Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Quality Auto Care and Tire for receiving the City of Wheat Ridge's Business of the Year Award. The Business of the Year Award recognizes local businesses who demonstrate a commitment to their community, strong management practices and are a positive reflection of Wheat Ridge values. Quality Auto Care and Tire takes pride in providing reliable auto maintenance and putting the customer's interest before their own. Through high-quality service and transparency, Quality Auto Care has earned the trust of many Wheat Ridge residents. Beyond auto work, the business has shown its dedication to the Wheat Ridge Community by becoming a Premier Sponsor to the city's Carnation Festival. I applaud Quality Auto Care and Tire for being the recipient of this well-deserved honor by the City of Wheat Ridge, and I congratulate them on their success.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Confluent Development for receiving the City of Wheat Ridge's Reinvestment Award. The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses who play an active role in improving the City of Wheat Ridge. Confluent Development brought its diverse expertise in office, industrial, retail and multi-family/senior housing development to the 38th and Kipling development, transforming a blighted area into a retail and housing destination for Wheat Ridge residents. The new development is home to Sprouts Farmer's Market, a soon-to-be Morning Star Senior Living and a newly updated Starbucks. I applaud Confluent Development for being the recipient of this well-deserved honor by the City of Wheat Ridge, and I congratulate them on their success.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Wazee Partners for receiving the City of Wheat Ridge's Mayor's Partnership Award. Selected by Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay, the Mayor's Partnership Award recognizes businesses showing strong community ties and a positive reflection of Wheat Ridge values. Wazee Partners has been a critical ally in revitalization efforts in Wheat Ridge. In recent years, they have constructed more than 130 affordable senior housing units. The walkable placement of the Wheat Ridge Town Center Apartments makes the community an ideal place for older Coloradans to enjoy and take advantage of a thriving Colorado city. Wazee's dedication to the residents and their responsiveness to the city make Wazee Partners an asset to the Wheat Ridge community. I applaud Wazee Partners for being the recipient of this well- deserved honor by the City of Wheat Ridge, and I congratulate them on their success.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud La Fonda's Mexican Restaurant for receiving the City of Wheat Ridge's Council Partnership Award. Selected by the Wheat Ridge City Council, the Council Partnership Award recognizes businesses showing strong community ties and a positive reflection of Wheat Ridge values. La Fonda's Mexican Restaurant has been a staple of the Wheat Ridge community for decades, and is well known for its delicious Mexican food as well as its rich history. Mexican immigrant Luis Abarca and his partners founded the restaurant in 1971 and were at the forefront of Mexican food becoming a mainstream American tradition. Just as the Abarca family was a critical partner in supporting Colorado culture, La Fonda's Mexican Restaurant is a generous partner and contributor to the Wheat Ridge community today. I applaud La Fonda's Mexican Restaurant for being the recipient of this well-deserved honor by the City of Wheat Ridge, and I congratulate them on their success.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Colorado ACTS for receiving the City of Wheat Ridge's Cultural Commission Award. The Cultural Commission Award recognizes local businesses or organizations actively contributing to the enrichment of the culture of Wheat Ridge. Colorado ACTS is a theater school open to children from four to eighteen. They strive to bring drama and arts education to the local community, and they currently serve about 200 families. The organization teaches confidence, discipline and an appreciation for the arts, while strengthening community ties. Since its inception 15 years ago, Colorado ACTS has produced more than 100 shows. I applaud Colorado ACTS for being the recipient of this well- deserved honor by the City of Wheat Ridge, and I congratulate them on their success.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Anthony M's Visions in Gold for receiving the City of Wheat Ridge's Business of the Year Award. The Business of the Year Award recognizes local businesses who demonstrate a commitment to their community, strong management practices and are a positive reflection of Wheat Ridge values. After tremendous growth last year, Anthony M's Visions in Gold expanded their store and are adding a CAD-CAM system to personalize the jewelry-buying experience for their customers. Additionally, the business continuously gives back to the Wheat Ridge community, regularly participating in the Feed the Future back pack program and working with Wheat Ridge High School to display jewelry students' work. I applaud Anthony M's Visions in Gold for being the recipient of this well-deserved honor by the City of Wheat Ridge, and I congratulate them on their success.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dennis Meyer of Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet for receiving the Lloyd J. King Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from the Arvada Economic Development Association. This prestigious business award, named after the founder of King Soopers in Olde Town Arvada, is presented to an individual with characteristics of an exemplary entrepreneur. Dennis Meyer has been baking since 1965 and is renowned as a Certified Executive Pastry Chef, Master Baker. A member of the American Academy of Chefs, Dennis was named ``Chef of the Year'' in 1987 and has won numerous gold medals in culinary competitions, including ``People's Choice'' and ``Best of Show.'' He started his family owned business in 1985 in Arvada, Colorado. In 2006, he was inducted into the Colorado Chefs Hall of Fame. The spirit behind Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet is led by the vision, creativity, kindheartedness and generosity of the founder Dennis Meyer. His commitment to making his clients' special occasions memorable is remarkable and a tribute to his success. I congratulate Dennis Meyer and all of the employees of Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet for this well-deserved honor from the Arvada Economic Development Association. I thank him for his commitment to excellence and his continued service to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize S&H Products, Inc. for receiving the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) Outstanding Small Business Award. The Outstanding Small Business Award is given to a small business for their commitment to capital improvements and employment growth particularly through their investment in the community and corporate culture. Since 1988, S&H Products has been designing and manufacturing premium-grade firefighting equipment, including fire hose nozzles, wye valves, shut-off valves, wildland hose clamps, and other related products for both commercial and government applications. Their products are used in 90 percent of wildland firefighting suppression efforts across the country, including in Colorado, a state that is greatly impacted by wildfires every year. S&H Products is a great example of a successful local company with a `Make It In America' philosophy and a commitment to high-quality products. Today, they are a family owned and operated business that oversees all its own product development from concept and design to manufacturing and testing from its facility in Arvada. Currently S&H employs about 33 people, up almost 50 percent from three years ago. I extend my deepest congratulations to S&H Products, Inc. and all of their employees for being honored by the Arvada Economic Development Association. I am proud of the service they provide our community and am certain their products and service will continue to benefit the wildland firefighting and our communities for decades to come.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Red Rocks Community College's (RRCC) Health Sciences Campus for receiving the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) Community Partnership Award. The Community Partnership Award recognizes organizations and businesses that represent new investment and economic opportunities in Arvada. The award is being given to Red Rocks Community College for their capital investment in the new Health Sciences Campus in Arvada. The Arvada campus is already home to RRCC's health programs as well as associate degree and general education courses that transfer to four-year institutions. The campus is currently undergoing a large expansion to help meet the needs of the growing health care needs of the community. Expected to be completed by fall of 2016, the new building will provide state-of-the-art instructional space for health sciences, enhanced curriculum for healthcare programs, accommodate additional students, and help develop new programs in line with industry demands. I extend my deepest congratulations to Red Rocks Community College's (RRCC) Health Sciences Campus for being honored by the Arvada Economic Development Association. I am proud of their contribution to our community and look forward to their new completed campus and future expansion.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Industrial Chemical Corporation, Simply Storage and 5280 Armory for receiving the Business Collaboration Award from the Arvada Economic Development Association. The Business Collaboration Award was created to honor a one-of-a- kind partnership between three private Arvada businesses who overcame the challenges of growing their companies. Industrial Chemical Corporation needed a small piece of land to be able to expand their rail capability. 5280 Armory needed to find larger space to expand their operation, and Simply Storage wanted to bring their storage facility to Arvada. The collaboration between these companies resulted in finding a suitable solution for each of these expanding companies to stay and grow in Arvada--a big win for the community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Industrial Chemical Corporation, Simply Storage and 5280 Armory for this well-deserved honor from the Arvada Economic Development Association. I am proud of your collaboration and commitment to the community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Costco for receiving the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) Outstanding Large Business Award. The Outstanding Large Business Award is given to a large business in the community for their