Brittany Pettersen

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Kesley White of Leadville, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Kesley traveled to Nepal to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Kesley for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Kesley's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Marie Handy of Lakewood, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Marie traveled to Japan to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Marie for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Marie's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Luis Molina-Barraza of Westminster, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Luis traveled to Morocco to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Luis for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Luis' many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Aaron Cadayong of Littleton, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Aaron traveled to the Philippines to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Aaron for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Aaron's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Katherina Mook of Golden, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Katherina traveled to South Korea to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Katherina for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Katherina's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Justine Thomas of Westminster, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Justine traveled to Cyprus to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Justine for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Justine's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Citlalli Cumplido of Denver, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Citlalli traveled to the Czech Republic to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Citlalli for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Citlalli's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Hayden Stone of Woodland Park, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Hayden traveled to Greece, Italy, Austria, and Germany to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Hayden for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Hayden's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Jaylynn Armijo of Lakewood, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Jaylynn traveled to South Korea to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Jaylynn for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Jaylynn's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Iris Barkett of Canon City, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Iris traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Iris for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Iris' many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Audrey Buller of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Audrey traveled to Zambia to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Audrey for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Audrey's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Aubrey Miller of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Aubrey traveled to South Korea to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Aubrey for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Aubrey's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Aisha Ozaslan of Golden, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Aisha traveled to South Korea to study abroad. U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. I commend Aisha for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it is a privilege to recognize Aisha's many accomplishments.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Jefferson County Communications Center Authority of Colorado (JeffCom911) for winning the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International's 2023 Technology in Leadership Award. JeffCom911 is being recognized for its outstanding performance and exemplary levels of professional conduct in the line of duty. 911 call- takers and dispatchers contribute an essential service to our community by providing lifesaving emergency medical instruction, assessing scene safety for arriving responders, and maintaining situational awareness while facing numerous emergencies at one time. JeffCom911 protects 774 square miles of urban, rural, and mountainous terrain by providing public safety education and coordinating efforts between local fire, police, and emergency medical service providers to save lives. JeffCom911 is the lifeline between emergency services and our community, processing over 700,000 calls every year. The agency's longstanding record of excellence represents the best of Colorado's public service members. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I thank JeffCom911 for the important and challenging work they do every day to keep our residents safe.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Michele Haney's contribution to the students of Colorado during her service as President of Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, Colorado. Dr. Haney has been the President of Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) since January 2008 and has demonstrated dedicated leadership and a deep commitment to her students during the last 15 years. Her accomplishments include pioneering several academic programs, such as launching the first community college master's degree program in the country and expanding degree options within the Bachelor of Applied Science. She also collaborated with Northrop Grumman to create a cybersecurity apprenticeship and launched Mines Academy, a program to guarantee RRCC students admission to the Colorado School of Mines. Dr. Haney has received numerous accolades during her career, including the Shirley B. Gordon Award, the Women in Business Award, Outstanding Women in Jefferson County, and Woman of the Year for the City of Westminster. Dr. Haney is also an accomplished author and previously served on the Westminster City Council. Although her departure from RRCC will be felt deeply by her students and colleagues, her service to the school has proven an invaluable contribution to our community. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, I thank Dr. Michele Haney for her exemplary work and her commitment to higher education in Colorado.

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.