May 28, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E591 THANKING DOUG MATTSON FOR ence was soon snuffed out by the totalitarian raised five children and enjoyed time with their HIS SERVICE ON THE UNITED USSR, which sought to spread values much grandchildren—Jaxon, Caden, Coco, Harper, AIRLINES MASTER EXECUTIVE different to those espoused by the fledgling Crew, Cole and Parker. I am deeply grateful COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE COM- Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. for his lifetime of service to our community. MITTEE After the fall of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan f regained its independence. 2021 is particularly HON. ADAM SMITH notable in this regard as it marks the thirtieth IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF anniversary of this event. JOHN SHAFFER ON HIS OFFER OF WASHINGTON OF APPOINTMENT TO ATTEND IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Today, Azerbaijan remains a close partner to the United States and our allies. Through- THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Friday, May 28, 2021 out the United States’ and NATO’s long de- ACADEMY Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, ployment to Afghanistan, Azerbaijan has been I rise today to recognize and thank Doug integral in ensuring stable lines of communica- HON. ROBERT E. LATTA Mattson for his work on the United Airlines tion to the country and has partnered with us OF OHIO Master Executive Council Legislative Com- in the wider war on terror. Additionally, I find IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES it significant and praiseworthy that as a Mus- mittee. Friday, May 28, 2021 A Washington native, Doug went on to lim country, Azerbaijan maintains strong rela- serve honorably in the United States Air tions with the Jewish community and with our Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great Force. During his time in service, Doug ally Israel, and has done so for some time. Fi- pleasure to pay special tribute to an out- Mattson flew T–37s, T–43s, and C–40Bs and nally, Azerbaijan is a key energy provider for standing student from Ohio’s Fifth Congres- went on to finish his time in the military as a Europe, helping our allies there diversify their sional District. I am pleased to announce that Captain. energy supply away from Vladimir Putin’s Rus- John Shaffer of Maumee, Ohio, has been of- After his service to our country, Doug sia. And Azerbaijan’s importance as an energy fered an appointment to the United States Air couldn’t keep his feet on the ground and be- provider will only grow as a result of the open- Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo- came a pilot for United Airlines flying Boeing ing of the Southern Gas Corridor last Decem- rado. 787s. For the last eight years, he served on ber. John’s offer of appointment permits him to the Executive Council Legislative Committee Keeping in mind our relationship with Azer- attend the United States Air Force Academy where he worked to protect and promote the baijan and its commitment to this partnership, this fall with the incoming Class of 2025, At- careers of pilots, concentrating on safety, pay, I would encourage my colleagues to join me tending one of our nation’s military academies working conditions, benefits, and job security. today in honoring Azerbaijan on its Republic not only offers the opportunity to serve our He played a key role in preparing the next Day. country, but also guarantees a world-class generation of pilot advocates to lead on these f education while undertaking one of the most key issues. challenging and rewarding experiences of their Doug provided a steady hand over his eight STEVEN CHOTIN lives. years and is an Air Line Pilots Association John brings a tremendous amount of leader- member his colleagues came to depend on. HON. ED PERLMUTTER ship, service, and dedication to the incoming His ability to mentor pilots of varying political OF COLORADO Class of 2025. While attending Perrysburg persuasions is a testament to his commitment IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES High School in Perrysburg, Ohio, John partici- pated in lacrosse, for which he earned his var- to ensuring that the Executive Council Legisla- Friday, May 28, 2021 tive Committee fulfilled its duty to ensure that sity letter. He also coached and refereed pilots voices are heard on Capitol Hill. No mat- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise youth lacrosse. ter the day or flight, he always had a smile on today to recognize Steven Chotin of Denver, After graduating Perrysburg High School in his face. Colorado who passed away on May 15, 2021. 2017, John attended Embry Riddle Aero- Even though Doug has been busy dividing Steven was born in St. Louis, Missouri to nautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida time between flying and advocating for pilots Miriam and Alfred Chotin. He was the only son and majored in aeronautical engineering. He nationwide, he is a family man and enjoys and middle child of two sisters. He graduated then went on to attend the United States Air spending time with his lovely wife Sharon, and from Ladue High School and attended the Uni- Force Academy Preparatory School in Colo- their two sons Eric and Cameron. versity of Oklahoma for a brief time. He rado. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to thank moved to Denver, Colorado in 1973 to reorga- Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Doug Mattson for the time he spent advo- nize a company that was owned by a family me in congratulating John Shaffer on his offer cating for his fellow pilots on the United Air- friend. Shortly after he moved, he met his of appointment to the United States Air Force lines Master Executive Council Legislative wife, Robin Cohen, and they were married at Academy. Our service academies offer the fin- Committee. Beth Joseph Congregation in 1974. Prior to est military training and education available. I f founding his own company, Steven worked for am positive that John will excel during his ca- MDC Holdings where he played a primary role reer at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my HONORING AZERBAIJAN ON ITS in developing their mortgage banking busi- colleagues to join me in extending their best 103RD REPUBLIC DAY ness. wishes to him as he begins his service to our In 1984, Steven founded The Chotin Group nation. HON. STEVE CHABOT Corporation. Since inception, the firm success- f OF OHIO fully invested in structured financial products RECOGNIZING AMERICAN HEROES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and real estate opportunities where he was in- strumental in creating mortgage-backed secu- ON MEMORIAL DAY Friday, May 28, 2021 rities. Throughout his career, Steven was a Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, as Co-Chair strong supporter of social and political causes HON. KEN BUCK of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I rise in the Denver Jewish community, throughout OF COLORADO today to recognize Azerbaijan on the occasion the country, and Israel and the diaspora. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of its 103rd Republic Day. In addition to his family office, most recently, Azerbaijan has a proud history as an inde- Steven and Robin established The Chotin Friday, May 28, 2021 pendent country, beginning in 1918. With its Foundation which is dedicated to improving Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I am honored independence, Azerbaijan became the very and enriching the lives of individuals, children, to rise today in recognition of Memorial Day first secular parliamentary democracy in the and families with particular interest in Jewish and in support of the countless men and Muslim world. Azerbaijan was also among the causes as well as secular charitable initiatives women who have sacrificed their lives for the first states to grant women the right to vote. in the areas of arts and culture, education, security and freedoms we enjoy in our repub- Azerbaijan’s commitment to these values and health and wellness. In addition, he had lic. shows the world that they are truly universal, a genuine interest in local, state, and national Outside the United States Special Forces and that self-government and the respect for politics. Training Center, there is a quote from John individual rights is not inimical to Islamic tradi- Steven was a devoted husband and loving Stuart Mill that reads, ‘‘War is an ugly thing, tions. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan’s independ- father and grandfather. Steven and Robin but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and

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degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling BARA LEE has sponsored bills that are the professional license, to secure housing, to re- which thinks that nothing is worth war is much foundation of key provisions of the MORE Act, ceive government assistance, or even to adopt worse. The person who has nothing for which and I thank her for her longstanding leader- a child. he is willing to fight, nothing which is more im- ship on this issue. Representative EARL BLU- These exclusions create an often-permanent portant than his own personal safety, is a mis- MENAUER has also been an indefatigable advo- second-class status for millions of Americans. erable creature and has no chance of being cate and has supported everything we have This is unacceptable and counterproductive, free unless made and kept so by the exertions done to get to where we are today. I thank especially given the disproportionate impact of better men than himself.’’ him, as well as my other colleagues who have that enforcement of marijuana laws has had Today, we honor the memory of those bet- joined me as original cosponsors on the bill. on communities of color. The MORE Act rec- ter men and women. These heroes paid the Federal action on this issue would follow the ognizes this injustice and addresses these ultimate price so we can enjoy the freedoms growing recognition in the states that the sta- harmful effects by expunging and sealing fed- enshrined in our Constitution. They fought and tus quo is unacceptable. Despite the federal eral convictions and arrests for marijuana of- died for this more perfect union. I am re- government’s continuing criminalization of fenses. Indeed, the states have led the way— minded of Winston Churchill’s comment about marijuana, 36 states and the District of Colum- and continue to lead the way—on marijuana, democracy following the fall of Nazi Germany. bia have legalized medical cannabis. Fifteen but our federal laws have not kept pace with He said, ‘‘Many forms of government have states and the District of Columbia have legal- the obvious need for change. We need to been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin ized cannabis for adult recreational use. catch up because the public supports reform and woe. No one pretends that democracy is I have long believed that the criminalization and because it is the right thing to do. perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said of marijuana has been a mistake, and the ra- In my view, applying criminal penalties, with that democracy is the worst form of govern- cially disparate enforcement of marijuana laws their attendant collateral consequences for ment, except for all those other forms that has only compounded this mistake, with seri- marijuana offenses is unjust and harmful to have been tried from time to time.’’ ous consequences, particularly for commu- our society. The MORE Act comprehensively Since the founding of our nation, countless nities of color. addresses this injustice, and I urge all of my brave men and women stood in the face of It was only in the early part of the 20th cen- colleagues to support this legislation. imminent danger that we might continue their tury that marijuana began to be criminalized in f pursuit of a more equal, free, and prosperous the United States—mainly because of misin- society. And we are eternally indebted to and formation and hysteria, based at