Brittany Pettersen

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate what the House and Senate were able to do with passing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Across Colorado, families are being squeezed by the skyrocketing cost of housing. Whether it is in the suburbs or our rural communities, there are simply not enough homes. In Colorado alone, we are short 100,000 units, and that is driving up costs for all of us. We know that owning a home is one of the most important pathways to economic opportunity, stability, and generational wealth. It has also been a cornerstone of the American Dream. Yet, it has never been further out of reach. Housing affordability is the number one issue that I hear from constituents. It is their greatest pain point. Young families are losing hope that they will ever be able to buy their first home. Seniors looking to downsize have nowhere to go. Teachers, nurses, and firefighters are being pushed out of the communities they serve, and the people who have lived there their entire lives are being forced to move because they can no longer afford to live in the place where they grew up. That is why addressing the housing crisis has been a top priority for me in Congress and why I am so proud that three of my bills have been included in this package. Like all significant issues facing this country, this is going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach. This bill does not address all of the problems that we are facing, but I am so proud that we were able to come together to boost the housing supply, remove barriers to construction, and expand access to homes families can afford. While this was supposed to have been a moment of bipartisanship and celebration, right before coming up here, I was notified that the President has canceled the bill signing. He is holding hostage the most important piece of legislation we have brought for housing in 30 years. He is holding it hostage until he forces through his voter suppression bill that would disenfranchise millions of Americans, especially women who have changed their name after being married. I am truly appalled. I should expect really nothing from this President, but I am absolutely shocked by his actions. President Trump has said that nobody gives an f about housing, and he has reminded us, once again, that he absolutely does not. This is about consolidating power for President Trump. Everything that he does is about him and has nothing to do with you. It is just absolutely shameful.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kenna Parker for earning one of this year's JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Awards. The Graduate Awards are granted to recognize individuals of the JeffCo Prosperity Partners (JPP) Program and Head Start families who reach significant milestones in education, employment, and economic opportunity. The recipients must successfully complete the JPP Program and develop skills in career development, academics, and financial literacy. This year's Graduate Award honorees are recognized for their outstanding determination and hard work during the JPP Program. Receiving this award demonstrates dedication to personal growth, distinguishing their drive for professional development and improving their lives on a multigenerational level. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Kenna Parker on their incredible accomplishments and for receiving the 2026 JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Golosky for earning one of this year's JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Awards. The Graduate Awards are granted to recognize individuals of the JeffCo Prosperity Partners (JPP) Program and Head Start families who reach significant milestones in education, employment, and economic opportunity. The recipients must successfully complete the JPP Program and develop skills in career development, academics, and financial literacy. This year's Graduate Award honorees are recognized for their outstanding determination and hard work during the JPP Program. Receiving this award demonstrates dedication to personal growth, distinguishing their drive for professional development and improving their lives on a multigenerational level. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate David Golosky on their incredible accomplishments and for receiving the 2026 JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shavalene Tenorio for earning one of this year's JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Awards. The Graduate Awards are granted to recognize individuals of the JeffCo Prosperity Partners (JPP) Program and Head Start families who reach significant milestones in education, employment, and economic opportunity. The recipients must successfully complete the JPP Program and develop skills in career development, academics, and financial literacy. This year's Graduate Award honorees are recognized for their outstanding determination and hard work during the JPP Program. Receiving this award demonstrates dedication to personal growth, distinguishing their drive for professional development and improving their lives on a multigenerational level. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Shavalene Tenorio on their incredible accomplishments and for receiving the 2026 JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Oli Hinojos for earning one of this year's JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Awards. The Graduate Awards are granted to recognize individuals of the JeffCo Prosperity Partners (JPP) Program and Head Start families who reach significant milestones in education, employment, and economic opportunity. The recipients must successfully complete the JPP Program and develop skills in career development, academics, and financial literacy. This year's Graduate Award honorees are recognized for their outstanding determination and hard work during the JPP Program. Receiving this award demonstrates dedication to personal growth, distinguishing their drive for professional development and improving their lives on a multigenerational level. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Oli Hinojos on their incredible accomplishments and for receiving the 2026 JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr.Speaker, I rise today to recognize Claudia Ibarra for earning one of this year's JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Awards. The Graduate Awards are granted to recognize individuals of the JeffCo Prosperity Partners (JPP) Program and Head Start families who reach significant milestones in education, employment, and economic opportunity. The recipients must successfully complete the JPP Program and develop skills in career development, academics, and financial literacy. This year's Graduate Award honorees are recognized for their outstanding determination and hard work during the JPP Program. Receiving this award demonstrates dedication to personal growth, distinguishing their drive for professional development and improving their lives on a multigenerational level. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Claudia Ibarra on their incredible accomplishments and for receiving the 2026 JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christine Eze for earning one of this year's JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Awards. The Graduate Awards are granted to recognize individuals of the JeffCo Prosperity Partners (JPP) Program and Head Start families who reach significant milestones in education, employment, and economic opportunity. The recipients must successfully complete the JPP Program and develop skills in career development, academics, and financial literacy. This year's Graduate Award honorees are recognized for their outstanding determination and hard work during the JPP Program. Receiving this award demonstrates dedication to personal growth, distinguishing their drive for professional development and improving their lives on a multigenerational level. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Christine Eze on their incredible accomplishments and for receiving the 2026 JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amber Stokes for earning one of this year's JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Awards. The Graduate Awards are granted to recognize individuals of the JeffCo Prosperity Partners (JPP) Program and Head Start families who reach significant milestones in education, employment, and economic opportunity. The recipients must successfully complete the JPP Program and develop skills in career development, academics, and financial literacy. This year's Graduate Award honorees are recognized for their outstanding determination and hard work during the JPP Program. Receiving this award demonstrates dedication to personal growth, distinguishing their drive for professional development and improving their lives on a multigenerational level. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Amber Stokes on their incredible accomplishments and for receiving the 2026 JeffCo Prosperity Partners Graduate Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Mental Health Awareness Month to talk about something that impacts every family in this country. Whether it is struggling ourselves or someone we know, all of us have been touched by mental health challenges. Far too often, people don't have access to the critical care that they need. For me, it was my brother Justin. After years of struggling and falling through the cracks, we lost him to suicide in 2008. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. Justin was one of the smartest people I have known. He was passionate, an avid reader, and was working to become a history teacher. He had recently been married and had his entire life ahead of him. Through all the moments of our lives, big and small, our family grieves that he is not with us today. Mr. Speaker, the most important thing we can do to reduce the stigma is to tell our stories, and that is why I am here telling mine. To the individuals and the families who are struggling in this country, I want you to know that you are not alone, and there are so many of us here in Congress who are not going to stop fighting for you.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Women's Health Week and the catastrophic impact Trump and Republicans have had on women's health in this country. This week, the Trump administration launched moms.gov, another performative political stunt pretending to support moms, but the health and well-being of women and families has never been under greater threat than under this administration. Our access to healthcare is being decimated with cuts to Medicaid and the ACA, while women are also dealing with the ongoing consequences of the Dobbs decision across this country and, somehow, it might even get worse. Republicans are working on a backend national abortion ban by trying to eliminate access to mifepristone, an abortion pill that is utilized for 63 percent of abortions in the United States. This move will disproportionately impact women in poverty and women in rural communities who face significant barriers to being able to see a doctor. Despite their lies, we know that mifepristone is a safe, effective medication, but access to this lifesaving drug now hangs in the balance before the Supreme Court. Any restrictions of this medication for miscarriages and abortions will be another devastating attack on our ability to make our own decisions about our health, our bodies, and our futures. Let's be clear that this has nothing to do with science. It is about controlling women and taking away our access to reproductive healthcare and our ability to make our own decisions. During Women's Health Week, let's remember that Donald Trump has consistently put us last. As a woman, as a mom, and as an American, I am horrified. We cannot stand on the sidelines.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Abel Vasey for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Abel has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Abel, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Abel's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Abel Vasey on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alfonze Romero for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Alfonze has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Alfonze, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Alfonze's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Alfonze Romero on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arturo Aro Calvillo for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Arturo has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Arturo, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Arturo's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Arturo Aro Calvillo on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ashley Beck for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Ashley has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Ashley, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Ashley's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Drake Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Ashley Beck on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Delylah Hawk for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Delylah has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Delylah, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Delylah's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Delylah Hawk on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Eden Rayne Nehls for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Eden Rayne has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Eden Rayne, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Eden Rayne's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Eden Rayne Nehls on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ira Arora for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Ira