Scott Tipton

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum for their collaborative efforts in putting together this bill that carefully and thoughtfully allocates limited resources in order to conserve and restore our Nation's precious natural resources. As you know, States across the Nation, especially those in the West, face widespread drought and deteriorating forest health conditions, all of which increase the risk of catastrophic wildfires and the tragic loss of life and property. Furthermore, these forest health conditions and the wildfires wreak havoc on species habitat; recreational economies; critical infrastructure; and clean, abundant water supplies. In 2014, the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior agencies spent over $1.5 million in fire suppression costs to combat fires on more than $3.5 million acres of private, State, and Federal lands. These suppression costs will only continue to rise if we do not appropriately address the critical issues of wildfire preparation, including hazardous fuel management activities. For far too long, we have been addressing the problem after the fact. That course of action has led to decades of declining healthy forests and a staggering increase in the occurrence of catastrophic wildfires, putting people, communities, and ecosytems at risk. In fiscal year 2015, Congress provided a $75 million increase for hazardous fuels management. I applaud Chairman Calvert and my colleagues for spearheading these efforts, but we can do more. Today, I am offering a simple amendment that will bolster the wildfire management system account on the National Forest System lands by $20 million, allowing the Forest Service to be able to expand ongoing work on hazardous fuels reduction and fire mitigation projects. Quite simply, the cost of proactive healthy forest management is far less than the cost of wildfire suppression and cleaning up devastating aftermaths. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. At this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce), a cosponsor of this legislation.

Mr. TIPTON. I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman.

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining?

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Chairman, the current Environmental Protection Agency likes to applaud itself that it is a champion of clean air and clean water. For those of us who live in the West, this is not a political talking point. This is reality. If you care about clean air, think about the carbon that is emitted from wildfires. Think about the devastation to the wildlife habitat as our forests burn. Think about clean water as ash is washed down through the ravines into very narrow watersheds where we have endangered species residing as well. I would submit, Mr. Chairman, that we actually put action through our words in terms of being proactive and in terms of addressing forest health. If you care about clean water, if you care about endangered species, if you care about clean air, this is an opportunity to actually allow us to be able to move the ball forward, to be able to address what the Environmental Protection Agency says it is about--that is clean air, clean water. This amendment will help achieve that goal, and encourage my colleagues to adopt it. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Madam Speaker, across our country, we are seeing a tale of two economies, to where there are pockets of prosperity, but unfortunately, through many of our rural communities, we continue to see challenges. For the first time since we have been keeping records, we are seeing more small businesses shut down than there are now business startups. Businesses across this country are suffering under the burden of $2 trillion--$2 trillion--in regulatory costs. Why is this important? It is because we are seeing now the cost of a loaf of bread, the clothes that we buy for our children to be able to go back to school, and that gallon of milk costs more via taxation by regulation that is impacting our ability to create jobs. When we move into my district in Colorado, composed of rural communities, 29 counties of Colorado's 64, 54,000 miles of the State of Colorado, many of our counties are still suffering in double-digit unemployment when it comes down to the real number. Two counties that I would like to be able to address specifically this evening are being specifically challenged, Moffat County and Rio Blanco County, on the west slope of Colorado, one of the most beautiful places that anyone can visit. Residing there and creating jobs is something called the Colowyo Mine, a coal mine. We encourage people to be able to come and see a coal mine with good technology, providing affordable electricity, providing jobs, and providing also clear blue skies with that technology. Those are currently being challenged. There was a court ruling recently that came out, one that was in response to a suit that was brought by an extreme environmental group that challenged the 2007 issuance of the Office of Surface Mining permit for the Colowyo Mine to be able to operate. That is challenging now 200 jobs because the court has ruled that a new NEPA process, a supplemental process, must be performed within 120 days, an extremely short period of time. Those 200 families, 200 