least in part HONORING THE 21ST CONGRES- grateful for these champions of our experiment on racially-biased stereotypes connecting SIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS 2021 in democracy. marijuana use and people of color, particularly SERVICE ACADEMY APPOINTEES Madam Speaker, I am privileged and hum- African-Americans arid Latinos. In 1970, when bled by the opportunity to recognize these President Nixon announced the War on Drugs HON. CHIP ROY brave individuals. and signed the Controlled Substances Act into OF TEXAS f law, the federal government placed marijuana IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES on Schedule I, the most restrictive schedule Friday, May 28, 2021 INTRODUCTION OF THE MARI- that is attached to the most serious criminal JUANA OPPORTUNITY REINVEST- penalties, where—unfairly and unjustifiably—it Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, today we con- MENT AND EXPUNGEMENT ACT has remained ever since. gratulate the 2021 Service Academy ap- OF 2021 As a consequence of this decision, thou- pointees from the 21st Congressional District sands of individuals—overwhelmingly people of Texas. HON. JERROLD NADLER of color—have been subjected, by the federal The Following individuals have accepted OF NEW YORK government, to unjust prison sentences for Academy Appointments. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES marijuana offenses. It is time for this manifest Jackson N. Basil, Texas Military Institute, injustice to end. The MORE Act would remove Boerne, United States Air Force Academy. Friday, May 28, 2021 marijuana from Schedule I and the Controlled Kurt Bliss, Texas Military Institute, Fair Oaks Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, today I am Substances Act altogether, thereby decrimi- Ranch, United States Air Force Academy. proud to have introduced the ‘‘Marijuana Op- nalizing it at the Federal level. Felicia S. Early, Saint Mary’s Hall, San Anto- portunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act This is only fair, particularly because the nio, United States Air Force Academy. Cullen of 2021,’’ or the ‘‘MORE Act of 2021.’’ This same racial animus motivating the enactment Ingersoll, Winston Churchill High School, San long overdue legislation would reverse the of marijuana laws also led to racially dis- Antonio, United States Air Force Academy. failed policy of criminalizing marijuana on the proportionate enforcement of such laws, which Abigail M. Jones, The International School of federal level and would take steps to address has had a substantial, negative impact on the Americas, San Antonio, United States Air the heavy toll this policy has taken across the communities of color. In fact, nationwide, the Force Academy. Hunter G. Loftin, Winston country, particularly on communities of color. communities that have been most harmed by Churchill High School, San Antonio, United The MORE Act would make three important marijuana enforcement are benefitting the States Air Force Academy. Thomas A. Erwin, changes to federal law: least from the legal marijuana marketplace. Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, (1) remove marijuana, or cannabis, from the The MORE Act would address some of United States Naval Academy. Leah A. Lara, list of federally controlled substances; these negative impacts, by establishing an Lehman High School, San Marcos, United (2) authorize the provision of resources, Opportunity Trust Fund within the Department States Naval Academy. Alexander D. Boarnet, funded by an excise tax on marijuana, to ad- of Treasury to fund programs within the De- Winston Churchill High School, San Antonio, dress the needs of communities that have partment of Justice and the Small Business United States Military Academy. Zoe R. John- been seriously impacted by the War on Drugs, Administration to empower communities of son, Antonio College Preparatory High School, including increasing the participation of com- color and those adversely impacted by the San Antonio, United States Military Academy. munities of color in the burgeoning cannabis War on Drugs. These programs would provide Wyatt A. Richardson, Covenant Academy, San market; and services to individuals, including job training, Marcos, United States Military Academy. Rob- (3) provide for the expungement of Federal reentry services and substance use disorder ert A. Nelson IV, Boerne-Samuel V Champion marijuana convictions and arrests. services; provide funds for loans to assist High School, Boerne, United States Merchant For far too long, we have treated marijuana small businesses that are owned and con- Marine Academy. Matthew R. Romero, Our as a criminal justice problem instead of as a trolled by socially and economically disadvan- Lady of the Hills College Preparatory High matter of personal choice and public health. taged individuals; and provide resources for School, Kerrville, United States Merchant Ma- Whatever one’s views are on the use of mari- programs that minimize barriers to marijuana rine Academy. Andrew H. Wilson, Dripping juana for recreational or medicinal use, the licensing and employment for individuals ad- Springs Christian Academy, Johnson City, policy of arrests, prosecution, and incarcer- versely impacted by the War on Drugs. United States Merchant Marine Academy. ation at the Federal level has proven unwise The collateral consequences of a conviction These outstanding students have much to and unjust. for marijuana possession—and even some- contribute to their chosen Academy and to our This issue is not new to Congress. There times for a mere arrest—can be devastating. country. We appreciate their talents and their have been many Members who have intro- For those saddled with a criminal conviction, it patriotism. duced bills upon which provisions in this bill can be difficult or impossible to vote, to obtain I hope my colleagues in the House of Rep- are based. For instance, Representative BAR- educational loans, to get a job, to maintain a resentatives will join me in congratulating

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