Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, what I'd like to do is to read again this amendment, because once I've read it, I imagine that everyone in this House of Representatives will embrace this amendment, this final amendment to the bill, and will vote in favor of this amendment. It says: Nothing in this act or any amendment made by this act shall be construed to limit or restrict the ability of the Federal Communications Commission to adopt a rule or to amend an existing rule to protect online privacy, including requirements in such rule that prohibit licensees or regulated entities from mandating that job applicants or employees disclose confidential passwords to social networking Web sites. What this amendment does is it says you cannot demand, as a condition of employment, that somebody reveal a confidential password to their Facebook, to their Flickr, to their Twitter, to whatever their account may be. It only makes sense because those that are using these kinds of social media have an expectation of privacy. They have an expectation that their right to free speech or their right to free religion will be respected when they use these social media outlets. Now, if an employer wants to pose as or impersonate the individual who's had to turn over their confidential password, that employer I think will be able to reach into personal private information of the user, of the Facebook user, for instance, or the Facebook member, or of the person who is communicating with them, the friend of the Facebook user. So there are two sides to this, both the user of the Facebook as well as those people who correspond with them, that have an expectation of privacy. Now, these kinds of communications are going to be very personal. Facebook, itself, in an original post dated March 23, 2012, says: In recent months, we've seen a distressing increase in reports of employers or others seeking to gain inappropriate access to people's Facebook profiles or private information. This practice undermines the privacy expectations and the security of both the user and the user's friends. It also potentially exposes the employer who seeks this access to unanticipated legal liability. They continue: The most alarming of these practices is the reported incidences of employers asking prospective or actual employees to reveal their passwords. If you are a Facebook user, you should never have to share your password, let anyone access your account, or do anything that might jeopardize the security of your account or violate the privacy of your friends. This is a very simple, straightforward amendment. It is one that everybody ought to embrace. Now, some people might say, well, shouldn't an employer have this right? Well, employers can always do what they've done for years, which is to check references, to do background checks, but to do it as themselves, not as an imposter. They can do it directly. So if my reference is being checked, somebody knows that they're dealing with my employer, not some imposter. It is just that simple. People have an expectation of privacy, both the user and their friend. There is clearly the potential for liability to an employer or somebody who comes in and misuses the confidential password. There is already plenty available to employers to do their background checks that they may need without posing and using the confidential password. This amendment is simple. It is straightforward. I urge its passage. It is the final amendment that we will present to this bill.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. In reclaiming my time from my friend from North Carolina, I would love to work with you, but this is the amendment we are proposing to this bill at this time. I am asking for a vote on this bill at this time. Mr. Speaker, again, this is a straightforward amendment. It's one everybody should vote for. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 96, I was unavoidably detained and missed voting on H.R. 4105. Had I not been detained, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ken Kranz for receiving the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce Charlie O'Brien Award. This award goes to a member who is well respected within his or her organization and is motivated by an unselfish desire to contribute to the community for the betterment of greater Golden. Ken Kranz fell in love with Golden while conducting a bank transaction with Wells Fargo. After moving to Golden, Ken met with the Greater Golden Chamber to find out where his talents were needed. His talents were put to use that very day and has continued to today. Ken has been President of Leadership Golden Alumni Association, Chairman and current member of Citizens Budget Advisory Committee for the City of Golden, President of the Golden Visitors Center Board of Trustees, member of the Golden Fine Arts Festival Committee and responsible for logistics coordination. Ken is also a member of the Board of Directors, current member of the Rotary Club of Golden and volunteer at the National Western Stock Show. Ken retired from banking after 30 years of service to the Wells Fargo Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank. I extend my deepest congratulations to Ken Kranz for this well deserved recognition by the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud EDS Waste Solutions for receiving the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award. This award is given to an outstanding Chamber of Commerce business member that has contributed substantially to the Chamber of Commerce and the community. The original trash company began in 1896 with a horse and wagon. Today, EDS Waste Solutions proudly operates a fleet of over 30 trucks. EDS Waste Solutions is a full service company that offers residential, commercial, industrial, and recycle hauling services. They are committed to offering the most innovative waste solutions of the 21st century. In the 26 years that EDS has been located in Golden they have supported the City of Golden, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo Bill Days, Golden Fine Arts Festival, Golden Christmas Parades, Golden Car Shows, Golden Clean Up Days and the list goes on. EDS saves the city, citizens and organizations nearly $20,000.00 each year. Their Mission Statement is truly who they are. EDS is an environmentally responsible company committed to exceeding the expectations of their customers, employees, and community with integrity, teamwork, innovation, and their desire to serve. Because, ``It's not just trash, it's our future''. I extend my deepest congratulations to all the employees of EDS Waste Solutions for this well deserved recognition by the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for making our community a better place to live.