Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Mag Strittmatter for her outstanding service and commitment to our community. It takes great strength to face the heart-breaking issues of poverty day after day, and even more strength to lead others in that fight. Leading The Action Center, Mag has that strength in abundance. She has overseen a revolution in volunteer engagement at the Action Center, where more than 7,000 volunteers contribute annually for the good of the community. She has built on-going partnerships with Red Rocks Community College, Jeffco Human Services and the Metro Community Provider Network to bring resources to clients in one location. In her mentoring she can identify strengths and build the organization around them, with the deep wisdom to see that each person has an important role. Under her leadership, The Action Center's revenue increased by more than 600% since 2002. Directly affecting the community she serves in such a positive way. I extend my deepest congratulations to Mag Strittmatter 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. They have three children. They work two jobs. Neither employer of the mom or dad provides health insurance. Finally, after all these years, they have been able to get health insurance at about $150 using the credits that are available under the Affordable Care Act and the children's health program that this Congress has passed. These people have health care for the first time in their marriage, which is a couple of decades, and they are very thankful. So this is a good Thanksgiving season for the Montez family of Arvada, Colorado.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, first I want to address H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act, which is generally a good bill. It is trying to deal with issues of nuisance litigation where somebody is sued and the costs of litigation are so extreme that they pay money just to stay away from litigation. That is really the underlying purpose of the bill. Now, what we have got to make sure of as Members of this House and as Members of the legislature is that we don't advantage one party over another. And the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) made a good point, Mr. Speaker, last night at the Rules Committee that you don't want to disadvantage small inventors who have come up with a good idea or a great product, something very novel, and some major corporation takes that idea or that product away and doesn't pay for it. That is the purpose of patent litigation. At the same time, you don't want to have some small company that buys a Wi-Fi service all of a sudden getting sued by some company they never heard of and they are saying wait a minute, we are not a patent infringer. I say all of this because the purpose is to have good litigation where there isn't extortion and there isn't theft as the result of some patent infringement. What is done in this bill, I think, though, is micromanagement of the courtroom and its processes. Each of these cases stands and falls on it own merits, and the courts are best equipped to determine their own rules and their own procedures as to how these cases should move forward. I am generally going to support this. I offered an amendment which was not adopted by the Rules Committee last night to delay until December of 2015 the effect of section 6 of the bill so that the courts could create their own rules and not have the legislature do it; 100 years ago we passed the Rules Enabling Act which allows the courts to set their own procedure which is then overseen by the legislature. That is sort of discarded in this bill, and we create some very specific rules, and I think that is a mistake, and I think we could have some real winners and losers. And I think the small guy, the small inventor, the small purchaser could be in trouble. So I would just suggest to the House and to the Rules Committee that we do look at delaying so that the courts can offer their own procedure. I do want to address two other things. It has been over 150 days since we started this legislature. We should be dealing with immigration reform. We are not doing that. And I want to finish my story about the Montez family who are from Arvada, Colorado, who could never get affordable insurance and now are able to under the Affordable Care Act.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to tell the story of the Montez Family, who live in my congressional district in Colorado. They live in Arvada, Colorado, and because of the Affordable Care Act, they will now be able to afford health insurance. This is a success story of the Affordable Care Act and of its improving access to quality, affordable health care. Both Joaquin and Rosalee Montez are employed, but neither of their employers provides coverage to their employees. They have a daughter in college, a 13-year-old son, and a 4-year-old daughter. With rates ranging from $450 to $600 per month, purchasing private insurance was too expensive for the Montez Family, especially with three kids, a house payment, and a car payment. Due to a constrained budget, the only time the kids were receiving health care was when they were ``really, really, really sick,'' and always at an urgent care center. One time after their daughter got E. coli, the Montez Family was stuck with a $17,000 hospital bill. Thanks to the help of a navigator, they were able to get insurance through the Affordable Care Act, which is a success for this Nation.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environmental Coalition, I rise today to recognize the 1- year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy and remember those who tragically lost their lives as well as those continuing to rebuild from the destruction. My constituents in Colorado understand the pain that comes with extreme weather events, having recently suffered from devastating and historic flooding and fires. The flooding killed nine people, damaged or destroyed almost 18,000 homes and businesses across the State, damage to our roads and bridges is estimated to be $450 million, and our cities and counties saw over $170 million in infrastructure damage. Yet floods were not the only severe weather events in Colorado this year. Numerous wildfires and droughts damaged and destroyed property and crops and took lives. I applaud the President for putting forth his climate action plan in an effort to implement meaningful policies that are slowing the effects of climate change. Congress should take further action to minimize the impacts of these natural disasters and to better understand our weather patterns. We will and we must work together to rebuild stronger and smarter to better prepare for future natural disasters that are becoming all too common because of the real impacts of climate change.