url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/opportunity-accomplish-things-dc,Column: An opportunity to get things done,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we’ve traveled tens of thousands of miles in our district over the past four years, I’ve found that some of the best ideas to solve our nation’s challenges originate with those who are working every day to make America stronger. The perspectives of farmers, oil field workers, small business owners, firefighters and police officers, builders, doctors and nurses, teachers, manufacturers and countless others provide expertise and common sense that is far too often absent in Washington. Some of these ideas have become the basis for the legislation I introduced, and will continue to be a driving force behind the work we will do in the next Congress. During the 113th Congress we were able to pass one such homegrown solution into law. The Hydropower and Rural Jobs Act (H.R. 678) reduces the time and cost of small hydropower projects by clearing red tape that would have required duplicative regulatory paperwork. It has already led to numerous projects being built throughout the 3rd District and is helping to create opportunities and economic growth here at home. In addition to this law, we passed legislation through the House with bipartisan support to address issues that impact Colorado and communities across the nation. These bills would: Protect private water rights from uncompensated federal takings (H.R. 3189); Put into place an all-of-the-above domestic energy plan that responsibly develops our natural resources to meet the needs of the American people without eliminating a single environmental safeguard already in place (H.R. 1394); And promote healthy forest management and prevent catastrophic wildfire through increased local control over hazardous fuels mitigation projects on public lands (H.R. 818). We will have an opportunity in the 114th Congress to get these and other efforts across the finish line with a Senate that will allow the legislative process to work. I also look forward to working with the Senate to address pressing national issues including healthcare, immigration reform and the national debt. To meet these challenges my goal is to advance policies, whether Republican or Democrat in origin, that will get results for the American people and improve our nation for future generations. When it comes to healthcare that means taking a hard look at the many failures in Obamacare, and replacing it with a solution that truly creates an affordable and accessible healthcare system for all Americans. There are redeemable portions of the current law that I believe should be included in replacement legislation such as coverage for pre-existing conditions. With the Senate we will work to pass a market-based solution that puts patients first, takes bureaucrats out of healthcare decisions that should be made between doctors and their patients, drives down costs, and reduces the size of big government. To fix our nation’s immigration system, we need to pass legislation through both chambers that takes a step-by-step approach beginning with enhanced, verifiable border security and a strengthened guest worker program before any other action is taken. Going it alone on immigration as the President is doing isn’t solving the problem; it’s prolonging it and widening the partisan divide. The national debt is now over $18 trillion and is not sustainable. Each year the hole is getting deeper and the next generation’s burden is getting heavier. We must continue to fight to restore fiscal accountability in Washington, cutting waste and abuse of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars, and work in the House and Senate to pass a long-term budget, rather than patches that don’t fully address the severity of our nation’s spending crisis. In the 114th Congress I’m looking forward to serving on the Committee on Financial Services where we will now have a greater impact on issues that affect small community banks and their ability to work with local businesses to provide access to capital. This directly impacts the health of Main Street and countless jobs throughout the 3rd District because getting a loan to upgrade equipment, make it through a tough time or hire new employees is essential to the survival of many small businesses and the prosperity of virtually all of them. On top of these goals, I will also continue to focus on public lands, natural resources and agriculture issues through my work on the Western Caucus. As the co-founder of the Congressional Small Business Caucus, I will continue to champion small business issues. I’m committed to listening to the ideas and concerns of the people of the 3rd District and will continue to be accessible and available to them as we strive to represent their interests. Together we will work to advance Colorado-grown, commonsense solutions in Washington.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/bennet-tipton-celebrate-final-passage-hermosa-creek-bill,"Bennet, Tipton Celebrate Final Passage of Hermosa Creek Bill",2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Scott Tipton today celebrated the Senate’s passage of their bipartisan bill to protect more than 100,000 acres of the Hermosa Creek Watershed, an area in the San Juan National Forest north of Durango. The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act would establish a management plan for the watershed based on recommendations from the Hermosa Creek River Protection Workgroup, which included local water officials, conservationists, sportsmen, mountain bikers, off-road-vehicle users, outfitters, property owners, grazing permit holders, and other interested citizens.  Bennet introduced the bill last year with Senator Mark Udall (D-CO), while Representative Scott Tipton (R-CO) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives. “Folks in Southwest Colorado can finally claim victory. Everyone in the local communities – from sportsmen, to snowmobilers, to conservationists, to the mining  industry – can celebrate their hard work to come together and implement their shared vision for one of Colorado’s natural treasures,” Bennet said. “This bill was written by them, and it protects this land for many of its historic uses, including fishing for cutthroat trout, backcountry hunting, camping, mountain biking and motorcycle riding on world class trails, and snowmobiling through fresh powder on Molas Pass. The cooperation, compromise, and hard work put into this bill over a number of years by a diverse group of Coloradans should serve as a model for Washington. I was proud to work with Congressman Tipton to get this important measure across the finish line.” “The people of Southwest Colorado who have dedicated so much time and effort as a community to help craft and support this legislation that will protect the Hermosa Creek Watershed and the multiple uses of that land, have reason to celebrate today,” said Congressman Scott Tipton. “I’m pleased to have been able to work with the community and Senator Bennet to get this locally-driven legislation to the President’s desk.” The bill would designate approximately 70,650 acres of the San Juan Nation Forest land as the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area. Much of the land would remain open to all historic uses of the forest under the bill, including mountain biking, motorized recreation, and selective timber harvesting. Grazing will continue to be allowed in the entire watershed. In accordance with the consensus recommendations of the Hermosa Creek Workgroup, roughly 38,000 acres of the watershed would be set aside as wilderness, to be managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964.  No roads or mineral development are permitted in wilderness areas; while hunting, fishing, horseback riding and non-mechanized recreation are allowed. The bill also provides for the conveyance of approximately 82 acres of BLM land to La Plata County for its use as a possible future multi-events center site to complement the potential development of a new county fairgrounds on an adjacent parcel of county-owned property. Supporters of the bill include the La Plata County Commission, the San Juan County Commission, the City of Durango,  Town of Silverton, The Wilderness Society, Trout Unlimited, Southwestern Water Conservation District, San Juan Citizen’s Alliance, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Conservation Colorado, Colorado Snowmobile Association, Durango Mountain Resort, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the Durango Chamber of Commerce, Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado, Trails 2000, Silverton Snowmobile Club, Four Corners Back County Horsemen, American Rivers, Bull Moose Sportsmen Alliance, Mercury Payment Systems, American Motorcycle Association, Jo Grant Mining Company, Inc., and the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, in addition to numerous other business and sportsmen groups. “As the mayor of Durango, I feel that Congress has given an amazing Christmas present to the state of Colorado by passing the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act,” said Sweetie Marbury, Mayor of Durango. “We salute Senator Bennet, Senator Udall and Congressman Tipton for their work to carry this through Congress. This gift will last for generations.” “Like a trail through the mountains, the path of the Hermosa Watershed Protection Act has had ups and downs, with obstacles to overcome along the way. Now we have reached our destination,” said Julie Westendorff, La Plata County Commissioner. “The bill’s passage illustrates that a community can work together and with its lawmakers to create a solution that works for all of us. Hermosa Creek’s waters fortify the Animas River, giving us water to drink, irrigation for crops, a top-notch fishery, and a recreational treasure enjoyed by all of us. As a La Plata County Commissioner, I appreciate the work of those in our community and Senator Bennet and Congressman Tipton to push, pull, and fight to bring home to Southwest Colorado a bill that will help keep the Hermosa Creek flowing clean into the future.” “The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act is the product of years of community work and cooperation to create a piece of legislation that honors the diverse values of our mountain communities,” said Pete McKay, San Juan County Commissioner. “I think this bill reflects a common sense compromise that works for everyone. I would like to thank our local partners for all the hard work that made this bill possible and I am so very pleased that Congress has approved this legislation before the end of the year.” “Starting soon after the Wilderness Act was passed in 1964, the community has made five attempts to guarantee permanent protection of the Hermosa Watershed. Looks like we finally got’er done,” said Ed Zink, 3rd generation rancher and water user, outfitter in Hermosa Creek, board member of Animas Consolidated Ditch Company, Board Member of Animas Water Company, Owner of Mountain Bike Specialists and Founder of Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. “I bet all those old pioneer cowboys whose names are carved in old aspen trees will be smiling around the campfire tonight ‘cause we finally brought the herd home on this one. An old cowboy with two good dogs couldn’t have done any better keeping the strays together and getting them to good water. Good clean water never goes out of style. We have collectively taken an important step to ensure good clean water flows from the Hermosa Watershed. This time we’ve done our civic duty in making our community a better place for future generations. The Hermosa landscape in now protected in a way that it can also be used by everyone. Protection of the whole Hermosa Watershed is a shining example of working together to both protect and utilize our natural gems.” “This bill represents a true balance between all the diverse uses of the Hermosa Creek watershed – Congressman Tipton and Senator Bennet deserve our thanks for honoring the community consensus,” said Steve Fearn, Member of the Southwestern Water Conservation District Board. “We are thrilled that our Congressional representatives – working with the Durango community – have been able to protect the Hermosa Creek Watershed through this legislation,” said Matt Taylor, president of Mercury Payment Systems. “We at Mercury and the entire community of Durango are passionate about keeping Southwest Colorado a great place to live and work. This legislation does that, and I’d like to thank Senator Bennet and Representative Tipton for their bipartisan work in this area.” “The Hermosa Creek Watershed legislation releases a Wilderness Study Area on Molas Pass that was very important to the snowmobile community,” said Scott Jones, Vice President Colorado Snowmobile Association and authorized representative of the Trail Preservation Alliance and Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition. “The Molas Pass area is a significant riding area for the snowmobile community and a large economic driver for the winter economy of the Town of Silverton community. These riding opportunities and important economic benefits would have been lost without this legislation. Additionally, the legislation creates a 70,000 acre special management area where motorized recreation is protected and preserved in perpetuity. Our deepest gratitude to Congressman Tipton and Senator Bennet's offices and everyone that worked so hard to make this legislation a reality.” “Trails 2000 volunteers build and maintain multi-use trails in Southwest Colorado. The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act’s Special Management Area designation will allow mountain bikers to continue to ride the Hermosa Creek areas quintessential mountain biking trails including the Colorado Trail and the Hermosa Creek trail,” said Mary R. Monroe Brown, Director of Trails 2000. “Senator Bennet and Congressman Tipton’s staff understood the recreational characteristics of the area and made sure to represent the various constituents in an inclusive manner.” “Today’s vote to provide durable protections to the Hermosa Creek watershed represents an incredible effort by hundreds of local citizens who came together to create a legacy that supports a diversity of community interests, enhances our economy, protects a unique wild landscape, and demonstrates that citizens can work together for the betterment of all,” said Jimbo Buickerood, Public Lands Coordinator for the San Juan Citizens Alliance. “We are exceedingly grateful to Senator Bennet and Congressman Tipton who carried forth the community’s intentions and efforts in Congress.” “After four decades of analysis, discussion, and debate, the old-growth forests, cutthroat trout streams, and stunning landscape of the Hermosa Creek watershed is preserved forever,” said Jeff Widen, Senior Public Lands Advocate. “What a fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Thank you Senator Bennet and Congressman Tipton - and all those in our community - for working so hard to make this a reality.” “The Hermosa Creek watershed is a treasure for our local recreation-driven community,” said Ty Churchwell, Backcountry Coordinator for Trout Unlimited in Durango. “For sportsmen, Hermosa Creek offers incredible hunting and fishing opportunities just minutes from Durango. Sportsmen take special pleasure in knowing that our beloved native cutthroat trout and big game in southwest Colorado now have a protected home in America’s newest wilderness area. We thank Senator Bennet and Representative Tipton for their leadership in bringing local stakeholders together and getting this bill across the finish line. This is a historic conservation achievement.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-budget-measure-cuts-irs-epa-funding-and-sets-stage-immigration-vote-114th,"House Passes Budget Measure that Cuts IRS, EPA Funding and Sets Stage for Immigration Vote in 114th Congress",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, the House passed legislation to fund the federal government through September 30, 2015, while still allowing the 114th Congress to take action on the President’s executive orders on immigration by funding the Department of Homeland Security through a continuing resolution that expires on February 27, 2015. Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted in support of the measure that cuts funding to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by over $300 million and reduces funding to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the lowest levels since 1989. “Today’s budget legislation, while not perfect, reduces spending at a level below the Ryan-Murray budget caps, cuts funding to the IRS and EPA, rescinds  numerous harmful administrative actions and addresses several issues of critical importance for Colorado’s 3rd District,” said Tipton. “I will work with my colleagues in the 114th Congress to advance solutions that further reduce federal spending and shrink the size of government, address immigration reform and healthcare, encourage economic growth in the private sector, and rein in excessive executive action by the President. We look forward to working with a Senate that will actually take up legislation that is passed through the House.” The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (H.R. 83) includes funding for the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) program. PILT is vital for many Colorado counties because it reimburses local governments for losses in tax revenues due to the presence of large expanses of un-taxable federal lands, ensuring funding for infrastructure, law enforcement, education and other essential operations. H.R. 83 also prohibits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) from using funds to issue a proposed rule to list the Greater Sage Grouse or a final rule to list the Gunnison Sage Grouse under the Endangered Species Act, and includes funds to help with local preservation efforts. Prior to the vote, Tipton received assurances from House leadership that in the first quarter of next year, the House will take up legislation to address long-term forest management and extend funding for Secure Rural Schools (SRS). “Among the issues addressed in today’s bill of vital importance to the 3rd District are the funding of PILT, prohibiting USFWS from listing the sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act, and stopping the EPA’s unilateral regulation of water storage and delivery systems for farm and ranch businesses,” said Tipton. “Additionally, House Leadership has assured me that in the new Congress we will move on a long-term forest management solution that will include tools to improve forest health, prevent wildfire, and ensure that schools, emergency services and local infrastructure are funded through an extension of Secure Rural Schools. These things would have already been addressed had the Senate taken action on the numerous House-passed forest management bills, including legislation that I helped write—the Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act (H.R. 1526).” Tipton has been a vocal advocate in Congress for scientifically-supported, locally-tailored species preservation efforts like those currently underway in Colorado for the Gunnison and Greater sage grouse. Such efforts have the flexibility to account for the specific ecological and geographic conditions of a region; ensuring more effective, targeted species preservation can take place. A broad federal ESA listing would disrupt these efforts in favor of a less-effective, one-size-fits all approach that would implement uniform restrictions and requirements over an expansive range regardless of the local topographic and ecological conditions. Highlights of H.R. 83 courtesy of the House Whip’s Office: ·         Fully funds 11 of the 12 regular Appropriations bills through September 30, 2015, and funds the Department of Homeland Security under a Continuing Resolution (CR) until February 27, 2015  ·         Obamacare: No new funding for Obamacare; prohibits funds for Obamacare Risk Corridors; Requires HHS and Treasury to report to Congress on improper payments of Obamacare tax subsidies;  cuts the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) by $10 million Cuts EPA $60 million (fifth consecutive year of cuts, totaling a 21% reduction since FY10, and a decrease in 2,000 positions – 1989 levels) Prohibits regulation of farm ponds and irrigation ditches Prohibits listing the sage grouse on the Endangered Species List Protects Second Amendment rights and prohibits EPA to regulations of lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle IRS: Cuts IRS funding $345.6 million ($1.5 billion below the president’s request and below FY08 levels); prohibits IRS targeting organizations based on their ideological beliefs or for exercising their First Amendment rights; prohibits the White House ordering review of tax-exempt status; Prohibits IRS funds for inappropriate videos and conferences Provides $2.5 billion for processing VA disability claims to end the backlog and rescinds $41 million in performance bonuses at the VA   #  #  #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-urges-stronger-sanctions-iran,Tipton Calls for Stronger Sanctions on Iran,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) spoke on the House floor this week on the need for stronger sanctions on Iran in order to advance negotiations over that country’s nuclear program. “This past week, negotiations with Iran over the country’s nuclear program were extended another seven months after no agreement was reached yet again. This extension carried with it no additional or strengthened economic sanctions on Iran. Now, disturbingly, we have heard that the Administration has considered sanctions against Israel—our ally. “Stronger sanctions are needed regarding Iran—not our ally Israel—to increase pressure, advance negotiations and achieve a favorable outcome for the U.S. and all our allies. There is no room for error and the Administration cannot balk and miss the chance to get a strong agreement in place.  “A nuclear Iran would pose an incredible threat to the Middle East and to the United States. The security of our allies, including Israel, our ally, and the stability of the region is at stake. “H.R. 850, the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013, of which I am a cosponsor, passed the House of Representatives 400-20. The bill would strengthen, update, and replace previous sanctions on Iran, and close loopholes.  Despite the broad bipartisan support, the Senate has done nothing on this bill. “The Senate needs to take it up, and increase pressure on Iran to reach an agreement. Stronger sanctions must be put into place. We cannot afford to wait.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/hermosa-creek-bill-passes-house,Hermosa Creek Bill Passes House,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hermosa Creek Bill Passes House WASHINGTON—Today, the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a legislative package (HR. 4435). “The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act is well on the way to becoming law,” said Congressman Scott Tipton. “This is a victory for the people of Southwest Colorado, who worked together to provide momentum for this effort to ensure that the region remains protected and that multiple use of the land continues for future generations.” The language, which was agreed upon by Congressman Tipton, Senator Michael Bennet and community stakeholders in November, includes wilderness protections and multiple use access for existing activities like grazing and snowmobiling in designated areas. A Senate vote is expected to follow soon. Learn more about the bill and community support for it HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-block-executive-orders-immigration,Tipton Votes to Block Executive Orders on Immigration,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement following a vote in the House today (H.R. 5759) to block the President’s overreaching executive orders on immigration. “It’s unfortunate that the President acted against his own best advice, overstepped his Constitutional authority, and issued executive orders on immigration. The President admitted on many occasions that he did not have the authority to act unilaterally on immigration, and yet did it anyway, instead of working with Congress to truly address the challenges in America’s broken immigration system. “Today’s vote is the first of what will be a number of efforts over the coming months to stop his overreach. It’s my hope that we will advance a step-by-step immigration solution in the 114th Congress that begins with enhanced, verifiable border security and a strengthened guest worker program. We must confront the realities of the broken system and the challenges it presents—the President’s executive orders accomplish neither. ”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206063301/http://coffman.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/president-obama-s-executive-action-on-immigration,President Obamas Executive Action on Immigration,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) The trend of this White House politicizing immigration continues. President Obama wants a partisan political wedge issue, not meaningful, sensible, compassionate immigration reform. The president's unilateral actions will make it harder for congress to fix the immigration system, and the worst part is - that seems to be exactly his intention. Shutting down the government is not an option.  I will be looking into what other options are available that would force the President to negotiate with Congress on immigration reform next year. I support a step-by-step approach that starts with securing our borders.  I've introduced legislation that will allow the young undocumented adults, who grew up here and graduated from high school here, to have an opportunity to serve in the military and to earn a path to citizenship from their military service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-helps-advance-measure-encourage-us-manufacturing,Tipton Helps Advance Measure to Encourage U.S. Manufacturing,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted today to advance legislation to cut red tape at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is causing costly delays and impeding the construction of new manufacturing facilities in the United States. The Promoting New Manufacturing Act (H.R. 4795), which passed the House with bipartisan support, seeks to reduce permitting delays in the preconstruction permitting process at the EPA, as well as increase transparency in that process. “American manufacturing is the cornerstone of economic recovery and has a vital impact on the 3rd District and State of Colorado,” said Tipton. “By eliminating unnecessary delays at the EPA, domestic manufacturers will be able get faster permit approval to responsibly move forward with construction of new facilities, that once opened, will provide new jobs and opportunities here at home and across the nation. Any steps that can be taken to encourage economic growth and increased manufacturing must be a priority for Washington, and I urge our colleagues over in the Senate to quickly act on this needed manufacturing legislation.” Tipton has worked with manufacturers across the 3rd District including EVRAZ, GCC, Rocla, and UTC Aerospace Systems in Pueblo and Lewis Engineering, CAPCO, Leitner-Poma and Ross Reels on the West Slope, to identify issues and ways the federal government can work to foster economic growth and increased manufacturing. Additionally, Tipton has held numerous manufacturing roundtables and job fairs in the district, and championed pro-growth policies in the House Committee on Small Business and in the Congressional Small Business Caucus of which he is a co-founder. Background courtesy of the Committee on Energy and Commerce: H.R. 4795 would: Create a dashboard to provide increased transparency regarding the timing for permitting. This will provide the public with access to information regarding the number of permits issued annually and timelines for final preconstruction permit decisions.  