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the City of Golden USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stage Six Team for receiving the Chairman's Award from the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. The Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce Chairman's Award is a very special award and is not awarded every year. This award is at the discretion of the Chair. Nominees must contribute a great deal to the overall economic vitality of the Greater Golden Area. For seven consecutive days, 135 of the world's top athletes raced across 518 miles through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they have ever had to endure, more than two miles in elevation. It featured the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging course through some of America's most beautiful scenery, including cities such as Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs and Golden. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge commissioned IFM, a global sports research firm with 20 plus years of cycling experience around the world, to conduct a quantitative research study to measure the overall economic impact of the inaugural cycling event. Their findings showed the economic impact to the State of Colorado was in excess of $83.5 million. Golden received a great deal of this impact as the crowds in Golden and surrounding areas were enormous. Due to the Golden Team's excellent job in 2011, the City of Golden has been awarded the beginning of the fifth stage for 2012. I extend my deepest congratulations to the City of Golden USA Pro Cycling Challenge Six Team for this well deserved recognition by the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. I have no doubt they will excel in 2012.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the City of Golden Parks and Recreation Department for receiving the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce Civic Award. The city's parks and recreation facilities, programs, activities, and services contribute greatly to the overall quality of life in Golden. The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining open spaces, for providing a quality system of parks and recreational facilities and for providing positive leisure opportunities for the community. Golden is home to many unique recreational amenities. The American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), awarded the City of Golden the National Gold Medal Award at NRPA's Annual Congress and Exposition. The Gold Medal Award honors communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Each agency is judged on its ability to address the needs of those it serves. The Golden Parks and Recreation vision is ``Golden will be recognized as a national leader in the provision of high quality parks, trails and recreation facilities.'' Their mission is ``to promote and provide safe and comprehensive community facilities, programs and services that will enrich the quality of life for all residents and visitors.'' I extend my deepest congratulations to all the employees of the City of Golden Parks and Recreation Department for this well deserved recognition by the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ben Cordova for his service to our community and the veterans of Colorado. Mr. Cordova is a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, Commerce City business leader, and a tireless advocate for veterans' rights. He created the Ben Cordova Foundation dedicated to help service members. The foundation helps families navigate the state and federal veterans' services bureaucracy including education, VA health care and employment. Mr. Cordova recently completed a 344-mile walk across Colorado in 44 days to bring awareness and support for his foundation. Despite his diabetes and neuropathy aliments he is set to begin a 2,745 mile journey across the country next February to raise money for veterans' services organizations. It is his goal to ensure every veteran, young or old, is aware of the help available to them nationwide. I congratulate Mr. Cordova on his efforts to bring awareness to veterans' issues and extend my deepest thanks to him for his courage and service to our country.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Colorado School of Mines Women's Softball Team, who last spring won a berth in the NCAA Women's Softball Tournament for the second time in school history. The Orediggers finished the year with a conference record of 28-11, and an overall record of 36-24, sharing the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championship with Metropolitan State College of Denver. The School of Mines also hosted the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference softball championship last spring. The three day event was a success for the School of Mines and all the schools that participated. Two of the School of Mines players were named to the All Tournament Team, Kelly Ulkrich, and Macy Jones. The women of the Orediggers softball team should be extremely proud of their 2011 season, and their efforts on the diamond and in the classroom. These women exemplify the idea of the collegiate student- athlete. The Colorado School of Mines specializes in hard sciences, and I commend these young women in their dedication to fields that have traditionally been male dominated. They are an inspiration to girls everywhere who want to study science and engineering. I also want to congratulate pitcher Kelly Ulkirch who was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Women's Athlete of the Month for April 2011. I extend my deepest congratulations to the women of the Colorado School of Mines Women's Softball Team. The lessons they are learning as student-athletes will make these women the science and technology leaders of tomorrow. I am proud to have this world class school in my district. I wish the team best of luck in the 2012 season I hope it is even more successful than 2011, again congratulations, and Go Orediggers!

