Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Spyderco for receiving a Business Recognition Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. The Business Recognition Award is given to companies that show growth in primary employment, sales and/or capital investment in the last year. Spyderco designs and manufactures innovative knives and knife accessories including one-hand opening, serrations on a folder, and a clip to attach a knife to a pocket. In the company's million- dollar testing facility, continuous testing enables the company to examine edge retention with a CATRA machine, look for rust development with Q-FOG, and test the force needed to open and close a knife. The company also repeatedly tests for stress, wear, optimal heat-treating and actively searches for higher quality, performance enhancing materials. Currently, the company has over 200 different products and produces knives across the globe in Japan, Taiwan, Italy and China. Located in Golden, Spyderco recently expanded from 5,000 sq. ft. to 17,500 sq. ft. to keep up with increased demand for its products, as well as added 10 employees and $1 million in capital investment to Jefferson County. I extend my deepest congratulations to Spyderco for this well- deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud FirstBank for receiving the Pioneer Award from the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation. The Pioneer Award is given annually to a Jefferson County company that demonstrates an ability to keep up with today's rapidly changing global economy and makes significant contributions to Jefferson County's economy. As one of Lakewood's largest employers, FirstBank is a consumer and commercial lender that has over 115 locations in Colorado, Arizona and California and over $14 billion in assets. The company is currently adding an additional 127,000 square feet to their headquarters on West Colfax. Upon completion in 2016, the location will house 900 employees with room to expand to 1,300 employees in the coming years. The expansion will enable the company to hire about 70 additional employees over the next year. I extend my deepest congratulations to FirstBank for this well- deserved recognition by Jefferson County EDC. Thank you for your contributions to the Jefferson County economy and community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, on March 21 and March 22, 2016 I was not present to vote on H.R. 4314 (Counterterrorism Screening and Assistance Act), H.R. 4742 (Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act), H.R. 4755 (Inspiring the Next Space Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act) and H.R. 4336 (Women Airforce Service Pilot Arlington Inurnment Restoration Act). I wish to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote. Had I been present for roll call No. 130, I would have voted ``YEA.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 133, I would have voted ``YEA.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 134, I would have voted ``YEA.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 135, I would have voted ``YEA.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Suzie Shride for receiving the Member of the Year award from The West Chamber serving Jefferson County. Suzie is the owner of Mathnasium of Littleton. She jumped into the West Chamber with both feet and has been running ever since. Suzie has been instrumental in growing The West Chamber's presence in South Jefferson County, and helping to grow the first leads group in the area which now has two leads groups. One of the biggest projects Suzie took on was spearheading The West Chamber's Women in Business breakfasts last year. This event has continued to grow in popularity with the first breakfast of 2016 seeing more than 80 women business owners in attendance. I extend my deepest congratulations to Suzie Shride for her honor by The West Chamber. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and commitment to the community in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize George Valuck for receiving the Steve Burkholder Diamond Legacy award from The West Chamber of Jefferson County. This award is given to an individual who is recognized as a ``shining star'' due to their leadership and contributions in making Jefferson County a better place to work and live. A husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Valuck's story stretches from Alameda Avenue to serving as entertainment for the royal wedding of Lady Diana and Prince Charles. George's recent focus has been centered on downtown Lakewood and its successful Belmar and City Commons districts. Downtown Lakewood is now home to more than 200 stores, eateries and attractions, as well as thousands of new residents and many employers, and has been cited as a world-wide example of smart new-urban living. I extend my deepest congratulations to George Valuck for his honor by The West Chamber. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same commitment to the community in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Westerra Credit Union for receiving the Large Business of the Year award from The West Chamber serving Jefferson County. In 1934, eight visionary leaders organized a not-for-profit financial cooperative, whose purpose was to put the members first when offering financial services and to treat them as valued owners. Following mergers and a name change in the early 2000s, the now Westerra Credit Union ranks among the top 150 credit unions in the United States and serves more than 95,000 members. During 80 plus years of operation, Westerra's ``people helping people'' philosophy continues to benefit communities across the country by providing fundraising and grant programs. These programs provide money for school art supplies, sports fees and after-school activities. I extend my deepest congratulations to Westerra Credit Union for their honor by The West Chamber. I have no doubt they will exhibit the same commitment to the community in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Foothills Credit Union for receiving the Small Business of the Year award from The West Chamber serving Jefferson County. The Small Business of the Year award is awarded to a