[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 79 (Friday, May 7, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID ELLIOT

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 7, 2021

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor David 
Elliot from Taos, New Mexico. On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, President 
Biden delivered his first address to a Joint Session of Congress, 100 
days into his first term.
  When President Biden took the oath of office, he pledged that help 
was on the way. Thanks to our work together to enact the American 
Rescue Plan, help is finally here.
  The hardworking people in New Mexico and all across the country have 
also shown us what true community looks like. David is one of those 
community heroes.
  In a typical year, I would invite him to join me in the House Chamber 
for the Joint Address. COVID-19 safety protocols mean this year's in-
person attendance will be limited and we will be watching from our 
beautiful New Mexico. But I did not want to miss this important 
opportunity to honor David.
  David's commitment to serving others is inspiring. His work to bring 
people and organizations together to establish the Enchanted Circle of 
Community Organizations Active in Disaster is the embodiment of 
community. The Enchanted Circle COAD helped others in Taos, Colfax, 
Santa Fe counties and beyond. They have donated millions of dollars 
directly and in kind to their neighbors. During the initial phases of 
the COVID-19 response, David also served as the Deputy Director of the 
NM State Emergency Operations Center. His passion for emergency 
management has also led him to serve his community as a volunteer 
firefighter, volunteer Fire Chief, and as Emergency Management 
Coordinator for Taos and Santa Fe County.
  David pointed out to me that he was honored to view this address as 
my guest on behalf of the countless New Mexicans, businesses, non-
profits, and organizations who donated their time, effort, and money to 
help New Mexico recover during this extremely difficult time.
  I'm proud to invite him as my virtual guest to the Presidential 
Address. He truly represents the best that New Mexico has to offer, and 
I thank him for his selflessness and life-saving work.

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