[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 112 (Monday, July 8, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H4471-H4472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   WELCOMING THE HONORABLE GREG LOPEZ TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Colorado is 
recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, as the dean of the Colorado congressional 
delegation, I am so honored to welcome Representative-elect Lopez to 
this Chamber to represent Colorado's Fourth Congressional District for 
the next 6 months.
  Representative-elect Lopez is an Air Force veteran, a small business 
owner, a husband, and a father. Born into a hardworking family in 
pursuit of the American Dream, Representative Lopez is committed to 
working to improve the lives of his constituents.
  He met his wife, Lisa, during his military service, and they married 
and moved to Colorado, where they raised their two children. At the age 
of only 27, Representative Lopez was elected mayor of Parker, Colorado, 
which was, at the time, the fastest growing town in Douglas County.
  He worked with the town to improve infrastructure, manage growth, and 
support families and small businesses. Following his mayoral term, he 
was the director of a nonprofit that provided students from low-income 
families with scholarships to pursue their educational dreams.
  I had the honor of working with Representative Lopez when he was the 
president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and later as the 
Colorado director of the Small Business Administration.
  Representative Lopez and his wife live in Elbert County, Colorado, 
where they continue to serve their community and give back to the State 
they call home.
  I look forward to working with the Representative to support the 
people of Colorado with our delegation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), my 
friend and the senior member of our delegation.
  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Denver for 
yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure and honor to rise today to welcome 
Representative Greg Lopez to Congress.
  I have every faith that Representative Lopez will serve the people of 
Colorado's Fourth District well, as he has a history of serving his 
country and his community.
  Immediately upon graduating from high school, Representative Lopez 
enlisted in the Air Force, serving honorably from 1983 to 1987. In 
1992, at the age of 27, Representative Lopez successfully ran for mayor 
of Parker, Colorado, where he managed one of the fastest growing cities 
in America.

[[Page H4472]]

  As a matter of fact, in those years, I also represented part of 
Douglas County, Colorado, where Parker is located. It was the fastest 
growing county in America for 8 years in a row.
  Following his time as mayor, Representative Lopez not only owned and 
operated a small business selling medical supplies, but he also served 
in the Small Business Administration as the State director for Colorado 
from 2008 to 2014.
  Throughout his career, Representative Lopez has been blessed with his 
lovely wife, Lisa, as well as their two children, Michael and 
Christina.
  Mr. Speaker, I welcome Representative Greg Lopez to the United States 
House of Representatives not only as a friend but now as a colleague.

                              {time}  1900

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. 
Lopez).
  Mr. LOPEZ. ``Mr. Speaker, le agradezco por este distinguido honor de 
dirigirme a los Miembros del Congreso esta noche.'' ``Mr. Speaker, 
thank you for this distinguished honor to address the Members of 
Congress this evening.''
  Four days ago, Americans across our Nation celebrated the Fourth of 
July, our day of independence from the British Empire. It was on July 
4, 1776, that the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of 
Independence. I am proud to carry the Constitution and Declaration of 
Independence in my pocket.
  As I stand in this prestigious Chamber, I am filled with a sense of 
gratitude: Gratitude for being given an opportunity by my Lord and 
Savior and the good people of Colorado's Fourth Congressional District 
to join you, my brothers and sisters, in the 118th Congress;
  Gratitude for my parents, Gregorio Beltran Lopez and Victoria Barron 
Lopez, who grew up working in the fields, believing in the American 
Dream. They always spoke of how America always allows everyone to live 
the American Dream regardless of wealth or educational achievements;
  Gratitude for my wife, Lisa, of 36 years and our children, Michael 
and Christina, for always believing in me and standing by my side. My 
son was not able to join us here tonight, but my wife and daughter are.
  My time with you is short, as I will not be serving in the 119th 
Congress. However, in that short time, I vow to stay true to the 
virtues of respect, collaboration, friendship, unity, and most 
importantly, statesmanship.
  My brothers and sisters, these are the virtues the American people 
thirst to see once again in our national, State, and local 
representatives.
  Together, let us be that beacon that people seek. Together, let us 
restore hope back into the American Dream for the younger generation. 
Together, let us put people over politics.

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