Brittany Pettersen

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kami Welch for being named an Outstanding Woman in Business by the Denver Business Journal. Each year, Denver Business Journal chooses 34 exceptional women in the Denver metro area who are the area's top executives, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and influencers. This year, Kami was selected for this award after 14 years in the Chamber industry, including 10 years with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. She is an outstanding leader, dedicated to the success of the Arvada community and focused on supporting women in business. Kami's efforts to develop meaningful industry and business solutions have led to significant improvements in the city's domestic tourism, a more diversified economy, and a stronger environment for local and small businesses. Those who have had the privilege of working with Kami attest to her unwavering commitment to the Arvada community. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I thank Kami Welch for her dedicated service to Arvada as well as the citizens of Colorado.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peg Perl, the Chief Deputy Clerk and Recorder for Jefferson County. She was chosen by the U.S. Department of State's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to help oversee a recent Uzbekistan election in July 2023. Ms. Perl was stationed at an election site in Namangan, near the Kyrgyzstan border. She and her fellow delegates reviewed the set-up process, voting, counting, and reporting of results late into the night. Ms. Perl's commitment to service and democracy helped to ensure voting was accessible and protected during this election. Ms. Perl has over 20 years of experience in election administration, voting rights, and government ethics at the national, state, and local levels. She helped design and enact Colorado's modern voting laws as well as many state and city campaign disclosure reforms while serving as Senior Counsel for the nonpartisan Colorado Ethics Watch. In 2017, she was named one of the Top Women Attorneys by Law Week Colorado. Prior to moving to Colorado in 2010, Ms. Perl served as a nonpartisan counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee and as a policy attorney with the Federal Election Commission. She has shown a lifelong dedication and devotion to the ideals of democracy, and today we recognize her commitment to service.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Trevonni Rossi from Canon City for his acceptance into the Juilliard Summer Dance Intensive, an exclusive and highly competitive program. Even at his young age, Mr. Rossi has an extensive dance career that extends far beyond his years. He was named Mr. Dance America at a prestigious regional dance competition for two consecutive years, earned the World Dance Championship Finalist award in 2019, and ranked fourth in the world at the Soloist World Dance Pageant in 2022. Mr. Rossi's relentless drive, passion, and exceptional skills have been the driving force behind his success. It is an honor for me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on his well-deserved acceptance to the prestigious Juilliard Summer Dance Intensive. As he begins this exciting journey, our community is wishing him the best and waiting to see all he achieves in the future.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Courtney Dauwalter, a remarkable ultrarunner and Leadville resident who continues to redefine the boundaries of endurance in the world of ultra-distance racing. In July 2023, Ms. Dauwalter achieved the remarkable feat of being the first female finisher at the grueling Hardrock 100-mile foot race, only a few weeks after she emerged victorious at the Western States 100 in California. She also won the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, a race renowned for its extreme difficulty and terrain. With this victory, she made history, becoming the first person ever to win all 3 of these races in a single year and the second person ever to achieve this incredible trifecta in their lifetime. Ms. Dauwalter's unparalleled accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with grit and dedication, one can achieve the seemingly impossible. We wish Ms. Dauwalter the best of luck as she continues her running career and inspires fellow athletes and fans in Colorado and around the world.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions and tireless dedication of Mr. Bob Knapp, a distinguished individual, devoted advocate, and community leader in Colorado. Mr. Knapp has exemplified exceptional commitment to his community and has been an integral part of various organizations dedicated to improving the lives of retired Americans, advancing the cause of democracy, and promoting the rights of American workers. Mr. Knapp's contributions include co-founding the Colorado Chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans. For 2 decades, he served as its Secretary, working to ensure the needs and concerns of retired Americans were addressed and advocating for policies that enhanced their quality of life. Perhaps one of Mr. Knapp's most remarkable achievements is his service on the AFL-CIO Executive Board for over 30 years. His long- standing commitment to the AFL-CIO has been marked by strong leadership and dedication to American workers. Throughout the past 20 years, Mr. Knapp has provided strong leadership, demonstrating an ability to keep everyone on track and focused on achieving their goals. His dedication and his tireless efforts on behalf of the community are an inspiration to us all. In recognition of his outstanding service and important contributions, I extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to Bob Knapp on behalf of Colorado's 7th Congressional District. His legacy will inspire generations to come.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Chair, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Waters for her remarks in support of the amendment. Once again, ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable housing is a priority of mine and the Democrats on the Financial Services Committee. We must ensure that middle-class home buyers have access to our housing market. Unfortunately, this legislation will not reduce costs for the middle-class and first-time home buyers. Not only are we focusing on a narrow subset of fee increases that are supposed to target wealthy home buyers, individuals purchasing a second home, and people buying investment homes, they are tying the hands of the FHFA in moving forward in changing their fee structures on a more regular basis to address changing needs. This will make Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac less available to support the housing market if there is a future fiscal crisis, and it only threatens our housing market. Once again, Mr. Chair, if you want to make sure that fees are not increased for the middle class, then you should support my commonsense amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), who is the ranking member of the Financial Services Committee.