commitment to the local economy and job creation, particularly through their investment in the community and corporate culture. Costco is the second largest global retailer with more than 80 million members. They have won many awards including being named the ``Most Admired Company'' by Fortune Magazine two years in a row. More importantly, Costco maintains a code of ethics that speak to the culture of respect they have for their members, employees and suppliers. Costco opened their location in Arvada on September 19, 2001. Over the past 14 years they have grown to 250 employees, added several suppliers, and are a huge economic engine for the city of Arvada. I extend my deepest congratulations to Costco for this well-deserved honor from the Arvada Economic Development Association. I am proud of the service they provide our community and am certain their products and services will continue to benefit the community for decades to come.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago I was here for a moment of silence on behalf of the 12 killed and the 70 injured in the Aurora movie theater. Since that time, we have had at least 55 mass shootings where four or more people were killed and we have had at least 22 moments of silence. How many more senseless acts of violence and hatred must occur before we stand up and take action? How many more young, bright lives are going to be cut short because of loopholes in the law? How many more times must we stand on this floor in moments of silence, solemnly remembering another victim? How many more times must the flags be lowered at half staff in honor of servicemembers gunned down in their own backyard? As important as these moments of reflection are, they happen with such regularity, we become numb to their significance. When will this violence end? Why is it we are paralyzed by the very laws that are meant to protect us? It is incumbent upon us, as Members of Congress, to act and protect our citizens from unnecessary gun violence. I appreciated the gentleman from Alabama mentioning the violence that his own family has experienced. It is time for a dialogue in the spirit of civility and compassion, bringing all Americans together to have a discussion about peace and safety in our schools, churches, and community centers. We have to begin. We can do this. It requires courage, but we can act to reduce this violence by passing meaningful gun violence prevention legislation that respects the Second Amendment. Last week I joined 147 other Members of this body in writing to the Speaker, demanding action on gun violence prevention legislation. We demand a vote. Action is needed. I urge the defeat of the rule.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, October 1, 2015 I was not present to cast a vote on the conference report for H.R. 1735 and H.R. 3457. Had I been present for roll call No. 532, I would have voted ``NO.'' Had I also been present for roll call No. 533, I would have voted ``NO.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sal and Gail Glesser, the founders and owners of Spyderco Knives for receiving the Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. The Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence recognizes organizations, businesses and individuals that significantly contribute to the wellbeing and improvement of the City of Golden. The Glessers founded Spyderco in 1978 and have expanded their company into a multimillion-dollar business, employing more than 80 people in their new facility. Sal and Gail contribute to the Golden community through their support of local events and organizations such as the USA Pro Challenge, the Jeffco Innovator's Workshop, Foothills Art Center, the local Alzheimer's Chapter, the Parkinson's Foundation, and the Pink Fire Trucks program. Additionally, Spyderco has raised tons of food and product donations through employee food drives. I congratulate Sal and Gail Glesser for being the recipients of this well-deserved honor by Mayor Marjorie Sloan, and I thank them for their continued commitment to the people and families of Golden.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Faye Griffin for receiving the Jefferson County 2015 Hall of Fame Award from the West Chamber. The Hall of Fame Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have had significant, long-lasting impacts through their leadership and contributions to Jefferson County's economy, community and legacy. Faye Griffin started her forty year career in Jefferson County working in the County Clerk & Recorder office for 24 years. Eventually serving as Chief Deputy of the department, Faye helped modernize technology and coordinated successful general and primary elections. In 2006, Faye was elected Treasurer and served in this capacity until 2008 when she was nominated to the Board of County Commissioners. In her six years on the Board of County Commissioners, Jefferson County reached a balanced budget every year and earned extraordinary financial ratings from several national rating organizations. As a Commissioner, she helped bring attention to Human Services programs to aid children and families in need and amended the Zoning Resolution to simplify the zoning application process. Currently, Faye serves as Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. She is also involved in the Child and Youth Leadership Commission, the Jefferson County Head Start Policy Council, the Rocky Flats Stewardship Council, and the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Board. In 2012, Faye was honored as an Outstanding Woman of Jefferson County. Congratulations to Faye Griffin for this well-deserved honor by the West Chamber. I am grateful for her contributions to Jefferson County.