business with 50 employees or less and is engaged in improving the business community in Jefferson County. Offering its members a unique credit builder program, as well as bilingual services and tax refund anticipation loans, Foothills Credit Union has served the community for more than 68 years. Foothills Credit Union has been the Donation Sponsor for The West Chamber's Celebrate Women event, donating more than $9,000 to the honorees' non-profits. I extend my deepest congratulations to Foothills Credit Union for their honor by The West Chamber. I have no doubt Foothills Credit Union will exhibit the same dedication and service to its community in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Duane Patterson, owner of Body & Sole Connection, for receiving the Ambassador of the Year award from the West Chamber of Jefferson County. The West Chamber Ambassadors are the hospitality arm of the Chamber. They help members by inviting them to events, introducing them to other members and making new members feel a part of the West Chamber family. Duane Patterson embodies all the qualities of a great ambassador. His dedication to the West Chamber is evident in his diligent attention to his Ambassador duties. Duane is simply everywhere there is a West Chamber function--whether it's a ribbon cutting registering and greeting guests, or helping to set up for major events. I extend my deepest congratulations to Duane Patterson for his well- deserved honor by The West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same commitment to the community in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jackie O'Beirne for receiving the Woman-Owned Business of the Year award given by The West Chamber serving Jefferson County. Growing up with an orthodontist as a dad, Dr. Jackie was fascinated by his profession and went to work with him on weekends. This grew into a lifelong love for the profession, especially interacting and caring for the patients. In her practice today, Dr. Jackie enjoys helping people get healthy by providing them with education and evidence-based treatment. She has seen firsthand how lives can be transformed by bringing people to optimum health so they can keep their teeth for life. She gets the most satisfaction when patients leave her office with a smile and appreciation for her dental care. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dr. Jackie O'Beirne for her well-deserved honor from The West Chamber. Thank you for your continued commitment to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jefferson County Business Resource Center (JCBRC) for receiving the Nonprofit of the Year award given by The West Chamber serving Jefferson County. JCBRC is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the small business community in Jefferson County. The group partners with businesses to find solutions for doing business in Jeffco. JCBRC helps professionals from planning a start-up enterprise to an established business. They provide a multitude of resources and services to the business community, including free business counseling, business classes and training. Through the annual business expo, JCBRC brings businesses together to foster ``economic gardening'' where entrepreneurial activity is fostered by providing information, tools, and connections needed for business development and growth. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Jefferson County Business Resource Center for being honored by The West Chamber. Thank you for your commitment and service to the business community of Jefferson County, Colorado.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Denver Broncos on winning the 50th Super Bowl. We have proposed House Resolution 614--the Colorado delegation--to congratulate our team. It is their third Super Bowl victory. It is the culmination of a 12 wins and 4 losses season. The State of Colorado, the city of Denver, and the Rocky Mountain West are extremely proud of the talented players, coaches, and key personnel. I want to thank General Manager John Elway, CEO Joe Ellis, and the entire Broncos' front office, who spent the off season building a Super Bowl winner. Head Coach Gary Kubiak, Coordinators Wade Phillips and Rick Dennison, and his staff had great game plans. The Broncos, through their owners, the Bowlen family, have been a key to the success of Denver and that team, and we want to thank them very much. I know I speak for everybody in the House of Representatives when I say ``Go Broncos!''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 I was not present to vote on H.R. 158 and H.R. 3842. I wish to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote. Had I been present for roll call No. 679, I would have voted ``YEA.'' Had I been present for roll call No. 680, I would have voted ``YEA.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Jill Fellman for receiving the West Chamber's 2015 Celebrate Women Award. This award celebrates local women leaders with drive, perseverance and service to their community. As a Jefferson County native, Jill attended Jefferson County schools and then became an educator in the Jefferson County public school system for 30 years. After retiring from her education career, Jill served as an elected member of the Jefferson County School Board of Education from November 2011 to November 2015. Currently, she is a member of the Jefferson County Schools Foundation Board, the Audit Committee, the Wheat Ridge Education Alliance, and the City of Arvada Coordinating Council. She also serves as Secretary for the Arvada Community Food Bank board and is Vice Chair for the Sooper Credit Union Foundation board. With her endless amount of energy and passion for first rate public education, she also serves on the board of Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth and is an Edgewater Collective community partner. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jill Fellman for receiving the 2015 Celebrate Women Award. Thank you for your leadership and service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize MaryAnn Proctor for receiving the West Chamber's 2015 Celebrate Women Award. This award celebrates local women leaders with drive, perseverance and service to their community. Whether it was tutoring second graders through the Bring up Grades (BUGS) program or volunteering at the Tennyson Center for abused children, MaryAnn lived to help others. On a daily basis, she oversaw the complex operations of Propp Realty leading the staff and making business connections, not only from tenant to tenant, but with every person she met. She insisted on quality work, respect among coworkers, and encouraged potential leaders to conduct business fairly and professionally. She served as a board member for the West Chamber, President-elect for Lakewood Kiwanis, a volunteer at ARC, The Action Center and Lakewood High School Key Club. Additionally, she served on several City of Lakewood committees and belonged to the West Colfax Business District. MaryAnn unexpectedly passed away at the end of 2014, leaving behind a tremendous legacy. Thank you for recognizing MaryAnn Proctor with the 2015 Celebrate Women Award. Her leadership and service to the community will forever be remembered.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Joan Smith for receiving the West Chamber's 2015 Celebrate Women Award. This award celebrates local women leaders with drive, perseverance and service to their community. Joan began as a Parent Resource Counselor in 1992, but for the past 25 years has worked for Rocky Mountain Education Center at Red Rocks Community College. During her tenure, she wrote the first National Science Foundation Grants on behalf of the college both of which were funded and began the long and very successful relationship between NSF and Red Rocks Community College. As director of the OSHA Institute at Red Rocks Community College, she became passionate in seeking solutions to the high fatality rate among oil and gas workers in the field. Joan worked nationally through the industry's STEPS Network to convene a committee of oil and gas professionals from across the country to develop safety training programs for workers. She has also developed relationships between the College and several international partners, including the countries of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. She worked with students, universities, and employers in Jordan to create the first Solar Energy Technician and Occupational Safety and Health Associates Degree programs through the Al Baqa Applied University. I extend my deepest congratulations to Joan Smith for receiving the 2015 Celebrate Women Award. Thank you for your leadership and service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Dan Arvizu for his exceptional work as Director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. Dr. Arvizu is retiring this year, but his legacy of leadership and innovation will endure for many, many years to come. I want to take this moment to say thank you for outstanding stewardship of our nation's premier energy efficiency and renewable energy laboratory. In addition to his role at NREL, Dr. Arvizu is Chairman of the National Science Board, which is the governing board of the National Science Foundation. He will continue his role as Chairman of the National Science Board and he will also become a visiting professor at Stanford University. On behalf of everyone at NREL, the people of the state of Colorado, and the United States of America, let me say thank you for a job well done. We wish you all the best on the next steps of your journey.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Emily Curray for receiving the West Chamber's 2015 Celebrate Women Award. This award celebrates local women leaders with drive, perseverance and service to their community. As an alumna of the University of Colorado School of Law, Emily has been practicing immigration law since 1996, with a focus on business immigration. Currently, Emily is managing partner of the woman-owned immigration firm Stern & Curray where she helps make the American Dream a reality for clients. Emily's passion for immigration resulted in her current role on the board of the I Have a Dream Foundation--Colorado chapter and serving as past chair of the Colorado Lawyers Committee Immigration Task Force for more than 10 years. I extend my deepest congratulations to Emily Curray for receiving the 2015 Celebrate Women Award. Thank you for your leadership and service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Margie Ball-Cook for receiving the West Chamber's 2015 Celebrate Women Award. This award celebrates local women leaders with drive, perseverance and service to their community. Born in Beaumont, Texas, Dr. Ball-Cook has dedicated her life to helping others and the health care industry. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and went on to receive her Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Denver. Since then, she has helped establish nursing schools in both Colorado and Africa. Currently, Dr. Ball-Cook heads the Global Health Commission of the National Black Nurses Association and was one of the founding members of Colorado Council of Black Nurses (CCBN). She has mentored and advised hundreds of students interested in medical and health careers toward their career goals, including those with low means who wish to pursue a profession in medicine. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dr. Margie Ball-Cook for receiving the 2015 Celebrate Women Award. Thank you for your leadership and service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dana Rinderknecht for receiving the West Chamber's 2015 Celebrate Women Award. This award celebrates local women leaders with drive, perseverance and service to their community. Dana began her career with Coors Brewing Company and then became involved with ColoradoGives.org at Community First Foundation where she helped refine the website to make it accessible, affordable and transparent. She helped take the organization from a small Denver-area organization serving 100 nonprofits to a nationally-recognized program used by more than 1,700 organizations across the state. She also helped start Colorado Gives Day to increase philanthropy across the state. Since its inception, Colorado Gives Day--in combination with ColoradoGives--has raised more than $117 million for Colorado nonprofits. Dana's energy and sense of humor she brings to her work helps foster a positive and creative environment. Her encouragement of others and her contribution to the nonprofit community has helped impact the lives of many. