Scott Tipton

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. I reclaim my time, and I thank the lady for bringing up that very point, Mr. Chair. This is the real challenge that we face, and she points to it directly. We have an oppressive, convoluted Tax Code that is stripping American business of that opportunity to be able to create wealth in this country. Let's simplify that Tax Code. Let's not punish success in this Nation, but let us reward success in this Nation to be able to get our people back to work.

Mr. TIPTON. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. TIPTON. I yield to the gentlelady from Connecticut.

Mr. TIPTON. We have an opportunity. We have a challenge. The question is, Will we rise to meet that challenge? We have a $14.4 trillion debt in this country. Let's put that in a little bit of context. Sunday night, we saw the NBA finals. You had LeBron James, maybe one of the best basketball players the world has ever seen. He signed for $40 million a year to play basketball. Well, if he wants to earn just $1 trillion, he's going to have to play basketball for 25,000 years. This is the burden that we have put on the backs of our children and our grandchildren that they can no longer afford. The recipe is not the Keynesian economics that my colleague has brought up. The answer is going to be found in the very solutions that made us the richest, the freest, and the most powerful Nation on the face of the Earth. That is going to be the free enterprise system. Let's encourage it. Let's get our people back to work. Let's create those opportunities once again.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I just came back from our work week. I traveled better than 1,500 miles throughout Colorado. It was remarkable to me. At every one of our meetings, we found cities, counties, small businesspeople, talking about the opportunity to be able to get America back to work. But the problem, the obstacle that we are truly facing, it is not the American spirit but it is overregulation coming out of Washington, D.C. Rather than being the steppingstone, it has become a stumbling block, and we are going to be able to get this economy working and moving forward once again if we simply free up that American spirit.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to businessman, community philanthropist, and courageous WWII and Korean War hero, William R. Thurston. While studying for a geology degree at Harvard University, Mr. Thurston trained to fly torpedo bombers for the Navy after Pearl Harbor. He was awarded the Air Medal 11 times and the Distinguished Flying Cross three times for his bravery while flying missions in the Pacific and over Japan. Mr. Thurston put his geology degree to use, working for Sun Oil Co. between WWII and the Korean War, and for an independent oilman in Denver after the Korean War. Mr. Thurston moved to Durango in 1977 with his wife Beatrice, where he became involved in the local arts scene and was an avid supporter of community theater. Lovers of live-music, the Thurstons founded Four corners Opera in 1980, and also became sponsors of Music in the Mountains, organizers for the Raise the Roof concert series, and participants in many other community endeavors. Mr. Thurston's community involvement also included efforts to preserve and protect the rich history of the Four Corners area, and educate others about the region and its people. He supported the founding of the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in 1983, with the hope of sharing his great enthusiasm for the area's remarkable past, precious artifacts, and cultural significance with others. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and pay tribute to the inspiring life of of William R. Thurston. Colorado was fortunate to benefit from his tremendous spirit and lifetime of community service.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to rise in commendation of John F. Martinez, who has served his country with great honor and dignity during WWII. Mr. Martinez was born in San Luis, Colorado, in 1917. He worked as a farmer and answered his country's call, enlisting in the US Army at Fort Logan in 1942. There he was assigned to the 358th Infantry Division as squad leader. The admirable career of Mr. Martinez included campaigns in Normandy, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Because of his courageous service, Mr. Martinez has received ribbons for each campaign, was awarded a Bronze Star, and received a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat. Mr. Speaker, John F. Martinez embodies the values of hard work, courage and sacrifice that make this country great. His actions and service are worthy of admiration and praise.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, It is my honor to rise and pay tribute to one of America's most dedicated and passionate Civil Servants. On July 1st, 2011 Joan Anzelmo will be hanging up her ``flat hat'' after a meritorious 35 year career with the National Park Service. Joan is a native of Washington, D.C., and graduated from the University of Maryland in 1975 with a Bachelor's Degree in French. She began her Park Service career the next year as the Visitor Services Chief at the National Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. Along the way, Joan has served in Virginia at Great Falls Park, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, and has been tasked by the Park Service to coordinate large scale events including the Bicentennial Celebrations at Yorktown, the 75th Anniversary Celebrations of the National Park Service in Yellowstone, and the 50th Anniversary Celebrations for Grand Teton National Park. Among her accomplishments is her service as National Park Service spokesperson during the 1988 wildfires that swept through Yellowstone, equipping her with nationally recognized crisis communications prowess, and seeing her assigned to the Unified Area Command for the National Park Service in response to the BP Oil Spill in 2010. She has received numerous awards for her service, including the Superior Service and Meritorious Service awards, two of the Department of Interior's most prestigious honors. Joan wraps up her career overseeing the management of the awe- inspiring red rock canyons and formations of the Colorado National Monument in my district at the far western edge of Colorado, where she serves as Superintendent. With rising visitation, active outreach to the local school population, and a very successful centennial celebration just this year, this is a fitting capstone to an accomplished career, and worthy of our recognition. I wish her well as she returns to Jackson, Wyoming, where she will be in close proximity to her daughter, Jenny, who is herself employed at Grand Teton National Park's public affairs office.