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Premium Panels Inc. in Arvada, Colorado for being honored by Colorado Companies to Watch (CCTW). CCTW is a unique awards program that recognizes and celebrates the contribution and innovation of diverse second-stage companies that exemplify strong management and community service involvement. While there are many outstanding companies in Colorado, Premium Panels Inc. was chosen based on their positive impact on economic growth in the region. Premium Panels began in 2000 as a singular operation in Arvada, Colorado with Jeff Patch at the helm. Today, the company has approximately 34 employees and has grown to be a leader in metal roofing panels for commercial and residential roofing. The spirit of the Premium Panels organization is fueled by strong company values of integrity, respect, customer satisfaction, and education. They are strong advocates for the roofing industry. Through volunteerism with the Colorado Roofers Association, Premium Panels helps educate roofers on safety measures and new and improved installation methods. I congratulate Premium Panels Inc. and all of their employees for being recognized as a Colorado Company to Watch. I am proud of the service they provide our community and am certain their service will continue to benefit the roofing industry and our communities for decades to come.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Thomas Murray for receiving the Jefferson County 2015 Hall of Fame Award from the West Chamber. The Hall of Fame Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have had significant, long-lasting impacts through their leadership and contributions to Jefferson County's economy, community and legacy. Tom has certainly cemented his place in Jefferson County history by laying down the building bricks of the community. Tom, CEO of Lakewood Brick and Tile, inherited the business from his father and learned the values of hard work and leadership from a young age. One of Tom's biggest passions is education. In the 1980s, he served as co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Education-Business Partnership for the Lakewood Chamber. Tom went on to become General Chairman of Education 2000 for Jefferson County Schools, a position he maintained for four years. He has also served on the boards of the Jefferson Foundation, Warren Vocational Technical High School, and Jefferson County Advisory Council for Vocational Education. Today, Tom continues this dedication to education by serving on the Jefferson County Schools' Capital Improvement Plan Oversight Committee and coaching football at Lakewood High School. Tom's exceptional work has been recognized with several awards, including West Chamber Businessman of the Year, The Sentinel Newspaper Man of the Year, and The Rocky Mountain News Milestone Award. Congratulations to Thomas Murray for this well-deserved honor by the West Chamber. I am grateful for his contributions to Jefferson County.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Gretchen Cerveny for receiving the Jefferson County 2015 Hall of Fame Award from the West Chamber. The Hall of Fame Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have had significant, long-lasting impacts through their leadership and contributions to Jefferson County's economy, community and legacy. Gretchen started her career as a physical therapist and served as the president of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Colorado chapter. Her work in this area received several awards, including the Bob Doctor Service Award from the Colorado Chapter of the APTA, Outstanding Physical Therapist of the Year from the APTA (1980), and a recognition from Lutheran Medical Center for her twenty-five years of service, some of which as the Physical Therapist Department Head (1976-1994). In 1997, Gretchen was elected Mayor of Wheat Ridge where she participated in groups such as the Colorado Municipal League, Strategic Visioning Committee, Juvenile Justice Committee, Transportation Committee, and Tax Policy Committee, among others. She worked extensively with the Senior Resource Center (SRC) and helped to reauthorize the Older Americans Act. Her efforts as Mayor have been recognized by the Denver Regional Council of Governments and the National Association of Parliamentarians. Gretchen spent five years on the Colorado Commission on Aging and remains involved with the SRC. Gretchen also serves on the Jefferson County Aging Well Committee and is an active member of the Wheat Ridge Business Association. Congratulations to Gretchen Cerveny for this well-deserved honor by the West Chamber. I am grateful for her contributions to Jefferson County.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Christian Action Guild (CAG) for receiving the Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. The Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence recognizes organizations, businesses and individuals that significantly contribute to the wellbeing and improvement of the City of Golden. For 49 years, the Christian Action Guild has provided food, clothing and financial assistance to Golden residents in need. Each month, CAG serves over 400 at-risk Golden families, individuals and members of the homeless community, providing personal products, canned goods, and fresh food items. I congratulate the Christian Action Guild for being the recipient of this well-deserved honor by Mayor Marjorie Sloan and I thank all the members of the CAG for their continued commitment to the people and families they serve.