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dana Rinderknecht for receiving the 2015 Celebrate Women Award. Thank you for your leadership and service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Harriet Hall for receiving the West Chamber's 2015 Celebrate Women Award. This award celebrates local women leaders with drive, perseverance and service to their community. Dr. Hall has made a significant contribution to the community through advocacy, passion and unwavering commitment to people with mental health disorders and their families. She has worked to reduce the stigma of mental illness, to bring the public's attention to urgent matters of mental health, and collaborated with government and business leaders to produce innovative changes for mental health care. Dr. Hall's contributions extend beyond her work in the mental health field and with her help for some of the neediest portions of the community such as the homeless, indigent and families in turmoil. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dr. Harriet Hall for receiving the 2015 Celebrate Women Award. Thank you for your leadership and service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sharon Trefny for receiving the West Chamber's 2015 Celebrate Women Award. This award celebrates local women leaders with drive, perseverance and service to their community. Sharon has spent extensive time as a systems engineer, community organizer and project manager, working with both domestic and international partners. She helped establish the Native American Commission on Urban Affairs, the first of its kind in the country. Sharon also helped to create a Women's Commission in Los Angeles where the first U.S. rape hot-line was set up. In 2000, Sharon became the First Lady of the Colorado School of Mines. In that position, she interacted with women leaders such as Jehan Sudat (the late Anwar Sadat's wife), Madeline Albright, Wu Yi (Vice Premier of China), Jill Biden, and a UN delegation of women from Afghanistan. Sharon used the insight she gained from these experiences to help connect women's leadership to the women on the School of Mines campus. I extend my deepest congratulations to Sharon Trefny for receiving the 2015 Celebrate Women Award. Thank you for your leadership and service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I thank the gentlewoman from California, my ranking member. I appreciate the emotionally charged conversation that we are having here on the House floor today. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1737. In the 14th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, there are two basic principles among the others that are noted. One is that no one shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The other one is that no one shall be denied equal protection under the laws of the United States of America. We have kind of a collision of these two principles today. One is that there is the potential for the disparate treatment of people-- discrimination--which all of us abhor and that we want to see rooted out by root and branch. The other is that, before you do a major policy in this country, there is always notice and an opportunity to be heard. That is where the collision comes in today. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a bulletin without, really, notice and an opportunity to be heard to determine whether or not there was disparate treatment or whether methodologies that indicate there is are accurate. In fact, what we have seen is, 4 out of 10 times, it can be inaccurate based on this bulletin. So H.R. 1737, with as much emotion as it has raised, asks the CFPB to go back and check what they have done. At no time is there any limitation to CFPB's or to the Department of Justice's rights under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to go after discriminating individuals, to go after bad actors. I would suggest to the CFPB that, while they are looking at their bulletin again, if they see evidence of discrimination, they refer it to the Justice Department and that it be condemned loudly and roundly.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Dan Arvizu for his exceptional work as director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. Dr. Arvizu is retiring this year, but his legacy of leadership and innovation will endure for many, many years to come. I want to take this moment to say thank you for outstanding stewardship of our Nation's premier energy efficiency and renewable energy laboratory. In addition to his role at NREL, Dr. Arvizu is chairman of the National Science Board, which is the governing board of the National Science Foundation. He will continue his role as chairman of the National Science Board, and he will also become a visiting professor at Stanford University. On behalf of everyone at NREL, the people of the State of Colorado and the United States of America, let me say thank you for a job well done. We wish you all the best on the next steps of your journey.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I thank the ranking member for allowing me to speak. Mr. Speaker, in my district, which are the suburbs of Denver, 18 small companies benefit from the Export-Import Bank and the guarantees and the support that it provides--hundreds and hundreds of jobs. These are jobs in plastics, scientific equipment, food manufacturing, wood products, and electrical equipment. Those are the forgotten people in this argument. Those are real jobs, real people. Mr. McCarthy said there were two questions. I think the two questions are: Should the United States unilaterally disarm at the expense of American businesses and U.S. jobs? I think the answer is a resounding ``no.'' The second question is: Should ideology trump reality? The reality is that we are just going to give these jobs to countries all across the globe instead of having them here in America. That is wrong. I urge the passage of H.R. 597. I thank Mr. Heck; I thank Mr. Fincher; and I thank Mr. Lucas for bringing this forward. Let's pass this bill today.