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, we are in the middle of a housing crisis across the U.S. and in Colorado, especially in the Seventh District. The housing supply is lagging significantly behind the demand in our State which has led to skyrocketing prices pushing far too many people out of the communities that they have lived in their entire lives, as well as creating significant challenges to hire and retain workers for small businesses and public servants. Some communities in the rural part of our district have seen property increase threefold in just a couple of years. While so many people are struggling to get their first home, there are far too many people who are buying up real estate for their third, fourth, and even fifth homes, which has also contributed to the challenges our communities are facing. While I am very concerned about the rising costs of housing, this bill does not address the problem. For a little bit of background, the Federal Housing Finance Agency serves as the chief regulator of the enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Essentially, the FHFA oversees the majority of all mortgages in the United States. Earlier this year, the Financial Services Committee heard from the director, Sandra Thompson, about how the agency is working to help Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac meet capital requirements and promote increased access to homeownership for creditworthy home buyers. The underlying bill that we are considering today would reverse changes made by the Federal Housing Financing Agency to loan-level price adjustments which are fees charged to originate a loan. The fee matrix has not been updated since 2008 and is woefully out of date. There was some controversy surrounding a debt-to-income ratio rule, but that rule has already been repealed. The remaining fee matrix will see fee increases only on wealthy individuals, people purchasing a second home, or individuals who are purchasing an investment property while reducing the cost for first-time buyers and low- to middle-income families. If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle agree that fees should not be increased on those in the middle class who are already struggling to make ends meet, then they should support my amendment. It would ensure that this legislation would not be implemented until the director certifies that it would not result in increased fees on middle-class home buyers. If the bill does what they are saying it does, then my amendment would not create a barrier to implementation. We must come together in a bipartisan way to address affordable housing. I look forward to getting back to work with the chairman and ranking member when we return in July. Unfortunately, this legislation won't reduce costs for the middle class and would tie the hands of the FHFA to address changing needs, which is why this amendment is necessary. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk made in order by the rule.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Colorado School of Mines Men's Cross Country Team for winning the 2022 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship. This has been an exceptional season for the School of Mines' cross country program. They managed to achieve a record-setting victory, beating the second place team by 133 points--the largest margin in NCAA history. They were honored for this achievement at the White House following the close of the season, which was another first for the program. None of this would have been possible without Coach Chris Siemers. The School of Mines Men's Cross Country Team has flourished under his leadership. His efforts were also recognized by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, who deservingly chose him for their National Coach of the Year Award. It is my honor to congratulate the School of Mines Men's Cross Country Team for their success. I hope there will be many more championships to celebrate in the future.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Community First Foundation for earning the Rotary Club of Golden Ethics in Business Award. The Community First Foundation supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations in the community, having raised over $53 million to support projects and businesses throughout Jefferson County. In addition to caring about the well-being of our community, they are also dedicated to creating a supportive and collaborative environment for their employees. As they focus on individual career development and team-building, the Community First Foundation has demonstrated their commitment to doing good both in Jefferson County and in their own organization. It is my honor to congratulate the Community First Foundation on achieving the Ethics in Business Award and thank them for their excellent work in the community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Don Lombardi of West Metro Fire Rescue for being awarded the International Association of Fire Chief's Metropolitan ``Metro'' Chiefs Division Russell E. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award. Fire Chief Don Lombardi has been with the West Metro Fire Protection District since 1991, one of the largest fire districts and EMS providers in the state of Colorado, serving a population of nearly 300,000 citizens, covering 108 square miles. A graduate of the University of Colorado, as well as the Executive Fire Officer Program with the National Fire Academy, Chief Lombardi leads the agency's efforts to protect Colorado from household fires and wildfires across the state. In addition to his work on West Metro Fire, Mr. Lombardi has co- authored recent Colorado Firefighters Heart and Cancer Benefit legislation and has served as chair of the Colorado Firefighters Heart and Cancer Benefit Trust and the Colorado State Fire Chiefs' executive board. As wildfires driven by climate change continue to threaten the lives and communities of Coloradans, leaders like Don Lombardi ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Western Denver Metropolitan area. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I congratulate Don Lombardi for receiving this award and thank him for his leadership and public service for the Colorado community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hike Doggie, Inc. for earning the Rotary Club of Golden's Ethics in Business award. Hike Doggie, Inc. provides an important service to our community by providing a way for busy dog owners to ensure their pets are getting quality time outdoors to improve their health and quality of life. As dogs need the time and space to exercise and socialize with other animals, Hike Doggie, Inc. has created an avenue to let dogs of all sizes and breeds explore the great Colorado outdoors while allowing their owners a break to run errands, pick up their kids from school, accomplish work tasks, or anything else they need to take care of in a busy week. It was clear to the Rotary Club of Golden that they care deeply about their customer experience-- providing enthusiastic service and connecting with each customer and their dog. Additionally, they treat their employees with that same care and respect, helping to build a cohesive and passionate team. It is my honor to congratulate Hike Doggie, Inc. on achieving the Ethics in Business award and to thank them for the excellent service they provide to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Giada Rosch, a high school student from Arvada, Colorado for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. Two years ago, Giada created and donated fifty sensory resource bags to the Arvada Fire Department to support local citizens with sensory challenges. She also formed a sensory training program for local businesses and nonprofit organizations to help them learn how to make appropriate accommodations for community members with sensory needs. While developing these resources and educational programs, Giada secured more than $500 in donations to contribute to the creation and expansion of her program. Her dedication as an advocate for the one in six people nationwide who experience sensory discomfort has made Giada an agent of change in the Arvada community. Her training programs have educated several hundred community leaders and contributed to the accessibility of her hometown. Giada's dedication and passion for helping her community exemplify the spirit and resiliency of a Girl Scout, which is why she has been awarded the 2021 Girl Scouts Gold Award. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional district, I thank Giada Rosch for her dedicated service and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joshua Voorhis for being granted the National Rise to the Future Award by the USDA Forest Service. Joshua has been a District Ranger for the South Park Ranger District for over ten years. During his time in this role. Joshua has implemented and supported stewardship programs focused on the protection and improvement of local watersheds, as well as conserving endangered wildlife species. He is a highly motivated and outstanding manager, working closely with his staff to plan and execute projects to protect our environment. Joshua's efforts to restore the South Platte Watershed showcased his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to public service. Those who have had the privilege of working with Joshua attest to his dependable management style and unwavering commitment to conservation efforts, Mr. Speaker. on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional district, I thank Joshua Voorhis for his dedicated service to our national parks as well as the citizens of Colorado.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Abigail Daus for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Abigail is a student at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and has achieved great things there and throughout her life, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Abigail--who strive to make the most of their education develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Abigail's hard work, determination, and perseverance and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Abigail Daus on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Chair, this is important because if we are trying to solve the overdose crisis in our country, let's make sure that this legislation is actually supported in doing that and go through the necessary process. We know from our history in the United States that putting people in jail, mandatory minimum sentences, has devastating consequences. This is a public health crisis. We need to come together to address it like that. We need to go after the cartels. We need to go after the dealers. We need to make sure that we are supporting people who are struggling with addiction. I ask for your support. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which would require a certification from the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General that this legislation would reduce opioid overdose deaths. The reason why this is so critical is because we are facing a public health crisis, and it deserves a public health response. The current legislation is incredibly problematic for the very harmful mandatory minimum sentences that would be enacted and would be very hard to actually address and change in the future. This is deeply personal for me. Like so many Americans, my mom has struggled with an opioid addiction. When I was just 6 years old, she hurt her back, and she came home with bottles and bottles of opioids. Unfortunately, after her back healed, my mom found herself physically addicted to opioids. Like so many Americans, she was cut off of her prescription without access to treatment. My mom said that you fear nothing more than withdrawal, even death. Like so many people who struggle with addiction who don't have access to treatment, she turned to using heroin to stay well. Ultimately, fentanyl came into the supply chain. It started coming in in 2016. We saw it hit the coasts first and make its way into Colorado. Now we have seen it completely take over the drug supply chain. I know firsthand how absolutely devastating this drug can be for families. My mom overdosed 20 times that year. In my fight to keep her alive, I saw firsthand how broken the system was. I am one of the lucky ones because I was in a position, as a State legislator, where I could advocate for my mom to get her the help that she needed. After being churned in and out of ERs, my mom ultimately was able to recover. She has now been in recovery for 5\1/2\ years and is an example of what is possible when we give people the help that they need. I absolutely want the person who was my mom's dealer, who would show up to the hospital and put heroin mixed with fentanyl in her IV, I want that person to go to jail for a very long time. If my mom had a mandatory jail sentence, that would have been a death sentence for her and for far too many people out there. We are facing a third wave of the opioid epidemic. It has killed more people than all of the world wars combined. It is important that we address this, that it is an all-hands-on-deck to address it at every level, including additional screening at the ports and the border; additional screening for mail, where we know it is coming in; public awareness campaigns about the dangers of taking just one pill with kids who are buying it from social media companies, unknowingly, and dying from an overdose; accountability with these social media companies on how we are going to work together to ensure that kids are not able to buy this on their platforms; increasing access to residential treatment and recovery services like my mom had that are far too often not available for those who are struggling with a brain disease. Mr. Chair, I absolutely care deeply about this issue. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues on it, but this is not the right answer, and that is why this amendment is so important. I ask for your support, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Anthony Boettcher. Mr. Boettcher was a lifelong Coloradan and impacted the lives of hundreds of children and their families through his service as a swim coach. He started the Wheat Ridge swimming team, coaching the Wheat Ridge Piranhas for 8 years, and then went on to coach the boys and girls high school swim teams at Evergreen High School. His teams won multiple meets, state titles, and competitions--setting new state records along the way. When he left the position in 2005, he held the record as the boy's swim coach with the most wins in Jefferson County history. Mr. Boettcher later coached Falfins Swimming for 5 years, before moving on to serve as a swim coach at the Air Force Academy for 13 years. Under his leadership, they won three Western Athletic Conference championships. His colleague, Air Force Head Men's Swimming Coach Rob Clayton, said Anthony ``always reminded me why we do what we do, how we take our love for a sport and use it to love and serve people. Anthony loved well, and he was loved by so many.'' As Mr. Boettcher's sister Teresa recounts, his colleagues would always say that he ``could teach swimming to anyone.'' During his final days in the hospital, hundreds of former students and their families visited Mr. Boettcher--a true testament to the deep impact he had on those he taught. Today, we honor and recognize the countless hours he dedicated to students in Jefferson County and in Colorado, his selfless spirit, and his steadfast dedication to the children he served.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal John Alvin Pederson. Corporal Pederson was born near La Crosse, Wisconsin on January 15, 1926. He honorably served in the 1st Battalion, 232nd infantry Regiment as an Army Corporal in World War II from 1944 to 1945. During his time as a soldier, Corporal Pederson showed bravery, resilience, and selflessness. He saved the life of his Assistant Squad Leader, Robert Bailey, who was severely wounded, by securing medical assistance. He helped capture 8 to 10 German soldiers in a basement stronghold, freeing 40 to 50 civilians. Corporal Pederson's dedication to our country and his fellow soldiers is a testament to his character and integrity. We honor his service and express our sincere appreciation for the profound impact he made. He is a true hero, and his legacy will be remembered and honored for generations to come.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative De La Cruz for her collaboration on this bill. Together, we can better understand the financing of drug trafficking and how the traffickers move and hide their proceeds. Doing so will help Congress and other policymakers to better disrupt their operations, protecting innocent Americans from the deadly harm that they cause in communities across the country. Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I commend Representative Spanberger for her leadership on these important issues and her work in drafting this bipartisan bill. I also thank Chair McHenry and Representative Williams of Texas on the other side of the aisle for working with us Democrats on this important legislation. This bipartisan work resulted in a vote of 40-0 on this bill during a Financial Services Committee markup earlier this year. I, again, urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty).