. BraceX is intended to reduce weight-bearing at the knee joint by using a passive spring system that bypasses the knee by transferring the weight to other parts of the leg during the walking cycle, helping patients quickly recover and return to their independence. I congratulate the Red Rocks Team of Bradley Helliwell, Keegan Salankey, Logan Beford, Justin Nichols, Justin Troche, and their faculty advisor Liz Cox for their success. I applaud this group for their dedication to this important project and their leadership and commitment to STEM education. I am proud of the work Red Rocks Community College does every day and I look forward to seeing what the school and these students accomplish in the years to come.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Katherine (Katie) Wood for receiving the Congressional Gold Award. The Congressional Award is an award from the United States Congress for young Americans who demonstrate excellence in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. It is awarded to young people who strive to challenge themselves and reach new goals. Katie received this award because of her determination, hard work and achievements in these program areas. This year, Katie is being awarded the Gold Congressional Award--the highest honor and a tremendous accomplishment! In past years, Katie has earned two Silver Congressional Awards. This type of achievement can only be attained with hard work and perseverance, both of which have been exemplified by Katie in this award process and in her day-to-day life. I applaud students like Katie who work to make the most of their education, commit to being lifelong learners and develop a work ethic and new skills which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Katie Wood for winning the Congressional Gold Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Chair, I offer a simple amendment today to increase funding for DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's facilities and infrastructure account by $5 million. Mr. Chair, I would like to thank the chairman and ranking member of the Energy and Water Subcommittee for their support of the facilities account over the last few years. As Chairman Hultgren knows, I represent Golden, Colorado, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL is the premier energy efficiency and renewable energy lab in the world. For more than 40 years, NREL has led the charge in research and design of renewable energy products affecting the way we utilize and secure American energy. Labs like NREL are working to bring life-changing technological innovations to the market so we can better power our Nation and reduce costs for our customers. The facilities account supports NREL by funding operation of the Energy Systems Integration Facility, general operations, safety and security of the lab, as well as maintenance and replacement of infrastructure and equipment at NREL. This is the account that enables NREL to focus its research dollars directly into new research and technologies. The bill in front of us today makes significant investments in infrastructure and equipment at many of DOE's other 16 national labs, including through the Office of Science. NREL has those same needs for modest investments in new equipment to stay on the cutting-edge and avoid losing American leadership in materials, research, high- performance computer modeling, and more. Congress has supported DOE's national labs and science activities very well in the last 2 years, yet EERE's facilities account has remained flat. This $5 million increase is needed this year to fund a growing list of equipment and maintenance needs at NREL, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment. It takes $5 million from the administration account and adds $5 million to the facilities account. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment. The facilities account at NREL has been held flat. We need to boost and improve some of the equipment there. So I think this is a needed amendment, and I would ask for an ``aye'' vote. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, on June 6, 2018, I was not present to vote on H.R. 8, the ``Water Resources Development Act of 2018'' or H.R. 3249, the ``Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2018.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 238, I would have voted ``Yea.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 239, I would have voted ``Yea.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Margaret Agnew for receiving the 2018 Trivity Health and SilverSneakers National Instructor of the Year Award. This award honors SilverSneakers instructors who put in tireless dedication and efforts into making their classes a great experience and encouraging members to get more out of life. Margaret was selected as the winner based on her experience and teaching style. She has more than 34 years of experience as an instructor and teaches nine different SilverSneakers classes at Apex Community Recreation Center in Arvada, Colorado. Margaret's commitment to those she teaches is commendable and has helped many class members become inspired and motivated to live their best life. Congratulations to Margaret Agnew for this well-deserved recognition by Trivity Health and SilverSneakers.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Colonel Warren A. Spaulding, United States Army, Retired, for his service to our country. Colonel Spaulding graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1952. Upon his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant, he served in the Air Defense Artillery branch, and later transferred to the Field Artillery branch of the United States Army. Colonel Spaulding served multiple tours of duty in both the continental U.S. and international tours in Japan, Korea, the Republic of Vietnam and Germany. Colonel Spaulding's dedication to military education led him to serve as a professor of military science at the University of Colorado--Boulder, in the ``Golden Buffalo Battalion'' from 1973 to 1975. Colonel Spaulding was recently inducted into the University of Colorado's Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Golden Buffalo Battalion Hall of Fame for his untiring efforts as a military educator. Following his military retirement, Colonel Spaulding continued his work in education at the Colorado School of Mines--working to keep the ROTC detachment on the Colorado School of Mines campus. Colonel Spaulding's courageous service has charted the path for future generations of men and women to serve in the military. I extend my deepest appreciation to Colonel Spaulding for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Yadira Tiscareno Escalera for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Yadira Tiscareno Escalera is a student at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Yadira Tiscareno Escalera 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 Yadira Tiscareno Escalera for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Private First Class Ralph O. Frang, United States Army, for his service to our country. Private First Class Frang served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945, serving in Normandy, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe during World War II. Private First Class Frang's military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 bronze battle stars and the Bronze Service Arrowhead, and the Good Conduct Medal. Private First Class Frang started his military career training with the 10th Mountain Division in Colorado before transferring to the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper where he participated in the D-Day landing at Normandy Beach on June 6, 1944. Private First Class Frang's courageous service has charted the path for future generations of men and women to serve in the military. I extend my deepest appreciation to Private Frang for his dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Miguel Olivas Maldonado for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Miguel Olivas Maldonado is a student at Arvada K-8 and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Miguel Olivas Maldonado 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 Miguel Olivas Maldonado for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jane Poole for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Jane Poole is a student at Oberon Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jane Poole 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 Jane Poole for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Belen Tzintzun Chavez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Belen Tzintzun Chavez is a student at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Belen Tzintzun Chavez 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 Belen Tzintzun Chavez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jacob Hernandez for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Jacob Hernandez received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Jacob Hernandez 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 Jacob Hernandez 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Emily Ogata for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Emily Ogata is a student at Waren Tech North and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Emily Ogata 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 Emily Ogata for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Josue Estrada for receiving the Adams County Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. Josue Estrada received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Josue Estrada 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 Josue Estrada 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Philip Saharchuk for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Philip Saharchuk is a student at Two Roads Charter School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Philip Saharchuk 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 Philip Saharchuk for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Isaac Naftz for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Isaac Naftz is a student at Pomona High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Isaac Naftz 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 Isaac Naftz for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Riley Neary for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Riley Neary is a student at Oberon Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Riley Neary 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 Riley Neary for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Delilah Romero James for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Delilah Romero James is a student at Mandalay Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Delilah Romero James 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 Delilah Romero James for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.