Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up H.R. 861, the clean Department of Homeland Security funding bill that would keep the Department open so it can carry out its mission of keeping Americans safe.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Seyfer Specialties for receiving the 2014 Wheat Ridge Reinvestment Award. This award recognizes a business that invests in a significant improvement or maintains an excellent level of quality in a business property. Seyfer Specialties was established in 1961 and is primarily focused on restoring classic cars and building hotrods, so it is fitting that they purchased an old dilapidated barn and rebuilt it into a modern performance garage while still emphasizing the classic barn-style. Seyfer delivers a great service with a knowledgeable and friendly staff, and they are a classic component of the Wheat Ridge Community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Seyfer Specialties for this well-deserved recognition by the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Business Association.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the West Chamber's Ambassadors of the Year, Glyn and Alan Masi, for their outstanding commitment to the local community. Glyn and Alan own Ticker Tuners, a local business in Morrison with a mission they are both passionate about: helping people identify, treat and monitor their heart health. In addition, Glyn and Alan attend every ribbon cutting, open house or other event where help is needed and involve West Chamber members and local businesses. I extend my deepest congratulations to Glyn and Alan Masi for the honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt they will exhibit the same commitment to their community in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the West Chamber's Woman-Owned Business of the Year, Table Mountain Vision, for their outstanding service to the local community. For the last 17 years, Dr. Kelly Jackson Condon has operated Table Mountain Vision and provided the finest vision care experience in Golden. In addition, Dr. Jackson Condon is very involved in the local community, and has served on various boards and committees including: Leadership Golden; Downtown Merchants; The Original Shopping Districts; and numerous others. Dr. Jackson Condon was also elected as chair of the Golden Chamber of Commerce in 2004 and again in 2009. I extend my deepest congratulations to Table Mountain Vision for the honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt Table Mountain Vision will exhibit the same service and dedication in all future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Rachel Grace Hultin for receiving the 2014 Wheat Ridge City Council Partnership Award. The Wheat Ridge City Council Partnership Award recognizes a company or individual for their overall contributions to the City. It incorporates business achievements as well as contributions in volunteerism, leadership, and community investment and involvement. Rachel Grace Hultin is very active in the Wheat Ridge community with an emphasis on health and wellness. She was instrumental in leading the charge to have Wheat Ridge designated as a Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) city. In addition Rachel leads the Active Transportation Advisory Team. This group was formed to provide citizen input to the Wheat Ridge City Council in order to create a community which encourages citizens to participate in physical activity by making it safer to walk and bicycle to local merchants. I extend my deepest congratulations to Rachel Grace Hultin for this well-deserved recognition by the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Business Association. Thank you for your dedication to the health and wellness of the citizens of Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Kaiser Permanente Colorado for their outstanding service and commitment to the community. Kaiser Permanente Colorado is the state's largest nonprofit health plan, proudly working to improve the lives and health of Colorado residents for more than 45 years. As one of the largest businesses in our community, Kaiser Permanente Colorado provides comprehensive health care services to 630,000 members through 29 medical offices and a network of affiliated hospitals and physicians. I extend my deepest congratulations to Kaiser Permanente Colorado for their honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt they will exhibit the same commitment to healthcare and service to residents in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sarah Garvey as the West Chamber's Young Professional of the Year. Sarah has served as the president of the West Chamber's Young Professionals Group for the last two years. She has been instrumental in raising funds for the Chamber's annual ``Pub Crawl for a Cause'' and other young professional events. She is also a member of the West Chamber through her company, Shred-It. I extend my deepest congratulations to Sarah Garvey for her honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same commitment to her community in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Rockley Family for their outstanding service and commitment to their community with their business, the Rockley Music Center. Founded in 1946 at Colfax and Wadsworth, Melvin and Mildred Rockley, the first generation, began selling print music, record players, band and orchestral instruments, along with washers, dryers and other appliances. The business was passed on to Melvin's son Bob and his wife Nina in the 1960s at which time the business was expanded and added teaching studios. In the 1980s, the third generation, Tobin and Robin, joined the business. Today the center includes a foundation run by Tobin and his wife Diane. Over the years, the Rockley Family has become a Lakewood icon. It is for their ongoing support of the community, Colfax BID and the Jefferson County Public Schools that the Rockley Family and the Rockley Music Center is a deserving recipient of the Steve Burkholder Diamond Legacy Award. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Rockley Family for their honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt the Rockley Family will exhibit the same dedication and service in all future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Banner Signs and Decals for their outstanding service and commitment to the community. Dan, Carol and Jeff Lundin bought the company in 2007 with a vision to ultimately make Banner Signs and Decals one of the best sign companies in Colorado. The original business had been located at Colfax and Carr for more than 11 years. The Lundins recently moved the business to the new 40 West Arts District at Teller and Colfax. This Small Business of the Year goes above and beyond for their customers and their local community each and every day. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Lundin family and Banner Signs and Decals for their honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt they will exhibit the same commitment and service in all future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Jim and Kate Curtis for their outstanding dedication to their local community. Owners of the Village Roaster since 1979, Jim and Kate Curtis have been proudly providing Jefferson County and Lakewood residents with some of the best coffee, tea, spices and gift selections from around the world. In addition to running the Village Roaster, the two have worked to support their community for their entire lives continually giving of themselves and their coffee. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jim and Kate Curtis for their honor as Members of the Year by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt they will exhibit the same community service and dedication in the future.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties for their outstanding service to the local community. CASA's mission is to provide trained volunteers to advocate in court for the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers attend 35 hours of intensive training before being appointed to a case of child abuse or neglect. Each volunteer commits to stay with the case until it has concluded to ensure they are able to advocate for the child's best interests in the areas of education, health, foster placement, and most importantly a permanent and safe home. I extend my deepest congratulations to CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties for their honor as Nonprofit of the Year by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt they will exhibit the same service and dedication in all future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Thank you, Mr. McGovern, for giving me a chance to tell a little personal story about the success of the Affordable Care Act and its impact on the Perlmutter family. On election day, my wife, a teacher in the Jeffco school system in Colorado, who had hardly ever been to the hospital, had something that they thought was pretty devastating. She went into surgery on election day. It turned out it was exploratory. A very rare condition was exposed which required a second surgery. Only a handful of surgeons across this country deal with that kind of condition. The surgeons who do it were outside of the network of the original insurance company that provided insurance for her. Because of the Affordable Care Act, we were able to go into the exchange and find an insurance company through an outstanding insurance broker. Rocky Mountain Health Plans had a surgeon who could handle this kind of condition and was within their network. It provided her with fantastic medical care and peace of mind that she was going to somebody who knew precisely what they were doing, and it was all because of the Affordable Care Act. Under the Affordable Care Act, you cannot discriminate against people with a preexisting condition; so for her, she was able to have the peace of mind that is required for recovery. She got the best medical care possible through a coverage that was professional and prompt in its service. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, the Affordable Care Act helped her find a physician equipped and qualified to help her condition. The Affordable Care Act is a civil rights act, and it has got to be upheld.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, January 22, 2015 I was not present to vote on H.R. 7, legislation intruding on women's reproductive freedom and access to health care. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote. Had I been present for roll call No. 45, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Dr. John M. Poate for his prominent career and service to energy conservation and environmental research. For over fifty years Dr. Poate has been active in research and development in the renewable energy sector. His personal research activities span several areas of solid state physics, materials science and engineering. He led a distinguished research career at Bell Labs where he headed the Silicon Processing Research Department. Since then he has served as Dean at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Chief Technology Officer of a semiconductor capital equipment company, and the vice president of Research and Technology Transfer at the Colorado School of Mines. Dr. Poate has served on many advisory panels during his career such as NATO, NSF, NRC, DOE and International Universities. He continues his work on the Board of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and chairing the Director's Review Committee for the Physical and Life Sciences of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and Materials Research Society, MRS past- president, and the John Bardeen award winner of the TMS. To say he is an accomplished research scientist is an understatement. Dr. Poate's dedication and enthusiasm for research is reflected in his authorship of over 300 publications in archival journals as well as 12 patents. I extend my deepest thanks to Dr. Poate for his service to the science community. Thank you for your continuous dedication to research.