Reduce permitting delays by ensuring EPA provides timely guidance about how to comply with new or revised air quality standards affecting the permit applications.  Promote more efficient processing of permits by requiring the EPA provide to Congress annually a report on the actions being taken by the agency to expedite the permitting process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-president%E2%80%99s-overreach-immigration,Tipton Statement on Presidents Executive Orders on Immigration,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement in response to the President’s announcement of executive orders on immigration. “When Democrats controlled both the House and Senate, the President took no action on immigration. He even admitted time and again that he did not have the authority to act unilaterally. Now he’s rushing to implement overreaching executive orders to politicize the issue rather than fix the problems with the system. This is a disservice to the American people and sends the wrong message to those who are in line going through the immigration process legally. “The House is working on a framework for a solution to actually address the problems within the nation’s immigration system. As I have been advocating for years, that solution begins with enhanced, verifiable border security and a strengthened guest worker program before any other action is taken. “The President’s negligence on immigration reform and his empty promises led to a humanitarian crisis this year as children and others were making a treacherous journey from Central America to cross into the United States illegally. But instead of working with us to address the realities of our nation’s broken immigration system and prevent this from happening again, the President has decided to act alone, ignore the problems, and in doing so, prolong them. “Enough is enough, Mr. President. “I’m working closely with my colleagues in Congress to hold the President accountable, ensure the law of the land is enforced, and advance a solution that will fix the problems within the current immigration system—not brush them aside, as the President is doing.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141115042233/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/supporting-the-keystone-xl-pipeline,Supporting the Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Today, I voted in favor of, and the House passed, H.R. 5682, a bill that if enacted will immediately allow TransCanada to construct the Keystone XL pipeline.  I hope that the Senate will take up this important bipartisan legislation next week and that the President will immediately sign it into law.  By approving Keystone XL now, we can improve our economy, bolster our national security, and reassert our standing in the world as nations can rely on us rather than depend on despotic rulers for their energy supply.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/local-communities-bennet-tipton-reach-agreement-hermosa-creek-bill-%E2%80%93-senate-committee,"Local Communities, Bennet, Tipton Reach Agreement on Hermosa Creek Bill Senate Committee Advances Bill to Full Senate",2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bill Would Protect More Than 100,000 Acres in San Juan National Forest, Designate 38,000 acres of new Wilderness Washington, DC – Local communities in Southwest Colorado, along with Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Scott Tipton, have struck an agreement on a bill to protect the Hermosa Creek watershed.  The new version of the bill was passed with bipartisan support by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today.  Senator Mark Udall, a cosponsor of the bill and member of the committee, spoke and voted in favor of the bill.  Passage in committee sets up the bill for consideration by the full Senate. Bennet and Tipton are working together to find a path forward to pass the bill into law before the end of the year. The bill would protect more than 100,000 acres of the Hermosa Creek Watershed, an area in the San Juan National Forest north of Durango. It would establish a management plan for the watershed based on recommendations from the Hermosa Creek River Protection Workgroup, which included local water officials, conservationists, sportsmen, mountain bikers, off-road-vehicle users, outfitters, property owners, grazing permit holders, and other interested citizens. “The Hermosa Creek watershed represents some of the best that Colorado has to offer.  Whether it’s stunning vistas, the solitude of wilderness, backcountry trout fishing, or opportunities for motorized recreation – this area is one of our state’s treasures.  Communities in Southwest Colorado have proven they can work together and find common ground to protect this remarkable place,” Bennet said. “This bipartisan bill represents consensus among these communities to balance the land’s competing uses and will provide certainty for how the land will be managed in the future.  Congress should quickly pass this bill to provide a much-deserved victory to Southwest Colorado.” “As we worked through the legislative process some of the language in the initial draft of the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act needed to be clarified to ensure that the community’s goals would be carried out, without the risk of misinterpretation by federal agencies once the bill became law,” said Tipton. “We are now able to move forward a version of the bill that has the best chance of advancing through both the House and Senate thanks to the hard work and willingness of local stakeholders to come together and compromise. The agreed upon language we have today ensures the community’s original goals remain intact, including wilderness protections and multiple use access for existing activities like grazing and snowmobiling in designated areas. This would be a win for the region and we strongly urge our colleagues in Congress to support it.” “Hermosa Creek is at the heart of southwestern Colorado’s stunning beauty and boundless opportunities for outdoor recreation. That’s why I’m proud we’re moving forward to protect this special place,” Udall said. “This well-crafted, bipartisan and truly homegrown Colorado bill will protect more than 100,000 acres of pristine land, while carefully preserving existing uses, including water, grazing and recreation.” “I look forward to a successful passage of this new version of the Hermosa Creek bill as it represents years of community work and support to find a way forward that represents the values of our community,” Durango Mayor Sweetie Marbury said. “I thank Senator Bennet, Senator Udall and Congressman Tipton for their tireless work to move this legislation forward on our behalf. “ “The Hermosa Creek Watershed legislation provides for the  release of the Wilderness Study Area on Molas Pass  between Silverton and Durango.  This release is a big win for the snowmobile community, as the Molas Pass area is an important riding area for the snowmobile community and a large economic driver for the Winter economy of the Town of Silverton community,” Scott Jones, vice president of the Colorado Snowmobile Association, said. “These riding opportunities and important economic benefits would have been lost without this legislation. Our deepest gratitude to Congressman Tipton and Senator Bennet's  offices and everyone that worked so hard to make this legislation a reality.” “I am proud to lend my support to the bipartisan Hermosa Creek bill,” Governor John Hickenlooper said. “Today’s vote is a great step forward for the communities in Southwest Colorado that worked tirelessly to achieve consensus on the legislation. I hope that Congress can enact this homegrown Colorado solution before the end of this Congress.” “The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act represents a great model for legislation. It started as an agreement among local stakeholders, people actually affected by the bill, and I hope it successfully concludes through bipartisan cooperation on Capitol Hill before the end of the year,” Julie Westendorff, chair of the La Plata County Commission, said. “Water is one of La Plata County and Southwest Colorado’s most precious resources. The Hermosa Creek bill ensures that clean water will feed the Animas River for our farmers, ranchers, fisheries and recreation and help fortify our water security into the future. We thank Senator Bennet and his staff and Congressman Tipton and his staff for their diligence and commitment to keeping the Hermosa Creek bill a reflection of what our community worked for and supported.” “The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act is the product of years of community work and cooperation to create a piece of legislation that honors the diverse values of our mountain communities,” Pete McKay, San Juan County Commissioner, said. “I think this new version of the bill reflects our partnerships and ability to come to a common sense compromise that works for everyone. This bill has something for everyone in our community including our snowmobilers who depend on Molas Pass for their wintertime riding which will be preserved in this bill and help Silverton’s winter economy prosper. I hope Congress can come together to enact this legislation before the end of the year.” The bill would designate approximately 70,650 acres of the San Juan Nation Forest land as the Hermosa Creek Special Management Area. Much of the land would remain open to all historic uses of the forest under the bill, including mountain biking, motorized recreation, and selective timber harvesting.  Grazing will continue to be allowed in the entire watershed. In accordance with the consensus recommendations of the Hermosa Creek Workgroup, roughly 38,000 acres of the watershed would be set aside as wilderness, to be managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964.  No roads or mineral development are permitted in wilderness areas; while hunting, fishing, horseback riding and non-mechanized recreation are allowed. Supporters of the bill include the City of Durango, the La Plata County Commission, the San Juan County Commission, the Durango Chamber of Commerce, the Wilderness Society, Trails 2000, Four Corners Back County Horsemen, Jo Grant Mining Company, Inc., and the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition, in addition to numerous other business and sportsmen groups. Additional Supporters: “We are grateful to Rep. Tipton and Senator Bennet for listening to our community and responding to our feedback asking for support of the community-consensus language in the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act. The compromise our Congressmen have reached is a good example of democracy at its best. I encourage Rep. Tipton and Senator Bennet to continue working together in this bipartisan effort to pass the Hermosa Creek bill.” - Mike Hurst, Carver Brewing Company “We want to thank Rep. Tipton and Senator Bennet for finding a compromise on the Hermosa Creek bill and being responsive to our community needs. We sincerely hope they are able to continue working together to get the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act passed by the end of the year.” - Tim Wheeler, Durango Coffee Company “Thank you so much to Rep. Tipton and Senator Bennet for their work on the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act.  That area is very important to not only us but our customers and our community as well.  Great work on finding a compromise that supports all parties involved.” - Miles Venzara, Pine Need Mountaineering “Both locals and tourists from around the world come to Durango for our incredible access to mountains, forests, and desert ecosystems. Hermosa Creek is a truly exceptional area and a real asset to our community due to its multi-use nature; horsemen, hikers, bikers, hunters and anglers, and off-road vehicles all enjoy the trails in the Hermosa watershed, and we thank Rep. Tipton and Senator Bennet in their ongoing efforts to protect it. Preserving Hermosa Creek and our access to it is a priority for our business and local community - we encourage Rep. Tipton and Senator Bennet to continue moving the Hermosa Creek bill forward together.” - Ken Fagerlin, Backcountry Experience",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-gunnison-sage-grouse-listing,Tipton Statement on Gunnison Sage Grouse Listing,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listing the Gunnison Sage Grouse as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) despite strong bipartisan and local opposition. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service disregarded science and the wellbeing of the Gunnison Sage Grouse today. They decided to ignore the scientific experts, and in true Washington-knows-best fashion, listen to the bureaucracy instead, jeopardizing locally-tailored species preservation efforts already successfully underway in Colorado. This is not a political issue, but an occasion where people from diverse backgrounds and all sides of the political spectrum have worked together to put into place local plans of action to preserve the species based on extensive scientific data—and they’re working. In addition to implementing a wide range of voluntary conservation efforts, these stakeholders have done everything the federal government has asked to ensure the recovery of this species. “I support the State of Colorado’s announced decision to challenge the listing in court, and am hopeful that it is successful for the sake of the health and prosperity of the grouse, and for the sake of the communities that will be severely impacted by this ill-advised federal overreach.” Tipton has been a vocal advocate in Congress for scientifically-supported locally-tailored species preservation efforts like those currently underway in Colorado. Such efforts have the flexibility to account for the specific ecological and geographic conditions of a region; ensuring more effective, targeted species preservation can take place. A broad federal ESA listing would disrupt these efforts in favor of a less-effective, one-size-fits all approach that would implement uniform restrictions and requirements over an expansive range regardless of the local topographic and ecological conditions. Tipton has co-sponsored legislation (The Sage Grouse Protection and Conservation Act) to prevent the Greater and Gunnison sage grouse from being listed under the Endangered Species Act for 10 years, and instead requires states to develop conservation management plans to meet the unique needs of the Sage grouse in each state. He has also sought to update and create greater transparency in the outdated ESA listing process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141112234937/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/man-fights-va-says-half-of-his-father-s-insurance-benefits-went-to-employee,"Man fights VA, says half of his fathers insurance benefits went to employee",2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"DENVER ��� Wade Barton still gets emotional every time he visits his father���s grave at Fort Logan National Cemetery west of Denver. ���I wish things were better off than they were,��? Barton said looking over his father���s tombstone. His father died almost two years ago, but his son���s battle��against the Department of Veterans Affairs rages on. Barton is fighting the office over his dad���s life insurance policy. He���s upset because half of the money went to a VA social worker who helped with his father���s care. ���My dad told me that money was to be used after he died for burial services and whatever else needed to be handled,��? Barton said. He wants to know why half of the $10,000 policy was given to an employee, which he believes is against federal regulations that prohibit employees from getting gifts from veterans over $20 a year. Documents obtained by FOX31 Denver show the VA employee, Jim Sellers, met with Barton���s father on at least seven occasions while he was getting care at the VA hospital. Barton said he doesn���t believe his father intended to leave Sellers half of the life insurance money and demanded the local VA office investigate. The VA Office of Inspector General looked into the matter in April and found there was ���insufficient evidence to pursue further investigation,��? according to a letter the VA sent Barton in April. Sellers is listed as a friend on the life insurance document, which was signed in 2009 at the VA medical facility in Denver. The VA said Sellers was not in the room at the time the document was signed and did not help Barton���s father with the paperwork. US Rep. Mike Coffman, who is the leading member of the House Subcommittee for VA Oversight and Investigation, doesn���t believe Barton got a true investigation by the OIG. ���Clearly there is no question, on the surface, that there appears to be very significant wrong doing,��? Coffman told FOX31 Denver Investigative Reporter Tak Landrock. Coffman asked for a second investigation by the OIG and got it. The second investigation found no criminal wrongdoing, but this time the agency that investigates governmental department said Sellers may have exercised questionable judgment in accepting the proceeds in his role as a VA employee. The OIG said it would leave it up to the VA to decide if any administrative action is warranted. Sellers refused to speak with FOX31 Denver after repeated requests for an interview. In a written statement to FOX31 Denver a VA spokesman wrote, ���The veteran was fully alert, cognizant and not influenced by any other person.��? It goes on to say, ���The veteran was within his rights to name whomever he desired to receive the proceeds from his VA Life insurance policy.��? Coffman disagrees with the VA���s stance on this issue�� and is ordering the OIG to dig deeper. ���We could argue that maybe the mental state of that patient was that he was cognizant to make that decision, but it doesn���t matter because if we look at regulations they are fairly clear that this should not have occurred,��? Coffman said. Coffman thinks there is a cover-up to protect Sellers, but he also wants to know if there a systemic problem at VA centers across the county. ���This may not be an isolated incident; this may be a pattern that goes across the nation in VA facilities. Where you have a system that has figured out that people that are in a position of trust, over elderly veterans, that they essentially manipulate them,��?��Coffman said. For Barton he will continue to fight and is hoping justice will prevail.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141113221517/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/honor-those-who-serve,Honor those who serve,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"While honoring members of the armed services with special ceremonies on Veterans Day, the nation should also take time to reflect on its decision more than 40 years ago to field an all-volunteer military. It certainly made sense at the time for war-weary Americans trying to quit the Vietnam conflict. And there's no appetite to revive the draft now, after more than a dozen years of fighting in Afghanistan and with more military ""advisers"" returning to Iraq. This country has used conscription since its birth, when it was employed on a limited basis to fill militia ranks during the Revolutionary War. The first national drafts occurred during the Civil War, but only about 2 percent of Union troops were draftees, and some prospective conscripts paid others to take their place. President Woodrow Wilson took a different approach during World War I, instituting a more aggressive draft when an enlistment goal of a million soldiers fell short by more than 900,000. Some 24 million men registered for the draft in 1918, and almost three million were inducted into the armed services. Anticipating America's entry into World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, creating the first peacetime draft. By the end of the war, nearly 10 million draftees had served. Another 1.5 million American conscripts served in the Korean War, and two million served in Vietnam before President Richard M. Nixon finally fulfilled a campaign promise by ending the draft in 1972. Rep. Charles Rangel (D., N.Y.), who believes Iraq wouldn't have been invaded if President George W. Bush and members of Congress ""thought that their kids . . . would be placed in harm's way,"" has tried since 2006 to get the draft reinstated or to require some public service by all young men and women. His idea has gone nowhere. Meanwhile, in a rare show of bipartisanship, Reps. Peter DeFazio (D., Ore.) and Mike Coffman (R., Colo.) have tried to defund the Selective Service System to save $24 million a year. They question the need for registration if no one is ever drafted. It's a good point. In a time of seemingly perpetual war, mothballing the Selective Service seems at odds with reality. But it would reflect polls consistently showing opposition to the draft. Most people don't seem to care that an all-volunteer military places the burden of service on a minority of Americans. That makes it even more important to make sure that those who serve, or have served, are honored for their sacrifice not just on Veterans Day, but every day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-statement-veterans-day,Tipton Statement for Veterans Day,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) issued this statement in honor of Veterans Day. “On Veterans Day we celebrate and honor a truly special group of men and women. Through their service, America’s veterans have preserved the freedom and independence we enjoy and have made the American Dream possible. We want to thank all of our veterans and their families, who share in their sacrifice, and pay tribute to the important impact they have had through their service and continue to have as valued members of their communities. We are grateful for them and for our active duty service members every day.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141107220827/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/coffman-urges-the-president-to-increase-wildfire-prevention-funding,Coffman Urges the President to Increase Wildfire Prevention Funding,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) On October 21, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) sent a letter to the President pressing him to increase funding for the Western Watershed Enhancement Partnership in his Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Request. The Western Watershed Enhancement Partnership was formed last year when the Departments of Agriculture and Interior established a framework to partner with local entities to reduce the risks of wildfire upon Western communities and their water supplies.  In July 2014, under this arrangement, the Departments of Agriculture and Interior announced $187,500 to Colorado in order to fund forestry work around the Colorado-Big Thompson and Fryingpan-Arkansas projects.  These projects use diversions, tunnels, pipes, dams and reservoirs to carry water under the Continental Divide to the Front Range of Colorado. The funding will be used to thin forests and clear hazardous fuels around a reservoir above Estes Park and for forest thinning around Turquoise Reservoir and the water collection system in the surrounding watershed.  This will help to prevent and mitigate the devastating effects that future fires can have on our water resources and the communities that depend upon them. “Colorado is a state blessed with many natural resources, but some of the most important are our forest lands and watersheds,” Coffman wrote in the letter.  “These are vital resources for the economy and quality of life for many of our families and businesses.  We must take all necessary steps to protect our forests and our watersheds on public lands from catastrophic wildfires and invasive species.” The Bureau of Reclamation funds the Partnership through its WaterSMART program.  The Department of the Interior committed $152,000 to the Partnership during its first year, and followed up by committing an additional $187,500 in July 2014.  Coffman’s goal is to see the funding for the Partnership doubled for Fiscal Year 2016 to protect watersheds and forests from the dangers of wild fires, drought and invasive species. “I greatly appreciate Congressman Coffman’s leadership in protecting our forests,” expressed Mayor Steve Hogan of Aurora, Colorado.  “Healthy forest lands and watersheds are critical to protecting Aurora’s water supply.  I look forward to working with Congressman Coffman and others to secure the necessary funding for this critical program.” The Front Range of Colorado’s municipal water supplies suffered greatly as a result of flooding, erosion and sediment deposition after the 1996 Buffalo Creek Fire, the 2000 Bobcat Fire, the 2002 Hayman and Schoonover fires, and the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire. The Buffalo Creek fire and the subsequent debris flows from flash floods deposited mud, ash and decomposed granite in Strontia Springs Reservoir, requiring significant rehabilitation efforts. Moreover, the storage capacity of the Reservoir was reduced by 15 percent in the months following the fire.  The Hayman Fire burned 138,000 acres of forest, and destroyed 133 homes and 466 outbuildings at an estimated cost of $238 million. The Waldo Canyon fire burned the watershed above Colorado Springs, resulting in the death of two individuals, the loss of 346 homes, over $450 million in insurance claims, and significant damage – as a result of post-fire storms – to utility infrastructure. “If we are to avoid more of these devastating wildfires, more funding for wildfire prevention is needed,” wrote Coffman.  “Doing so will bolster the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior’s abilities to protect our natural resources and our communities.