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Wendy Goins of Golden Bodyworker for receiving the Ambassador of the Year Award from the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. This award is given each year to an individual who is a member of the Chamber Ambassadors. Wendy has been very active in promoting the Chamber in several ways, such as attending ribbon cuttings, grand openings, ground breakings, mentoring new Chamber members, attending Chamber functions, staffing the membership luncheon prize table, and many more. With a full work schedule, Wendy finds time to promote the Chamber, attend functions and accepts challenges with a no defeat attitude. She is a real asset to the Golden community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Wendy Goins for this well deserved recognition by the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce. 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 Marian Metsopoulos for her outstanding commitment to our community. Marian is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Lakewood and Jefferson County. As a dedicated historian, Marian looks to the future and the generations impacted by her efforts to save the past. Her passion extends to the arts as well, where she served as coordinator of the Foothills Arts Center for twenty four years. Marian was a pioneer in making the Foothills Arts center a known name in the community. Her collaboration with local artists and business put the center on the map. Marian's many accomplishments include support for heritage education, restoration projects for Lakewood's Heritage Center and the Buffalo Bill Museum and grave. I extend my deepest congratulations to Marian Metsopoulos 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 Jennifer Herrick for her service to the people of Colorado. Jennifer exudes the character of a caring citizen and passionate mother. She is a consistent foster mother to troubled, at-risk teens and rescue animals. As a foster mother, Jennifer cares for her foster children long after they have left her care, no matter where the children end up. As a rescue animal enthusiast, Jennifer is especially compassionate for larger breeds including Newfoundlands and Great Danes, and is a large contributor to Rocky Mountain animal rescue organizations. Jennifer owns a small consignment shop in Evergreen named CRAVE. She is known for being environmentally conscious and community-friendly by donating unwanted items from her store to EChO (Evergreen Christian Outreach). She is a large supporter of small businesses, by offering area retailers and organizations frequent discounts at her store. Jennifer also sends email notices to her customers asking that they shop locally and support their community. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jennifer Herrick 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 Viona Mae Hader for her outstanding service to our community. Viona is an inspirational and active member of the Golden community. She first moved to Golden in 1941 where she helped to establish and revitalize community events. In an effort to expand local trail rides, Viona helped revitalize the Buffalo Bill Days parade. She played an instrumental role in establishing the Foothills Art Center by purchasing the building and converting it into a gallery. Viona is knowledgeable and observant. When she saw veterans receiving American flags for their service, she wondered how she could showcase these amazing soldiers' accomplishments. Soon after, she started the Flag Project at the Golden Cemetery. At the beginning, there were only eight flags, but now there are over 315 flags every Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Viona is a pioneer. She was the first full-time employee of the Golden Chamber of Commerce and helped develop the first Golden tourist program. Among her many firsts, Viona is credited for writing the first History of Golden. I extend my deepest congratulations to Viona Mae Hader 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 Amy Sherman for her outstanding service to our community. Amy Sherman is a woman of integrity, vision, and perseverance. While serving ten years as the President of the West Chamber, Amy founded and helped develop many organizations geared to help businesses flourish in Jefferson County. These organizations include the Jefferson County Business Resource Center, the Rooney Valley Association, and the Celebrate Women of Jefferson County Event. Amy also started the tourism initiative named Experience Jefferson County. Amy sees the bigger picture and is willing to take the risks necessary for her projects to succeed. Due to her keen eye and purposeful spirit, Amy was awarded the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year in 2008. Awards and congratulations are not what drive Amy; she strives to make every person's life in the community better. Whether sitting on one of 14 boards throughout her ten years as the West Chamber President, or volunteering with the Twin Connection to mentor a meth- addicted mother of twins, or chairing events for her children's school PTA, Amy focuses on the betterment of her community for now and many years to come. I extend my deepest congratulations to Amy Sherman 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 Bunny Malm for her outstanding service to our community. Bunny has been active in the Lakewood community since it was first incorporated. Bunny served as Lakewood's first Charter Chairman of the city's Board of Adjustment. Among Bunny's many board positions in the Jefferson County community, she served two years as chairman of the Jefferson County Planning Commission. Bunny currently serves as a Board member of the Lakewood Historical Society and the West Colfax Community Association. Bunny's get up and go attitude has led her to become a volunteer ambassador for the Lakewood-West Colfax Business Improvement District. When Bunny isn't busy working on one of her many board duties or volunteering at a local charitable group, she can be found picking up trash on West Colfax. That's who Bunny is--compassionate, outgoing and always willing to lend an extra hand. I extend my deepest congratulations to Bunny Malm 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 Kathleen Curtis for her outstanding service to our community. Kathleen is a woman that never rests. After losing her mother to cancer, Kathleen provides