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Bob Briggs for receiving the Jefferson County 2015 Hall of Fame Award from the West Chamber. The Hall of Fame Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have had significant, long-lasting impacts through their leadership and contributions to Jefferson County's economy, community and legacy. As a third-generation Coloradan, Bob earned a degree from Colorado State University in horticulture. In 1961, Bob founded Briggs Flower Shop and Garden Center. From there, Bob became engaged in various community and political activities in Jefferson County, such as serving as Adams County Commissioner. As Commissioner, he helped prevent the expansion of Stapleton Airport on to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal which ultimately led to the construction of Denver International Airport (DIA). Bob also served as President of Adams County Economic Development for three years. During his tenure, he helped in efforts to secure the South West Mall and build the Front Range Airport. Bob went on to be elected as a Council Member for Westminster in 2007. Bob's extracurricular work also had tremendous impacts including his work on the board of the Butterfly Pavilion where he helped spearhead the City Wide Trail system, a system that is responsible for 15 percent of Westminster's open space today. Bob also served as a board member of the Regional Transportation District where he approved the project ideas that became FasTracks, TREX, and Union Station Light Rail station. Congratulations to Bob Briggs for this well-deserved honor by the West Chamber. I am grateful for his contributions to Jefferson County.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud John Tracy for receiving the Jefferson County 2015 Hall of Fame Award from the West Chamber. The Hall of Fame Award recognizes outstanding individuals who have had significant, long-lasting impacts through their leadership and contributions to Jefferson County's economy, community and legacy. John Tracy has shown a lifelong dedication to the Jefferson County community. John's extensive involvement in three local Chambers of Commerce--Golden, West and Wheat Ridge--has helped to bring in new members, create new community events, and support economic development in the region. For the past ten years, John has served on the Jefferson County Business Lobby and the Lakewood Legacy Foundation. He has also held positions with the Golden Chamber Downtown Merchants and Golden Good Government League for more than 20 years. In addition, John helped found both the Applewood Business Association and the Wheat Ridge Business Association. Currently, John owns his own publishing company, John Tracy Publishing. In 2011, the City of Golden awarded John with the `Golden Living Landmark Award' for his exceptional and diverse involvement in the community. Additionally, he has been recognized with Golden Rotary's `Service Above Self' award and the Golden Chamber's `Charlie O'Brien Award.' Congratulations to John Tracy for this well-deserved honor by the West Chamber. I am grateful for his contributions to Jefferson County.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud James E. Dale for receiving the Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. The Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence recognizes organizations, businesses and individuals that significantly contribute to the wellbeing and improvement of the City of Golden. Jim has served on the Citizens' Budget Advisory Committee and the Golden Planning Commission. He was a founding member of the Sustainability Taskforce, and he currently serves on the Citizens Sustainability Advisory Board and the Golden Visitors Center Board. Additionally, he supports the Golden History Museum, Landmarks Association, Foothills Art Center, Miners Alley Playhouse and Colorado Cowboy Gathering. I congratulate James E. Dale for being the recipient of this well- deserved honor by Mayor Marjorie Sloan, and I thank him for his continued commitment to the City of Golden.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Emmy Dimitroff for receiving the Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. The Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence recognizes organizations, businesses and individuals that significantly contribute to the wellbeing and improvement of the City of Golden. Raised and schooled in Golden, Emmy has become a community leader through her six years of service on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, her work at the Clear Creek History Park and her leadership in Mitchell Elementary School's Environmental Learning for the Future. Additionally, she is a substitute teacher in the Jefferson County School System. I congratulate Emmy Dimitroff for being the recipient of this well- deserved honor by Mayor Marjorie Sloan, and I thank Emmy for her continued commitment to the people and families of Golden.