Brittany Pettersen

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Zylasha Gambrel for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Award recognizes High School students who live or attend school in Arvada who have exemplified extraordinary skills in entrepreneurship, innovation, community impact, and leadership. As Student Body President at Arvada High School, Zylasha exemplifies innovative problem-solving by turning ideas into action--identifying school culture gaps amid rigorous academics and leadership demands. Her community involvement encompasses the Jeffco Student Leadership Board, National Honor Society membership, mentoring as an Outdoor Lab Leader, and participation in wrestling, softball, and tennis. She also orchestrates successful events, including pep rallies, school dances, Trick or Treat Street, and Empty Bowls Night to benefit The Community Table. Zylasha takes initiative in everything she does, from shadowing the mayor at work to driving creative solutions at school. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Zylasha Gambrel for this award and thank her for her commitment to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lujane Hanna for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Young Professional Leadership Award. The Young Professional Leadership Award recognizes a young professional under the age of 40 whose leadership and dedication has impacted the world around them. As a financial professional at Valorem Financial, Lujane has already achieved the CFP designation--the industry gold standard--delivering financial clarity, stability, and long-term success for individuals, families, and business owners. She also serves as a mentor at her company, helping other employees with skill-building. Outside of work, she hosts free educational workshops around empowering women professionals through financial literacy, and participates in Old Town Arvada community events like Trick or Treat Street and Second Saturday during the summer with her ``Wheel of Wealth'' booth. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Lujane Hanna for this award and thank her for her commitment to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Heesacker for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Man of the Year Award. The title of Man of the Year is awarded to an exceptional individual who demonstrates extraordinary community involvement, generosity, and overall impact on Arvada. Andrew's passion for serving others through leadership and integrity has made him a standout citizen in Arvada's business and civic life. As the owner of Arvada Rent-Alls, he uplifts his neighbors and supports important causes through donating volunteers and equipment for events and fundraisers throughout the city. He also serves our community through his work on the Greater Arvada Chamber Board of Directors and his volunteer work with Team Rubicon, the National Western Stock Show, and Hope, Connection & Community. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Andrew Heesacker on receiving the 2025 Man of the Year Award and thank him for his contribution to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leslie Feuerborn for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Image Award. Image Award winners are selected for their commitment to Arvada and the overall positive image they portray within the community. Through 40 years as a program manager in health promotion, 500 volunteer hours each year dedicated to nonprofit service, and weekly readings with elementary students, Leslie tirelessly uplifts her community through action. As the treasurer for The Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis Club and Foundation, she supports initiatives such as Sweet Dreams in a Bag, which provides bedding and comfort items to children in need. Leslie is a behind-the-scenes force for good, quietly coordinating, tracking details, and following through so that every project--from fundraising to service days--has the structure it needs to succeed. For her unwavering service, conscious compassion, and profound impact on her environment, Leslie truly embodies the spirit of Arvada and the Image Award. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Leslie Feuerborn for this award and thank her for her commitment to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marshall Moore for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Young Professional Leadership Award. The Young Professional Leadership Award recognizes a young professional under the age of 40 whose leadership and dedication have impacted the world around them. Marshall is enthusiastic about creating lasting financial confidence and community momentum. As the Director of Community Impact and Financial Well-being at On Tap Credit Union, Marshall has forged 12 partnerships, delivered 100+ speaking engagements, and launched the award-winning ``Making Money Joyful'' program for 150 plus participants, for which he received two Credit Union Diamond Awards. He is also an active community member, having presented on the importance of financial wellness to the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, local high schools, Red Rocks Community College, and Jeffco teachers. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Marshall Moore for this award and thank him for his commitment to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Outdoor Lab Foundation on the 50th anniversary of their Windy Peaks Campus. For over 60 years, the Outdoor Lab has touched the lives of young people in Jefferson County by providing a week-long camp experience that helps middle and high school students build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Beyond this, the Outdoor Lab has helped generations of Jefferson County students develop a lasting appreciation for Colorado's natural spaces. At both their Mount Blue Sky campus in Evergreen and Windy Peak campus in Bailey, the Outdoor Lab Foundation welcomes over 5,000 students each year. As a proud Outdoor Lab alumna and former high school student leader myself, I can personally attest to the importance of their work. I thank them for investing in our children and in access to the outdoor spaces that are such an important part of our Colorado way of life. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate the Outdoor Lab Foundation on 50 years of outdoors education at their Windy Peak campus and wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Refuge Cafe on the 20th anniversary of their supportive housing community in Broomfield. For over two decades, The Refuge Cafe has uplifted vulnerable community-members who were struggling with substance use disorder, homelessness, and mental health. It first opened its doors in 2006 and today serves an estimated 1,000 community members every month. Their holistic work is a cornerstone of the Broomfield community, providing a safe place to rest, access to local resources, free lunches, Wi-Fi, showers, and hygiene supplies for our friends and neighbors in need. The Refuge is dedicated to serving individuals in the community by providing access to resources and offering a sense of belonging. Having grown up as an at-risk youth, I know that healthcare is more than just access to services and economic stability--it is also about human connection. The Refuge intentionally cultivates this human connection in their community, fostering trauma-informed care that facilitates lasting recovery. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate The Refuge Cafe on celebrating 20 years of ``holding hope and building dreams,'' as they continue to deliver integrated healthcare services to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tegain Boley for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Tegain has overcome many challenges along their journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Tegain, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Tegain's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Tegain Boley 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 June 29, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 229, final passage of H.R. 7128 as amended, the TRIA Program Reauthorization Act of 2026; and YEA on Roll Call No. 228, final passage of H.R. 7757 as amended, the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kathy Hodgson of Lakewood for her service as City Manager. For 46 years, Kathy has been a pillar of the Lakewood Community, beginning her career as a teenage lifeguard at her local pool, where she safeguarded residents and discovered her passion for public service. Over several decades, Kathy worked her way to the City Manager position, which she has held for the past 18 years. During her tenure, she secured 192 acres for city parks and open spaces, including nearly 60 acres in the heart of Lakewood. She oversaw the largest infrastructure investment in the city's history along the West Colfax Corridor. As a regional leader in Jefferson County, Kathy helped create the Volunteers of America Colorado Navigation Center to address homelessness. Kathy's dedication to service does not end with the City of Lakewood. She formerly served on the Red Rocks Community College Advisory Council, as president of the Colorado Women's Forum, the Colorado Municipal League executive board, and the Colorado City and County Management Association. Kathy led the City of Lakewood to become a national sustainability beacon by increasing the number of electric vehicles in the city's fleet, installing solar power at Whitlock Recreation Center, adding EV charging stations at cjty facilities, and creating a residential composting program. Kathy has gone above and beyond in her service to the community and has been an inspiration to those around her. The City of Lakewood and the State of Colorado have benefited from Kathy's hard work and commitment to creating a better future for all Coloradans, and her absence will be felt by the community she served so well. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Kathy Hodgson on her well-earned retirement and to thank her for her service to our community.

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.