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141107222054/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-rep-mike-coffman-wins-as-a-problem-solver,U.S. REP. MIKE COFFMAN WINS AS A PROBLEM SOLVER,2014-11-06,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) No Labels – a national movement of Democrats, Republicans and independents dedicated to a new politics of problem solving – this morning congratulated U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO) on his election victory, along with 60 other National Strategic Agenda supporters. The group emphasized that running on a message of problem solving was effective for candidates across the nation and the political spectrum. “It’s clear that ending partisan gridlock has the support of America’s voters,” said No Labels Executive Director Margaret Kimbrell. “Coffman was among the 60 Problem Solvers who won their elections last night. These election results mark a new era in politics, one where candidates like Coffman who promise to be collaborative and work on solving problems — not just on getting re-elected — will do well at the ballot box.” “Problem solvers are going to set the tone in the 114th Congress,” predicted No Labels Co-Chairman Jon Huntsman. “With the end of the divisive nature of an election season comes a fresh start and real opportunities to solve some of the nation’s most pressing problems. We’re looking forward to working with members of Congress like Coffman as part of a growing, bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to take on the issues that we know have consensus — like immigration and tax reform.” Bill Galston, No Labels Co-Founder, said “Problem solving is a positive message that doesn’t require candidates to tear each other down or to check their principles at the door of the political arena. It’s a winning message for all candidates, like Coffman, because it really can unite us above differences of partisanship and ideology.” Elected officials who support development of No Labels’ National Strategic Agenda received the Problem Solver Seal of Approval; most recipients chose to use it as a credential as they sought re-election. The National Strategic Agenda will be built on four widely agreed-upon goals (based on a nationwide survey): •      Create 25 million new jobs over the next 10 years; •      Balance the federal budget by 2030; •      Secure Medicare and Social Security for another 75 years; and •      Make America energy secure by 2024. At the time of this release, 60 National Strategic Agenda supporters won their races. Seven races are still too close to call.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024024824/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/new-geriatric-research-education-and-clinic-approved,New Geriatric Research Education and Clinic Approved,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Today, the office of Congressman Mike Coffman (CO-6) announced that the Veterans Administration has approved the Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) for the establishment of a new Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora Colorado.  “The Director of the Center for Aging at CU Anschutz, Dr. Robert Schwartz credits Coffman and fellow Colorado Congressman Ed Perlmutter for help bringing the new research and treatment center to Aurora.” Denver Post (10/23/14) VA Hospital at Anschutz in Aurora Lands Geriatric Research Center “I am pleased that our community will continue to lead in the important area of geriatric health, said Coffman.  “As a member of the Veteran’s Affairs Committee and as a veteran myself, I am particularly pleased that this effort will focus on supporting our older veterans,” he continued.  Each GRECC contains a research component, an education component, and a clinical component. Currently there are 19 GRECCs which compete for research grants to conduct research on aging and the diseases commonly associated with it, to research how care is best delivered to elders, and to determine the efficacy of rehabilitation. The GRECCs also work with clinical staff in VA medical centers to demonstrate new or improved care for elderly veterans. This new center is expected to include twelve new full time VA employees hired as researchers, clinical educators and administrative staff dedicated to improving the lives of elderly veterans.   Placing the GRECC at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus will allow its staff to collaborate with geriatric researchers at the University’s medical school. This collocation was a key factor in the success of the application.   This is the first new GRECC in more than 15 years. Congressman Coffman provided a letter of support for the application and the new center is part of his ongoing efforts to improve lives of veterans.  The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System was chosen over two other national finalist hospitals.  Schwartz credits much of that to the overwhelming support of local groups and legislators including U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman and U.S. Rep Ed Perlmutter, as well as support from the campus Dean of Medicine.  http://www.denverpost.com/aurora/ci_26771190/va-hospital-at-anschutz-aurora-lands-geriatric-research",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024030131/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/va-hospital-at-anschutz-in-aurora-lands-geriatric-research-center,VA hospital at Anschutz in Aurora lands geriatric research center,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Once it's up and running, the new Veteran's Affairs building at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora will include a research and treatment center entirely devoted to the care of aging veterans. The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System building that is currently under construction at Anschutz will establish the first Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center in the country in more than 15 years. The centers were started by the VA in the late 1970s. Since the late '80s, the VA hasn't opened a new facility devoted to research and education for aging veterans. Dr. Robert Schwartz, director of the Center on Aging at the Anschutz Medical Campus and head of the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the School of Medicine, headed an application last December for a center after the VA headquarters in Washington D.C. opened a national review for one new location in 2013. ""GRECCs haven't been competed for in 15 to 20 years,"" Schwartz said. ""This brings in not just collaborative research opportunities, but also a collaborative education and clinical opportunities."" The research and education center is slated to be 6,000 square feet of lab space and 800 square feet of office space inside the 59,000-square-foot research building in the new VA facility. The most recent estimate for when VA's doors will open is May 2015. The Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center will include a team of 12 researchers and grant writers who will conduct work on two specialized fields of geriatrics never done in the VA system before: gender-related healthcare and the consequences of obesity in aging adults. ""If you look at the population overall, there's going to be a doubling of the people 65 and older between 2010 and 2030,"" Schwartz said. ""That's a real opportunity to develop new research and clinical methods to take care of them in a resource-wise way."" The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System was chosen over two other national finalist hospitals. Schwartz credits much of that to the overwhelming support of local groups and legislators including U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman and U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, as well as support from the campus Dean of Medicine. ""I'm pleased the Department of Veterans Affairs selected the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine for its new Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center,"" Perlmutter said in a statement. ""The center will leverage the expertise of CU's School of Medicine to create new and innovative ways to care for the demands of an aging veteran population."" Schwartz found out that the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System was awarded the research center and clinic within the last few months. The VA will support the salaries of the 12 employees for three years, and then grant dollars will fund the subsequent research. ""Our group was especially excited with the two proposed research (themes) for the GRECC,"" said Steve Rylant, president of the United Veterans Committee of Colorado, which is based in Aurora. ""Not only are these apparently distinct research concentrations ... but certainly areas of clinical importance for aging veterans now and into the future.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024031248/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/read-the-threatening-emails-sent-to-a-va-whistleblower-after-he-appeared-on,Read the Threatening Emails Sent to a VA Whistleblower After He Appeared on TV,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Department of Veterans Affairs last month tried to force one of its employees to sign a non-disclosure agreement and threatened disciplinary action, after the employee appeared on television to criticize the VA for failing in its mission to deliver health care to veterans. Scott Davis is a program specialist at the VA’s Health Eligibility Center in Atlanta, and more recently is a whistleblower who has testified in Congress about the VA’s numerous failures. Davis has also been on several TV and radio shows to discuss the VA’s failures over the last few months. After appearing on Fox News on September 2, Davis was emailed just minutes later by William Lamm, who asked Davis to appear at an Administrative Investigation Board meeting scheduled for September 4. Lamm said Davis would be asked to sign a copy of a “notice” at that meeting. Davis told TheBlaze that he isn’t sure what the Board meeting would cover, but based on the notice, it appeared to be an attempt to start an internal VA investigation into Davis’s actions. The notice Davis was asked to sign said employees must testify “freely and honestly in cases respecting employment and disciplinary matters,” and also said issues discussed as part of the investigation cannot be talked about outside the VA. “VA Directive 0700 requires you to refrain from disclosing any information developed in the course of the investigation, including the substance of your testimony, with others, if so directed by the Convening Authority or by a member of the administrative investigative board,” it reads. “This is to protect the integrity and fairness of the investigative process.” Davis replied in an email on September 3 that the White House Office of Special Counsel is already investigating his whistleblower case, and said the VA has already determined that the OSC investigation must be concluded before the VA itself takes any action against Davis. “Therefore, I will have to decline your invitation to meet tomorrow,” Davis wrote. “Mr. Lamm, I respectfully ask that you please stop contacting me about this matter.” Later that day, Lamm wrote back that Davis had no choice but to attend the meeting, and reminded him that the notice Davis was required to sign says refusing to testify on disciplinary matters “may be ground for disciplinary action.” “Mr. Davis, with all due respect, the notification that was sent to you and to your representative to appear before the Administrative Investigation Board was not an invitation to which you can decline,” Lamm wrote. Lamm backed off his demand later in the day, in an email that said the VA wants to cooperate with the OSC, and that the OSC would not be able to have an “Agent” attend the planned hearing. Davis told TheBlaze that this veiled threat seemed empty, as the OSC told him personally that it does not employ any such “Agents.” Still, the exchange prompted Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) to write VA Secretary Robert McDonald about the VA’s effort to silence Davis. “Mr. Davis recently indicated to my staff that he is receiving threatening emails regarding disciplinary action against him,” Coffman wrote. “He indicated he is being harassed and investigated and that human resource officials have demanded that he sign a document, without a VA or OMB identification control number, purporting to be a Notice of Witness Obligations, Protections and Privacy.” “Please be assured that retaliation against VA employees that have provided whistleblower information to Congress will not be tolerated,” Coffman added. “I request a response and explanation within five working days.” Davis and House aides said they are not aware of a response from McDonald, more than a month after Coffman’s letter was sent. In the meantime, Davis is continuing to blow the whistle on the failure of the VA to clean up the mess after the health care scandal broke earlier this year. He’s also tweeting updates at his Twitter profile, @ScottDavis_WB. Most recently, Davis has warned that the VA appears to be preparing to jettison thousands of old veterans’ claims for healthcare that were never processed. Davis said the VA has been sending letters to people who filed these unanswered claims, and appears to be preparing to argue that it can freely drop any outstanding claim unless veterans write back. The trouble is, Davis said, is that the VA is getting a response rate of about 8 percent, and said the VA appears to be looking for an easy way to justify ditching these old claims. Davis added that eliminating potentially hundreds of thousands of old claims would let the VA boast about improving its performance rate for veterans seeking medical help, when really it would only be trashing claims it never answered. “By deleting the record, you’re deleting your true turnaround time,” he told TheBlaze.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/weekly-update-congressman-scott-tipton,Weekly Update from Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"*To see other recent newsletters and to subscribe to receive updates from Congressman Tipton click HERE. Dear Friend, I want to give you a quick update from the road this week on some of the things we’ve been working on as we travel through the 3rd District. The spread of Ebola in West Africa, and now the cases here in the U.S. are cause for serious concern. Just this week the House Energy and Commerce Committee held an oversight hearing on the government’s response to the outbreak so far, and on what needs to be done to contain it in West Africa and prevent it from spreading in the U.S. Based on the testimony in that hearing and on additional information I have seen, I believe that there are commonsense steps that can and should be taken now to contain the spread, including visa/travel restrictions on West Africa and more stringent screening and quarantines. I will continue to closely monitor this situation, and work with my colleagues to ensure that resources are available and responsible actions are being taken to stop the spread of Ebola. We have also been working this week to continue to address two key issues that have a significant impact on the 3rd District and the Western U.S.  I joined a number of my colleagues in a letter to ask House leaders to provide certainty for counties by including funding for PILT and SRS in the upcoming FY2015 budget. Counties rely on PILT and SRS to help fund public safety, education and infrastructure. Learn more about why PILT and SRS are necessary HERE. We sent a letter this week to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell expressing concerns over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s self-imposed, superficial listing deadline for the Greater Sage Grouse that could jeopardize existing state and local preservation efforts and impact the bird’s overall wellbeing. As I’ve said many times before, the best way to preserve the species is through scientifically supported locally-tailored species preservation efforts like those currently underway in Colorado. Such efforts have the flexibility to account for the specific ecological and geographic conditions of a region; ensuring more effective, targeted species preservation can take place. A broad federal ESA listing would disrupt these efforts in favor of a less-effective, one-size-fits-all approach that would implement the same restrictions and requirements over a range of 186 million acres in eleven western states regardless of unique local conditions. Additionally, I’m proud to report that we received recognitions this week from the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Association of Manufacturers for our pro-growth work in Congress to get the economy moving and restore opportunities for Americans to get back to work and prosper. Restoring American economic prosperity is critical for this and the next generation’s future. This month I spoke to students at Bayfield and Pueblo West high schools, as well as visited with students we had nominated to U.S. Service Academies who are now attending the U.S. Air Force Academy. Listening to these students’ questions and concerns, and engaging with them on their ideas for the future was inspiring—the students of the 3rd District are truly among the very best and brightest anywhere. It confirmed why it is so important to correct our nation’s course and restore the economic strength and promise that has provided previous generations with the American Dream. Our children and grandchildren deserve every chance at success, and I am committed to continuing to work in Washington to do all I can to fight for commonsense policies that get government out of the way, allow the private sector to work, and give the next generation the opportunity to forge their path and achieve their goals. It is truly an honor to serve the people of the 3rd District. As always, I appreciate your feedback and ideas and invite you to reach out to me anytime. You can call my office or send an email HERE. Sincerely, Scott   In Case You Missed It Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: Feds asked to extend comments on Western cuckoo: Representatives from several Western states, including U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colo., are asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to continue taking comment on the status of the Western yellow-billed cuckoo and its habitat through Dec. 14. (UPDATE: The comment period has been extended for 60 days.) Read more. Tipton stresses importance of rural broadband access: Congressman Tipton underscored that rural broadband access is critical for education and economic development during an event to mark the near completion of a long-awaited project to bring broadband access to Silverton from Durango. Read more. Tipton welcomes Small Business Administration's call for EPA to withdraw ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule: SBA Advocacy stated that “the Agencies improperly certified the rule. Advocacy believes that the rule will have direct effects on small businesses and that these effects will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses,” and “Advocacy recommends that the Agencies withdraw the proposed rule and conduct a panel [to examine impacts] prior to re-proposing the rule.” Read more. Elk Creek Elementary School in New Castle named National Blue Ribbon School: Congressman Tipton commended the teachers, students and staff of Elk Creek Elementary School in New Castle for being named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Only 337 public and private schools across the nation received the honor this year, which according to the Department is awarded to schools “for their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.” Read more. Cortez Journal: Tipton honored by state Farm Bureau: On Friday, Oct. 10, Tipton was honored on the Phyllis and Sidney Snyder ranch near Lewis by the Colorado Farm Bureau for his tireless work in the 113th Congress on behalf of agriculture issues that impact farmers. He was presented with an American Farm Bureau Federation’s Friend of Farm Bureau Award. Read more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024031314/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/delay-for-butler-va-project-prompts-groans-from-american-legion,Delay for Butler VA project prompts groans from American Legion,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Work may not resume on an outpatient health center for the Veterans Affairs Butler Healthcare System until 2015, nearly two years after crews broke ground, an official said. For the 2.4 million-member American Legion, which has been critical of construction delays and cost overruns plaguing the VA, the Butler project is the latest sign of a troubled system. “Every day a medical center is not completely done, it's a day a veteran may or may not be receiving care,” said Ed Lilley, the Legion's assistant director for health care, veterans affairs and rehabilitation. An April 2013 Government Accountability Office report determined that costs increased for the VA's four largest, most recent projects — in Aurora, Colo., Orlando, New Orleans and Las Vegas — from 59 percent to 144 percent. The average overrun was nearly $366 million. Delays ranged from 14 to 74 months, averaging 35 months, the report found. The American Legion is so concerned, its executive committee in May urged more congressional and legislative oversight and that the VA consider using the Army Corps of Engineers to complete projects on time and on budget. “Veterans are frustrated and concerned with the VA's construction processes and the continued delays and cost overruns and unsure whether VA's improvements will ensure VA major construction in the future will be within schedule and budget,” its resolution stated. The VA established a construction review council in April 2012 to oversee development and execution of building programs, the GAO report said. Legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado, which passed the House on Sept. 16, would require the VA to hire a medical equipment planner as part of a project's architectural and engineering team and use the Corps of Engineers as a special project manager. It is awaiting action in the Senate. “It is the sense of Congress that the management of the major medical center construction projects of the Department of Veterans Affairs has been an abysmal failure,” the measure reads. VA spokeswoman Genevieve Billia said her agency doesn't support the legislation as written. Creating a special project manager “would be problematic in the management and supervision of these projects,” she said. The Army Corps has assisted on 70 VA construction projects since 2008, she added. The Las Vegas project is done and the Orlando project should be almost done by the end of the year, Billia said. The New Orleans project has a February 2016 completion date. The Colorado project is 58 percent finished. Work continues despite the contractor filing a lawsuit seeking to drop out, she said. The VA likely won't award a contract for the Butler facility until 2015, Billia said. The General Services Administration now reviews all potential leases. Once the GSA finishes its review, the VA could select a site for the outpatient center and award a development contract within three months, Billia said. Westar Development Co. beat out five other companies in May 2012 to build the $75 million outpatient center, which it would have rented to the VA for 20 years while receiving an average $7.6 million annually. The project collapsed when the VA Inspector General's Office became concerned that Westar had misrepresented itself, including a claim that it was veteran-owned when it isn't, and that it may have had ties to a businessman sentenced on federal charges of racketeering, bribery and fraud unrelated to the Butler project. Westar officials denied any wrongdoing. Jefferson resident Stan Schubert, a Marine who served in Vietnam, said Friday that fellow veterans at a Marine Corps League meeting he's attending in Fort Indiantown Gap have been asking about the Butler project. “It's the talk of the town,” Schubert, 72, said. “People are wondering what's going on, when it's going to be built, where it's going to be built. It's very important.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-recognized-efforts-increase-us-manufacturing,Tipton Recognized for Efforts to Increase U.S. Manufacturing,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"(In August, Tipton (center) toured Rocla Concrete Tie, Inc. in Pueblo, which manufactures concrete railroad ties for multiple transport uses.) PUEBLO, CO—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) has received the Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The award was given acknowledge Tipton’s work in Congress on behalf of issues that impact manufacturers across the 3rd Congressional District and nation. “One of the most direct ways we can stimulate economic growth and recovery in this nation is through increased American manufacturing,” said Tipton. “We have worked in Congress to increase trade opportunities for American goods and to advance policies that encourage and incentivize manufacturing here at home. From Pueblo to Grand Junction and throughout the district we have visited with manufacturers with incredibly diverse and cutting-edge capabilities that provide good paying jobs and opportunities in our communities. I want to see those types of opportunities expand, and am proud to continue to stand with manufacturers and small businesses for commonsense policies that put Americans back to work.” Tipton has worked with manufacturers across the 3rd District including EVRAZ, GCC, Rocla, and UTC Aerospace Systems in Pueblo and Lewis Engineering, CAPCO, Leitner-Poma and Ross Reels on the West Slope, to identify issues and ways the federal government can work to foster economic growth and increased U.S. manufacturing. Additionally, Tipton has held numerous manufacturing roundtables and job fairs in the district, and championed pro-growth policies in the House Committee on Small Business to expand opportunities for U.S. manufactured goods in the global marketplace. “Manufacturers in Colorado and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “However, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. Scott Tipton who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.” Background courtesy of NAM: Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee. Additional information on the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence can be found HERE. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-takes-fish-and-wildlife-task-over-greater-sage-grouse,Tipton Takes Fish and Wildlife to Task over Greater Sage Grouse,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) and a number of his Western colleagues blasted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for shirking sound science and transparency as the agency rushes to meet a self-imposed, superficial listing deadline that could jeopardize the wellbeing of the Greater Sage Grouse. In a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, Tipton and his colleagues wrote: “We write to express concerns with the lack of transparency of your Department’s evaluation and use of ‘best available scientific and commercial data’ and lack of coordination with and assurances to affected states and other stakeholders relating to their extensive ongoing conservation efforts to avoid a listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of the Greater Sage Grouse.  “With less than a year to go before the Department’s self-imposed September 2015 settlement deadline to determine whether to list the Greater Sage Grouse under the ESA, it appears that the Department is blatantly ignoring or downplaying significant flaws and gaps in its own sage grouse data and science, and failing to incorporate recent data that suggests sage grouse populations are stable and not declining.  This undermines the Obama Administration’s pledge to ‘ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration.’ “We are also concerned that, at the same time, the Department has set in motion a process to mandate, through revisions to 98 resource management plans, mitigation requirements which have not been deemed necessary or helpful to sage grouse that would devastate state and local economies and severely impact private property owners’ activities in portions of eleven western states.  It is much more important that best available science and data, rather than mega-settlement deadlines negotiated behind closed-doors, guide this important ESA issue.” The letter raises concerns over an upcoming workshop between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on October 22-23 in Fort Collins to “collect information from scientific experts” on various questions regarding genetic differences of sage grouse. “Without question,  the American public deserves and expects the Department and FWS to foster an open and transparent process on how it receives, evaluates and incorporates sage grouse data, and determines what is or isn’t “best available,” as ESA requires.  Reversing itself in 2010, the FWS found that listing several populations of sage grouse found in portions of eleven states ‘may be warranted,’ allegedly due to population declines.  However, rather than focus on actual sage grouse population data, the workshop apparently will consist of discussions of mere “individual opinions” and queries of individual professional experience and opinion rather than sound science regarding sage grouse genetics, according to the invitation… “In addition, the FWS recently confirmed that the few invited must meet rigid, somewhat exclusionary criteria to participate at the Fort Collins October workshop.  As a result, participants will be comprised almost entirely of federal employees, federal grantees, or individuals who helped draft, were connected with, or have some interest in either the NTT or the COT reports or with FWS’ research… “Adding insult to injury, the public would not be allowed to observe or obtain any information relating to this ‘workshop’ until well after the BLM and U.S. Forest Service finalize their resource management plan revisions and the FWS finalizes its listing decision.  This runs counter to data transparency and ensuring use of best science that would benefit both the Greater Sage Grouse and millions of people in the affected area.” The letter also asks Jewell to respond to 17 questions about the workshop’s function, structure and intent with regard to the overall listing decision for the Greater Sage Grouse. View the full letter pdf HERE. Tipton has been a vocal advocate in Congress for scientifically supported locally-tailored species preservation efforts like those currently underway in Colorado. Such efforts have the flexibility to account for the specific ecological and geographic conditions of a region; ensuring more effective, targeted species preservation can take place. A broad federal ESA listing would disrupt these efforts in favor of a less-effective, one-size-fits all approach that would implement the same restrictions and requirements over a range of 186 million acres in eleven western states regardless of the local topographic and ecological conditions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017024853/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/coffman-urges-president-to-take-concrete-steps-on-ebola-outbreak,Coffman urges President to take concrete steps on Ebola outbreak,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Congressman Mike Coffman and a bipartisan group of lawmakers have called on the Obama administration to take concrete steps to address the Ebola outbreak. Last week, the lawmakers sent a letter to the President, suggesting additional steps that include increased screening for people arriving from affected West African nations, possible quarantines during the dormancy period for individuals who have been to affected areas, and a travel ban from affected West African countries until the epidemic has been defeated.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017030122/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/america-may-never-have-a-draft-again-but-we-re-still-punishing-low-income,America may never have a draft again. But were still punishing low-income men for not registering,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The last time Danieldevel Davis got out of prison it was 2012 and he was 38. “I ain’t going back into no man’s prison again,” he vowed. He’d been locked up for six years, which was the longest he’d ever lived in one place. Davis grew up in foster homes, dropped out of school in the 11th grade and then hit the revolving door: streets, juvenile detention, streets, prison. He’s never possessed a driver’s license. He’s never had a bill in his name. “I’ve never had anything in my name,” he says. So, this is what happened when Davis went to fill out his financial aid paperwork at a Virginia Beach technical college. “Have you registered for the Selective Service?” the financial aid officer asked. “What do you mean?” Davis said. “Did you register to be drafted?” “Huh?” This may be a nation with an all-volunteer military, one that ended conscription more than 40 years ago, but federal law still requires men ages 18 to 25 to register for a draft that does not exist. There are few exemptions and no second chances. Davis never registered with the Selective Service System and so learned that he was looking at potentially lifelong consequences. No access to federal student loans or grants. No federal job training money or certain government jobs. And, in Virginia, no driver’s license. “I didn’t know I had to register and now I can’t get anything,” Davis says. “I can’t do nothing.” The odds of this country returning to a draft are almost zero, but the price for failure to register is high and is largely born by the men who can ill afford to pay it: high school dropouts, disconnected inner city residents, ex-offenders and immigrants — legal and unauthorized — who do not know that failure to register can jeopardize citizenship. In other words, those precisely in need of the type of job training, education and citizenship opportunities that could help move them from the margins to the mainstream. In California, the Selective Service System estimates, men who failed to register were denied access to more than $99 million in federal and state financial aid and job training benefits between 2007 and April of this year. Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts saw $35 million in combined lost benefits between 2011 and spring 2014. “Why are we setting up these barriers?” says Regina Tyler, director of Virginia State University’s Upward Bound program and the Education Opportunity Center, which helps adults return to school. “Why are we attaching them to financial aid? We don’t have a draft, so what is the point?” The point, supporters of registration long have argued, is that almost-zero odds of conscription are not zero odds. “You can never say never,” says Lawrence G. Romo,  director of the Selective Service System. “We are a deterrent. We want to make sure our adversaries understand that if we had an extreme national emergency, we would have the draft.” A fair and equitable draft, which would include alternatives to military service, requires 100 percent compliance, he argues. “We need to have some type of penalty in order to help us get that compliance.” The agency grants few exceptions, but, Romo emphasizes, it is ultimately up to the financial aid officer or the workforce specialist – the agency dispensing the benefit  – to decide whether someone “knowingly and willfully” violated the law and therefore should be denied. “The door may have closed, but the window may still be pried open,” agency spokesman Matthew Tittmann puts it. A majority of men do register – 2.5 million in 2013 alone. The agency casts a huge, largely effective dragnet in high schools, motor vehicle departments, post offices and elsewhere. The average compliance rate nationally among 19-year-olds who registered last year was 89 percent. So, how many run into the sanctions as Davis did? There’s no good way to track, but the Selective Service System estimates it’s in the tens of thousands every year.  Men such as Davis also make up part of a larger group of suspected violators  of the law whose names the agency turns over every year to the Department of Justice, which hasn’t prosecuted anyone for the offense since 1986. The potential for punishment is there, however: A fine of up to $250,000 and/or up to five years in prison. The federal sanctions are just the half of it. According to the Selective Service System, 32 states now have made registration a prerequisite to a variety of benefits, from state financial aid to state jobs to tuition breaks. Tennessee requires males who failed to register to pay out-of-state tuition to attend the University of Tennessee system – even if they are state residents and citizens. Selective Service registration raises two separate but related issues, the larger of which is whether it is necessary in the absence of a declared war or national emergency, and if so, whether it is discriminatory in an age of expanded roles for women in military combat. (Short and hotly-debated answers: Maybe and yes. Neither of which will be decided by the Selective Service agency itself.) But the concerns of Davis and men like him are more immediate: how to move forward when his education path is blocked. Davis is working part-time as a janitor for $7.50 an hour and cannot pay for school without help. “The job part I understand because I put myself in this position, that’s the bed I laid in,” he says. “But as far as the Selective Service goes, I don’t feel as though I should be punished. I am someone trying to rehabilitate myself and go to school.” By far, the agency’s most successful tool to enforce compliance lies in the issuance of state driver’s licenses. Forty states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories now tie issuance or renewal of driver’s licenses to Selective Service registration. Most of those have moved to an automatic registration. Other have opt-in or opt-out provisions. Agency spokesman, Mr Tittmann, indicated that Selective Service strongly favors state laws for automatic registration when getting a driver’s license because it helps those most in need of the benefits linked to registration – young men out the mainstream, the disadvantaged, minorities, and immigrants. “This is absolutely unfair,” Rep. Mike Coffman, a veteran of both Iraq wars, says of the sanctions. Coffman, a Republican from Colorado, is among the most outspoken critics of the system. Earlier this year, he co-sponsored a bipartisan bill that would abolish the $23 million agency, suspending registration – and sanctions — except by executive order in a time of national emergency. “The Selective Service is a bureaucracy that needs to die because it no longer serves a viable purpose,” he said in an e-mail. “Even during the height of the War in Iraq and Afghanistan the Department of Defense never considered using the draft.” Says Romo, “You have 435 congressmen and so you have 435 opinions on the Selective Service.” One of them, he notes, belongs to Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, who earlier this year introduced two bills related to the draft. The first would require women to register with the Selective Service. The second calls for all citizens and residents between 18 and 25 to perform two years of military or community service and would reinstate the draft only when a clear threat to the nation is present and Congress formally has declared war or the president proclaims a national emergency. Rangel has long argued that the burden of fighting war has fallen unfairly on the shoulders of a few, and that a more-inclusive draft “would compel everyone in the nation to stop and think about who we sent to wars, how we fight – and why we fight them at all.” But, Rangel says, until the day comes that the United States is engaged in a declared war and the nation’s security is violated — or Congress passes his National Service Act — there is no reason for the Selective Service System. “Having people penalized for not registering is a fraud,” he said. Rangel emphasized that registration is current law and should be followed, but said he now intends to introduce a  draft-related bill — one abolishing the service. Romo argues that if the system were abolished, the nation would lose time it could not afford in reactivating it in the event of national emergency. “It would take a minimum of two or three years to get the system going,” he said. It’s about readiness, he says, “and the Selective Service is a very inexpensive insurance policy.” The agency, he says, is engaged in constant public outreach, particularly to those most in danger of falling through the cracks. That includes education sessions in inner-city neighborhoods, the Bureau of Prisons, halfway houses and groups working with immigrants and minorities. “We are trying to ensure that a man does not ace himself out of potential opportunities down the road because he was ignorant of the fact he had to register,” Romo says. Until a few days ago, Davis did not realize that in the phrase “knowingly and willfully” lies his hope. He thinks he can prove to a financial aid officer that he did not deliberately evade his duty. He’s calling his former probation officer to get his juvenile and adult criminal records and is trying to figure out how to get his school records. Davis is building his case.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-working-ensure-pilt-and-srs-included-2015-budget,Tipton Working to Ensure PILT and SRS Included in 2015 Budget,2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) joined with a number of his bipartisan House colleagues today in urging House leaders to provide certainty for counties by including funding for Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) in the upcoming FY 2015 budget. The members underscored the importance of PILT and SRS funding for many rural county budgets that are already strained to deliver vital services to residents. The House is expected to vote on a measure to fund the government for FY 2015 before the end of the year. The text of the letter from Tipton and his colleagues to Speaker of the House John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi follows: Dear Speaker Boehner and Minority Leader Pelosi, As the 113th Congress comes to an end, we urge you to work in a bi-partisan, bi-cameral fashion to secure funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) programs for fiscal year 2015.  Without full funding of these programs, counties throughout our districts and across the nation will be unable to provide our constituents with essential services such as education, law enforcement, and road maintenance.  While it must be our ultimate goal to enact a long-term, sustainable solution to eliminate the ongoing uncertainty our counties face, an extension and full-funding of these programs is essential to address immediate needs. PILT provides payments to local governments in 49 states and nearly 1,900 counties to offset foregone revenue due to tax-exempt federal lands within their jurisdictions.  Current authorization for full PILT funding expired on September 30, 2014. Without congressional action, we risk severely crippling these counties’ ability to operate. Equally important is the funding that more than 700 forest counties and school districts receive through SRS.  These payments honor the over 100 year old contract between the federal government and counties housing the 193 million acres of federal forest land.  Due to extremely low productivity on our forests over the past two decades, these funds are more critical to counties’ well-being than ever.  SRS expired last year and must be authorized to avoid economic catastrophe in rural and timber communities across the nation. PILT and SRS allow the federal government to meet its long-standing obligations to counties with federal land.  It is imperative that we fulfill this duty.  We thank you for your consideration of this request and stand ready to work with you going forward. See a pdf of the letter HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017031112/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/denver-va-medical-center-says-operating-rooms-open-for-limited-surgeries,Denver VA Medical Center says operating rooms open for limited surgeries after contamination issues,2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"After staff members told 7NEWS that the surgical unit at Denver's Veterans Affairs Medical Center would be closed again this week due to contamination issues, VAMC Public Information Officer Dan Warvi, provided an update, saying the hospital's operating rooms are open for limited procedures, and that disposable surgical tools would be used. Warvi released the following statement to 7NEWS: ""We have been performing surgical procedures with disposable instrumentation, and now have completed enough resurfacing and sterilization processes to resume doing procedures with our stainless steel instrumentation. We have surgeries scheduled for tomorrow and the remainder of the week. I would ask that you emphasize on-air and on your web page that any Veteran who has a surgical procedure scheduled for tomorrow should go to the Denver VA."" Just two weeks ago, the hospital revealed that ""trace mineral deposits"" on surgical equipment forced the hospital's seven operating rooms within its surgical unit to shut down. It's an issue that could have grave consequences for patients such as Daniel King, who suffers from papillary thyroid cancer. ""And if (I) don't get surgery soon, I'm going to be inoperable - Stage 4,"" said King, a U.S. Army veteran. ""I signed up for Vietnam when people didn't say, 'Thank you for your service.' They spit on us and called us 'baby killers' and every name in the book when we had to go through the airport in uniform. It's a whole different culture now. But, we're still being spit on by the government."" The Denver VA is trucking in sterile instruments from Ft. Carson, but only for critical surgeries. King called the VA issues a ""culture of slackerism."" Monday, Colorado Republican Congressman Mike Coffman, also criticized the culture of big bonuses and no accountability within the VA. ""Where everybody gets a bonus,"" said Coffman. ""Where nobody's ever fired. Where nobody's ever disciplined. Where we do have patient safety problems. We still have a long way to go, to be able to fix this broken system."" Coffman vowed reform is coming from Washington, including a choice option for patients waiting too long to be seen. ""So they can go outside the VA system, their choice, and have that choice provider reimbursed under the Medicare rates for whatever services they receive,"" said Coffman. King hopes it isn't too little, too late. ""There are literally thousands of veterans that are going without surgery that need it,"" he said. ""Lately it just seems to be coming unglued.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/farm-bureau-recognizes-tipton-work-agriculture-issues,Farm Bureau Recognizes Tipton for Standing Up for Farmers and Ranchers,2014-10-10,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"CORTEZ, CO—Today, the Colorado Farm Bureau (CFB) recognized Congressman Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) work in the 113th Congress on behalf of agriculture issues that impact farmers and ranchers across the 3rd Congressional District with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Friend of Farm Bureau Award. “I’m proud to stand with the farmers and ranchers that do the incredible, hard work of growing our nation’s crops and are responsible for producing the world’s highest quality food supply,” said Tipton. “The impact that the agriculture community has on our nation’s economy is tremendous, with over 175,000 jobs and $41 billion in output here in Colorado alone. From removing unnecessary regulatory burdens, to helping write the Farm Bill in the House Agriculture Committee, agriculture issues have been a priority for me in Congress and I will continue to work to advance policies to ensure that American agriculture producers are able thrive and grow.” “Representative Tipton is no stranger to agriculture and rural Colorado. He has worked tirelessly to protect private property rights of Colorado's farmers and ranchers from government overreach through his positions on the House Agriculture Committee and House Natural Resources Committee,” said CFB president Don Shawcroft, ""He has fought for tax reform to allow farms and ranches to be passed from one generation to the next and worked to halt needless regulations in Washington, DC from negatively impacting at home."" Tipton serves on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees and as chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade. Background courtesy of Farm Bureau Colorado: The Friend of Farm Bureau award is given at the end of each Congress to members of Congress whose voting records align with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s priority issues established by the Board of Directors, the number of bills that a member sponsored or their leadership role on Farm Bureau priority issues, and how accessible and responsive that member was to Farm Bureau members and leaders. Learn more about the Colorado Farm Bureau HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-stresses-importance-rural-broadband-access-0,Tipton Stresses Importance of Rural Broadband Access,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"SILVERTON, CO—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) underscored that rural broadband access is critical for education and economic development during an event to mark the near completion of a long-awaited project to bring broadband access to Silverton from Durango. “Broadband Internet access is a critical tool to build businesses, apply for jobs, enhance educational opportunities and connect with friends and relatives. With robust broadband service, even the smallest of towns can rely on its residents’ talent and determination to compete with the rest of the world. A community without broadband risks being left behind in today’s technology-driven economy,” said Tipton. “There is still much that needs to be done to connect many rural areas in the 3rd District and across America to high speed internet access. Since my first term in Congress, providing reliable broadband access to rural communities is something I have been working on with my colleagues to advance and will continue to do so until the goal is achieved. In addition to continuing to provide oversight of federal projects and contractors to ensure that networks are being built to truly unserved areas, one of the most immediate ways we can expand reliable access is to ensure that as the FCC implements CAF II, the final details live up to its promise of truly bringing high speed broadband access to millions of Americans who currently don’t have it.” Tipton, sent a letter in August to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler urging the Agency to implement Phase II of the Connect America Fund (“CAF II”) in a way that ensures its true intent—to bring faster, fiber-fed broadband connections to millions of Americans who would not otherwise have access—is fully realized. In the letter to Wheeler, Tipton wrote: Phase II of the Connect America Fund (“CAF II”) offers a tremendous opportunity to bring speedier, fiber-fed broadband connections to millions of Americans who would not otherwise receive these benefits.  Thanks to the Commission’s well-publicized efforts, thousands of rural communities are now counting on CAF II.  Indeed, the June 10 Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) has raised hopes even higher by more than doubling the promised download speeds from 4 Mbps to 10 Mbps.  And because CAF II represents the final phase of Universal Service reform for these areas, its rules will effectively determine—for years to come—how broadband support is distributed in these areas.  I am writing today to emphasize how important it is to ensure that the final details of CAF II live up to its promise.  I am concerned that if the Commission more than doubles the speed requirements without allowing the appropriate level of flexibility in other elements of CAF II, the program’s overall mission could be endangered.  Increasing broadband speeds is not as simple as turning a dial. To the Commission’s credit, the June 10 FNPRM identifies a number of constructive ideas that could provide this flexibility, while helping achieve the speedier network goals without exceeding the CAF II annual budget.  We urge the Commission to adopt several of these proposals.  First, the CAF II funding period must be extended from the current 5 years to 10 years to allow adequate time for the construction of the higher-capacity network.   Additionally, when determining whether an area is “served,” the Commission should eventually count only services providing 10 Mbps speeds or higher, rather than 4 Mbps.  Furthermore, the Commission should establish a verification process that ensures other providers are indeed providing 10 Mbps speeds to prevent overbuilding. The Commission also must establish network build-out parameters consistent with the goal of providing quality broadband service to as many people as possible within the CAF’s limited funding framework.  As such, the Commission should give providers the flexibility to use CAF support to build facilities to unserved consumers in partially served census blocks.  Despite years of federal efforts to overcome the digital divide, I still often hear from my constituents seeking assistance to bring broadband service to their homes.  The concerns they raise are a reminder of how challenging rural broadband policy can be, but also how important it is.  