families that are relying on that job to be able to provide for their children, to be able to support that community, are now feeling threatened by policies not only in terms of the NEPA process, but now by the ruling of the Court as well in response to a suit filed by this extreme environmental group. Here is the real challenge that we face. We need the Secretary of the Interior to respond. These families' jobs cannot wait. Being able to put food on the table for their children cannot wait for this process to be able to play out. We encourage the Secretary to deploy all necessary resources to be able to respond to that emergency NEPA process, to be able to get it done in that 120-day period of time, or to be able to also look at the propriety of challenging that ruling by going in and filing an appeal. Are jobs and the economy important? They certainly are in my district. Those families that are relying on good-paying coal jobs, families that love where they live, love their environment, and support their community are now seeing their livelihoods, their future being challenged. We encourage the Secretary, on behalf of American families, families in my district that are struggling to be able to succeed or to just be able to provide for themselves, to be able to respond in a timely manner, to be able to address this so that we can secure those jobs and secure affordable electricity as well. Coal is often maligned, but we see that it can be done right--Craig, Colorado, blue skies and a coal-fired power plant. There is an opportunity for us to be able to create a win-win. If you care about senior citizens that are on fixed incomes, if you care about young families right now that are struggling to be able to pay the bills and to be able to provide for their young children, we are seeing that taxation via regulation coming out of policy. I think it is very important that we preserve the jobs. Let's work with all of the above. That has been embraced in my district. We have seen the opportunity to be able to create hydroelectric power, wind, solar, geothermal, also to responsibly develop oil, gas, oil shale, and coal. Right now, the problem for the people in the Third District, specifically in Rio Blanco and Moffat Counties, is urgent. They are families that I have talked to. I have looked in their eyes. They will do it responsibly. They want to be able to do it well, not only for the community, but for their families as well. It is very important that we are also mindful that those jobs impact others. These are the families that support the local grocery store, the local hardware store; these are the families that provide for the health of that community. Madam Speaker, we would call upon the Secretary of the Interior to respond to American families whose jobs are currently being threatened, deploy the necessary resources to be able to carry out that supplemental NEPA, get the job done in time to protect those jobs. If that isn't possible, then go ahead and explore that proprietary notion of filing an appeal, to make sure that we get a stay and keep those jobs moving, because the message that my folks out of Craig, out of Rio Blanco County want to be able to communicate is their bills won't stop. Their children's needs will not be met unless we see a response out of the Department of the Interior to be able to stand up for good-paying coal jobs in western Colorado. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Max Demby. Mr. Demby is a former congressional intern from my office, a University of Colorado senior, and an outstanding young man of character who was recently recognized by his community and local police for an act of heroism when he stopped a sexual assault in progress on his school campus. Mr. Demby, who is from Cortez, Colorado, is a dedicated student, pursuing a degree in accounting at CU. He fills his time outside of the classroom with extracurricular activities such as internships and also works as a Ralphie handler at CU, which involves helping to manage the school mascot. Late one evening, Mr. Demby was walking on campus when he happened to come across what looked to be an attempted sexual assault. Acting with bravery and determination, Mr. Demby took action and ran off the attacker. Referencing the confrontation with the attacker, Mr. Demby humbly stated: ``I was able to be in the right place at the right time and do the right thing.'' By intervening, Max put himself in harm's way to help the victim, and his act of selflessness drastically reduced the irreparable damage that the criminal was intent on causing. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Demby's selfless act should not go unnoticed. He serves as an admirable example of what young men of character should be. By putting others before himself and by intervening to stop a crime without hesitation, he made his community and campus a safer place. On behalf of the Third Congressional District and the State of Colorado, I would like to thank Mr. Demby for his selfless act of bravery.