has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Ira, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Ira's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Drake Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Ira Arora on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Evelyn Luna Avalos for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Evelyn has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Evelyn, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Evelyn's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Evelyn Luna Avalos on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ivan Rangel for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Ivan has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Ivan, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Ivan's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Ivan Rangel on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aldin Mednolucanin for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Aldin has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Aldin, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Aldin's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada West High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Aldin Mednolucanin on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I missed two votes in the vote series on April 27, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 139, final passage of H.R. 227, the Clergy Act, and YEA on Roll Call No. 138, final passage of H.R. 7959, the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. John Covert of Aurora, Colorado, for over seven years of service as Chief Capital Campaign Officer to The Action Center and to congratulate him on his retirement. John served for more than seven years on the executive board of The Action Center, a Lakewood-based non-profit providing family services and financial support to community members. Throughout his time on the board, John's dedication, expertise, and skilled leadership helped to provide financial stability for the organization by increasing funding to fulfill 75 percent of the Action Center's fundraising goal. With John's help, the Action Center supported thousands of community members with free clothing, food, family services, and financial coaching. Before serving at The Action Center, John spent 25 years volunteering at other community organizations, including as Director of Marketing and Development at the Glory Center, Director of Development at Families of Character, and Divisional Director of Development of the Salvation Army. Throughout his years of service, John has improved the lives of thousands of Coloradans. Although his departure from The Action Center will be felt deeply by those he served, John's lasting contributions to the organization and our community are invaluable and will continue to impact Coloradans for years to come. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Mr. John Covert on his retirement and thank him for his service to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Dr. Walter C. Copan for his years of service to our state and country and to congratulate him on his retirement. Dr. Copan began his distinguished career in the mid-1970s, spending nearly three decades in private-sector research and technology leadership. From 2003 to 2005, he advanced America's energy innovation efforts at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he served in key technology transfer and commercialization roles. In 2017, he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as Under Secretary of Commerce and Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, where he worked tirelessly to strengthen America's innovation and technology transfer policies. In 2021, he joined the Colorado School of Mines as Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, helping the university grow as a leading public research institution. Known for his warmth and generosity, Dr. Copan has often reminded colleagues that ``it's a great day to be an Oredigger.'' Though he is retiring from his formal role at Mines, Dr. Copan will continue his longstanding commitment to public service and scientific advancement through his leadership with a number of national medical and scientific research organizations. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Dr. Walter G. Copan on his retirement and thank him for his service to our country and our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Crisosto Apache of Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design for being named Colorado's Poet Laureate. Crisosto is an accomplished multimedia artist, writer, poet, educator, and advocate for the Native American Indigenous LGBTQ/Two- spirit identity. Their recognition by the Governor of Colorado reflects Crisosto's extraordinary talent and distinguished achievements as a poet, as well as their enduring commitment to the arts, to education, and to literary expression across diverse communities. As Colorado's Poet Laureate, Crisosto will continue to amplify the voices and stories of all people who have called Colorado home, and spread the transformative and connective powers of poetry across public spaces. Crisosto is originally from the Mescalero Apache Reservation in New Mexico and is Colorado's first Indigenous Poet Laureate. They have published two poetry collections and received accolades, including the Betty Berzon Emerging Writers Award for their achievements in creative writing. As a longtime Lakewood resident and respected professor at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, Cristoso exemplifies creative excellence and outstanding service to students. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Crisosto Apache for being named Colorado's Poet Laureate and thank them for their contribution and commitment to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities for its 50th anniversary. Since opening in 1976, the Arvada Center has been an important cultural institution in Colorado, enriching our community through theatre, visual arts, arts education, and public programs that engage and inspire people of all ages. For fifty years, the Arvada Center has brought artists, students, audiences, and families together--sparking creativity, nurturing learning, and building lasting connections. It has become a cornerstone of the cultural life of Arvada, Jefferson County, and the greater Denver metro area, offering high-quality artistic experiences while remaining committed to broad community access and participation. The Arvada Center's lasting success reflects the dedication of its staff, educators, performers, volunteers, and supporters, all of whom have helped build a vibrant and welcoming place for the arts to thrive. Its impact extends well beyond its campus, strengthening our region through artistic excellence, education, and civic engagement. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities on its 50th anniversary and thank them for their contribution to our community.