May 7, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E489 IN HONOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE’S munity leader in . A pioneer of the turing plants across our nation, employing CITY AND TOWN CLERKS Phoenix art scene, Ms. Lopez shattered bar- hundreds of Americans. Just this month, riers to elevate the work of local and Latino ECOS officially became a climate positive HON. CHRIS PAPPAS artists across our state, and her living legacy brand, stepping up as an environmental leader OF NEW HAMPSHIRE deserves to be etched in our historical record in Washington, and across the country, by re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for all to remember. generating more natural resources than it con- At a young age, she discovered her passion sumes. Friday, May 7, 2021 and vision for the arts. In 1982, Ms. Lopez be- Not only does ECOS play a leading role in Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today came a member of the Movimiento Artistico the cleaning products industry as a climate during Municipal and Town Clerks Apprecia- del Rio Salado (MARS), a nationally ac- positive manufacturer and embody a bold vi- tion Week to honor New Hampshire’s City and claimed Chicano Arts organization. Ms. Lopez sion for a sustainable future, ECOS has also Town Clerks for the hard work that they do made it her mission to re-define how Chicano been an essential business in the fight against each and every day to ensure our local gov- art is perceived in the broader art community. COVID–19. Since the start of the pandemic, ernments run smoothly and that our citizens She became an immediate sensation, capti- ECOS’ essential workers have been working get the services they need. vating audiences through her storytelling fo- around the clock to manufacture sustainable Municipal clerks deliver important public cused on her own experiences in Arizona and cleaning supplies. services and each year interact with hundreds shared family heritage. Ms. Lopez proudly of members of their community. Whether wears her heritage on her sleeve—and she Madam Speaker, I am proud that ECOS es- maintaining public records, registering motor translated that passion literally with her most sential workers represent my district and my vehicles, licensing dogs and other pets, or ad- recent work, hand-crafted dresses made from community in the South Sound. I want to per- ministering local elections, chances are you’ve stitched-together prints on tamale paper that sonally thank and recognize them for their relied on your local clerk more than once in dawns excerpts of Arizona’s SB 1070 and her dedication and patriotism in making safe and the last year and on countless occasions grandparents’ immigration cards. Through her eco-friendly cleaning products throughout the throughout your life. art, she starts a dialogue about racism, stereo- COVID–19 pandemic. They are the frontline During this pandemic, we’ve asked city and types, and the local art world—making poign- heroes that are powering our region and our town clerks to go above and beyond under in- ant statements about Latino culture with her nation as we recover, rebuild, and emerge credibly difficult circumstances. The COVID– unmatched sense of humor. from this pandemic on stronger, more sustain- 19 pandemic necessarily shut down many as- A fourth-generation Arizonan, Ms. Lopez able footing. For all of these reasons, it is my pects of society in order to keep our families has always been a relentless advocate for our privilege to recognize the tremendous con- and communities safe. But the work of a clerk community. She has served as a board mem- tributions of ECOS’ essential workers. must continue to ensure that citizens are ber for MARS, and as a panelist for the City served and that the wheels of local govern- of Phoenix and the Arizona Commission on f ment continue to move forward. the Arts. Ms. Lopez has exhibited her work in Administering an election in the best of venues across the nation, including the Smith- EXPLANATION REGARDING times is incredibly challenging. Doing so in a sonian Institution, the National Museum of COSPONSORING A BILL pandemic meant clerks had to rewrite the Mexican Art in Chicago, the Phoenix Art Mu- playbook and develop and implement new seum, Tucson Museum of Art, and the Arizona best practices on short notice. New Hampshire State University Art Museum. In the beginning HON. residents voted in record numbers last fall, of 2020, in recognition of her artistic excel- OF CALIFORNIA and even with an unprecedented number of lence, Ms. Lopez was the first Latina artist to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ballots cast early and by mail, our elections have her work displayed in the National Mu- ran as smoothly as ever because of the dedi- seum of Women in the Arts in Washington, Friday, May 7, 2021 cation and hard work of our municipal clerks. D.C.—cementing her legacy as one of the Providing services and maintaining vital greatest artists Phoenix has ever known. Mr. SHERMAN. Madam Speaker, it’s appro- records in the best of times is complex and Ms. Lopez has given all her time, heart and priate for me to republish my statement of time consuming. Doing so in a pandemic soul to the betterment of Phoenix and Arizona. March 11, 2019 on the meaning of cospon- meant clerks needed to adapt to meet the She has inspired so many young artists to soring legislation. Much of that statement was needs of their neighbors to do their job while achieve their highest aspirations, and those a republication of my statement of September keeping residents safe. These are no small who learn from her enter the world with a 29, 2010, as I’ve maintained a consistent pol- feats, and we are grateful. greater appreciation for Chicano art history. icy on this issue. The following is a republica- The New Hampshire City and Town Clerks I humbly rise to extend my heartfelt grati- tion of my statement of March 11, 2019. Code of Ethics states: ‘‘Town and city clerks tude and appreciation to Ms. Lopez for im- ‘‘Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, Sep- are elected and/or appointed by the citizens mense contributions to our state. A dedicated tember 29, 2010, stated for the RECORD: who have the utmost trust and faith in the artist, advocate, and community servant, her ‘Madam Speaker, I wish to clarify that when clerk’s ability to fairly and honestly serve their life’s work remains a local favorite in Phoenix, I cosponsor a bill, it does not necessarily community. Let us all live up to that trust with and I wish her the best as she continues to mean that I agree with every part of it. At n honor and dignity.’’ Over the last year, our mu- create a legacy that will be felt by Arizonans minimum, my cosponsorship indicates that I nicipal clerks have indeed lived up to that trust for generations to come. support moving the bill forward through the and performed their duties with honor and dig- f legislative process, including being marked up nity throughout New Hampshire. in committee, and if sent to the floor by the On behalf of my constituents in New Hamp- HONORING ECOS ESSENTIAL WORKERS relevant committee(s), then subject to consid- shire’s First Congressional District, I want to eration and amendment on the floor.’ thank our municipal clerks for their dedication to New Hampshire and convey the thanks of HON. Let me reiterate that 2010 statement and a grateful state for their continued public serv- OF WASHINGTON provide additional background. I believe in the ice. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES legislative process. I believe bills are improved f during committee mark-ups and by consider- Friday, May 7, 2021 ation of amendments on the floor. The effect HONORING ANNIE LOPEZ Ms. STRICKLAND. Madam Speaker, I rise of cosponsoring a bill is to signal to the rel- today to honor ECOS’ dedicated essential evant committee chair(s) that I believe the bill HON. workers from the sustainable manufacturing should be marked-up in committee, a process OF ARIZONA facility located in Lacey, Washington, in the that may well improve the bill (and in some IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10th Congressional District. cases may make the bill worse). When I de- Family-owned, women-owned, and operated cide to cosponsor a bill after it has completed Friday, May 7, 2021 since 1967, ECOS is known for being a pio- the committee process, I do signal to the Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to neer of environmentally friendly and sustain- Speaker and Rules Committee that I believe honor the lifetime achievement of Annie able cleaning products. In addition to its facility the bill should be considered on the floor, and Lopez, a nationally recognized artist and com- in the South Sound, ECOS operates manufac- almost always under an open rule.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 May 08, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07MY8.027 E07MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS E490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 7, 2021 CELEBRATING THE WORTHY BOYS ers have made huge personal sacrifices as IN RECOGNITION OF VICKIE AND GIRLS CAMP well. Despite living with the fear of contracting THOMAS COVID–19 themselves or potentially bringing HON. the virus home to their loved ones; these HON. OF SOUTH CAROLINA healthcare workers still manage to do their OF MICHIGAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES jobs and protect our communities. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, May 7, 2021 In celebration of National Nurses Week, I Friday, May 7, 2021 encourage everyone to take the time to thank Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today our nurses for choosing selflessness over self- Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to to commemorate the honorable work of the preservation and rising to the challenge of recognize the outstanding contributions of Worthy Boys and Girls Camp in Rock Hill, COVID–19. Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask award-winning journalist Vickie Thomas, a South Carolina. that you rise with me to celebrate National proud daughter of Michigan’s 13th Congres- Since 1950, the Worthy Boys and Girls Nurses Week. sional District. Camp has provided a week-long opportunity Ms. Thomas was raised in Highland, Park for York County youth to experience the out- f Michigan and first became interested in jour- doors each summer. It is the only free over- nalism as a student at Detroit Henry Ford High night camp in the area, planned and organized IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID School. She went on to graduate with honors, entirely by the Rock Hill Police Department. ELLIOT earning her degree in broadcast journalism Through a variety of sports activities and from Wayne State University. Ms. Thomas is trainings, children build upon their strengths to best known in southeast Michigan as the voice improve individual self-esteem, develop new HON. of WWJ NewsRadio, where she reported on interpersonal skills, and gain a greater appre- OF local news and events. ciation for their surrounding community. Ms. Thomas’ work has garnered local and Aside from providing a safe and supportive IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES national accolades. She has earned awards environment, camp staff instill in young boys Friday, May 7, 2021 from the Detroit Press Foundation, the Michi- and girls a sense of consistent teamwork, gan Association of Broadcasters, the Associ- commitment, and sharing. Nearly 200 children Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speak- ated Press, and the National Association of are exposed to new ideas, places, and friend- er, I rise today to honor David Elliot from Black Journalists. Ms. Thomas is a recipient of ships every summer that will teach them les- Taos, New Mexico. On Wednesday, April 28, the national ‘‘Gabriel Award’’ from UNDA–USA sons they’ll carry forward through life. 2021, President Biden delivered his first ad- for the WWJ Black History Month Series ‘‘The The Worthy Boys and Girls Camp is a shin- dress to a Joint Session of Congress, 100 African-American Church: The Heart and Soul ing example of the sense of community felt days into his first term. of Metro Detroit’s Black Community.’’ She is a across Rock Hill. When President Biden took the oath of of- member of the National Association of Black Locals enjoy supporting the camp through fice, he pledged that help was on the way. Journalists. their donations and various volunteer efforts. Thanks to our work together to enact the Please join me in paying tribute to Vickie Week-long sessions are staffed by police offi- American Rescue Plan, help is finally here. Thomas’s numerous achievements and hard cers, department staff members, and volun- work in bringing news and stories of local in- The hardworking people in New Mexico and teers of all ages who dedicate long hours and terest to the people of southeast Michigan. all across the country have also shown us resources to ensuring the camp’s continued f success. Many police officers who attended what true community looks like. David is one the program as students, like Rock Hill Police of those community heroes. RECOGNIZING CINCO DE MAYO Chief Chris Watts, now serve as camp coun- In a typical year, I would invite him to join selors. me in the House Chamber for the Joint Ad- HON. The lifechanging work of the Worthy Boys dress. COVID–19 safety protocols mean this OF TEXAS and Girls Camp has created positive relation- year’s in-person attendance will be limited and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES we will be watching from our beautiful New ships between local law enforcement officers Friday, May 7, 2021 and youth for decades. The camp plays an in- Mexico. But I did not want to miss this impor- tegral role in developing Rock Hill’s youngest tant opportunity to honor David. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise talent into promising leaders. I congratulate David’s commitment to serving others is in- today to recognize the holiday of Cinco de the Worthy Boys and Girls Camp on a suc- spiring. His work to bring people and organiza- Mayo commemorating the victory of the Mexi- cessful 72 years, and I look forward to watch- tions together to establish the Enchanted Cir- can Army 1862 over France at the Battle of ing them serve our community’s children in the cle of Community Organizations Active in Dis- Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. future. aster is the embodiment of community. The The fifth day of May, or Cinco de Mayo, is f Enchanted Circle COAD helped others in a special day because it represents the impor- Taos, Colfax, Santa Fe counties and beyond. tance of freedom, liberty and determination for IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL They have donated millions of dollars directly the people of Mexico and for Mexican-Ameri- NURSES WEEK and in kind to their neighbors. During the initial cans. phases of the COVID–19 response, David It was on that day, May 5, 1862, that un- HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN also served as the Deputy Director of the NM trained, outnumbered, and outgunned Mexican OF VIRGINIA State Emergency Operations Center. His pas- forces—determined to protect their land—suc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sion for emergency management has also led cessfully defended the town of Puebla against the French. Friday, May 7, 2021 him to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter, volunteer Fire Chief, and as Emer- The quest for an independent Mexico start- Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise gency Management Coordinator for Taos and ed on September 16, 1810, when the people today to recognize National Nurses Week, a Santa Fe County. of Mexico, following the will to become a free celebration to acknowledge our nurses for nation, refused to submit to Spanish rule. their unwavering courage, hard work and dedi- David pointed out to me that he was hon- The struggle went on for 10 years. cation. Our frontline heroes have been at the ored to view this address as my guest on be- Finally, in 1821, the first independent Mexi- forefront of this global pandemic, and their half of the countless New Mexicans, busi- can government was established. sacrifice is well-deserving of recognition. nesses, non-profits, and organizations who do- But being an independent nation was not For many healthcare workers, this past year nated their time, effort, and money to help easy. has been the toughest challenge of their ca- New Mexico recover during this extremely dif- Over the years, Mexico received economic reer. Despite these unprecedent obstacles, ficult time. support from several nations, France and Eng- they have continued to show bravery and self- I’m proud to invite him as my virtual guest land among them. lessness by risking their own health to provide to the Presidential Address. He truly rep- Later on, even Spain supported the new patients with the utmost care. resents the best that New Mexico has to offer, country. Along with the fear of the unknown and the and I thank him for his selflessness and life- Thus, Mexico became heavily indebted to rigorous work schedule, our frontline line work- saving work. foreign powers.

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