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Joe Keck. As the director of the Small Business Development Center in Southwest Colorado, Mr. Keck has played a vital role in enhancing the lives of the citizens in the Four Corners region. A graduate of Fort Lewis College, Mr. Keck has been an inspiring and impactful force to the small business community of Southwest Colorado since 1975. Joe assisted the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes in a planning and economic advisory capacity before becoming a small business owner himself in 1993. Today, he and his wife carry on that tradition as joint-owners of Susie's Hallmark in Cortez. By providing counseling, training and other program services tailored to the individual needs of small businesses, Joe has helped many businesses manage the uneasiness of the startup phase so that they may then grow and prosper. A tireless and dedicated pillar of the community, Mr. Keck's role as a public servant spans across multiple organizations. Including a lengthy stint of eight years of service on the Cortez City Council, Joe has sat on the Colorado Aeronautical Board and Region 9 Economic Development District Board. To ensure fair representation of Western Colorado in the legislature, he has been an active member of Club 20 and worked vigorously as a member of its board of directors. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Keck's selfless work and dedication to serving his community is truly to be admired. I stand with the residents of Southwest Colorado in thanking Joe and congratulating him on a remarkable career of public service. I'm honored to know Joe and even though he is retiring from his post as the director of SBDC, he leaves with us an enriched Southwestern community situated for a successful future.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Kevin Jones, a dedicated educator and principal of Center High School in Center, Colorado. In recognition of his continued excellence, the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Mr. Kevin Jones as the 2015 Colorado High School Principal of the Year. Mr. Jones earned this competitive award achieving many successes despite the challenges of a rural and bilingual institution. Six out of the last seven years have seen the school earn the Colorado Department of Education's Center of Education Excellence while simultaneously earning the Colorado Education Initiative's Healthy Schools Champion Award for 4 consecutive years. Mr. Jones' leadership and personal attention to each student along with constructive assessment of teachers and the curriculum on a regular basis has enabled Center High School to rise considerably above academic standards in the state. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a privilege to honor Mr. Jones for his enthusiasm and ability to inspire students and his staff. His dedication to teaching and his desire to excel as an educator and leader continue to benefit his community. I congratulate Mr. Jones on his selection for this prestigious award.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Kaptur for their collaborative effort in bringing together this bill. I appreciate very much Chairman Simpson's support of my floor amendment last year, reprogramming funds within the Bureau of Reclamation's water conservancy and delivery fund to advance and complete ongoing work that would provide efficient delivery of clean drinking water from an existing multipurpose reclamation project, as authorized by Congress in 1962. Mr. Chairman, water is the lifeblood of the Western United States and is absolutely critical to the vitality of our communities and local economies. Today I am offering a simple amendment that will bolster the Bureau of Reclamation's water and related resources account by $2 million, allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to proceed with ongoing water supply delivery projects at a more efficient pace to reach our shared goals in meeting increased water demands by developing and maximizing clean water supplies. In Colorado, as is the case throughout the West, we have similar needs to move forward with engineering design work on the authorized features of existing reclamation projects. These projects improve water supply quality, address water shortage issues, improve conservation measures, and stabilize water supplies. In the Western United States, water is an economic driver. In order to attract more economic growth, either in business or agriculture, every industry in the West is dependent upon an ample and safe water supply. This amendment will provide Bureau of Reclamation increased funding to continue with these types of projects while simultaneously improving public health and protecting the environment. These projects are critically important during drought years so that water is appropriately allocated for both municipal and agricultural uses. The Bureau's budget has been previously used for the California Central Valley Project, the Washington State Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project, the Arkansas Valley Conduit in Colorado, and the Lewiston Orchards Project in the chairman's home State of Idaho. It is our hope that this bill gives the Bureau of Reclamation the resources it needs to advance vital projects that resolve water shortage issues in the West while enhancing regional development and promoting job growth. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. At this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Buck), the coauthor of this amendment and my colleague.

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to Chairman Simpson.

