[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E756-E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING NEW MEXICO STATE REPRESENTATIVE NICK SALAZAR

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2013

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to 
honor New Mexico Rep. Nick Salazar who received the ``Lifetime 
Achievement Award'' from Los Alamos National Laboratory.
  Rep. Salazar is one of the most distinguished members of the New 
Mexico Legislature, having represented his district, which encompasses 
Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba and San Miguel counties, since 1973. 
Incredibly, Rep. Salazar has worked for Los Alamos National Laboratory 
for 63 years. In both roles, Rep. Salazar has been an effective leader 
who has had a profound impact on his community, his state and a 
thankful nation.
  During his distinguished career at LANL, Rep. Salazar was responsible 
for ensuring that the lab was a responsible and productive

[[Page E757]]

partner to the communities of northern New Mexico. He played a key role 
in expanding opportunities for research and development, the 
development of small and minority-owned businesses, technology transfer 
initiatives, math and science programs, and job training and 
development. He promoted these programs while advocating for stringent 
environmental regulations that protected the public. He also served as 
a member of the Los Alamos National Security Board of Governors.
  Rep. Salazar honorably served his country as a Sergeant in the United 
States Air Force and his community as a County Commissioner from 1964 
to 1968.
  Rep. Salazar is one of the longest-serving members of the state House 
of Representatives, having been elected 20 times and serving 40 years. 
He has been a champion for working class families. Rep. Salazar 
sponsored legislation to create Northern New Mexico College in 
Espanola, and led the effort to broaden the mission of the school to 
allow for four-year degrees. He has also served as chairman of the 
North Central New Mexico Economic Development District for decades. 
Rep. Salazar is one of New Mexico's foremost advocates for the state's 
senior citizens. In 1991, he led the effort to establish the nation's 
first Indian Area Agency on Aging, and in 2003, he sponsored 
legislation that created the New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services 
Department, elevating the agency to Cabinet-level status.
  Rep. Salazar's colleagues in the Legislature have turned to him 
through the years as a trusted mentor, known for his erudition and his 
principled approach to the most important issues facing the state. He 
is a quintessential leader who cares deeply for his family, his 
community, the Labs and the institution of the New Mexico House of 
Representatives.
  Rep. Nick Salazar is a resident of San Juan Pueblo. He is married to 
Maria Ana and has three adult children, Yvonne, Earl and Gregory.

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