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Hugh King for receiving the 2013 Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. This award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the Golden community and is presented to Hugh King, M.D., PhD., for his fourteen- year humanitarian career as co-founder of Namlo International, an organization that enables education and a better quality of life to citizens of Nepal, Nicaragua, the USA, and Spain through five programs--school construction, school improvement, scholarships, sister schools, and sustainable development. Hugh, a full professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, and his co-founder and wife Magda, the first woman from Spain to reach the summit of an 8000 meter peak, founded Namlo with the belief that the key to success is a focus on helping communities take responsibility for their schools. I extend my deepest congratulations to Hugh King for this well deserved recognition by Mayor Marjorie Sloan and the City of Golden. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Irwin Joseph (Jim) Kramer on his 80th birthday. There are many ways to serve your fellow man, whether it by through service to one's country, advancing knowledge in a scientific field or by becoming a community leader, and I applaud Mr. Kramer for his great achievements in all of these areas. Originally from Brooklyn, and a graduate of Brooklyn College, Mr. Kramer joined the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. His military career eventually brought him to Newfoundland, Canada where he served as a meteorologist. Mr. Kramer also demonstrated great dedication to the Aurora community after moving and settling down in Colorado. In addition to serving on the board of the Danbury Park Home owners Association, he served on the board of Aurora Mental Health Center and volunteered many hours of this time to the Aurora Mental Health Center. Improving the lives of his friends, family, and even strangers is the cornerstone to his legacy. Mr. Kramer currently resides happily in Aurora, Colorado with his wife Barbara. He has 3 sons, 3 step sons, 5 daughters in law and 11 grandchildren.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and applaud Frank Lay for his outstanding service over the years to our community. Frank's career spans over 57 years in diverse business and political environments. Some of his accomplishments include teaching for seven years at Utah Technical College, 10 years as vice president of the Utah Building Trades and president of the Western Apprenticeship Coordinators Association. Frank's leadership and guidance during his tenure as president of the Utah AFL-CIO had an enormous positive impact on working families. Frank continues to bring the same diligence and compassion to the senior citizens of our community. Frank is a tireless advocate for the issues facing senior citizens and makes sure Colorado legislators, state and federal, are aware of the issues they face. Though Frank Lay is resigning as president of the Colorado Alliance for Retired Americans, I know he will remain a champion for the community. I am honored to recognize him for his devotion to the middle class, protection of seniors and dedication to the public good. I am sure he will have the same unwavering commitment and enthusiasm to future endeavors. Thank you for your service, Frank.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Dan Thoemke for receiving the 2013 Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. This award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the Golden community and is presented to Dan Thoemke for building community and making Golden a better place for all. Dan's contributions in Golden can be seen in many venues including his leadership with the Together Church of Golden, a voluntary group of pastors from all denominations, his work with the Golden Backpack program, Neighborhood Rehab project, City Unite, and as Chaplain for the Golden Police department. Dan is a quiet but powerful leadership force and a role model of excellence in our community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dan Thoemke for this well deserved recognition by Mayor Marjorie Sloan and the City of Golden. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Preston Driggers for receiving the 2013 Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. This award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the Golden community and is presented to Preston Driggers for his decades of citizen service to our community. Golden has been shaped by the contributions of many, and Preston is an example of one who has made a big difference. From working towards the open space purchases of both table mountains and the Bachman property, serving on the GURA board, to even commenting on the transit oriented development on Golden Ridge Road, Preston has always made sincere, important, and unselfish contributions. The Golden community knows Preston as someone who is altruistic, balanced, calm, and a thoughtful role model for citizen involvement. I extend my deepest congratulations to Preston Driggers for this well deserved recognition by Mayor Marjorie Sloan and the City of Golden. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ed Dorsey for receiving the 2013 Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. This award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the Golden community and is presented to Ed Dorsey for his long-term efforts as the exemplary volunteer contributing to the success of a variety of activities in the City of Golden. He has served as an active member and chair of several key organizations including Leadership Golden Board, Visitors Center Board, the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, GURA and the Buffalo Bills Days Committee, just to name a few. Most recently he has been a lead advocate to inform the community about the Downtown Development Authority. His singular distinctive contributions set a superlative example of volunteerism in Golden as detailed in Vision 2030. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ed Dorsey for this well deserved recognition by Mayor Marjorie Sloan and the City of Golden. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Chuck Baroch for receiving the 2013 Golden Mayor's Award for Excellence. This award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the Golden community and is presented to Chuck Baroch for his long service leading the Golden Civic Foundation, which supports economic development and nonprofit organizations in Golden, and for his 13 years on Golden City Council, the last six as mayor. He enhanced relationships with the Colorado School of Mines and represented Golden well in the disputes over the ``Northwest Parkway,'' as well as contributed to the city's sustainability efforts. He brought an inclusive and gentlemanly manner to his interactions. I extend my deepest congratulations to Chuck Baroch for this well deserved recognition by Mayor Marjorie Sloan and the City of Golden. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Mandy Fulton of Teller Street Gallery and Studio, and Suzanne Smith of Food for Thought for receiving the 2013 Wheat Ridge Business Association Member of the Year Award. This award is given to the member or members who exemplify the Best in the Organization by promoting best business practices and for their contribution to the organization and the community. Both are successful business owners and are receiving this award for their volunteer activities to support Feed the Future and other local organizations that support our children. I extend my deepest congratulations to Mandy Fulton and Suzanne Smith for this well deserved recognition by the Wheat Ridge Business Association. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Able Planet for receiving the 2013 Wheat Ridge Special Recognition Award. Able Planet, a Wheat Ridge business that designs and manufactures innovative audio and communication devices for individuals with all levels of hearing was honored by the State as one of the growing ``Colorado Companies to Watch'' at a recent gala in Denver. The award recognizes second-stage companies that are developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and creating new industries throughout the state. Second-stage companies fuel the economic fire of Colorado by accounting for much of the economic growth and economic independence of individuals throughout the state. I extend my deepest congratulations to Able Planet 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 Wheat Ridge Police Department and the Wheat Ridge Business Association's Feed the Future Program for receiving the 2013 Wheat Ridge Mayor's Business & Community Partnership Award. This award incorporates overall achievements as well as contributions in volunteerism, leadership, and community investment, but must also include involvement with the mentoring, training, and partnering with the youth. The Feed the Future Program is a great collaborative initiative, working locally to transform lives toward a world where people no longer face under nutrition and hunger. I extend my deepest congratulations to the Wheat Ridge Police Department and Wheat Ridge Business Association's Feed the Future Program for this well deserved recognition by the City of Wheat Ridge. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Loretta DiTirro for receiving the 2013 Wheat Ridge City Council Partnership Award. This 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. Loretta DiTirro has been an active part of Wheat Ridge for many years. She currently is the President of the Wheat Ridge Business Association where she guides the mission of the organization and is the leading force behind its success. She is also a member of the Wheat Ridge Business District and sits on the Board of Directors, assisting businesses through a grant and loan program. Additionally, Loretta DiTirro is a key figure in the Wheat Ridge Foundations ``Feed the Future'' program providing books, backpacks, food and assistance to the less fortunate children of Wheat Ridge. She can be seen volunteering at almost every event in Wheat Ridge and truly is a beacon of goodwill for the community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Loretta DiTirro for this well deserved recognition by the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Business Association. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Teller Street Gallery and Studios for receiving the 2013 Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission Award. This award recognizes a business which has made an impact on our community by promoting culture and the arts, and supporting opportunities in art education for all ages. Teller Street Gallery and Studios has been in business for a little over one year and is a member of the Wheat Ridge Business Association. Being in the business of fun and creativity, they love participating in local events, such as hosting kids' art activities at the 2012 Carnation Festival, Ridge at 38 Event, and Wheat Fest. Teller Street made the backdrop for the photo booth for the August 15th Cruiser Crawl, and the trophies for the 2013 Carnation Festival Chili Cook-Off. They also have the privilege of providing after-school art programs for kids from the Wheat Ridge 5-8 School, and judging the Everett Middle School art show last spring. In addition to encouraging art in the community, they enjoy supporting local charities and organizations such as the Wheat Ridge Feed the Future Backpack Program and hosting fundraisers like the painting party for Saints Peter and Paul School's silent auction kick- off. I extend my deepest congratulations to Teller Street Gallery and Studios for this well deserved recognition by the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Business Association. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Colorado Plus and West 29th Restaurant and Bar for receiving the 2013 Wheat Ridge Reinvestment Award. This award recognizes businesses that have made a significant investment in their property, improving the overall appearance of the site. Both Colorado Plus owner Eugene Khang, and West 29th Restaurant and Bar owners Bud and Mary Starker, made huge contributions to the esthetic look of Wheat Ridge over the past few months through the renovation and construction on their two respective businesses. I extend my deepest congratulations to Colorado Plus and West 29th Restaurant and Bar for this well deserved recognition by the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Business Association. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Swiss Flower and Gift Cottage for receiving the 2013 Wheat Ridge Business of the Year Award. This award recognizes a business that exemplifies the ``Best in Business'' that represents the values of our community. Swiss Flower and Gift Cottage owner Heidi Haas-Sheard has been conducting business in her building since she was a small child, and in 2012 she decided to educate the community on the multitude of businesses on 44th Avenue from Ward Road to Harlan in Wheat Ridge. She wanted to encourage people to shop local for those things they need and want. It started with a simple idea of pointing out 44 reasons to shop 44th Avenue, including a list of established businesses and a map to reference their locations. She then designed a postcard listing all the businesses on 44th that she provided to each business, thus creating a shared advertising idea. With the assistance of the City of Wheat Ridge and local partners, the vision now includes a website, signage on the bus shelters along the corridor, and a raised awareness of the businesses along 44th Avenue in Wheat Ridge. I extend my deepest congratulations to Swiss Flower and Gift Cottage for this well deserved recognition by the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Business Association. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member. Two hours ago, one of my constituents showed up in person at my district office in Lakewood. She was frantic and in tears. She just received her furlough notice last night. She's a Federal employee who has been furloughed 3 days since March. She's a single mom of a 25-year-old and a grandmother of a 2-year-old, both of whom live with her. She works hard, goes to work every day, and can't understand why she has to pay the price for these political shenanigans. I can assure you she's not celebrating like I saw some of my friends on the Republican side last night. We've got to defeat this piecemeal. We've got real people who are hurt by this shutdown, and we need to take care of it right now and get the CR on the floor.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I thank the gentlewoman. This bill does not cost a dollar. It simply allows the Secretary of Transportation the flexibility needed for Colorado and other communities impacted by severe weather events this year to rebuild our roads and bridges. I'm asking all my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3174 and help us in Colorado rebuild. State of Colorado, Office of the Governor, Denver, CO, September 23, 2013. Hon. John Boehner, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Harry Reid, Majority Leader, Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Boehner, Majority Leader Reid, Minority Leader Pelosi, and Minority Leader McConnell: As you may know, this month massive rains and heavy flooding left over a dozen Colorado counties in devastation. With the rains, highways, bridges, and culverts were washed away. As a result, even now many communities still are cut off and isolated from the rest of the state. Colorado is in dire need of help. Communities across Colorado's Front Range and Eastern Plains are starting to deal with aftermath of the flooding and destruction. The affected counties include Boulder, Adams, Larimer, Weld, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, El Paso, Fremont, Jefferson, Logan, Morgan, Pueblo, and Washington--an area so expansive, that it surpasses that of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Rhode Island combined. Early analyses show that the flooding was so severe that it may not occur again for 500 to 1,000 years. Thousands of Colorado families are without homes, potable water, or power. Before the state can fully restore essential services to impacted towns and cities, and allow residents to permanently return home, we must repair our devastated highway system. Early estimates are that at least 50 bridges will need significant repair--30 of which must be fully replaced. Approximately 200 highway lane miles must be reconstructed. Temporary crossing structures are needed in the interim. And, today, numerous state highways and local roads remain closed, cutting off primary, and in some cases the only, access to Colorado cities and towns. Assessing the damage to Colorado's highway system is underway. But early assessments are that the damage will be several hundred million dollars. Under the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, Public Law 113-2, the U.S. Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program (ERP), received over $2.02 billion to help states rebuild and repair damages to their highways and bridges. In this bill, states impacted by Hurricane Sandy could receive up to $500 million per disaster in ERP funds; however, all remaining states--including Colorado--were capped at $100 million per disaster. Given the widespread devastation to our state highway system, we are respectfully asking that Congress raise this $100 million cap for Colorado as well. As the Colorado congressional delegation stated in a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, there are precedents for waiving or raising this cap. For example, the $100 million was waived in response to damage caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, and Hurricane Irene and the Missouri River basin flooding. Recently, the cap was raised to $500 million for those states devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Based on Colorado's anticipated highway needs and the precedents mentioned above, we ask that you raise this cap for Colorado. Time and again, Congress has answered the call to help communities during times of disaster and loss. The September 2013 floods may prove to be the worst natural disaster in the history of our state, and is likely the worst we shall ever see in our lifetimes. Before we rebuild our homes and businesses, we must rebuild our roads to reopen our communities. On behalf of all Coloradans, please raise this cap to $500 million, so that we may begin this process. Sincerely, John Hickenlooper, Governor.