much sweat equity in fundraising for cancer treatment organizations by running marathons. She works a very busy daily schedule, but always has time to support the causes she cares for dearly. Kathleen is a woman that never says no to a person in need. She and her husband have owned and worked for the Village Roaster for 28 years. Kathleen donates many products and services to nonprofits for special events, especially coffee. I extend my deepest congratulations to Kathleen Curtis 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 Dr. Rebecca Wiebe for her outstanding service to our community. Rebecca is a skilled surgeon and businesswoman as well as a wife and passionate community member. Rebecca dreamed of a facility where cancer patients could receive all medical needs under one roof. Her vision recently became reality when the Red Rocks Cancer Center in Golden opened its doors. Rebecca had her hand in every piece of the cancer center, from raising money to purchasing real estate and even outlining logistics on how the cancer center should run. Rebecca's vision not only is a beacon of light for cancer patients in Jefferson County, but has attracted several medical practices and helped create jobs in Golden. Rebecca maintains a successful practice as a general surgeon. She is confident, compassionate and highly skilled. Rebecca is not only a leader in Jefferson County, but her leadership extends to the surgical community in Colorado as well where she is the chair of the Surgical Service Line at the Exempla Lutheran Medical Center. I extend my deepest congratulations to Dr. Rebecca Wiebe 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 Christine Cook for her outstanding service to our community. Christine is CEO of INGATHER Research, where she has been a huge influence on the market research industry, developing the first residential home in market research called ``The Reality House.'' Several facilities across the Nation have mirrored her model and efforts of thinking outside the box. With Christine's help, INGATHER Research received BBB's Gold Star Award for Excellence for the past 4 years and has also been chosen as a ``Colorado Company to Watch'' by Colorado Biz Magazine. Christine is a leader in the community. She has served as president of Colorado Chapter of BMA (Business Marketing Association), MRA (Marketing Research Association), Colorado Chapter of AMA (American Marketing Association), and Celiac Disease Foundation. In 2010 Christine was awarded the Communicator of the Year Award from the Business Marketing Association and the Colorado Ethics in Business Award. I extend my deepest congratulations to Christine Cook 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 Moni Piz Wilson for her outstanding service to our community. As owner and operator of Grandma's Frozen Egg Noodles, Moni carries the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to keep her business successful. Moni bought the business in 2001 without formal business training or experience running a company. She took her business from a small shop to one that delivers 200,000 cases of noodles each year. Moni tackles all tasks with a get-it-done-today attitude. Her spirit for success is not constrained to her business, but extends to the Arvada community as well. Moni not only serves as Vice President of the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) board of directors, but was instrumental in the Foothills Animal Shelter ``Raising Capital'' campaign to fund the construction of the new animal shelter. Moni's success and community outreach won her the Lloyd J. King Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. I extend my deepest congratulations to Moni Piz Wilson 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 the Colorado School of Mines Women's Softball Team, who last spring won a berth at the NCAA Women's Softball Tournament for the second time in school history. The Orediggers finished the year with a conference record of 28-11, and an overall record of 36-24, sharing the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championship with Metropolitan State College of Denver. The School of Mines also hosted the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference softball championship last spring. The three day event was a success for the School of Mines and all the schools that participated. Two of the School of Mines players were named to the All Tournament Team, Kelly Unkrich, and Macy Jones. The women of the Orediggers softball team should be extremely proud of their 2011 season, and their efforts on the diamond and in the classroom. These women exemplify the idea of the collegiate student- athlete. The Colorado School of Mines specializes in hard sciences, and I commend these young women in their dedication to fields that have traditionally been male dominated. They are an inspiration to girls everywhere who want to study science and engineering. I also want to congratulate pitcher Kelly Unkrich who was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Women's Athlete of the Month for April 2011. I extend my deepest congratulations to the women of the Colorado School of Mines Women's Softball Team. The lessons they are learning as student-athletes will make these women the science and technology leaders of tomorrow. I am proud to have this world class school in my district. I wish the team best of luck in the 2012 season. I hope it is even more successful than 2011, again congratulations, and Go Orediggers!

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. In closing, Madam Chair, I appreciate Mr. Watt's comments. They're legitimate, except that the purpose of this is to have in effect a national solicitation notification nationally to the SEC, and then the powers of the States kick in, as opposed to individual notification State by State. And I appreciate his concern-- it's legitimate, but to make this work, you have to have a structure that allows for the national offering, notice to the States, and then the States' police powers kick in. And the SEC has its police powers as well if there is any fraud, manipulation, misrepresentation, or the like. With that, I would urge adoption of the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I yield to my other friend from North Carolina.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Chair, how much time remains?

Mr. PERLMUTTER. I reserve the balance of my time.