Thank you for considering my concerns, and I look forward to working with you. See a pdf of the letter HERE. #  #  #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010023307/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/no-labels-awards-problem-solver-seal-of-approval-to-us-rep-mike-coffman,No Labels Awards "Problem Solver Seal of Approval" to U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.— No Labels, a national organization dedicated to a new politics of problem solving, has awarded its “Problem Solver Seal of Approval” to Colorado Republican Mike Coffman his support of the group’s year-long effort to create a National Strategic Agenda, a roadmap for the country based on goals shared by both parties. “In his three terms in Congress, Representative Mike Coffman has shown a firm commitment to problem solving,” said Bill Galston, a Co-Founder of No Labels. “It is this kind of leadership, coupled with the creation of a National Strategic Agenda, that is going to help us solve some of the most challenging issues we’re facing as a country.” No Labels’ National Strategic Agenda will chart a course for America based on policy prescriptions and principles that are forged through consensus and aimed at meeting four key goals for the country: Create 25 million new jobs over the next 10 years; Balance the federal budget by 2030; Secure Medicare and Social Security for another 75 years; and Make America energy secure by 2024. The National Strategic Agenda, with specific policy proposals to address each of the four goals, will be developed over the course of the next year through working groups and meetings all over the country with elected officials and policy experts, business and community leaders, and citizens. No Labels will be developing the Agenda in partnership with Deloitte Consulting LLP, a worldwide leader in strategy consulting. Rep. Coffman will be among those participating in the process. The comprehensive agenda will be unveiled in New Hampshire in October 2015. More than 80 members of Congress have already endorsed the campaign for a National Strategic Agenda. ### No Labels is a national movement of Democrats, Republicans and independents dedicated to a new politics of problem solving. With a network of hundreds of thousands of citizens and local leaders across America and almost 100 allies in the U.S. Congress, we have proposed reform ideas that have been introduced with support across the aisle, passed by Congress, and signed into law, including No Budget, No Pay. In 2014, No Labels called on America's leaders to commit to a new governing process to create a National Strategic Agenda, which will be developed with input from those all along the political spectrum. Find out more at www.nolabels.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010024255/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/opinion-editorials/from-our-politician-reforming-congress,From Our Politician Reforming Congress,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Dear Friends: From the day I was elected to Congress in 2009, I have been engaged in a fight to change the culture of Washington, D.C. No doubt, trying to sell reform to members of Congress on changing a system that they have benefitted from has been an unbelievable tough sell but this is one that we can never give up on.  There are many reforms that could easily make Congress better serve the American people but I believe that the top three are a balanced budget amendment, mandatory term limits for every member of Congress, and a requirement that all members of Congress be subject to all of the same laws, rules, and regulations that Washington, D.C. imposes upon the American people. Balanced Budget Amendment.  In 2010, I founded the Balanced Budget Amendment Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives to help build support for its eventual passage. A balanced budget amendment would strip the power away from Congress to continually spend money that we simply do not have.  It would put an end to the decades of reckless out-of-control spending and stop our crushing debt from rising further and threaten the future of our country.   A Constitutional Amendment requiring the President and Congress, like every family and nearly every state in the country, to balance the budget each and every year.  Colorado, along with 48 other states, has a balanced budget requirement in its constitution. Requiring a balanced budget forces legislators to come together, in a bipartisan way, to decide what their spending priorities are within the resources available.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Mandatory Term Limits for Every Member of Congress.  In 2011, I introduced House Joint Resolution 93, a proposed Constitutional Amendment to limit members of Congress to no more than 12 years in the Senate (two terms) and 12 years in the House of Representatives (six terms).   Last year I signed on as a cosponsor of House Joint Resolution 41, which accomplishes a similar goal.  I believe that by requiring mandatory term limits on every member of Congress the institution will ultimately be more responsive to the American people.  Colorado has had term limits for all elected state and local officials for over twenty years.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Make Members of Congress Subject to the Same Rules, Regulations, and Laws that they impose on the American People.   No one in public office should live under a different set of rules than the American people have to live under.   When I served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, I never ordered my subordinates to do anything that I was not willing to do myself. Consequently, after Obamacare passed, I dropped out of my federal health insurance plan, available to members of Congress, and I purchased an individual plan, without a taxpayer subsidy, through Colorado’s health insurance exchange.  My co-pay tripled and my deductible skyrocketed from $350 to $4,500 and from $4,500 to $6,200, I’m responsible for 40%.  If every member of Congress did what I did, Obamacare would not be in place in its current form today.  Instead, the President granted a waiver that excused members of Congress from Obamacare and it will be the middle class that will now bear the brunt of these dramatically increased out-of-pocket costs. Reforming government, at any level, is never easy and changing Washington, D.C. is a really tough fight but with 21 years of combined military service, I’ve been trained not to give up or give in. U.S. Representative Mike Coffman is a Marine Corps combat veteran and a former small business owner. Rep. Mike Coffman The Villager Newspaper October 8, 2014",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010025110/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/va-s-loyalty-to-reverse-auction-firm-fedbid-raises-red-flags,VAs loyalty to reverse auction firm FedBid raises red flags,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"As far back as 2012, a Department of Veterans Affairs advisory board was warning about excessive sway that reverse auction firm FedBid, a well-connected contractor employing former top White House officials, had on VA contracting officers. One internal VA email obtained by The Washington Times shows that the VA advisory group warned in 2012 that contracting officers inside the Veterans Health Administration had been told that “the use of FedBid is mandatory, and that they can take no other path.” Investigators found that a top VHA contracting official, Susan Taylor, along with FedBid officials, plotted to discredit another VA official who questioned whether the company’s reverse auction business saved the government as much money as the contractor claimed. Ms. Taylor, who has since been removed from her job, leaked nonpublic information, gave false statements and strong-armed staff into using FedBid, according to the report, which also revealed the company’s aggressive behind-the-scenes lobbying. “Need to assassinate his character and discredit him,” former FedBid President Glenn Richardson wrote in an email to colleagues, referring to the VA procurement official, Jan Frye. Mr. Frye angered FedBid by enacting a moratorium in 2012 on the use of reverse auctions amid complaints from suppliers about costs. In the wake of the report, Rep. Mike Coffman, Colorado Republican and chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs investigative subcommittee, questioned whether FedBid should be allowed to continue doing business with the VA. FedBid “was actively conspiring to defame an honorable public servant in an attempt to protect a friendly, corrupt bureaucrat and continue pushing a system of contracts that undercut fair competition,” the congressman said in a letter last week to new VA Secretary Robert McDonald. In 2012, VA suppliers were growing increasingly concerned about FedBid, which handled VHA’s reverse auctions — a form of contracting in which sellers, not buyers, bid against one another. FedBid handles most of the government’s reverse auctions. Former VA Chief of Staff Harold Gracey, a retired career federal executive, worked with a contractor who put together a group of VA contractors and suppliers to advise the agency on how to improve its procurement process. In an interview, Mr. Gracey said the industry advisory group was concerned about FedBid and how VA was acquiring some medical supplies through reverse auctions. “There were concerns they were paying more than they would have had to pay if they’d gone through the federal supply schedule,” Mr. Gracey said. Mr. Gracey helped the advisory group put its concerns in writing. In an email to Mr. Frye in 2012, Mr. Gracey told the senior procurement official of concerns among VHA contract officers who were told they had to use FedBid for reverse auctions. He also passed along a spreadsheet with a list of seemingly “inappropriate” reverse auction procurements, according to the email. Mr. Gracey said the industry advisory group also gave a formal presentation to top VA acquisition officials, including Ms. Taylor. “Susan was vehement in saying they were wrong on almost every point, that specifications were terrific, contracting officers were doing their jobs and VA was in fact not paying any fee to FedBid,” Mr. Gracey told The Times. He said she became so adamant that the meeting took a nasty turn. “I kind of interrupted and said, ‘Let’s all agree that it works for some things and not for others and not just argue,” Mr. Gracey said. In response to questions Wednesday, a FedBid spokesman provided a statement by email saying the company cooperated with the inspector general’s investigation and believes it took “appropriate actions” to protect its business. “Our company has always been transparent about its fee structure and the savings the FedBid marketplace can facilitate when buying commodity goods and simple services. It is important to point out, as our data demonstrates, that this report does not dispute that the FedBid marketplace stimulated competition that resulted in lower prices for VHA.” The VA inspector general’s report also revealed undue pressure on contracting decisions. A similar case surfaced last year when the General Services Administration inspector general released an audit detailing how top managers were overruling contracting officers on behalf of influential contractors. Brian Miller, a former GSA inspector general, said Wednesday that although the VA report raised troubling and serious questions, the news wasn’t all bad. “The good news coming out of the IG report is that at least one person stood up and did the right thing. A courageous senior procurement executive did the right thing and suffered for it,” Mr. Miller said. “Contracting officers at times need supervision, but when a supervisor is shilling for a particular contractor, it undermines the integrity of the whole process and sends the message to the public and the entire contracting community that influence can buy government contracts,” Mr. Miller said. FedBid’s advisers, employees and directors include Joe Jordan and Steve Kelman, both formerly in charge of the White House’s office of federal procurement policy. The company also relied on former Rep. Chet Edwards and retired Gen. George W. Casey Jr. to help lobby VA officials to overturn Mr. Frye’s reverse auction moratorium. Mr. Jordan was not named in the inspector general’s report. He left the White House in December while Congress and the Government Accountability Office were scrutinizing reverse auctions. Mr. Jordan oversaw federal procurement policy across the federal government. The Washington Times filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Office of Management and Budget seeking information on post-employment ethics rulings related to Mr. Jordan’s move, but the White House has yet to respond.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010030226/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/colorados-coffman-leads-on-veterans-issues,Colorado's Coffman leads on veterans' issues,2014-10-09,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"At first glance, the ongoing scandal at the Department of Veterans Affairs appears to be that rare bipartisan moment. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have fallen over each other to exclaim just how upset they are and how much they value the men and women who served in uniform. But for most of them, their strong words haven't translated into strong actions in support of veterans. That's why Colorado Congressman Mike Coffman deserves special praise. He identified and tried to fix the problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs well before it became politically popular. He was one of the original co-sponsors of the VA Management Accountability Act, legislation that served as a blueprint for the historic VA reform bill President Obama signed into law last month that empowers the VA secretary to fire failing VA executives and gives veterans a choice to seek private healthcare if they live too far from a VA facility or cannot receive timely care at a VA facility. His work is particularly important to the more than 390,000 veterans who call Colorado home. Right now, veterans in the state wait an average of 421 days for the VA to process their disability claims. The average new patient at the Grand Junction VA waits nearly 40 days to receive care. At the Denver VA, they wait an average of 45 days. These problems were present and persistent long before the current scandal made national headlines in April. As recently as December, the backlog for disability claims was as high as 700,000, with over half a million veterans waiting more than 125 days for the bureaucracy to process their paperwork. Some veterans waited years. Rep. Coffman has been working to reform the dysfunctional VA. As a member of the House's Committee on Veterans Affairs, he has held and participated in many hearings that focused on the VA's failure to give veterans the care we need. This leadership was on display from the moment the VA scandal broke in April. Rep. Coffman promptly held congressional hearings to get to the bottom of the crisis. Within a week, he called for the resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki—one of the first politicians in Washington to do so. He also helped craft the Veterans Access to Care Act, which would give veterans access to private health care facilities. This bill would help get veterans out of the failing VA system. Few things are as important considering that veterans are dying while on VA waiting lists. In light of his actions in support of veterans, Concerned Veterans for America publicly thanked Rep. Coffman for his actions in a television ad that aired last month. His peers and coworkers in Washington could take a page from his book. Since the VA scandal became the story of the summer, many politicians have done little more than issue press releases, make a few television appearances, and then use that material in their next fundraising email. They've feigned outrage but done nothing, while veterans languish and perish on the VA's waiting lists. But veterans remember who our friends are. If military service teaches you anything, it's the importance of looking out for those who have your back. Rep. Coffman likely learned that lesson himself during his time in the military—he's been there for us since before the VA scandal broke. Would that the rest of Washington would follow his example. Amanda Moore of Fort Collins is a Marine Corps veteran who served with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons 39 and 36 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010030256/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lawmaker-questions-va-exec-s-management-of-benefit-appeals,Lawmaker questions VA execs management of benefit appeals,2014-10-08,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"A House panel says the head of the VA���s Board of Veterans��� Appeals continues to mismanage the legal office and may have been ���untruthful��? in her sworn congressional testimony claiming improvements in processing vet appeals last month. Despite reassurances to lawmakers, Board Vice Chairman Laura Eskenazi appears to have still promoted unqualified attorneys, not properly advertised open job positions and created new employee positions that will not decrease the board���s growing backlog, according to Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo. Coffman, the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs oversight and investigations subcommittee, questioned whether Eskenazi could perform her job in a letter sent to VA Secretary Bob McDonald on Oct. 1, weeks after a department whistleblower also testified before the House about records manipulation and improperly delayed appeals cases by her and other board employees. The board is a relatively small legal department within the Department of Veterans Affairs that reviews vet appeals over benefits decisions. ���These actions call into question the credibility of Ms. Eskenazi���s leadership and whether she is taking the BVA down the right [path],��? Coffman wrote. ���I question her decision-making process, knowledge of the current backlog situation, foresight to [move] the BVA forward, and commitment to veterans to get cases decided in a timely manner. I simply question her abilities.��? The complaints over job performance come as the VA announced Tuesday that it is firing four top executives to root out misconduct and corruption in the wake of a national scandal over records manipulation and long wait times in its health care system. Over the summer, Congress passed a comprehensive reform bill that streamlines the firing and appeals process. Among Coffman���s claims against Eskenazi���s leadership: - The board���s 300,000-case backlog is increasing. - Board attorneys were promoted to positions they are not qualified for and positions were not advertised as required by law - Three part-time administrative law judge positions were created, but will be part-time and not be required to meet a quota of resolving 700 cases per year as part of the effort to decrease the backlog. - Eskenazi also added two chief judge positions to the board, though the judges are not required to meet the quota and so represent ���1,400 appeals that will go undecided in a year.��? Coffman asked the VA to explain the criteria for promoting attorneys and for Eskenazi to give a detailed description of her plans to reduce the large number of appeals yet to be decided. ���Ms. Eskenazi testified that morale at the BVA had increased, and she was working with all of the attorneys to discover new ways to process cases more efficiently,��? Coffman wrote. ���However, it appears that Ms. Eskenazi���s statements may not be wholly truthful and in fact actions are occurring that would effectively hurt veterans, as resources are not being fully utilized to make determinations in veterans��� appeals.��? Coffman issued a statement to Stars and Stripes Tuesday saying ���the testimony offered by Ms. Eskenazi before my subcommittee on Sept. 10 does not conform with the facts as we know them. My concerns are predicated on what seems to be a pattern of misleading testimony and public statements from VA officials in the past.��?���� The VA did not respond to questions Tuesday morning. A spokeswoman said the department is working on a response to Coffman. Last month, a whistleblower from the appeals board, Kelli Kordich, testified before the House subcommittee, saying Eskenazi and others manipulated records to hide overly long delays in deciding cases. Kordich testified that the vice chairman and head office staff shifted cases in a tracking system in 2012 to wipe evidence it had held some for months or longer. At least one case was held for over a year and Eskenazi personally delayed five appeals cases, she said. In response, Eskenazi told lawmakers that some appeals languished due to specific issues preventing a decision or because VA attorneys were overloaded with work. On Tuesday, Kordich, who remains on the BVA, told Stars and Stripes that Eskenazi has continued to deny dysfunction in the VA appeals process following the congressional hearing and the VA ���secretary has done nothing to rectify the situation at the board, which I assume prompted Congressman Coffman to compose this letter.��?",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010033442/http://coffman.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/adding-up-bonuses-for-va-officials-in-colorado,Adding up bonuses for VA officials in Colorado,2014-10-08,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Members of both political parties are calling for change after learning about bonuses awarded to local VA officials. 9Wants to Know obtained Veterans Affairs Department data showing that VA executives nationwide have received $23 million in bonuses since 2007. ""It seems to be in the Veterans Administration, if you are in leadership, as long as you have a pulse, you are going to get a bonus,"" said Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colorado). ""I think it's fundamentally wrong."" ""It's absolutely outrageous,"" said Andrew Romanoff, a Democrat challenging Coffman for his 6th District seat. The 6th District includes a new VA medical center that is now under construction. The head of the Denver VA, Lynette Roff, is near the top of the bonus list. She raked in nearly $110,000 over the past seven years. The Denver VA responded to 9Wants to Know's inquires with a statement saying Roff has met many challenges, including opening three new community clinics. The statement also said her total pay is below what she would earn in the private sector. At the same time, the VA is struggling to keep up with demand for veteran care. ""The VA is continuously saying we need more money; we need more money for more doctors; we need money for more nurses; we need money for computers. You've got money!"" said Jason Quick with Concerned Veterans for America Bonuses are based, in part, on how well hospitals reported that they met scheduling standards. The VA's Rocky Mountian Regional Director Ralph Gigliotti received $71,00 in bonuses over four years. He also faces disciplinary action after whistleblowers said appointment schedules in Fort Collins and Cheyenne were manipulated to make wait times appear shorter. A senate bill aims to claw back ill-gotten bonuses. ""I would take back these bonuses,"" Romanoff said. ""I would institute stricter accountability and oversight. Hold management responsible. Fire people who don't do their jobs."" ""If you are in public service, there has to be some feeling that you are doing a good job, because you are serving your country,"" said Coffman, who questioned whether the VA should be giving out bonuses at all.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010030323/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-coffman-honored-with-award-for-manufacturing-legislative-excellence,Rep. Coffman Honored with Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. The award is based on his votes in the 113th Congress on issues that are critical to manufacturing in the United States. “Manufacturers in Colorado and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “However, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. Coffman who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.” The largest manufacturing association in the United States, NAM represents small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.  Manufacturing employs nearly 12 million people and contributes more than $1.8 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. “Manufacturing jobs are essential to ensuring economic growth benefits the middle class. I will continue fighting hard to lower the cost of energy and cut job-killing regulations to help bring manufacturing jobs back to Colorado,” said Coffman, a member of the Small Business Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Key Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM’s Key Vote Advisory Committee. Additional information on the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010033510/http://coffman.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/dods-increasing-reliance-on-brass-is-a-sign-of-broader-problems,DOD's Increasing Reliance on Brass is a Sign of Broader Problems,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Pentagon is more top-heavy than ever before. How much does this bureaucratic bloat cost taxpayers? The Pentagon has no idea, and neither does the Government Accountability Office. Pentagon officials know they need more generals and admirals, they just can’t tell you why. Those are the conclusions from a GAO report released earlier this month. In 2011, I testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee and explained the problem, which I dubbed Star Creep—the Pentagon’s propensity to have generals and admirals (also known as Generals and Flag Officers, or GFO) fill positions once performed by lower-ranking officers. This has resulted in an unprecedentedly high ratio of generals and admirals to the troops they command. Third Way has repeatedly shown how this hinders military effectiveness and wastes money. The GAO study corroborated many of our findings, including: The number of generals and admirals increased by 8 percent from 2001 to 2013, while the enlisted ranks shrank by 2 percent; “The ratios of enlisted to non-GFO officers and enlisted to GFOs are both at their lowest levels since prior to 2001 (5:1 and 1,200:1, respectively).” Unfortunately, the study could not answer the burning question that we at Third Way and many members of Congress have: How much has this increasing top-heaviness at the Department of Defense cost American taxpayers? Reps. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), and Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) have all introduced legislation to combat Star Creep, but we still don’t have a full cost estimate “The full cost to DOD for active duty GFOs from fiscal years 2001 through 2013 is unknown because complete cost data were not available,” GAO said in the report. This is perhaps unsurprising given that the DOD is the only federal government agency that has yet to pass a full financial audit, ever. This is a major problem for an agency that is struggling to find savings at a time of declining defense budgets. How much extra money and resources could we provide to troops on the front lines—like those conducting airstrikes in Iraq and Syria—if we could right-size the back office? The DOD has no idea. Not only is the Pentagon incapable of calculating the cost of its generals and admirals, it also can’t honestly say how many of these top commanders it should employ. According to the GAO report, “DOD officials stated that there continues to be a need for more GFOs than are authorized by Congress, but added that the department has not comprehensively updated GFO requirements since 2003.” In other words, DOD officials want more generals and admirals, they just don’t know why because it’s been more than a decade since they determined how many generals and admirals they actually need. GAO provided a very obvious solution to the DOD’s problem: figure out how many generals and admirals are actually necessary before asking for more. The reasons for conducting such an analysis might seem obvious to anyone that’s ever been in a workplace that has to justify hiring and firing folks, but to make it perfectly clear to the department, the GAO report explains that it “would help the department ensure that resources are properly matched to the needs of today’s environment.” This is a no-brainer, as is the GAO’s other recommendation for the DOD to ensure it can actually track the full cost of its top commanders. Most importantly, these are ready-made proposals that can, and should, be put into law by the Senate, which can incorporate them in its version of the fiscal year 2015 DOD budget during the lame-duck session. In the current budget climate, Congress and the DOD must make sure we’re not sacrificing the front lines to pay for the back office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010033612/http://coffman.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/va-under-scrutiny-even-when-congress-is-out,VA Under Scrutiny Even When Congress is Out,2014-10-06,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congress is out of town in preparation for the November elections, but that hasn’t stopped lawmakers’ scrutiny of the Veterans Affairs operations in Washington, D.C. The department continues to take near daily criticism from elected officials and outside advocates over access and accountability issues. As re-election campaigns heat up, many are giving a national platform to local VA headaches, and promising changes throughout the system. Earlier this week, House Veterans Affairs oversight subcommittee chairman Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., demanded immediate action from top VA officials after reports that the department’s deputy chief procurement officer gave unfair financial advantages to an outside federal contractor with whom she was having an affair. In a letter to VA Secretary Bob McDonald, Coffman said the incident is just the latest example of “the morally bankrupt and ethically impaired culture that exists within the department.” Fellow committee member Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., petitioned the same federal officials this week to intervene in the case of an Indiana veteran who suffered a life-threatening blood clot after waiting months for a thorough medical appointment. Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., has stated that VA leadership promises for an independent audit of health care operations is taking too long. House Veterans Affairs Chairman Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., has said he wants investigators looking into data manipulation and fraud cases at VA regional facilities to also focus their attention on the department’s leadership, to see whether other top officials covered up systemic problems. Nearly all of the most senior VA officials have left since former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned from his post in May. But Miller and others have complained that those resignations may not have gone far enough to root out problem employees at the agency. Also this week, officials from Concerned Veterans of America launched their newest oversight effort, a “Fixing Veterans Health Care” task force designed to scrutinize not just current care problems but also examine alternative plans to overhaul the VA’s operations. The effort will be led by former Republican Senate Majority Leader William Frist, former Georgia Democratic congressman Jim Marshall, and former Undersecretary of Veterans Affairs for Health Mike Kussman. In a statement, Frist said VA’s “current inefficiencies and lack of transparency” are stopping veterans from getting the care they deserve. Pete Hegseth, chief executive officer for CVA, said the effort isn’t tied to any pre-election campaigning, but is designed to keep focus on reforming the department. He’s also hopeful the final report to be released in December can help influence next year’s incoming Congress. “We’re not excluding any ideas,” he said. “Our only litmus test is whether it improves veteran’s access to quality and timely care.” McDonald has promised a host of reforms and retaining throughout the department by Veterans Day in November, but has also publicly pledged to work with critics on find ways to fix operations and rebuild the department’s reputation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141004052649/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/coffman-blisters-white-house-to-bring-marine-sgt-andrew-tahmooressi-home,Coffman Calls on White House to Bring Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi Home from Mexico,2014-10-03,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Mike Coffman blistered the White House for not making greater efforts to bring Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi home from Mexico, where he has been detained since mistakenly crossing the border. ""It is unconscionable that the White House has not made greater efforts to see Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi brought home,"" said Congressman Mike Coffman. ""How can the White House justify negotiating with terrorists to release Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl but not pressuring the Mexican government to release Sgt. Tahmooressi?""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003023428/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-demands-action-on-va-fedbid-scandal,Congressman demands action on VA-FedBid scandal,2014-10-02,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"A prominent Republican representative on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs has called on VA Secretary Robert McDonald to explain what, if any, punitive action he plans to take against a former deputy chief procurement officer at the Veterans Health Administration who was found to have engaged in violations of federal procurement law and has called on the agency to evaluate whether the reverse auction company at the heart of the scandal, FedBid Inc., remains a “responsible contractor” under federal procurement law. In a letter sent Monday to McDonald, Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, details the findings of a VA inspector general report that uncovered an orchestrated campaign by FedBid executives to “assassinate” the character of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Logistics Jan Frye after he suspended the use of reverse auctions throughout the agency in 2012 and that found that Susan Taylor, VA’s deputy chief procurement officer at the Veterans Health Administration, abused her position and “improperly acted as an agent of FedBid in matters before the government.” “The sheer extent of the abuse of power undertaken by Ms. Taylor at VA alone should warrant her termination,” Coffman wrote. “It is apparent that Ms. Taylor is the personification of the morally bankrupt and ethically impaired culture that exists within the Department.” Coffman also wrote that the IG report substantiates that FedBid “was actively conspiring to defame an honorable public servant in an attempt to protect a friendly, corrupt bureaucrat and continue pushing a system of contracts that undercut fair competition. When coupling that with FedBid’s engagement in inherently governmental  functions, I would call upon VA to examine whether FedBid remains a ‘responsible contractor.’” Pressure from Coffman could spell trouble for both Taylor and FedBid. Although Taylor has reportedly been reassigned within VA, McDonald has pegged his tenure as the new VA secretary on a commitment to hold VA employees accountable and remain transparent about the steps the agency takes to ensure clear cases of wrongdoing are punished. For FedBid, a company backed by powerful financiers and a laundry list of former high-level government officials, the fallout could be even worse. The company supports 17 other federal agencies and departments. Although determinations of nonresponsibility are award-specific, analysts say it could set the stage for a broader look at FedBid Inc.’s business dealings with VA and even other agencies, which could lead to discussion about suspension or debarment for either the company or specific executives. According to the Congressional Research Service, decisions to exclude a vendor are made by agency heads or their designees “based upon evidence that contractors have committed certain integrity offenses, including any offenses indicating a lack of business integrity or honesty that seriously affect the present responsibility of a contractor.” A source at the VA Office of the Inspector General told FedScoop that FedBid’s previous statement that its reverse auction services “stimulated competition that resulted in lower prices for VHA” is not supported by the facts presented by another VA IG report issued on the same day as the report detailing the misdeeds of Taylor and other FedBid executives. According to the IG, that companion report, Review of the Veterans Health Administraion's Use of REverse Auction Acquisitions “addressed the contract itself and found that the cost savings were overstated and may have limited competition.” Lorraine Campos, a partner in the government contracts & grants team at the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Reed Smith, said federal agencies “ought to proceed with caution in touting savings from reverse auctions” in the wake of the VA IG reports. “While reverse auctions promise dramatic savings, such promises may only be smoke and mirrors,” Campos said. “Once transaction fees are factored in, the actual amount an agency saves may not be as dramatic as anticipated. Moreover, since reverse auctions only consider pricing, rather than value, agencies may not get the ‘bang for the buck’ through these mechanisms.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-welcomes-small-business-administrations-call-epa-withdraw-%E2%80%98waters-us%E2%80%99-rule,Tipton Welcomes Small Business Administration's Call for EPA to Withdraw Waters of the U.S. Rule,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) welcomed the announcement from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy that it submitted a comment calling for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw their controversial proposed rule to redefine ‘Waters of the United States’ under the Clean Water Act to include virtually every form of surface water. In a release today, SBA Advocacy stated that “the Agencies improperly certified the rule. Advocacy believes that the rule will have direct effects on small businesses and that these effects will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses,” and “Advocacy recommends that the Agencies withdraw the proposed rule and conduct a panel [to examine impacts] prior to re-proposing the rule.” “The U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized what we have been saying for months, that the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule could have a severe economic impact on those that rely on privately held water rights including ‘a substantial number of small businesses’, and should be withdrawn immediately,” said Tipton. “It is welcome news that the SBA is joining our call in Congress to stop this rule, and taking a stand for the American people and small businesses across the nation against this massive federal water grab. We will continue to do everything possible to stop this and all federal attempts to take and control privately held water rights, and protect Americans’ ability to access and utilize their private property and sustain their livelihoods.” Tipton has been a staunch opponent in Congress to the ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule since it was announced. In late July, Tipton asked EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe during a House Small Business Committee hearing to clarify exactly what water resources would be covered under the proposed rule. Perciasepe failed to clearly define what water would be impacted, adding to widespread concerns that the EPA is moving toward a massive federal water grab through expanded regulatory reach over virtually every form of surface water. Since coming to Congress, Tipton has led the charge in the House to protect private water rights from federal takings and interference. Tipton’s Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 3189) passed the House with bipartisan support and is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate. In September the House passed the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act (H.R. 5078), of which Tipton is a cosponsor, to prohibit the EPA and Army Corps from moving forward with the proposed ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003024524/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-coffman-calls-on-va-to-take-swift-action-against-susan-taylor,Rep. Coffman calls on VA to take swift action against Susan Taylor,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), the chairman of the Veterans Affairs subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, is pressing VA Secretary Bob McDonald to live up to his word and deal with wrongdoers swiftly. More specifically, Coffman wants to know what steps McDonald will take to address the allegations of procurement fraud, whistleblower retaliation, conflict of interest and lying to investigators the agency's inspector general highlighted in its recent report about Susan Taylor, the deputy chief procurement officer at the Veterans Health Administration and her dealings with FedBid, a reverse auction vendor. ""Based on investigations by this subcommittee and the VA OIG, it is apparent that Ms. Taylor is the personification of the morally bankrupt and ethically impaired culture that exists within the department,"" Coffman wrote in a letter to McDonald on Monday. ""You have made numerous statements that wrongdoers within the VA would be held appropriately accountable. This would seem a fitting case to make good on those statements. Astonishingly, the Department of Justice has declined to prosecute Ms. Taylor on at least one of the violations of federal law she was found to have engaged in by the OIG. Despite this unbelievable decision, I urge you to take swift action to hold Ms. Taylor accountable and to protect VA from the duplicitous behavior of its contractors."" He said the evidence reported by the IG should warrant Taylor's firing. Coffman asked McDonald to answer a series of questions by Oct. 17.   What administrative actions have been take, or will be taken, against Ms. Taylor for these pervasive violations?   The OIG Report substantiates that FedBid was actively conspiring to defame an honorable public servant in an attempt to protect a friendly, corrupt bureaucrat and continue pushing a system of contracts that undercut fair competition. When coupling that with FedBid's engagement in inherently governmental functions, I call up VA to examine whether FedBid remains a ""responsible contractor.""   Not only is Coffman asking McDonald to live up to his words, but also take advantage of the new law that gives the VA secretary more authority to deal with senior executives who have acted improperly. Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed into law on Aug. 7 the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014. ""If you engage in an unethical practice, if you cover up a serious problem, you should be fired. Period,"" Obama said during the signing of the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014. ""It shouldn't be that difficult. And if you blow the whistle on an unethical practice, or bring a problem to the attention of higher-ups, you should be thanked. You should be protected for doing the right thing. You shouldn't be ignored, and you certainly shouldn't be punished."" McDonald said during a press conference in September that there are more than 30 personnel actions already in the pipeline as part of the ongoing fallout of the veterans health scandal. But he's not focused just on firing people, but creating sustainable accountability. A VA spokeswoman said as of Sept. 29 Taylor still was employed at the department.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003024551/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/gop-lawmaker-says-va-full-of-pep-talks-and-empty-platitudes,GOP lawmaker says VA full of pep talks and empty platitudes,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) on Tuesday criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs for continuing to talk tough about employee discipline, but refusing to fire anyone involved in the VA health care scandal. Coffman wrote just a day after the VA announced it had settled three cases involving retaliation against VA workers who blew the whistle on corruption and shoddy practices at the VA heath center in Phoenix. While the VA said it doesn’t tolerate retaliation against whistleblowers, it gave no indication that it will actually fire or do anything else to discipline the retaliators. Conspicuously absent from the release is any announcement of actions to hold the managers who engaged in the retaliation accountable,” Coffman wrote to VA Secretary Robert McDonald. “While the release is another opportunity for you to tout your ICARE program, pep talks and empty platitudes will not change the culture of corruption that resulted in the national scheduling and patient death scandal,” Coffman added. “Action is needed to terminate from federal employment those officials who were involved in the data manipulation schemes and who tried to cover it up through retaliation against whistleblowers.” While Congress gave the VA secretary the authority to quickly remove employees who aren’t serving the VA’s mission, McDonald so far doesn’t appear to be willing to use that authority. Coffman asked that he do so without delay. “You were provided the necessary tools to expedite termination of senior officials for poor performance or misconduct,” he wrote. “It is time for you to use it.” However, that new authority applies only to senior officials at the VA, and therefore could only be used if senior officials were involved in retaliation against VA workers. While few if any VA employees have been fired, the VA continues to act as if it’s being tough. Last week, the VA said it was considering firing an employee who had already left for retirement the day before.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/elk-creek-elementary-school-new-castle-named-national-blue-ribbon-school,Elk Creek Elementary School in New Castle Named National Blue Ribbon School,2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) commended the teachers, students and staff of Elk Creek Elementary School in New Castle for being named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Only 337 public and private schools across the nation received the honor this year, which according to the Department is awarded to schools “for their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.” “We can all be incredibly proud of the accomplishments of Elk Creek Elementary School and of many of our schools across the 3rd District that are providing first-class educational opportunities to develop and prepare young minds for a lifetime of learning,” said Tipton. “Principle Lisa Pierce, the students and staff of Elk Creek have done an incredible job and put in a great deal of hard work to earn the coveted Blue Ribbon Award. The dedication of the teachers and staff is commendable, and students are fortunate to have them, and educators like them across the district, who go the extra mile every day to provide the next generation with opportunities, and critical tools and skills necessary to succeed.”   Elk Creek Elementary serves approximately 285 students from pre-school through fourth grade. Learn more about the school HERE. Background courtesy of the U.S. Department of Education: The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Every year the U. S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. More than 7,500 of schools across the country have been presented with this coveted award. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning.  At the invitation of Secretary Duncan, two representatives from each school are invited to Washington, DC for the November 10 and 11 Recognition Ceremony, where each school will receive a National Blue Ribbon Schools plaque and a flag to signify its status.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003033430/http://coffman.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/rep-lamborn-decried-for-urging-generals-to-quit,Rep. Lamborn Decried for Urging Generals to Quit,2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"A Republican congressman from Colorado was not trying to undermine President Barack Obama's military actions in the Middle East by urging generals who disagreed with the president to resign ""in a blaze of glory,"" a spokesman said Monday. U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn made the remarks last week in response to a question at a small gathering in Colorado Springs. One man urged Lamborn to support generals given ""the Muslim Brotherhood in the White House"" — a comparison of the president to the Islamic group that briefly ran Egypt until this year's coup. ""A lot of us are talking to the generals behind the scenes, saying, 'Hey, if you disagree with the policy the White House has given you, let's have a resignation,'"" Lamborn said. ""You know, let's have a public resignation, and state your protest, and go out in a blaze of glory."" The remarks, made as the military stepped up its campaign against the Islamic State militant group that has seized parts of Syria and Iraq, drew quick condemnation from Democrats and others when a recording circulated late last week. Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Irv Halter, the Democrat challenging Lamborn in November, said it was ""inappropriate for Rep. Lamborn to politicize the military for his own gain."" Fellow Colorado Republican Rep. Mike Coffman, who like Lamborn sits on the House Armed Services committee that oversees the Pentagon, tweeted Sunday night that ""as a Marine combat veteran, I know to keep my politics off the battlefield."" Jarred Rego, a spokesman for Lamborn's re-election campaign, said Monday that the remarks had been misinterpreted. He said the congressman was referencing prior occasions, such as the repeal of ""don't ask, don't tell"" policy or budget cuts, ""where generals and admirals approached members of Congress and expressed serious disagreement."" Rego said there have been no such recent discussions and that Lamborn supports Obama's campaign against Islamic militants in Syria and Iraq.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003033445/http://coffman.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/gsa-to-examine-va-lease-contracts-after-collapse-of-butler-twp-deal,GSA to examine VA lease contracts after collapse of Butler Twp. deal,2014-09-29,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Department of Veterans Affairs has added another layer of oversight into how lease contracts are awarded after the deal for the planned outpatient health care center project in Butler Township fell apart, the VA said. The General Services Administration is now looking at all leases, “regardless of the size or scope ... for review and delegation,” VA spokeswoman Genevieve Billia said. Westar Development Co. beat out five other companies in May 2012 to build the $75 million outpatient center, which would earn it an average of $7.6 million annually renting it back to the VA over 20 years. The project collapsed after the VA Inspector General's office became concerned that Westar had misrepresented itself during the bidding process, including claiming it was veteran-owned, and may have had ties to a businessman who was sentenced to federal prison on racketeering, bribery and fraud charges unrelated to the Butler project. Westar officials denied any wrongdoing in the bidding process. The Inspector General questioned whether the VA properly investigated whether Westar was a responsible vendor, according to a memo from the financial watchdog agency. The VA stopped work on the project on June 21, 2013, and on Aug. 19, 2013, terminated the Westar lease. The VA said last year that it would award another bid, using other bids previously submitted, and hoped to grant a lease and development contract in the spring. However, the VA has not announced a developer or site for the project. Billia said both would be picked at the same time. “These changes (in the bidding process) may extend the typical leasing time lines as the VA is working with GSA on a project-to-project basis,” Billia said. The GSA did not return messages seeking comment. Earlier this month, representatives of Pittsburgh-based Oxford Development told Butler Township commissioners the company has an option to buy the nearly 16-acre Deshon Woods site adjacent to the VA's Butler Township campus, where Westar had planned to build the outpatient center. If Oxford isn't picked to build the facility, the company said, it won't buy the land from Westar. “The fact that we're still having a conversation about this could be a positive sign that the project's still alive,” said Ken Kalberer, health systems specialist for the VA Butler Healthcare campus. “I'm looking at this as a positive thing for our veterans.” The delays haven't changed the local VA's strategy of addressing immediate safety and maintenance issues at the more-than-75-year-old building a new outpatient center would replace, Kalberer said. Maintenance and upkeep would not include any major renovations or expansion while the local VA awaits word about the outpatient center. Rep. Mike Kelly, a Butler Republican, said he's working with fellow Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., on plans to hold a hearing in the Butler region on the problems with awarding the lease. Coffman sits on the House Committee for Veterans Affairs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-urges-nps-listen-community-colorado-national-monument-roads,Tipton Urges NPS to Listen to Community on Colorado National Monument Roads,2014-09-24,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"GRAND JUNCTION, CO—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) urged the National Park Service (NPS) to heed the community’s input as it holds a series of public meetings regarding the transportation of materials to and from Glade Park over portions of the Colorado National Monument. “The transport of fuel and other materials to and from Glade Park is vital for the livelihoods of many Mesa County residents, and has been done safely over the Monument for many years,” said Tipton. “The National Park Service’s actions earlier this year to unilaterally close down the transport of critical materials over the Monument to Glade Park without any opportunity for community input was inappropriate and overreaching. I strongly encourage Superintendent Eckert and the National Park Service to truly take into account the comments received, listen to the community on this important matter, and not just check a procedural box with these public meetings.” The NPS recently announced that it will hold public meetings this month in Fruita, Grand Junction and Glade Park to gather input on transportation issues over the Monument related to “vehicle size, cargo, speed and other traffic concerns.” In June, Tipton sent a letter to Colorado National Monument Superintendent Lisa Eckert and Chief Ranger Mark Davidson, on their unilateral action at the time to close Monument Road to the transport of hazardous materials, including fuel vital for Glade Park residents. Shortly after, the NPS backed down and announced that it would hold public meetings on the issue prior to making any final determinations. Tipton called the unilateral closure “deeply concerning,” and noted that it would “result in detrimental impacts on the community of Glade Park as well as Mesa County.” Read the letter HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/deadline-approaching-2015-service-academy-nomination-applications,Deadline Approaching for 2015 Service Academy Nomination Applications,2014-09-23,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton’s (CO-03) office is currently accepting applications from students who are interested in attending a United States Service Academy in 2015. Each year members of Congress are able to nominate a limited number of people from their districts to the U.S. Service Academies—including the Air Force, West Point, Annapolis and Merchant Marine. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Congressman Tipton nominated 22 students from the 3rd Congressional District in 2014 to U.S. Service Academies. The students selected met and exceeded the stringent requirements of the respective academy and of Tipton’s office. Students that applied were required to submit an essay, test scores, an application, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and complete an in-person interview before a panel in order to be considered. Interested students, who meet the minimum Service Academy eligibility requirements (which can be found HERE), can download an application HERE. The deadline for applications is October 6, and students should submit their information to Brian McCain with Tipton’s office at Brian.McCain@mail.house.gov or (719) 542-1073.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/column-hermosa-creek-bill-win-win-community,Column: Hermosa Creek Bill Is a Win-Win for the Community,2014-09-22,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"By U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton When I introduced the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act in May of last year, I did so because the effort was community-driven and the goals outlined in it—protecting both the land and multiple use of the land for future generations—were fully supported by a broad coalition of local stakeholders. As we worked in the House to advance this legislation, it became clear that some of the language in the initial draft needed to be clarified to ensure that those community goals would be carried out, without the risk of misinterpretation once the bill became law. After the conclusion of the community stakeholder process and introduction of the bill in the House, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the imminent closure of the Molas Pass Wilderness Study Area (WSA) adjacent to Hermosa to all motorized usage, based on changes in BLM management of WSA areas.  This closure would result in the loss of several snowmobile rental businesses based on Molas Pass, and would be devastating to the local economy. There was no support for the closure of Molas Pass, even from traditional opponents of motorized recreation, due to the long history of motorized usage and heavy reliance of the economies of local communities on winter motorized usage of the area. Yet, the BLM subsequently released a final Resource Management Plan for the area identifying Molas Pass as currently closed to motorized usage under all alternatives, and committed to permanent closure of the area to dispersed snowmobile usage and permitted grooming. As a result of the BLM’s actions, the language in the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act would need to be clarified and strengthened in order to ensure that there would be no ambiguity for federal land management agencies to close down the area to snowmobiling, as the BLM intends to do against the community’s wishes.  We worked with the impacted community stakeholders to craft an amendment to ensure this legislation still accomplishes all of the stakeholders’ original goals and that there would be no question of the bill’s intent. This amendment, supported by stakeholders who helped craft the original bill, in no way changed the outcome of the legislation’s goals agreed upon by all of those who have been engaged throughout this entire process. After the markup of the legislation, Scott Jones of the Colorado Snowmobile Association spoke to the clarifying amendment, saying, “The revised bill is critical to the protection of snowmobile usage on Molas pass as the original version of the legislation, drafted in May of 2013 fails to address management changes arbitrarily made by the BLM in their planning process and not released to the public until September of 2013.  This amended bill is a win-win for conservationists, recreationalists, the businesses and the entire community and we remain fully supportive.” It’s important to note that leading up to the bill’s introduction, the portion of the legislation that was community-driven pertained to the protection of the Hermosa Creek Watershed area. Under the amended version of the bill, all of the major wilderness and conservation provisions remain intact. The bill designates 37,735 acres of wilderness (an increase of 499 acres from the original version), and 68,289 acres under special management protections. The land conservation protections in the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act are iron-clad, and now under the amended version the language for limited recreational access is equally strong, and no longer open to misinterpretation or arbitrary land management decisions of regional BLM officials.  For those who want permanent wilderness and land protections—they are in the bill. And for those who want continued responsible multiple use of the land—they are in there too. This is a win-win for all involved, and all community groups get everything they wanted from the very beginning. Because of how critical this issue is to the economic health and future of communities in the region, we believed that it was important to do everything possible to advance the bill, which is why we aggressively pushed to get it through committee, and will continue to work to get it through the House. We are hopeful that Senator Bennet is able to do the same in the Senate. This week’s markup is not the end of the process or conversation, nor will House passage be. Once we have bills passed through both the House and Senate, should there be any differences, we can come together in conference to work them out and get this signed into law for the people of Southwest Colorado.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919223843/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/finish-reform-in-va-debacle,Finish reform in VA debacle,2014-09-19,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Earlier this year, Congress passed a measure that will cost $17 billion over 10 years to address unconscionable delays in treatment at medical facilities run by the Department of Veterans Affairs. End of story? Hardly. The VA is still fumbling major construction projects, including in Aurora, where the cost overrun for a new hospital is catastrophic, escalating from a $600 million estimate to $1 billion — and delays almost equally staggering. Fortunately, the means of addressing these fiascos is at hand. On Tuesday, the House passed with bipartisan support the Construction Assistance Act, which would impose reforms on the VA recommended by the Government Accountability Office. Now it's up to the Senate to rise to the occasion and get this bill passed into law. It's important for the country and for Colorado. The bill is the work of Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., and a Democratic colleague from Arizona, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, who serves with him on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. And it has one important twist that isn't a specific recommendation by the GAO. It would put an emergency manager from the Army Corps of Engineers in charge of troubled projects in Aurora, New Orleans and Orlando. As Coffman points out, the GAO singled out the Corps for its ability to build projects of a similar scale on time and within budget. And since it's painfully apparent that the scope of the Aurora hospital has the VA flummoxed, with the agency mired in litigation with the general contractor, it's time to bring in the A-Team. Sure, the Construction Assistance Act will cost money — but at most $3 million over five years. That's a pittance compared to the earlier VA reform bill, not to mention the massive cost overruns in construction that this legislation is geared to stop.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919231301/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/coffman-statement-on-ndaa-conference-committee-negotiations,Coffman Statement on NDAA Conference Committee Negotiations,2014-09-19,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Today, U.S. Representative Mike Coffman (R-CO) made the following statement regarding his appointment to serve on the Conference Committee for the FY15 National Defense Authorization Act:  ""As a Marine Corps combat veteran, I am honored to have been named as a House negotiator on the annual defense policy bill and will work hard to ensure Congress does not break in December without sending a final bill to the President’s desk,"" said Mike Coffman. ""I will work hard to ensure the next NDAA continues Congresswoman Jackie Speier and my efforts to expand protections for victims of sexual assault. We must end the scourge of sexual assault that is plaguing our armed forces."" ""My focus will also be on strengthening our nation's military while slashing the bureaucratic bloat and wasteful spending that riddles the Pentagon.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-committee-advances-tipton%E2%80%99s-hermosa-creek-bill,House Committee Advances Tiptons Hermosa Creek Bill,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources advanced with bipartisan support Congressman Scott Tipton’s (CO-03) legislation to protect the Hermosa Creek Watershed during a markup. The bill seeks to protect the Hermosa Creek Watershed as well as protect multiple use of the land. In order to move the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act through the House Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Tipton proposed an amendment to ensure that the stakeholders’ agreed upon intent for the legislation is followed and that there is no ambiguity for future misinterpretation. A major factor behind the need for the clarification amendment came about when, after the conclusion of the community stakeholder process and introduction of the bill in the House, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the imminent closure of the Molas Pass Wilderness Study Area (WSA) adjacent to Hermosa to all motorized usage, based on changes in BLM management of WSA areas.  The BLM subsequently released a final Resource Management Plan for the area identifying Molas Pass as currently closed to motorized usage under all alternatives, and committed to permanent closure of the Molas Pass area to dispersed snowmobile usage and permitted grooming. ""The minor amendments were supported by stakeholders who helped craft the original bill, and in no way have changed the outcome of the legislation’s goals agreed upon by all of those who have been engaged throughout this entire process. The amendments ensure balanced protections for both the land and responsible multiple use of the land, as agreed upon by all community stakeholders from the onset. All of the major wilderness and conservation provisions remain intact—in fact, the acreage of protected areas actually increased by 499,” said Tipton. “Ultimately, because of how critical this issue is to the economic health and future of communities in the region, it is important to do everything possible to move it through the House of Representatives, and we are hopeful that Senator Bennet is able to do the same in the Senate. Today’s markup is not the end of the process or conversation, nor is House passage. Once we have bills passed through both the House and Senate, should there be any differences, we can come together in conference to work them out and get this signed into law for the people of Southwest Colorado.” It’s important to note that leading up to the bill’s introduction, the portion of the legislation that was community-driven pertained to the protection of the Hermosa Creek Watershed area. Under the amended version of the bill, all of the major wilderness and conservation provisions remain intact. The bill designates 37,735 acres of wilderness (an increase of 499 acres from the original version), and 68,289 acres under special management protections. “We applaud Congressman Tipton’s leadership on this bill and his willingness to continue to work with the community to ensure that the end product fully meets the goals agreed upon by the coalition,” said Scott Jones, Vice President of the Colorado Snowmobile Association. “The revised bill is critical to the protection of snowmobile usage on Molas pass as the original version of the legislation, drafted in May of 2013 fails to address management changes arbitrarily made by the BLM in their planning process and not released to the public until September of 2013.  This amended bill is a win-win for conservationists, recreationalists, the businesses and the entire community and we remain fully supportive. “I commend Congressman Tipton on his hard work to advance this important legislation.  Carefully weighing the needs of his constituents and the potential impacts of inaction, he brokered a compromise that delivers economic certainty for the Silverton community while protecting both recreation and wilderness. His balanced proposal ensures that both conservation and recreation advocates win.  Congressman Tipton has worked overtime to facilitate moving this bill forward on behalf of the people he represents,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-two-tipton-jobs-bills,House Passes Two Tipton Jobs Bills,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two jobs packages with bipartisan support that include Rep. Scott Tipton’s (R-CO)  legislation to increase responsible all-of-the-above energy production and healthy forest management. “American families are facing higher costs for groceries, energy bills and gas at the pump. Further, in Colorado and throughout the West we have seen forests, homes and livelihoods destroyed by destructive wildfires resulting from a lack of proactive forest management on public lands. Americans need solutions now. The House has continuously worked to identify and pass solutions to put Americans back to work, to lower energy costs for businesses and families, and to get our federally-managed public lands under control,” Tipton said. “My two bills, the Healthy Forest Management Act and the Planning for American Energy Act, address critical issues, will help grow the economy, and create needed jobs. I urge the Senate to join us in taking action and vote on these critical bills.” The American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act (H.R. 2) included Tipton’s Planning for American Energy Act (H.R. 1394), which would unleash the potential for thousands of new jobs as well as establish reliable, affordable and secure sources of American energy, without removing a single environmental regulation.  The Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4) included Tipton’s Healthy Forest Management Act (H.R. 818), which would give states, tribes and local governments more say in forest management decisions to mitigate hazardous conditions on public lands that lead to devastating wildfires.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919062331/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-passes-va-hospital-bill-sponsored-by-mike-coffman,House passes VA hospital bill sponsored by Mike Coffman,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The U.S. House passed a bill aimed at reining in overruns and speeding construction on Veterans Affairs hospital projects Monday night in a unanimous voice vote, U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman’s office said. Coffman sponsored the bill after conducting hearings into overruns on several major projects, including a new VA hospital in Aurora. Next the bill heads to the Senate, but consideration there likely will come after a month-long congressional recess that begins at the end of the week. “Once passed into law, this legislation will help get our veterans the healthcare services they have earned,” Coffman said in a statement from his congressional office. He’s running for re-election this fall against Democrat Andrew Romanoff. The bipartisan bill would set the stage for emergency managers from the Army Corps of Engineers to provide oversight of each of three projects and would make other changes focused on streamlining the change-order process. Besides Aurora, the other affected hospital projects are in New Orleans and Orlando.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140919062410/http://coffman.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-evidence-va-inspector-general-made-false-report-on-veteran-deaths-in,NEW EVIDENCE: VA Inspector General Made False Report on Veteran Deaths In Phoenix,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Mike Coffman,C001077,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of Veterans Affairs briefed congressional staff with numbers on veteran deaths in Phoenix that were much higher than the ones included in the official OIG report. New evidence obtained by The Daily Caller further discredits a widely-publicized OIG report which stated that no conclusive evidence can prove that exam delays from secret waiting lists at the Phoenix VA Medical Center caused veteran deaths. VA leaked the somewhat-favorable OIG report to the press before it was published. But OIG staff did a veritable 180-degree turn at a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing Wednesday. Assistant Inspector General for Healthcare Inspections Scott Daigh admitted that he could not conclusively assert that wait lists did not contribute to veteran deaths, that he did not include that information in the OIG report, and that secret wait lists did, in fact, contribute to veteran deaths. OIG also admitted that it did not review all veteran case files to look for instances of delayed care resulting in  death. “We don’t know how they died or why. Nor do you,” VA Acting Inspector General Richard J. Griffin snapped at Rep. Mike Coffman during one divisive point in the hearing. Prior to the hearing, OIG briefed congressional staff with numbers on veteran deaths that differed significantly from the ones presented in the report. OIG slides shown to Capitol Hill staff, obtained by TheDC, showed that 293 Phoenix-area veterans died while awaiting care on official and unofficial lists. But the OIG report said merely that “up to 40″ veterans may have died, and did not mention any deaths beyond 40. The slides also report that 44 patients died while on the VA’s electronic waiting list (EWL). But the OIG report only mentioned 40 EWL deaths at Phoenix, identifying the patients as those “who died while on the EWL during the period April 2013 through April 2014.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/fcc-chairman-commits-work-tipton-four-corners-tv-access,FCC Chairman Commits to Work with Tipton on Four Corners TV Access,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Thomas Wheeler pledged to work with Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) to resolve the issues preventing Southwest Colorado residents from being able to receive Colorado television broadcasts. Tipton had received a similar commitment from former FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski prior to his departure. During the hearing, Tipton asked Wheeler if he would work with his office to get Colorado TV broadcasts to La Plata and Montezuma Counties. “I understand the issue, and I’d like to be helpful in it to the extent that it’s possible,” Wheeler said. “I appreciate that. Your predecessor had indicated that he would be willing to work with us to resolve these issues. We were not able to get in touch with his office even though we tried. So, you’re making a commitment to us that you are willing to work with us to be able to address these very credible concerns in our district?” Tipton followed up. “Mr. Tipton, the day you call, I will get back to you posthaste,” said Wheeler. Tipton, who lives in Cortez, has held numerous meetings with the FCC and broadcasters on the issue, and is currently working on legislation in the House with Congressman Cory Gardner to bring Colorado broadcasts to the residents of Southwest Colorado. In the 112th Congress, Tipton introduced a bill in the House as a companion to Senator Michael Bennet’s (D-CO) Senate bill, though this year Sens. Bennet and Mark Udall (D-CO) discarded bipartisanship and excluded the House in their efforts, instead opting to politicize the issue during an election year. “This shouldn’t be a partisan issue, as the senators have recently tried to make it. In the House we are working on a deliberate way forward to resolve the Four Corners TV issue once and for all by improving upon previous legislation and incorporating information and feedback gained through numerous meetings with stakeholders to ensure that residents in Southwest Colorado will have access to emergency broadcasts, news, weather, sports and other programming from their home state,” said Tipton. “With Chairman Wheeler’s commitment to do all he can to help get Colorado TV to the Four Corners area, we hope that the Senators will put partisanship aside and work with us to actually solve this for the people of Southwest Colorado.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/nfib-recognizes-tipton%E2%80%99s-work-behalf-small-businesses,NFIB Recognizes Tiptons Work on Behalf of Small Businesses,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Congressman Tipton with NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner) WASHINGTON—Today, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) recognized Congressman Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) work in the 113th Congress on behalf of small business issues and economic growth with the Guardian of Small Business Award. NFIB is comprised of over 350,000 small and independent business owners across the nation. “The importance of small business to the health of our nation’s economy cannot be overstated. When small businesses are able to succeed, we see prosperity and innovation across the entire nation. When this happens—when our economy is free to function as it is intended to—everybody has the opportunity to work and strive to achieve the American Dream,” said Tipton. “That’s why we’ve been fighting hard in the House of Representatives to curb the tide of overregulation we’ve seen come out of Washington that inhibits small business growth. We will continue to work to improve the economic climate in this country so that small businesses can have the opportunity to do what they do best—create jobs and strengthen our communities.” Tipton, who owned and operated a small business for over 30 years, is a member of the House Small Business Committee and serves as chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade. He is the co-founder of the Congressional Small Business Caucus, which includes over 90 bipartisan members, and is dedicated to advancing efforts to foster the economic certainty needed for small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed and create jobs. According to the NFIB scorecard, Tipton voted in favor of key small business issues 100% of the time. “The record shows that Rep. Tipton is a true champion of small business, supporting the votes that matter in the 113th Congress,” said NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner. “This award reflects our members’ appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business.” Next Monday, September 22, two of the nation’s most prominent economists will be joined by Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) for a Small Business Economic Road Show in Grand Junction.  Tipton will provide opening remarks before Wayne Best of Visa, Inc. and William Dunkelberg of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) present attendees with the latest economic data targeted to small-business owners. Learn more HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-federal-reserve-needs-greater-transparency,Tipton: The Federal Reserve Needs Greater Transparency,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted to pass legislation to require the Comptroller General to conduct a full audit of the Federal Reserve. Tipton is a cosponsor of the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2013 (H.R. 24), which passed with strong bipartisan support. “It’s alarming that under the current law, the entity that is responsible for setting the monetary policy for the United States of America isn’t subject to full oversight,” said Tipton. “Greater transparency and accountability at the Federal Reserve is long overdue. The legislation we passed today in the House takes commonsense steps to require the Comptroller General to conduct a full accounting of the Federal Reserve’s dealings, and ensure that the Bank is accountable to the American people.” Background courtesy of House GOP Conference: H.R. 24 requires the Comptroller General to complete an audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Banks within 12 months of the bill’s enactment.  