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for yielding time to me so that I can speak about the catastrophe that we had in Colorado 2\1/2\ weeks ago. Some portions of our State received more rain in 3 days than we get in a year and a half, and that amounted to tremendous flooding. Some people say it's a 200-year flood; others say it's a 500-year flood. But it damaged canyons, homes, businesses, roads up and down the front range of Colorado. So our delegation has come together. There is some controversy as to the origins of this funding and whether or not the Republicans from Colorado supported this assistance for highways. That's in the past. We are together today because our State needs the assistance. I rise to ask for quick passage of H.R. 3174, which will enable Colorado to quickly begin the process of rebuilding our damaged infrastructure. Almost 19,000 homes and businesses across Colorado were damaged or destroyed. I had friends, neighbors, and family affected by this storm. I want to start by thanking our first responders--the police, the firefighters, the Colorado National Guard, the United States Army, and FEMA--for their heroic efforts to save lives. Individuals, volunteers, charities, the State, local, and Federal governments responded as one to help the people of the State of Colorado. I witnessed firsthand, with Mr. Gardner, Mr. Polis, and our Senators and Governor, the National Guard rescuing a stranded family. These men and women, without a doubt, prevented these floods from taking more lives. The damage throughout the State is catastrophic and truly unbelievable. I represent two counties of the nine that were declared major disaster areas. Now that the waters have receded, it is time to rebuild. At least 200 miles of State and Federal roads were damaged and 50 bridges were either damaged or destroyed by the floods; and that doesn't include local, county, and city streets, roads, and bridges. In total, the Colorado Department of Transportation is estimating the damage to our State and Federal roads to be about $475 million. The Denver Post reported: The flooding that swept through Colorado is the biggest catastrophe to ever strike the State's infrastructure. Current law restricts funds from this account to $100 million per State per incident. We know the damage to roads, bridges, and infrastructure in our State will well exceed that $100 million. I'm proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 3174, with my friends in the Colorado delegation, to make sure Colorado has the resources needed to rebuild.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, on August 2, 2013 I was not present to vote on the Motion to Recommit and Final Passage of H.R. 2009--the ``Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act of 2013.'' I want to inform you that if present I would have voted: ``aye'' on the Motion to Recommit to H.R. 2009; and ``nay'' on Final Passage of H.R. 2009. The legislation prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury, or any delegate of the Secretary, from implementing or enforcing any provisions of or amendments made by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. This bill marks the 40th time House Republicans have brought forth legislation seeking to repeal, obstruct and undermine the Affordable Care Act. It is time for Congress to focus on legislation that strengthens the middle-class, creates jobs and grows the economy.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, good afternoon. We're in this together. We're not on our own. We're in this together. That's how Americans think: we're in this together. Except that the Tea Party ideology that's running the Republican majority would have us revert to some time before the Civil War, when we're on our own, we're not in this together. They'd love to turn the clock back as far as it can go. Example: let's have interest rates rise on our students. Forget about making sure that the best investment we could do in our students is to keep those interest rates low. Let's talk about the farm bill. Couldn't get it passed, except let's jettison a whole bunch of people whose nutrition is serious to all of us. Forget about food stamps. People have gotten rich overnight. Let's get rid of those things. Energy and the environment. Let's forget about the environment and let's forget about the sun, the wind and biofuels. Just focus only on gas and coal. Those have got to be part of it, but let's forget about things that have happened newly. We're in this together. Abraham Lincoln said, of the people, by the people, for the people. We're working for the people. We need to remember we're all in this together.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Colorado State Junior Curling Champion team of Preston Kramer, Nathan Parry, Spencer Culbertson and Alec Celecki, who were coached by Matt Culbertson and Pam Finch. These four young men competed as Team Kramer in the 2013 USA Junior National Curling Championships January 26-February 2, 2013, at Broomstones Curling Club in Wayland, Massachusetts. These young men won the Colorado State Championships and Regional Championships held in Oregon. At the National Championships, Team Kramer competed against 9 other teams. Although the team did not win the tournament and a berth in the World Championships in Sochi, Russia, they were awarded the Curtis Cup, given to the team who exhibited sportsmanship, and the true spirit of the game of curling. I commend these young men for their success on the curling sheet, and for their example of true sportsmanship. I have no doubt they will exhibit the same dedication and character in all their future endeavors.