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor six athletes from Pueblo County who wrestled fearlessly the weekend of February 20th to win state titles in the Class 3A and 4A finals. On the road to their championship, these young men showed grit and determination, overcoming their adversaries on the mat while bringing pride to their respective schools and the county as a whole. To formally acknowledge their distinction and excellence, I stand to recognize: From Pueblo County High School: Hunter Willits, Chris Sandoval, and Josiah Nava, From Pueblo South High School: Austin Zuniga, From Pueblo East High School: Jacob Robles, And from Dolores Huerta Preparatory High School: Marcus Garcia. Like many State Championship runs, Pueblo's wrestlers encountered emotional setbacks. After missing weight by one-tenth of a pound, Willits twin brother, Grant, a title favorite, was eliminated from the competition. The team was devastated by the news yet showed tremendous fortitude, rallying to win their three final matches. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to recognize each of these fine athletes. In a sport renowned for the extreme physical and mental conditions the human body is subjected to, these young men have demonstrated tenacity, tireless work ethic, and relentless commitment to success that brings honor to their schools and inspires their communities.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Jesse Reed. Mr. Reed cemented his name in Colorado high-school wrestling history on February 20th, 2015, at the Colorado State High School Wrestling Championships in Denver, Colorado, by winning his fourth consecutive state title. Jesse, a senior at Paonia Junior-Senior High School, began his dominant career as a freshman, winning the 113-pound state title. In an incredible show of dedication and pure mental toughness, Jesse overcame a MCL tear during his sophomore football season, and returned to the mat that sophomore winter and battled his way to the 120-pound state title. In a sport renowned for the extreme physical and mental conditions, in which athletes are subject to match after match, it is a testament to Jesse's resolve that he was able to prevail even without a 100 percent healthy knee. Following another dominant season during his junior year and his third state title, Jesse, now in his senior year, knew that he had the opportunity to become the 18th wrestler in Colorado State history to win four consecutive titles. In a 4-1 decision, not only did Reed join that elite group but he also capped off an impressive final two seasons in which he didn't lose a single match. Mr. Speaker, Jesse Reed's tenacity, unwillingness to succumb to adversity, and unparalleled success is truly to be admired and for that I congratulate him. Although he has wrestled his last match for the Eagles, his commitment to the sport of wrestling and to Paonia Junior- Senior High School will remain on the mat and inspire the Eagles who follow in his footsteps.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patrick Sullivan, Rio Grande County's Road and Bridge Supervisor and the 2014 recipient of the Colorado Association of Road Supervisors and Engineers Supervisor of the Year Award. In addition to his 35 years with Rio Grande County, the glowing letters of recommendation he received from his community speak to Mr. Sullivan's dedication. In addition to his duties as Road and Bridge Supervisor, he also serves as assistant fire chief for the Monte Vista Fire Department. He received recommendations from the Colorado State Patrol and the SLV Hazardous Substance Board, who both emphasized his unflagging devotion to Rio Grande County. According to his coworkers, Mr. Sullivan goes above and beyond, and performs his duties with a commitment to excellence and dedication to his team. Their recommendations and the nomination speak to the mutual commitment he and his team has to public safety and their community. For Mr. Sullivan, his duties are more than a job; they are a way to serve and strengthen his community. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Patrick Sullivan. He is not only a hard working civil servant but a dedicated husband and father. His contributions have and will continue to make Rio Grande County a great place to live for those who call it home.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Cory Notestine. Mr. Notestine is a school counselor at Alamosa High School and has recently been named the 2015 School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association. Mr. Notestine has been counselor since 2008 and prior to accepting his position at Alamosa High School in 2012, was the North Carolina School Counselor of the Year. His passion for his students shows in the investment he makes in their individual success. Since coming to Alamosa High School, he has implemented numerous counseling innovations that have improved the success of his students and better prepared them for life after high school, even joining with his fellow counselors to raise financial aid on behalf of their graduating seniors. Mr. Notestine has made huge strides in improving the counseling program in his first year at the high school, earning a RAMP designation--which is given for the program's efforts to ensure a rigorous education to all students and equitable participation in the program. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Notestine's selfless work ethic and devotion to serving as an advocate for our nation's youth through his community is worthy of admiration and duplication. His students are truly fortunate to have him in their lives as they prepare for their futures. I stand with the residents of Alamosa County, the people of the 3rd Congressional District and the State of Colorado in thanking Mr. Notestine for his dedication, and congratulating him on the prestigious award.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. James Kramer. Mr. Kramer is the Pueblo County Coroner and will be retiring this month after a remarkable 37-year career, making him one of the longest serving public officials in Colorado history. Mr. Kramer was elected as Pueblo County coroner on November 1, 1977 and has investigated around 21,000 cases during his career. He has been a tireless servant to the people of Pueblo County and has remained on- call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the better-half of four decades. He has compassionately delivered tragic news on thousands of occasions and has served with his team nationally both at ground zero after the September 11th attacks and in Louisiana after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Prior to Mr. Kramer's service to the county of Pueblo, he served this nation in the U.S. Air Force from 1968-1977, and worked as a physician's assistant at Touchstone Family Practice. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kramer's dogged work ethic and dedication to serving both his country and community is truly admirable. I stand with the residents of Pueblo County and the citizens of the United States in thanking Mr. Kramer and congratulating him on a lifetime of public and selfless service. Although he is retiring from the Coroner's role, he will stay on as a physician's assistant at the Touchstone Family Practice and I look forward to seeing him continue his dedicated work as a leader in the Pueblo County community.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Colorado State University--Pueblo ThunderWolves men's football team and their coach, John Wristen. In their trip to the NCAA Division II National Finals this year, the ThunderWolves claimed their first national football championship in school history. The ThunderWolves squared off against Minnesota State, who were undefeated for the season. With grit and a stout defense, the Wolf Pack shut out the Mavericks by a score of 13-0. Before the season began, Coach Wristen gave each player a shirt with the letters W-T-L-G, which meant ``Win the Last Game.'' Coach Wristen's dream, when he became head coach of the ThunderWolves 7 years ago, was to win a national championship. Now, the Wolf Pack players and coaches can proudly say they are national champions. The city of Pueblo is proud of the team. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the team and their outstanding coach, John Wristen, for the stellar season and championship. With Coach Wristen's leadership and the team's tireless commitment to winning, they captured their first football championship and are solidifying the ThunderWolves program's legacy of excellence.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Amendment XXIII: Section 1: ``The District constituting the seat of government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as Congress may direct: ``A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least populous State; . . . ''

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, recently negotiations with Iran over the country's nuclear program were extended again for another 7 months. This extension, however, carried no additional or strengthened economic sanctions on Iran. Disturbingly, we have now heard that the administration has considered sanctions against Israel, our ally. A nuclear Iran poses an incredible threat to the Middle East and to the United States. The security of our allies, including Israel, and the stability of the region is at stake. Stronger sanctions are needed regarding Iran--not our ally Israel--to increase pressure, advance negotiations, and achieve a favorable outcome for the U.S. and all of our allies. There is no room for error, and the administration must get a strong agreement in place. H.R. 850, the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013, seeks to strengthen and update sanctions on Iran. This passed the House of Representatives. Despite broad bipartisan support, the Senate has done nothing on this bill. The Senate needs to take it up and increase pressure on Iran to reach an agreement. We cannot afford to wait.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pueblo East High School football team and their coach, David Ramirez, who claimed their first Class 3A football title. The Eagles and their opponents, the Rifle Bears, who had an impressive 12-win season, both showed great sportsmanship and determination in the final game, resulting in a 30-14 victory for the Eagles. All year long Coach Ramirez and his staff instilled confidence in the Eagle team to work hard but most importantly believe in themselves and their quest for a championship. With grit and a long tradition of Eagle pride, a stellar season was realized in the culmination of a State football title. The city of Pueblo is extremely proud of this team. Each coach, player, and the staff of this Eagle football team will stand tall among the great athletic champions in Pueblo sports history. Mr. Speaker, with Coach Ramirez's leadership and the team's hard work, Pueblo East captured their first football championship in school history while establishing a legacy of dedication and commitment to the game. There is no doubt that future Eagle teams will be inspired to do the same. We are very proud of them.