[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL FELIX A. ABEYTA

  Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great 
American and an exceptional member of the U.S. Space Force, Lt. Col. 
Felix Abeyta.
  A true champion for our Nation and expert communicator, this Colorado 
native and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate brings over 15 years of 
distinguished uniformed service. He has consistently demonstrated 
exemplary leadership and an unparalleled ability to navigate complex 
legislative landscapes in service to our country and the 119th U.S. 
Congress. He left an indelible mark as the first guardian dedicated to 
the U.S. Senate, providing that vital link between Congress and the 
Space Force as he effectively advocated for critical defense 
priorities. Throughout his military career, he has demonstrated 
exceptional and unrivaled excellence in a myriad of positions critical 
to U.S. defense and national security worldwide.
  As a legislative liaison and action officer in the Department of the 
Air Force's Senate Legislative Liaison Division, Lieutenant Colonel 
Abeyta expertly advised Department of the Air Force senior leadership, 
developing strategic opportunities to advance Air and Space Force 
priorities on Capitol Hill. His leadership facilitated seamless 
collaboration on behalf of the Department of the Air Force across 64 
congressional offices, expertly resolving 103 requests for information. 
He supported numerous congressional engagements and delegations to 
showcase Department equities in the United States and abroad. Most 
notably, his strategic acumen during key hearings on Space Force 
capabilities was instrumental in securing a $32 billion investment from 
Congress and forging a stronger relationship between the Department and 
the Senate. Through his tireless efforts, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta 
secured direct engagement between Members of Congress and key decision-
makers, including the Secretary of the Air Force, resulting in 
successful advancements of critical Space Force initiatives. Leveraging 
his deep expertise in Space Force acquisitions, Lieutenant Colonel 
Abeyta secured congressional alignment for the future of space-based 
global satellite communications for 12 service vehicles, degrading 
adversary jamming capabilities and protecting critical national 
security objectives.
  Finally, as the sole guardian on the Department of the Air Force 
Senate liaison team, he effectively advocated for Department 
priorities. Collaborating with U.S. Space Command, he arranged 10 
visits to 31 space-based locations for key decision-makers, 
highlighting capabilities, and the quality-of-life concerns of 
guardians. His efforts have expanded the U.S. Space Force Caucus by 25 
percent on the Hill. Due to his direct involvement, advocacy, and 
stewardship, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions 
and ensured the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and 
funded.
  After serving in this crucial role and becoming a fixture on Capitol 
Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta will move on to become the system 
program manager for the Space Launch Procurement Branch, Space Systems 
Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA. Felix and his wife Zantia have 
instilled a legacy of service for their three children Dylan, Tillman, 
and Charlotte. They have sacrificed much as a family in service to our 
Nation. I am thankful for Felix's service and his work with my office 
and the Senate over the past year on issues of vital importance to the 
defense of the United States. I salute this American patriot whose 
selfless service has kept our country safe and strong.

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