Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Seniors' Resource Center (SRC) in Jefferson County, Colorado. For three and a half decades, the Seniors' Resource Center spirit committed itself to the vibrancy of metro Denver by helping thousands of families realize many more years of quality life together at home in their communities. The agency's mission is simple. It provides a constellation of services to our older population, allowing them to remain in their own homes independently and with dignity. SRC is consistently recognized for its leadership in providing unparalleled service to the elderly in our communities. Leading Age, an association of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to making America a better place to grow old, awarded SRC its National Outstanding Advocacy Award in 2011. Known for its innovative model of coordinated care, SRC offers adult day and respite services, transportation, volunteer services, in-home care and care management services. SRC is committed to refer any and all callers to the best possible place for care whether it is SRC or not. The agency is fortunate to be led by President/CEO John Zabawa, who has navigated the agency for 32 years. I salute John, his staff, the Board of Directors and the many volunteers who make the center what it is today.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Mr. Coffman, Ms. DeGette, Mr. Polis, and Mr. Gardner in remembrance of the 1-year anniversary of the Aurora theater shooting. Over the past year, victims and their families and those who lost loved ones have shown incredible courage in the face of such a terrible tragedy. That fateful night claimed the lives of those we will never forget and whose lives we will honor every day. This tragedy has not and will not define the city of Aurora, or the Denver area, or Colorado. We want to thank and recognize the outstanding work of the police officers, medical staffs, and first responders who acted bravely and selflessly on July 20 and continue to serve the people of Aurora and Denver every day. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence for those who were killed and for those who were maimed physically and emotionally last year in the Aurora, Colorado, theater shooting.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. To the ranking member and the chairman of the subcommittee, thank you for your work. H.R. 2609 appropriates $30.4 billion for fiscal year 2014 for the Energy Department and Federal water projects, which is $4.1 billion below the President's request and $6.3 billion, or 17 percent, below the enacted level for 2013. The reductions in H.R. 2609 undermine America's strategic energy investments and remove vital funding for laboratories such as the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, Colorado. Facilities such as NREL are leading proponents in energy research and innovation. The clean energy market has grown exponentially from $1 billion a year to $211 billion per year over the past decade. This number continues to grow. Congress should be funding facilities which help to bring next- generation renewable technologies to market. These technologies are not only helping local energy entrepreneurs but are also helping business owners drive down energy costs. The Energy Systems Integration Facility, otherwise known as ESIF, located at the National Renewable Energy Lab, is a perfect example of this kind of partnership. ESIF is the Nation's only facility to model on a megawatt scale how clean energy technologies such as wind and solar interact on the electrical grid with traditional energy sources such as coal and natural gas. The facility is aimed at overcoming generation transmission distribution and end-use challenges to support a cleaner, affordable, and more secure U.S. energy mix, including research into next-generation building technologies, microgrids, energy storage batteries, and utility-scale renewable energy. As the cost of clean energy technologies continues to come down, seamless and efficient grid integration will help make these resources and products even more affordable. Funding for programs like ESIF and labs like the National Renewable Energy Lab is good for our utilities and our consumers. It's good for our economy, and it's good for energy security. Yet the majority continues to believe that cuts to our Energy Department will provide us a brighter future. I say, No way. Lastly, while I believe the funding in the entirety of this bill is wholly inadequate, I cannot allow our energy investments to be reduced to rubble. My amendment would transfer $15 million to the Office of Renewable Energy, Energy Reliability and Efficiency, with an equal offsetting reduction from the Production Support for the W76-(1) Life Extension Program under the Weapons Activities account. While I appreciate the committee's attempt to support the National Renewable Energy Lab, the proposed funding of $31 million is $15 million below the budget request. Thus, my amendment seeks to fully fund the Facilities and Infrastructure line item. The committee recommends to the House we fund $345 million for Production Support, which is an additional $23.5 million over the administration's request. The administration sites a lower level of funding from fiscal year 2013 to 2014 due to the completion of a modern manufacturing floor process. So what the committee has done is raise $23.5 million over the President's request. I'm asking that that be backed up by $15 million so that the National Renewable Energy Lab and EERE is increased by $15 million. I ask for an ``aye'' vote on my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I appreciate the comments of my friends from Tennessee and Washington. In Colorado, in my district, we have two of those plants which are World War II and Cold War legacy plants--Rocky Flats and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal--so I appreciate the comments and the need to clean these sites up. It is long overdue. I agree with you, and I look forward to that. The problem we have here, on the one hand, are substantial cuts to the Energy Department's budget and, on the other hand, an increase to this line item above and beyond the President's request. As I understand it, the committee recommends to the House $345 million, which is $23.5 million over the administration's request. Although I agree completely with the need to clean up, the majority party is requesting more than is needed at this point, and it is to the detriment of the rest of the budget of the Energy Department. Particularly, the one that I'm concerned about is renewable energy, such as the National Renewable Energy Lab, and I will have an amendment to that point coming up later. So, to my friends, I agree with you that the cleanup needs to go forward. It should be done at the full amount the President requested and not at the $23 million more that has been suggested by the committee. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I move to strike the last word, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen personal reasons, on June 28, 2013 I was not present to vote on final passage of H.R. 2231-- the ``Offshore Energy and Jobs Act.'' If present I would have voted ``nay.'' Domestic energy production is thriving under the Obama Administration's ``all of the above'' energy strategy. In 2012, American oil production reached the highest level in two decades, and natural gas production reached an all-time high while U.S. oil imports fell to the lowest level in nearly 20 years. Our current energy policies are leading to U.S. energy independence and reducing our reliance on Middle East oil. I am committed to promoting safe and responsible domestic oil and gas development, but H.R. 2231 is an irresponsible plan to expand offshore drilling without proper environmental protections and considerations.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Yatzire Aguirre for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Yatzire Aguirre is a 12th grader at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Yatzire Aguirre is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Yatzire Aguirre for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Valeria Placencio for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Valeria Placencio is a 12th grader at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Valeria Placencio is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Valeria Placencio for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Timmy Paulsen for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Timmy Paulsen is a 12th grader at Jefferson High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Timmy Paulsen is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Timmy Paulsen for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Taylor Baxley for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Taylor Baxley is an 8th grader at Moore Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Taylor Baxley is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Taylor Baxley for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Stephanie Shepherd for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Stephanie Shepherd is a 12th grader at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Stephanie Shepherd is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Stephanie Shepherd for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Victoria True for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Victoria True is an 8th grader at Moore Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Victoria True is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Victoria True for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Taylor Smothers for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Taylor Smothers is an 11th grader at Standley Lake High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Taylor Smothers is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Taylor Smothers for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Trevor Sowl for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Trevor Sowl is an 8th grader at Mandalay Middle School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Trevor Sowl is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Trevor Sowl for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Tania Perez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Tania Perez is an 11th grader at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Tania Perez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Tania Perez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Stephani Ruvalcaba for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Stephani Ruvalcaba is a 12th grader at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Stephani Ruvalcaba is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Stephani Ruvalcaba for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Savannah Gallegos-Alexus for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Savannah Gallegos-Alexus is a 7th grader at Drake Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Savannah Gallegos-Alexus is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Savannah Gallegos-Alexus for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Roseline Mugaruka for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Roseline Mugaruka is an 11th grader at Standley Lake High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Roseline Mugaruka is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Roseline Mugaruka for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sandy Mata for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Sandy Mata is a 12th grader at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Sandy Mata is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Sandy Mata for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Rafael Resendez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Rafael Resendez is a 12th grader at Jefferson High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Rafael Resendez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Rafael Resendez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Rayanna Romero for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Rayanna Romero is a 9th grader at Jefferson High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Rayanna Romero is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Rayanna Romero for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Samantha Bennett for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Samantha Bennett is an 8th grader at Moore Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Samantha Bennett is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Samantha Bennett for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Sarah Boothby for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Sarah Boothby is an 8th grader at Mandalay Middle School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Sarah Boothby is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Sarah Boothby for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.