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Amendment IX: ``The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable achievement of the Orion spacecraft's first test flight. The project represents the next frontier for NASA's deep space exploration program. Last Friday, December 5, Orion lifted off from Cape Canaveral, and by all accounts, it was a flawless mission. This test flight sent Orion 3,604 miles above Earth, traveling at over 20,000 miles per hour. Orion and the Space Launch System are national priorities aimed at taking our astronauts to Mars and beyond. This exploration will inspire our Nation and capture the hearts and minds of young Americans. More importantly, I am proud to say Colorado played an enormous role in making Orion a reality. Lockheed Martin and United Launch Alliance facilities played a leading role in this mission. Other Colorado contractors that played an important role include Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Advanced Solutions Inc., Ball Aerospace, Deep Space Systems, Denver Research Institute, Erickson Metals of Colorado, ISYS Technologies, Red Canyon Engineering, SEAKR Engineering, St. Vrain Manufacturing Syzygx, Syzygx, and TTJ&B Inc. Orion supports thousands of jobs all around the country and is an engine for innovation and space exploration in our State and the Nation. This is something that we all can be proud of as a Nation, and we look forward to further space exploration.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Vicki Wagner for receiving the 2014 City of Golden Mayor's Award of Excellence. The City of Golden honors Vicki for her achievements over four decades of ongoing and enthusiastic volunteerism. Vicki came to Golden in 1968 and soon began volunteering in the City. First in her children's schools, then on the newly-created Citizens Action Committee in the 1980's, the Golden Urban Renewal Authority, and the Farmer's Market since it opened in 2002. She currently serves on the Golden Visitors Center Board of Trustees and the Golden Good Government League. Vicki is primarily responsible for the beautiful landscaping at the Visitors Center and exemplifies the spirit that makes Golden great. I extend my deepest congratulations to Vicki Wagner for this well- deserved recognition by the City of Golden.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lauren Evans for her outstanding service to business development and our community. Lauren is the President of Pinyon Environmental, Inc., a company dedicated to fair and ethical business practices since it was founded 21 years ago. Lauren is committed to the advancement of the entire team and the business of engineering through mentoring of staff and interns. Since 2009, Pinyon has been honored as a Top 100 Woman-Owned business in Colorado by ColoradoBiz Magazine. Lauren has an equally generous spirit outside of her business endeavors, and commits herself to many community non-profit organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors for Socially Conscious Coffee and participates with Denver Animal Shelter, Sweat Equity, Water for People and Greenhouse Scholars. Lauren's work ethic and character shows her commitment to promoting the best interests of all. I extend my deepest congratulations to Lauren Evans for her well- deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Kit Newland, Director of the Community Resources Department at the City of Lakewood, for her outstanding service to our community. Kit has perfected the career of helping individuals stay active and fit and helped to improve the physical and emotional health of her community. She is the current Director of the Community Resources Department for the City of Lakewood. As recreation manager, she oversees Lakewood's parks, trails, open space, recreation and many aspects of human service provision, including early childhood and older adult services. Kit works tirelessly to advocate for the creation of programs and methods for those with chronic conditions to transition seamlessly from medical facilities to community settings in order to remain physically active and engaged with others. One of Kit's biggest successes is the creation of the CancerFit Program, an exercise program designed specifically for cancer survivors. CancerFit is now a program that is available across the State of Colorado. I extend my deepest congratulations to Kit Newland for her well- deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. The dedication Kit has for her community and her family exemplifies her strong work ethic and character, and I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Kay Miller for her outstanding service to the field of health and our community. As the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at St. Anthony Hospital, Kay is known for her dedication to her patients, staff and hospital associates. Prior to working at St. Anthony Hospital, she served as Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland. Kay brings more than 30 years of experience in nursing, health care administration, and patient safety. Throughout her work at St. Anthony, Kay has been committed to enhancing the culture of the hospital through employee engagement and a continual focus on patient satisfaction. Kay uses her passion to help inspire others, and uses her knowledge to mentor nursing directors and