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Jim B. Jones, a man who proudly served his country during WWII. Drafted into the U.S Army in 1945, Mr. Jones was assigned to G Company as a corporal, and was sent to Hawaii. Upon arrival in Hawaii, Mr. Jones boarded the USS Niagara, to Okinawa. During his time in Okinawa, the United States dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On V-J Day, only a few days after the bombing, Mr. Jones was moved to Korea. Here, he took part in accepting the surrender of the Japanese Army in ceremonies in Seoul. During the remainder of his time in Korea, Mr. Jones served as a rifleman and a clerk typist in Chengju. In 1946, when he was twenty years old, Mr. Jones left Korea after spending a year there. He arrived home in time for the first day of hunting season. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the service and character of Jim B. Jones.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. James Bedard, of Alamosa, Colorado, for being selected to the E. (Kika) de la Garza Fellowship program. With this recognition, Dr. Bedard will be able to further represent southern Colorado and Adams State College while continuing his already impressive research. Dr. Bedard is one of 20 other faculty members in schools across the country selected for the honor. Nominees for the fellowship are chosen based on their educational experience and the relevance of their research to the USDA, specifically to issues facing the Hispanic population. It is one of the most prestigious awards available to Hispanic-American citizens. The new resources available to Dr. Bedard will allow him to provide a more thorough education to his students and show them opportunities that were more elusive. He will also have greater access to federal agencies that specialize in agricultural problems facing the community. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and recognize Dr. James Bedard today. Southern Colorado has long benefitted from his work and will now see even greater results with help from the E. (Kika) de la Garza Fellowship. I have no doubt that Dr. Bedard will continue his important agricultural research and thrive as a teacher and community leader.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brian Cooper for earning the Alamosa Police Department's Lifesaver Award. His quick thinking and decisive action during his regular patrol of the small Colorado town saved the life of another resident. Detective Cooper, a patrol officer at the time, saw one of the town's elderly residents choking. After calling an ambulance, he cleared the man's airway of the food he was choking on and successfully administered CPR. Paramedics credit Officer Cooper for saving the life of a man who would have otherwise died had he not intervened. Detective Cooper is one of only a handful of recipients of the Lifesaver Award. It is not given lightly, but there was little argument against the Detective's merit. A father of two and loving husband to his high school sweetheart, Brian Cooper is an exemplary member of Colorado's police force. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Brian Cooper today. Alamosa is deservedly proud of him and I have no doubt that he will continue to expand on his already excellent record.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carl Taylor, a farmer, soldier, and Colorado Native who lived his life in service of his country and family. Mr. Taylor was born in Blanca, Colorado on May 16, 1919. Shortly after his twenty-third birthday, Mr. Taylor joined the U.S. Army. He was assigned to Fort Bliss in Company B, 271st Infantry, which eventually allowed him to serve in military campaigns all over the world. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge, as well as other campaigns in Tunisia, Naples, Rhineland, Rome and Southern France. After the war, Mr. Taylor returned to Colorado where he farmed barley. He and his wife lived in Center, Colorado, where they eventually began to distribute their barley to the Colorado Coors factory. On January 8, 2008, Mr. Taylor and his wife, Mona, retired and moved to the Colorado State Veteran Center at Homelake, Colorado. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Carl Taylor today. Throughout his life he has served as an outstanding soldier and citizen, and his great life achievements deserve to be noted.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ed Ellis for his commitment to the railroad industry and his investment in Colorado's infrastructure. Mr. Ellis has provided many Coloradans with railroad service to remote areas that would normally not see such attention. His company, Iowa Pacific Holdings, LLC, specializes in reviving smaller railways that serve less populated areas. One of these lines is the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad in Colorado's San Luis Valley. His dedication to running the scenic train has provided a much needed boost to the area's economy and tourism. Mr. Ellis has provided a needed service to southern Colorado and a number of other states that benefit from his attention and investment. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and pay tribute to a man so devoted to local transit and to a small company fighting in a big industry. I have no doubt that under Mr. Ellis' leadership Iowa Pacific Holdings will continue to thrive.