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I thank Ranking Member Brown for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the committee for bringing S. 2082 to the floor for debate and hearing today. I rise today to support S. 2082, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act. The legislation before us passed the Senate unanimously last week and is important for a number of VA programs our veterans rely on day in and day out. In addition to these important VA extensions, this legislation will authorize completion of the VA Medical Center under construction in Aurora, Colorado. This center is part of a major medical campus that includes the University of Colorado Medical School as well as Children's Hospital of Denver. The professors at the University of Colorado are also many of the doctors at the VA Medical Center. The center will include a full range of medical, laboratory, research, and counseling services as well as a 30-bed spinal cord injury unit serving hundreds of thousands of veterans throughout the Rocky Mountain West. As the chairman mentioned, this hospital's genesis began under President Clinton in 1999 with the Secretary of VA at that time. Under George Bush, it went through four Secretaries of the VA and, under President Obama, now two VA Secretaries. It is moving forward and, with this bill, will continue to move forward. There is no doubt the VA mismanaged this project from the start; and as disappointing and unacceptable as this situation has been, we are where we are. Under the leadership of Secretary McDonald and Deputy Secretary Gibson, the VA has admitted their mistakes on this project, and they are both personally involved in completion of this facility. Today, construction continues on the project in earnest. The facility is more than 50 percent complete, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been brought in to oversee completion of the medical center. Bringing in the Army Corps is important so we, as a Congress, can be certain that any additional funds spent on this project are spent appropriately and the facility is completed without further delay. The contractor, Kiewit-Turner, and subcontractors have shown tremendous commitment to our Nation's veterans by building a world- class facility, and I am confident they will deliver this facility to our veterans throughout the Rocky Mountain West. This bill requires the VA to use a non-VA Federal entity, like the Army Corps, to complete major construction projects valued at over $100 million. This is critically important towards ensuring accountability and preventing these large projects from being mismanaged again. I want to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Brown, as well as Congressman Charlie Dent and Congressman Bishop, for their work with me and the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Coffman), who now represents the district. There has been a great deal of anger at the VA recently and much of it is well-deserved, but through the help of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Appropriations Committee, Rocky Mountain veterans will eventually see this medical center completed and receive the health care that they earned by their service to the United States of America. I thank my friend, the gentlewoman from Florida, for yielding.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the employees of Kelley Trucking Inc. in Golden, Colorado for their heroic acts on June 3, 2015. On Wednesday, June 3, 2015 while at his Kelley Trucking Inc. Offices, John Kelley went into complete cardiac arrest. The heroic acts of the other six employees that were with John not only brought quick aid to the scene, they ultimately saved John's life. In the following moments Mike Easley, David Seehafer, Luke Kelley, Cal Kelley, John's wife Kelly Dorothy Kelley (Dottie) and Con Cockrum each provided the help John needed to receive urgent medical care as well as providing life-saving assistance that astounded John's family, medical staff, and myself. When John went into complete cardiac arrest, David retrieved the onsite Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within 30 seconds. During this time Mr. Easley and John's son Luke got John into the rescue position while Con called 911. Dottie attached the pads of the AED and upon analyzing his heart they found it was completely stopped and would need a defibrillator shock. Cal Kelley administered the shock, while Luke began CPR compression and Dottie administered mouth to mouth. Mike and Cal were able to keep clear heads as they focused on leading the compressions. After the first set of CPR another shock was administered, and with the second shock John's heart was miraculously restarted. By this time Nick and David had brought the ambulance and Fire Department to the correct location. It is fortunate that the people surrounding John that day not only knew what to do but were able to execute the steps quickly and correctly. This shows the importance of providing adequate CPR trainings and having an AED onsite. While everything happened so fast that day, the care and speed in which the people surrounding John dealt with the situation is what made all the difference. I am inspired by the care that these coworkers have had for each other and by their actions that can be described as nothing less than heroic. I extend my deepest thanks to the employees of Kelley Trucking Inc. for their actions that day and their service to John Kelley and his family. These employees' courageous acts show how dedication to service and quick thinking can save lives.