the physical condition and needed investments for improvement across 16 major infrastructure categories. The most recent report card was issued in 2017. Among the national rankings, transit systems were rated a D− and roads were rated a D.
Dams: D.
Drinking water: D.
Inland waterways: D.
Levees: D.
We need to move this process forward. I urge my colleagues to support this critically important bill, so that our country can begin making the investments it desperately needs.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
HON. ALAN S. LOWENTHAL
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Mr. Lowenthal. Madam Speaker, I was absent on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 due to illness. I would have voted aye on H.R. 22—Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2021, which was considered on the House floor that day.
JEFF DORSCHNER
HON. ED PERLMUTTER
OF COLORADO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Mr. Perlmutter. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeff Dorschner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Colorado, for his more than 20 years of service to the state and people of Colorado.
Throughout Jeff’s time with the U.S. Attorney General’s office, he has had many different responsibilities and roles—from Spokesman and Public Affairs Specialist to a Member of the Executive Management Team. He is best known and will be remembered for his hard work and dedication to the office and the people it serves.
During his tenure, Jeff handled media relations for the office on issues large or small, and no matter what time or day of the week. This required Jeff to know about all office activities, stay up to date with major investigations and law enforcement events, and be well versed in all offices policies and programs. He served as a spokesperson on many diverse subjects, ranging from criminal law to civil law and financial litigation, and served as a credible voice on behalf of the U.S. Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorneys. He developed longstanding, close relationships with members of the news media, referred to by many reporters upon his retirement as one of the state’s “top-tier” Public Information Officers (PIO), always helpful, trustworthy and responsive.
In his role in public affairs and as part of the Executive Management team, Jeff provided sound advice and counsel to the U.S. Attorney as well as responded to citizen inquiries. On occasion, Jeff would also handle inquiries from Members of Congress or state or local elected officials. Jeff was on duty on 9/11/2001 and was subsequently assigned as the Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Committee (ATAC).
During his tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jeff coordinated more than ten different visits by other U.S. Attorneys General as well as visits by the Deputy Attorneys General of the United States. He served four Presidents (Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump) along with many presidential appointed and acting U.S. Attorneys (Tom Strickland, Richard “Dick” Spriggs, John Suthers, William “Bill” Leone, Troy Eid, David Gaouette, John Walsh, Bob Troyer and Jason Dunn).
I want to extend my deepest appreciation for Jeff’s long career in public service and countless contributions to our community. I wish him the best in retirement and future endeavors.
REMEMBERING CHRISTINE TERLESKY
HON. TIM RYAN
OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Mr. Ryan. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Christine Terlesky, a beloved mother, wife, teacher, coach, daughter, sister and friend who passed away after a long battle with ALS.
While Christine played many roles, I first came to know her as an advocate. Soon after being diagnosed, she came to Capitol Hill as a passionate voice for families living with ALS to champion additional funding, research, and legislation that would benefit those afflicted with this debilitating disease.
That’s just who Christine was; a person who immediately was spurred into action on behalf of others despite being confronted with a disease that impacted all aspects of her and her family’s lives.
Forever the teacher, she continued to tell her story to teach others about the realities of ALS. Forever the Coach, she used that platform to fight for ALS funding and affordable, universal healthcare for all.
I saw firsthand how Christine passionately gave her time and energy—even as it was in increasingly limited supply—to what she believed in. And for Christine, that meant community. It meant family. It meant Youngstown. We had that in common.
I have fond memories of a dinner we had in D.C. with her sisters, swapping stories of our days as Youngstown State University athletes, our big Italian families, our love of sports, and her 19 years teaching history and government and coaching at Boardman High School. The evening went on for hours.
That dinner was also when I learned of Christine’s deep admiration for Hillary Clinton. In 2016, during one of Secretary Clinton’s campaign stops in Youngstown, I was able to connect Christine to Secretary Clinton. I will never forget the joy in Christine’s face when she first met the Secretary. And in that moment, Christine did what she always did, put others first. She used her short time with the Secretary to advocate for those suffering with ALS.
In her final months, Christine continued to use her online presence to educate and advocate. She never lost her faith in government, advocacy, and enacting policies to improve the lives of Americans.
Christine Terlesky is survived by her parents, Ronald and Judy Moschella of Boardman; her husband, Brian Terlesky; their three children, Brian (21), Tyler (16) and Emma (12); two younger sisters, Nadine (Nick) Colla and Jolene (Donald) Ross; her in-laws, Mary Lou and Ted Terlesky and nieces and nephews, Jenna and Jimmy Vivo, Lia and Nicholas Colla and Tessa, Gianna and Lena Ross.
Christine was one of the most caring, brave, and passionate people I have ever met. She gave her life to helping others and never backed down from a fight. I’m honored to have known her.
She will be sorely missed, but her community—our community—will continue to work together to carry out her mission. My prayers are with her family.
CONGRATULATING SUMMIT COUNTY COMMISSIONER THOMAS DAVIDSON ON HIS RETIREMENT
HON. JOE NEGUSE
OF COLORADO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Mr. Neguse. Madam Speaker, today I seek to highlight the career of an exemplary public servant from Colorado’s Second Congressional District. For fourteen years, Summit County Commissioner Thomas Davidson tirelessly devoted himself to the betterment of his community.
Thomas has never strayed during his public service from his commitment to health, safety, and equity. As the Chairman of the Combined Housing Authority, he advocated for affordable housing for all. He spent 13 years on the board of Early Childhood Options which started the County’s Head Start program—providing critical resources to low-income families in this mountain county. In 2013, he was appointed by the Governor of Colorado to the State’s Early Childhood Leadership Commission, and in 2015, was called on by the Governor once more to serve on the State Board of Human Services—a testament to his leadership and tenacity.
As Summit County’s first openly gay County Commissioner and a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights, Commissioner Davidson has broken barriers for the next generations and set an excellent example for his community. I am so proud to represent such a dedicated public servant and member of his community.
I am grateful for all the work Commissioner Davidson has done as a Summit County Commissioner and am glad that he will continue his involvement in his community even after his time as a County Commissioner is over. I wish him a restful and well-deserved retirement from public service.
CONGRATULATING J. GARY MUDD, VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AT THE AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND, ON HIS RETIREMENT
HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH
OF KENTUCKY
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Mr. Yarmuth. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate J. Gary Mudd, Vice