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob Henley for his outstanding service as a founding member of the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association in the San Juan National Forest. In 1996, Mr. Henley began working as a tour guide for Chimney Rock, which helped to foster his appreciation of the archeological area, and urged him to seek that tours of the ruins be independently operated in order to ensure the area receive proper attention and upkeep. In 2003, Mr. Henley's work helped to make Chimney Rock an independent organization. Because of his efforts and the efforts of many volunteers, the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association hosts nearly 11,000 visitors in total each year, allowing it to be independently funded and operated. In addition, the Association is able to give elementary schools free tours, educating between 300 and 500 students about the history of the Chimney Rock Archeological site every year. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Bob Henley today. His service has provided many assets to the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association and the San Juan National Forest.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed from H.R. 1380.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jordan Lestina of Julesburg, Colorado. Mr. Lestina was recently awarded the prestigious Boettcher Scholarship for his efforts both in and out of the classroom. Mr. Lestina already has substantial leadership experience as the national FFA Organization president, the Future Business Leaders of America president and student body president at Dove Creek High School. They are positions that require an enormous amount of attention, but ones he is able to balance with his duties as captain of the school wrestling team. In the classroom, he helps instruct FFA and agriculture classes, competed in the International Science Fair, and still manages to allot time for his responsibilities as a ranch hand. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Jordan Lestina today. The excellence he has shown in academia, athletics and through community service is admirable. There is no doubt that he will continue his success at the collegiate level, with the help of the Boettcher Foundation.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Augustine Abeyta for his service and heroism defending the United States of America. The Colorado native is a decorated veteran who helped defend our country and our values during one of its most trying periods. Mr. Abeyta enlisted shortly after the outbreak of World War II, in 1944. As an infantryman, he fought in two campaigns in Germany and Ardennes. His bravery in both arenas was quickly recognized and earned him two Bronze Campaign Ribbons. Almost a year after his enlistment, he was wounded in Germany by an enemy combatant on Christmas Day, 1944. He was given the Purple Heart for the injuries he suffered protecting his country. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and pay tribute to a man who served the United States with such valor. His sacrifices are an inspiration and I am truly grateful for his service.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Walter ``Bus'' Bergman, one of Colorado's great student-athletes, coaches and war heroes. Mr. Bergman, originally of Denver, Colorado, was a three-sport star in high school and college. He even hit the game winning shot to give Denver's North High School the state hoops championship in 1938. At Colorado A&M, now Colorado State university, he lettered in basketball, baseball and football, while also serving as student body president. During World War II, Mr. Bergman enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He earned the rank of Major and received the Bronze Star for heroism during the Battle of Okinawa. After graduating from college, he became one of the most successful coaches at Mesa State University. He led multiple teams to conference championships and took pride in preparing every athlete for life after college. The college renamed its athletic fields in his honor and its athletic hall of fame is one of six that has inducted Mr. Bergman. Family was an extremely important part of Mr. Bergman's life. He was devoted to his wife, Elinor, and their three children. His daughter, Jane Norton, was Lieutenant Governor of Colorado and his other daughter, Judy Black, was an assistant to President Reagan for intergovernmental affairs and has held several national Republican positions. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand and pay tribute to a husband, father, teacher, athlete, war hero and a great American. Colorado is indebted to his work and I am grateful for his devotion to the State.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize George Whitten for his service to the United States of America. He is one of the many men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our country and its values. Mr. Whitten, now a rancher in Saguache, Colorado, enlisted during World War II. He was an exemplary soldier and his efforts contributed to the United States' success in the Pacific Theater. Towards the end of the war, he was one of the soldiers who saw the American flag raised at Iwo Jima. The victories, and struggles, he saw are humbling to contemplate. We owe a debt of gratitude to the servicemen of his generation, and to all who have bravely served our country. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand and pay tribute to George Whitten. His dedication to our country is immense, and for that I am grateful.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cornelia Heersink for her dedication to the American Red Cross and the people of Colorado's San Luis Valley. As an original member of the Red Cross Gray Ladies, Mrs. Heersink volunteered for 45 years at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center. The devotion she showed to helping the people of her community is truly admirable. Her continual presence provided comfort to patients and families at the southern Colorado hospital. Patients, and members of the surrounding community, always appreciated the years of service she gave to the area's health. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and pay tribute to Cornelia Heersink today. She has given a lifetime of service to the health and rehabilitation of Colorado. I have no doubt that her impact will be felt for many years.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Janet Rountree for her lifelong commitment to community service and activism. From a young age, Ms. Rountree has played an integral role in young, conservative groups in Colorado, and in a number of state offices. Her devotion to public television, education and curing disease is a truly exemplary trait. Among many other pursuits, Ms. Rountree currently serves as a precinct committee woman in Arapahoe County, is a member of the Cherry Creek Republican Women's Club, and the Colorado Lincoln Club. Since Ronald Reagan, she has volunteered on every Republican Presidential campaign and several Senate, Congressional and local races. For a decade, she was a legislative aid in state Senator Paul Schauer's office and ran numerous fundraisers for the state Republican Party. Ms. Rountree is also immensely dedicated to the education and health of children in Colorado. She is a volunteer Trail Guide for the Denver Aquarium, a special events coordinator at Colorado's Museum of Nature and Science and has volunteered at several fundraising events for the state's Children's Hospital. She also has volunteered over 5,000 hours to the Rocky Mountain PBS Television station. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and pay tribute to Janet Rountree. Her dedication and service to public office in Colorado is admirable. The time she has given to volunteer efforts throughout the state is equally commendable. I am grateful for her commitment to the people of Colorado and her community and have no doubt that her impact will be felt for many years.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Colorado's most successful businessman, William Coors. A native of Colorado, Mr. Coors took the small brewery that his grandfather founded and turned it into a nationwide product and one of the largest beer producers in the world. Mr. Coors earned his bachelors and masters degrees in chemical engineering at Princeton University. Following his graduation, he returned to Colorado and joined Coors' management team, rising quickly through the ranks. He eventually became Chairman and CEO of the company and led it through its greatest period of growth. What is now the Molson-Coors Brewing Company, has been one of the great success stories among Colorado businesses. The company, nestled in the city of Golden, employs thousands of workers and has led the industry in innovation. Bill Coors is proud to mention that he oversaw the invention of the recyclable aluminum can, which is now a staple among all beer producers. He is also intensely proud that a relatively small, specialty brewery could grow to its current size and lead the industry for so long. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand and pay tribute to a man who revolutionized business in Colorado, and the country at large. Bill Coors was an exemplary leader, and I admire his business acumen. I have no doubt that Colorado will feel the imprint left by Mr. Coors for many years and that his company will continue to thrive under his blueprint.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elizabeth Rohn- Nelson for her commitment to helping others through her vast experience in public affairs and media relations. Ms. Rohn-Nelson has dedicated herself to dozens of important causes and has been an exemplary volunteer. Her ability to publicize and popularize a program or issue is a rare talent. If not for Ms. Rohn-Nelson's efforts, the famous ``Bells Across America'' event would never have been launched, nor a number of other, similar events. She also played an instrumental role in the United States Bicentennial celebration, several political campaigns and many non-profit groups. Perhaps her most admirable characteristic is her passion for connecting to people. The warmth and care she shows towards all is commendable. It is one of the reasons she has displayed such affluence in public affairs. She launched campaigns to help the homeless, created volunteer awards, and fought for education across the country. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and recognize Elizabeth Rohn- Nelson. She has spent a lifetime helping the less fortunate and I have no doubt that she will continue to provide leadership to communities across the country.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize University of Colorado Regent Paul Schauer for his lifelong commitment to the state of Colorado and its people. Mr. Schauer has devoted much of his career to serving the citizens of the Centennial state and is one of its proudest residents. Mr. Schauer was born and raised in DeKalb, Illinois, but it didn't take long for him to make Colorado his permanent home. He attended Doane College, in Nebraska, where he received a bachelor of arts in economics, and finished his post graduate studies at the University of Colorado at Denver. After graduation, Mr. Schauer became an immensely successful businessman in Centennial and committed himself to public service. In 1979 he was elected to the state legislature and held his seat for nearly 20 years. He was popular among his colleagues at the state Capitol and he focused his efforts on such crucial issues as education, the environment and the state economy. Following his stint in the Colorado General Assembly, Mr. Schauer became a University of Colorado Regent. He established himself quickly and became the board's chairman for a brief period. His guidance has contributed to the University's tremendous success. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand and recognize one of Colorado's foremost businessman and public figures. He has spent a lifetime fighting for the issues facing Colorado and its higher education system.