those aspiring to be at the nurse executive level. Her teams' accomplishments include the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for health systems, the youngest hospital to receive a Magnet Designation, the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence, two Lantern Awards for Emergency Nursing Excellence and Patient Satisfaction Overall Top Performer for five years. Kay is also a member of the Front Range Community College Area Advisory Council. I extend my deepest congratulations to Kay Miller for her well- deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elevations Credit Union as a recipient of the 2014 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. This award is the nation's highest Presidential honor recognizing excellence in innovation, improvement, and visionary leadership. Elevations, based in Boulder, Colorado, is one of only four organizations in the U.S. to receive the honor this year. Even more impressive, Elevations is the first credit union ever to win this prestigious award. Established in 1952, Elevations is one of the largest and most successful credit unions providing a wide range of exceptional financial products and services. Along with banking services, Elevations connects with its community by providing grants and giving programs, supporting educational opportunities, delivering affordable housing in the Colorado area, and protecting the environment. Since 1999, they have been recognized as one of Boulder County's top financial institution, underscoring their commitment to the community. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate Elevations Credit Union for their accomplishment as a 2014 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient and commend them for their dedication to providing extraordinary services to Colorado.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Heather Kapande for her outstanding service to our community. While building her own successful small business in Jefferson County, Heather has positively influenced the small business community as a whole across the County. She began her professional career as a teacher and has continued with her legacy of serving others. Heather is an influential mentor in the community and goes the extra mile to deliver the absolute best she can to her family, friends, clients and community. Since 1999, Heather manages Nick's Pro Fitness and has helped make it into the prosperous organization it is today. In 2003, Heather took on the additional role as an international event planner. She continues to run Nick's Pro Fitness, but also has a key role at The Bastian Group planning events for businesses in the corporate and entertainment arenas. Heather has a passion and drive that her family, friends, clients and the community all benefit from. I extend my deepest congratulations to Heather Kapande for her well- deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Fran Baker for her tireless dedication and love for the community in Jefferson County. As the founder and Executive Director of the Gold Crown Enrichment Program, a free program that serves 400 kids per year which focuses on art and technology, Fran has raised over $350,000 each year to keep the program running for free. Under Fran's direction, Gold Crown Enrichment was awarded licensing for an international after school program, The Computer Clubhouse, part of a global network of tech based after school programs. While dedicating herself full time to this program, she does not take home a paycheck. In addition to being a full-time volunteer for Gold Crown, she also works in Jefferson County for other causes that support children. For nine years, Fran worked as a Title One Reading Teacher and Literacy Coach in Jefferson County. Fran has received the Jefferson Foundation Community Service Award and was named Channel 7's Everyday Hero. I extend my deepest appreciation and congratulations to Fran for her positive impact in Jefferson County and for the numerous kids she has and continues to support.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lesley Dahlkemper for her outstanding service to education and our community. As the current Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Communications for the Colorado Education Initiative, Lesley has an exemplary passion for public education and has made a huge impact in her field. Her experience spans from the Jefferson County Board of Education to award-winning national reporting for National Public Radio. Lesley brings her experience in public policy, politics and journalism to support the Jefferson County community. Outside of her professional experience, she provides her time to many non-profits including the Action Center, CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties and Colorado I Have A Dream Foundation. Lesley's leadership has impacted Jefferson County for the better. I extend my deepest congratulations to Lesley Dahlkemper for her well-deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Erik Weihenmayer for receiving the 2014 City of Golden Mayor's Award of Excellence. The City of Golden honors Erik for his inspirational pursuit of climbing, running, skiing, cycling, and kayaking challenges all over the world. Known for being the only blind man to climb Mount Everest, Erik co-founded an organization called No Barriers USA, whose mission is to encourage people to conquer barriers in their own lives. While in Golden, he dedicates his time to encouraging the community to live a No Barriers Life, giving speeches at Golden High School, the Mountaineering Center, Bent Gate Mountaineering, and the Buffalo Rose. He also donates his time to lead physically-challenged and underprivileged groups on outings. I extend my deepest congratulations to Erik Weihenmayer for this well-deserved recognition by the City of Golden.