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Air Force Captain William H. DuBois, whose life was tragically lost in support of Operation Inherent Resolve on December 1, 2014. Captain DuBois grew up in New Castle, Colorado. On Monday, December 1, 2014, Captain DuBois took off from a U.S. coalition air base for a combat mission in Operation Inherent Resolve, when the F-16 he was flying began to experience mechanical problems. Captain DuBois attempted to return to the air base and was unable to eject before his plane crashed. Captain DuBois was only 30 years old and was recently married to his wife, Ashley. The number of lives touched by this courageous young man are innumerable, and the love and memories he shared with his friends and family still linger today. The death of Captain DuBois is an unfortunate reminder of the dangers our servicemen and -women face every day as they defend our country, as well as many sacrifices made to protect freedoms and our way of life. Captain DuBois served his country with great distinction and honor, something that he always had dreamed of. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his squadron. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Captain William H. DuBois. His dedication to our country and the way he selflessly lived his life serve as an inspiration to a grateful Nation as well as the State of Colorado.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Air Force Captain William H. DuBois, whose life was tragically lost in support of Operation Inherent Resolve on December 1, 2014. Captain DuBois grew up in New Castle, Colorado, where he attended Rifle High School. After high school, he studied Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Colorado in Boulder, later joining the United States Air Force. As a member of the 77th Fighter Squadron out of Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, Captain DuBois was a specialist aviator in air-to- ground attacks against enemy forces. On Monday, December 1, 2014, Captain DuBois took off from a U.S. Coalition air base for a combat mission in Operation Inherent Resolve, when his F-16 aircraft began to experience mechanical problems. Captain Dubois attempted to return to the air base and was unable to eject before his airplane crashed. Captain DuBois was only 30 years old and recently married to his wife Ashley (Jones) DuBois. According to those who knew him, there was rarely a moment when he didn't have a smile on his face, and his selfless and encouraging personality was contagious to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. The numbers of lives touched by this courageous young man are innumerable and the love and memories he shared with his friends and family will live on through them. The death of Captain DuBois is an unfortunate reminder of the dangers our service men and women face every day as they defend our country, as well as of the many sacrifices they make to protect our freedoms and way of life. Captain DuBois served his country with great pride and honor, doing what he had dreamed of since he was a boy. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and squadron. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Captain William H. DuBois. His dedication to our country, and the way he selflessly lived his life, serve as an inspiration to a grateful nation, as well as to the State of Colorado.

Mr. TIPTON

Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Douglas Ring, a valuable member of the Pueblo, Colorado community. Mr. Ring, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, was a businessman and community servant who faithfully stood by his community for over four decades. Mr. Ring moved to Pueblo with his family when he was 14 years old where he attended Centennial High School, graduating in 1958. As an avid baker and gourmet chef, Mr. Ring worked in the restaurant business in multiple capacities, eventually opening the Great American Winery in 1974. Throughout the rest of his life, Mr. Ring fueled his passion for cooking and baking, bringing as many as 15 to 20 recipes to the Colorado State Fair each year, and winning an award for his baklava recipe. Mr. Ring was not only an award-winning chef and pastry maker, but a respected public servant. From 1975 to 1989, Mr. Ring served on the Pueblo City Council during some of Pueblo's hardest economic times. He worked tirelessly to help the city manage the downsizing of the then CF&I Steel Mill and the Pueblo Army Depot. During this time, the unemployment rate throughout Pueblo reached as high as 20 percent, forcing Mr. Ring to make tough decisions with his colleagues to determine the fate of his beloved community. As one of his colleagues on the Pueblo City Council recently said about him, Mr. Ring was a major influence in keeping the city moving in a positive direction. In later years, Mr. Ring became a local realtor, working for Prudential Platinum. Even after retirement, he remained active in the Pueblo community, serving on multiple volunteer boards and community projects, and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the life of Mr. Douglas Ring. He lived a life filled with passion for his family, friends, baking and cooking, and service to the Pueblo community. I stand with the Pueblo community and the State of Colorado in recognition of his life and service. He will be missed.