[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING COLVIN RANCH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Ms. Perez) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colvin Ranch, a 
family-owned ranch in Thurston County in my district.
  Colvin Ranch started soon after Ignatius Colvin came to Washington 
State on the Oregon Trail back in 1851. Since then, the family has 
continued to raise livestock in a humane and sustainable way. The ranch 
is currently run by Jennifer Colvin, making her a fifth-generation 
rancher.
  Local farms are the backbone of a resilient and sustainable local 
food supply chain. However, in recent years we have seen growing 
consolidation in the agricultural industry. Multinational, corporate-
run farms are known to cut corners and prioritize profit over 
community-minded farming practices.
  Colvin Ranch has been an advocate for building a meat processing 
plant with a storefront in the park near their ranch so they can 
establish what they like to call ``the world's shortest supply chain.''
  By supporting farmers like Colvin Ranch, we are investing in 
sustainable agriculture practices and supporting our local economy and 
local jobs.


                          National Police Week

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to 
recognize the brave men and women in law enforcement across southwest 
Washington.
  Recently, I had the honor of going on a ride-along with Sergeant Ripp 
of the Vancouver Police Department, and I had the pleasure of watching 
his profound knowledge and deep engagement with the local community. He 
literally knew 9 out of 10 people we saw walking on the streets, what 
their lives were like, what their struggles were, and how he could 
support them.
  Sergeant Ripp talked to me about the biggest challenges he sees in 
our community, including the increasing devastation of drugs like 
fentanyl and meth, as well as the challenges of folks struggling with 
serious mental health issues.
  The work our officers do is dangerous and often unrewarding, and I am 
deeply committed to ensuring they receive the resources, regard, and 
support they deserve.
  By providing our law enforcement adequate funding and ensuring they 
are given the respect and support they deserve, communities like mine 
will be able to recruit and retain the best public servants possible.
  You cannot pay people enough to be disrespected, and we need a 
cultural shift that values the sacrifices these officers make along 
with their families.
  I am so grateful to have such a strong team working in my district. I 
sincerely thank them all.


                       Recognizing Andrew Webber

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Webber, a 
proud husband, father, and veteran who was raised in Raymond, a small 
town in my district.
  Last year, Andrew signed up to volunteer for the Ukrainian army's 
59th Motorized Brigade.
  He went to Ukraine in order to provide combat training to their 
soldiers; however, when he noticed that a young man next to him did not 
have any protective gear, Andrew gave him his.
  Andrew passed away on July 29 of 2023 while serving in Ukraine. To 
this day, his family firmly believes his death would have been 
prevented if the Ukrainians had proper resources.
  That is why it is critical and crucial that after passing the House 
and Senate on April 24, the President signed the lethal military aid 
package to send $61 billion to Ukrainian soldiers.
  Andrew was a soldier, but he was also a father, a husband, and a son. 
My thoughts are with Andrew's family and loved ones as they navigate 
their profound loss. His heroic service and sacrifice will not be 
forgotten.


                         Recognizing Doris Bier

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Doris Bier, who was 
one of the original Rosie the Riveters during World War II in Fort 
Lewis.
  Doris was raised in Adna, Washington, a small town in my community. 
From owning the second bicycle in Adna to being hired to drive trucks 
in cornfields at the age of 14, she has always surpassed expectations.
  At the age of 16, she was one of just a few chosen women, along with 
a few other women, to take a mechanics course at the Clover Park 
Vocational School.

                              {time}  1045

  Upon graduation, she became an official Rosie the Riveter and worked 
at assembly lines at Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot. No matter what 
pushback she faced, she continued to work and excel. Doris received an 
Army-Navy E Award, also known as an Excellence in Production pin, for 
producing twice as many axles as her colleagues each day.
  Doris Bier, along with all of the Rosie the Riveters, helped pave the 
way for freedom. She still resides in my district where she continues 
to share her remarkable stories.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Doris for all she has contributed and still 
contributes to our community.


                 Lewis County Public Utility Department

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five Lewis County 
Public Utility Department crew workers who were recently honored by the 
Northwest Public Power Association with a Safety Heroism Award.
  On January 22, Brad Peters, Bob Hadley, Joel Chandler, Travis 
Merriman, and Hunter Blair saved the life of man who was disabled by 
pulling him out of a burning RV.
  The five PUD crew workers were working in the Mossyrock area when 
they noticed smoke nearby. While attempting to extinguish the fire, 
they realized a man was trapped inside and was not able to escape on 
his own.
  Our PUD workers are crucial to our community, but saving lives is 
well out of their expected duty. The quick thinking and choices of 
these five men was literally lifesaving, and I applaud them for their 
heroic work.

                          ____________________