[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 17, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S7075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO OFFICER MICHAEL LOHMAN

  Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, in August, I was fortunate to award 
Officer Michael Lohman of the Greeley Police Department with the 
Congressional Badge of Bravery for his heroic actions apprehending the 
driver of a stolen vehicle in 2017.
  While at the driver-side window of the vehicle, the driver pulled a 
gun on Officer Lohman, who immediately engaged with the driver to take 
the weapon. The driver pulled Officer Lohman into the vehicle and began 
accelerating, dragging him along the street. Officer Lohman kept his 
cool and was able to pull the suspect from the vehicle while it was 
still moving and apprehended him with the help of other officers.
  These actions saved the lives of anyone in the path of that vehicle, 
as well as the life of his partner who was at the passenger side of the 
vehicle when the gun was pulled. These actions give our communities 
peace of mind, knowing that heroes like Officer Lohman continue to keep 
all of us safe. But we know every brave action doesn't get the 
recognition that it deserves.
  Every day, there are law enforcement and first responders who act 
with complete selflessness. They do this not to seek recognition or 
praise, but simply because it is what they were called to do.
  Jamie and I would like to send our thanks to the families of our law 
enforcement and first responders. Every day these men and women say 
goodbye to their loved ones, unsure of what that day will hold for 
them. I am sure these goodbyes are much more difficult during the 
holiday season, but without the love and support of those at home, the 
jobs of law enforcement and our first responders would be that much 
more difficult. We thank them for their continued sacrifice.


                  RECOGNIZING THE U.S. CAPITOL POLICE

  Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, I would also like to take a moment to 
say thanks to the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police. They work 
long hours to ensure that Members of the staff and Members themselves 
are able to carry out their duties safely. On top of that important 
duty, they also protect the public who comes to visit to express their 
opinion, to express their right to assemble and free speech in the 
Capitol and beyond, not only to tour this beautiful Capitol Building, 
but to make sure their thoughts are heard on our Nation's policy 
issues.
  I know every one of my colleagues will join us in expressing our 
gratitude to law enforcement and first responders not only in Colorado, 
but across this Nation this holiday season. They will give up time with 
their own families to make sure that others are safe.
  To all those who defend that thin blue line, thank you, and God 
bless. You have my enduring support. May you all have a happy and 
blessed holiday season.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Mississippi.


                       TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY ISAKSON

  Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, today I rise for the opportunity to 
commend Senator Johnny Isakson on his retirement from the U.S. Senate.
  I am a relatively new Member to the Senate, but I think we all 
remember the first time we ever walked onto the Senate floor. I know I 
certainly do because that is the day I met Senator Johnny Isakson.
  With both of us being from the South, I knew we would probably have a 
lot in common, a similar view on life, and a heart for the South, but 
it didn't take me long to learn that Johnny has a universal heart.
  I am guilty of the expression, ``Nothing is special until you make it 
special.'' Johnny has such a generous gift of making things special. He 
has the gift of making everyone around him feel special. His heart and 
his attitude sees the best in people and yet goes further to let them 
know how much they mean to him.
  He exemplifies being a leader, an encourager, and an investor of 
people. He is never too busy to ask how you are doing or to ask about 
your family. Common courtesy sometimes isn't always that common 
anymore, but I assure you it is with Johnny Isakson.
  His brilliance is unquestionable. His ability to articulate what is 
important to him is just simply amazing. He can deliver a message that 
not only expresses his concern but also has answers and solutions based 
on his experience and his tremendous wisdom.
  He is the gentle calm in a tremendous storm. He has the words of 
wisdom when so many are bewildered. He is the guiding light in the 
darkest times. He provides the needed laugh in times of tension and the 
voice of reason in times of uncertainty. His love is deep, and his 
compassion is true.
  He knows how to be a friend. He was a born leader and has the ability 
to capture opportunities and turn them into successes. My world has 
been enhanced and enriched by this wonderful and precious human being.
  Johnny learned a long time ago that the joy of living comes in 
giving. You know when a person has in his heart that joy, that wasn't 
put there by the world.
  When I think about the true statesmen I have met in my brief time in 
the Senate, I will certainly have ``Georgia on My Mind.''
  Thank you.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Blackburn). The Senator from Florida.


                               VENEZUELA

  Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, I rise to speak again today 
about the crisis in Venezuela--a defining human rights issue of our 
time.
  Nicolas Maduro is starving his own people, and innocent children are 
dying. It is a genocide right here in our hemisphere. Every day that 
passes, the situation in Venezuela grows more dire.
  The United States and all freedom-loving countries around the world 
must do more. As Governor, I strictly prohibited the State of Florida, 
including all State agencies, from investing in any company that did 
business with Maduro's repressive regime.
  I am grateful for the bipartisan support this bill has received, and 
I specifically thank Senator Rosen for her leadership and for joining 
me in this effort.
  We must never give up on the fight for freedom, and I look forward to 
all of my colleagues joining me in support of the people of Venezuela.
  Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to address the Senate in 
Spanish.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:)
  Mr. SCOTT of Florida. I stand with the people of Venezuela and will 
always fight for freedom and democracy in Latin America.
  I understand my colleague has an objection. I am disappointed, but I 
look forward to working with him to address his concerns.
  Thank you.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from West Virginia.

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