Moreover, it requires the Comptroller General to submit to Congress, within 90 days of audit completion, a detailed report of audit findings and conclusions.  Finally, it repeals certain limitations placed upon such an audit.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/tipton-schedule-hearings-and-votes-house-week,Tipton schedule: Hearings and votes in the House this week,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"For the week of September 15-19,  the following is a list of noteworthy hearings, and scheduled votes on legislation introduced or co-sponsored by Congressman Tipton this week in the House: Hearings: On Wednesday, September 17, beginning at 11:00 AM (MT) Congressman Tipton will participate in a House Small Business Committee hearing featuring FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler. Tipton plans to question Wheeler on getting Colorado TV access in La Plata and Montezuma Counties. More info and live stream here: https://smallbusiness.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=384431 Votes on Congressman Tipton’s legislation in the House this week (exact timing TBD): The House is expected to vote on H.R. 2, the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act, which includes Congressman Tipton’s Planning for American Energy Act (H.R. 1394), as early as Thursday, September 18.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/top-economists-coming-grand-junction-small-business-economic-road-show,Top Economists Coming to Grand Junction for Small Business Economic Road Show,2014-09-12,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"GRAND JUNCTION, CO—Two of the nation’s most prominent economists will be joined by Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) for a Small Business Economic Road Show in Grand Junction on Monday, September 22.  Tipton will provide opening remarks before Wayne Best of Visa, Inc. and William Dunkelberg of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) present attendees with the latest economic data targeted to small-business owners. The dinner presentation, hosted by NFIB and Visa, is open to all business owners, business students and entrepreneurs in the region at no cost with an RSVP. RSVPs can be made online or by fax through the NFIB/Colorado website at www.nfib.com/colorado. ‘It’s not often that two of the nation’s top economists come to Western Colorado to discuss small business trends and issues. For small business owners, students, entrepreneurs and those involved in economic development in the community, this is an incredible opportunity to gain valuable insight and ideas that could be very beneficial to the region’s economy,” said Tipton.  Small Business Economic Roadshow Details Date: Monday, September 22, 2014 Time: 5 p.m. Reception, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dinner/Program Location: University Center (Ballroom), Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction RSVP: To attend the Roadshow please RSPV online or by fax through the NFIB/Colorado website at www.nfib.com/colorado. Congressman Tipton is the Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade. He is the co-founder of the Congressional Small Business Caucus, which has grown to include over 90 bipartisan members dedicated to advancing efforts to foster the economic certainty needed for small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed and create jobs. Learn more about the Congressional Small Business Caucus here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-questions-agency-heads-issues-critical-colorado,Tipton Questions Agency Heads on Issues Critical to Colorado,2014-09-10,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Director Ashe gives cause for optimism on sage grouse WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) sought clarity from Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell and Fish and Wildlife Director Dan Ashe on water rights and sage grouse during a pair of hearings today in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees. In the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry, Tipton pressed Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell for clarification on whether the agency is going to require the transfer of private water rights or inhibit the ability to use those rights under the proposed Groundwater Directive. Tidwell stated that while the outright transfer of rights would not be required, the Forest Service still planned to require that water uses be tied to the land as a means to ensure that rights were not improperly transferred by permittees—this despite Tidwell’s own admission that there has never been a case where water rights have been improperly sold off or transferred. When the federal government strips away the ability to control private water rights—as Tidwell is suggesting—it’s a violation of state water law and the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, the text of the Groundwater Directive instructs Forest Service employees to take actions that violate state law, the U.S. Constitution, and private property rights.[1] “While Chief Tidwell continues to claim that the Forest Service is working to respect state water law and water rights, the Agency is moving forward with a Groundwater Directive, and other policies, that essentially tell the holders of these rights, ‘okay, you can keep the title to the water right, but you can’t decide how you want use your water—that’s now under the control of the federal government,’” said Tipton. “It’s deeply disturbing that this Administration continues to say one thing on water rights, while consistently identifying and attempting to implement policies to gain control of the private water rights and blatantly violate long-held state water law and priority-based systems. The Forest Service could at least be honest about it—call it the taking that it is, but don’t try to hoodwink those who are facing a loss of their water rights, livelihood and private property. Water users need certainty, and they need a line of defense against the federal government’s repeated attempts to infringe on their water rights, which is provided in H.R. 3189. I urge my colleagues over in the Senate to pay attention to what’s going on here, and take up this bill.” Tipton passed legislation through the House with bipartisan support to protect water rights by prohibiting the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior from taking or infringing on private water rights without compensation, including through conditional use of permit. Learn more HERE. In the House Committee on Natural Resources, Tipton questioned Fish and Wildlife Service Director Ashe on a potential Endangered Species listing of the Greater Sage Grouse. Once more, Ashe had no information for Tipton when asked about if the Agency had yet identified a species recovery goal for the grouse. However, there was some room for optimism at the hearing when, in response to questions from Tipton on what the Director learned when he visited Craig, CO earlier this year to survey the efforts underway to protect the grouse, Ashe replied that, “We saw great people, landowners that are great stewards of the land, working cooperatively with our people on the ground, and with great support from USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the State of Colorado. I saw really the kind of partnership and cooperative approach that it takes to conserve a bird like the sage grouse, which is why I can be optimistic that we have the chance to get to a ‘not warranted determination’ on the sage grouse. Because we’ve got the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the USDA, all 11 states working collaboratively on that effort, so it really is an unprecedented level of effort that’s going on.” “It’s incredibly frustrating that despite numerous requests from my office, and from local stakeholders, the Interior Department and Fish and Wildlife Service still have no measurable species conservation goal to work toward. Meanwhile state and local efforts have been underway for some time to preserve and recover the species, but without a measurable recovery goal. How do we know what constitutes recovery if the federal government won’t give us the information we need in order to reach the goal?” said Tipton. “I do want to commend Director Ashe for his positive comments today on the efforts underway in Colorado on the sage grouse, and agree with him that what state and local stakeholders are doing is truly unprecedented. I trust that Director Ashe’s comments were sincere and that we will be able to work together to achieve a ‘not warranted determination’ for the sage grouse.” [1] Specifically, the directive requires that “monitoring and mitigation appropriate to the scale and nature of potential effects is conducted, evaluated, and reported when authorizing a proposed use or Forest Service activity that has a significant potential to adversely affect NFS groundwater resources,” and that the Forest Service “Consider the effects of proposed actions on groundwater quantity, quality, and timing prior to approving a proposed use or implementing a Forest Service Activity.” 2560.03(4)(a)(d).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton%E2%80%99s-bill-increase-transparency-public-land-transfers-gets-hearing-endorsement-blm,"Tiptons Bill to Increase Transparency in Public Land Transfers Gets Hearing, Endorsement by BLM Witness",2014-09-09,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton’s (CO-03) legislation to increase transparency in public land transfers received a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation today. Tipton’s bill seeks to improve the transparency, oversight and notification of land exchanges involving U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands or public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Jose Lopez, a rancher and President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, testified in a July hearing that he had received no notification when BLM began buying-up and locking-down lands surrounding his property. The BLM’s land transfers resulted in the decrease of his property value and loss of his ability to utilize his land.  In his conversations with the local BLM, he learned that normally the BLM does not notify the adjoining landowners when they make agreements with certain nonprofits and others. Lopez stated, “If I had known about this before this happened we could have come to some agreement in doing a land exchange or something like that that would have benefited both of us.  It’s usually a hush-hush deal. They don’t want anybody to know what they’re doing, and so when I found out about all of these things it was after the fact.” Under the status quo, Mr. Lopez and many others have seen the value of their land plummet following land transfers, as the BLM views these pieces of land as ‘inholdings.’   During today’s hearing, when asked by Tipton if the BLM supports his bill, Karen Mouritsen, Deputy Assistant Director for Energy, Minerals and Realty Management at BLM, responded, “Yes, we do support the intentions of this legislation.” “Of all people affected by the BLM's land exchanges, adjacent landowners have the most to lose.  Loss of property values and land use patterns are certain risks.  Anyone thinking of buying property near public land, or already owning it, needs to be fully informed about the BLM's intentions to sell or exchange the land surrounding it,” said Tipton. “H.R. 5074 speaks to something that Coloradans and Westerners have experienced for far too long—federal land management agency secrecy. It seems to be commonsense that impacted landowners receive proper advance notification whenever the federal government is involved in a land exchange. This will increase accountability and transparency in federal land transactions and give affected neighboring landowners an opportunity to take action to protect their livelihoods.” Additional background on H.R. 5074 is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-stop-epa-water-taking,Tipton Votes to Stop EPA Water Taking,2014-09-09,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation co-sponsored by Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) to protect water rights by prohibiting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers from moving forward with its controversial ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule. In late July, Tipton asked EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe during a House Small Business Committee hearing to clarify exactly what water resources would be covered under the proposed rule. Perciasepe failed to clearly define what water would be impacted, adding to widespread concerns that the EPA is moving toward a massive federal water grab through expanded regulatory reach over virtually every form of surface water. “The EPA’s proposed rule to redefine ‘Waters of the U.S.’ is causing shockwaves throughout the West, where countless Americans who rely on private water rights for their livelihoods and for the health and wellbeing of their communities are facing a gross federal overreach that jeopardizes their access to those rights and discards long-held state water law that protects them,” said Tipton. “We took action today in the House to defend private property and the rights of Americans to access and sustain a clean and reliable water supply without federal interference. I call upon the Senate to ignore the President’s veto threat, and join us in standing up for the American people over Washington bureaucrats.” Tipton has led the charge in the House to protect private water rights from federal takings and interference. Tipton’s Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 3189) passed the House with bipartisan support and is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate. Background courtesy of the Majority Whip’s Office: H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act, prohibits the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers from enforcing a proposed rule that would redefine “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA), expanding the EPA’s jurisdiction into state and local waters. The bill requires the agencies to consult with state and local officials to formulate a regulatory proposal to define the scope of waters covered under the CWA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140909070935/http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/intern-opportunities-available-congressman-tipton%E2%80%99s-office,Intern Opportunities Available in Congressman Tiptons Office,2014-09-08,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"(Photo: Congressman Tipton with Yuliya Levertova, a recent intern in the Washington, D.C. office.) WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton’s office is now accepting applications for its fall and winter semester internship program.  Opportunities are available in the Washington, DC, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Alamosa and Durango offices. “Having the opportunity to learn firsthand how America’s government works is a valuable and rewarding experience for interns,” said Tipton . “Interns work as part of a team that interacts daily with constituents from the 3rd Congressional District.  All interns will learn about current legislation on the House floor and about the legislative process, as they assist me and members of the staff with research, communication and administrative functions. Many previous interns have gone on to find jobs in their communities and in Washington following their time in our office, and we are proud of all of their accomplishments so far. We look forward to meeting our next class of interns.” Internships in Congressman Tipton’s Washington office are designed to provide valuable experience and interaction with our federal legislative process. Responsibilities vary based on location, and include but are not limited to: providing tours of the Capitol, answering phones, helping staff process constituent’s mail and inquiries. Other responsibilities may include assisting staff with legislative research and writing and attending public meetings, briefings and committee hearings. Candidates should have an interest in the legislative process, should be motivated, organized and reliable, and possess strong communication and writing skills. Individuals who are interested in being considered for an internship should send their resume, cover letter and any relevant writing samples to Jason.Eastman@mail.house.gov. Or if you would like to learn more about Congressman Scott Tipton’s internship opportunities, please go to http://tipton.house.gov/serving-you/internships.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/cortez-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton-0,Cortez Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-08-20,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Cortez on Wednesday, September 3. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/pagosa-springs-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton,Pagosa Springs Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-08-20,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Pagosa Springs on Thursday, September 4. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-recognized-small-business-champion-during-grand-junction-summit,Tipton Recognized As Small Business Champion During Grand Junction Summit,2014-08-19,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"GRAND JUNCTION, CO—Today, experts on small business, economic development and entrepreneurship spoke in Grand Junction during a Small Business Resource Summit presented by SCORE and Colorado Mesa University. Attendees learned about programs, organizations and resources available in the community to both existing small businesses and startups to help them succeed, grow and create jobs. “The importance of small business to the health of our nation’s economy cannot be overstated. The 27,200,000 small businesses in the United States create an average of 7 out of every 10 new jobs, and provide countless families with the opportunity to achieve the American dream. I will continue to fight for small business and for the future prosperity of our children and our nation,” said Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO). “Today we heard from a wealth of experts on economic growth, small business development and entrepreneurship. The panelists presented on a tremendous host of resources and opportunities available right here in this community as we work together to create prosperity and get people back to work.” The Summit featured presentations from representatives of the Grand Junction Business Incubator Center, Mesa County Workforce Center, Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, Grand Junction Economic Partnership, Colorado Mesa University, SCORE, and the Small Business Administration. During the Summit, Tipton was presented with the Hill Champion Award by SCORE for his steadfast work in Congress to support small businesses and economic development.  “We are honored to present this award to Congressman Scott Tipton as he has been a constant and tireless advocate in support of SCORE and America’s small businesses,” said SCORE CEO Ken Yancey. “He has used his own experience as a small businessman to guide his work on the House Small Business Committee and as a Subcommittee Chairman to help small businesses thrive as an economic engine of our country.”   Tipton is the Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade. He is the co-founder of the Congressional Small Business Caucus, which has grown to include over 90 bipartisan members dedicated to advancing efforts to foster the economic certainty needed for small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed and create jobs. “It’s truly an honor to be recognized by SCORE as a champion of small business. While there are many other deserving candidates, it is with great pride that I accept this award. As a small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges facing entrepreneurs as they strive to make their businesses successful and create jobs,” said Tipton. “My experiences in small business have helped guide my work in Congress to fight for policies that would strengthen America’s economy and create new opportunities for small businesses to do what they do best—create jobs.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/pueblo-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton,Pueblo Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-08-18,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Pueblo on Thursday, August 21. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/westcliffe-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton,Westcliffe Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-08-18,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Westcliffe on Monday, August 25. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-announces-grand-junction-small-business-development-resource-summit,Tipton Announces Grand Junction Small Business Development Resource Summit,2014-08-12,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"GRAND JUNCTION, CO—Next week, small business and economic development experts will converge in Grand Junction for a Small Business Development Resource Summit. The Summit, presented by SCORE in conjunction with Colorado Mesa University, will feature an in-depth panel discussion and presentations on small business development resources available to the community. Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) will be recognized during the event for his work on behalf of small business in Congress with SCORE’s Hill Champion Award, and provide remarks on economic development and the importance of small business. “The Small Business Development Resource Summit is a tremendous opportunity to hear directly from the experts on entrepreneurship and learn about the invaluable public and private resources available at the federal, state and local level to help small businesses succeed,” said Tipton. “When small businesses thrive, the entire community prospers. We look forward to a productive conversation that will provide Summit attendees with a strengthened understanding of how organizations within the community are available to partner with them and provide support as they work to start a new business or grow an existing business.” Small Business Development Resource Summit Details Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2014 Time: 10:30 – 12:30 PM (MT) Location: Colorado Mesa University, University Center, 2nd Floor, Room 213, Grand Junction RSVP: To attend the Summit please RSVP to Andrea Garner at andrea.garner@score.org or 703-487-3664 Remarks by Ken Yancey, CEO of SCORE, and Congressman Tipton will begin promptly at 10:30 AM followed by a panel discussion. Panelists will make brief presentations on programs and resources available to the community and take questions from the audience.  Panelists presenting at the Summit include: John Maraschin, Director, Grand Junction Business Incubator Center; Suzie Miller, Business Services Manager Mesa County Workforce Center; Diane Schwenke, President and CEO Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce; Steve Jozefczyk, Business Development Manager, Grand Junction Economic Partnership, GJEP; Dr. Morgan Bridge, Business Department Head, Colorado Mesa University; Jack Scott, SCORE District Director Colorado District, Edward J. Cadena, District Director, SBA’s Colorado District Office. Congressman Tipton is the Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Energy, Agriculture and Trade. He is the co-founder of the Congressional Small Business Caucus, which has grown to include over 90 bipartisan members dedicated to advancing efforts to foster the economic certainty needed for small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed and create jobs. Learn more about the Congressional Small Business Caucus here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/fruita-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton,Fruita Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-08-11,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Fruita on Monday, August 18. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/glenwood-springs-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton,Glenwood Springs Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-08-08,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Glenwood Springs on Thursday, August 14. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/ridgway-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton,Ridgway Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-08-04,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Ridgway on Wednesday, August 13. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-meets-community-bankers-san-luis-valley,Tipton Meets with Community Bankers in the San Luis Valley,2014-08-04,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Rep. Scott Tipton leads a financial services discussion in Alamosa) ALAMOSA, CO—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) hosted a conversation on financial services policy issues with a group of representatives from the local banking industry in the San Luis Valley. The importance of access to capital from community banks for the health and success of local small businesses was central to their conversation that also focused on regulatory reform. “When you walk down Main Street, virtually every small business has at some point received capital through a community bank to expand their business, upgrade equipment, or hire and maintain employees. Community banks can make all the difference when it comes to the overall health and success of a local economy,” said Tipton. “Today’s conversation provided important feedback from local banking industry representatives on how the federal government can, through regulatory reform, create greater flexibility for community banks to extend access to capital to small businesses through responsible lending practices. I will take this information back to Washington and share it with my colleagues as we work to advance policies to strengthen Main Street and create jobs.” To learn more about financial services legislation in the House visit the Committee on Financial Services website HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-presents-congressional-award-alamosa-middle-school-student,Tipton Presents Congressional Award to Alamosa Middle School Student,2014-08-04,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Rep. Scott Tipton presents Sean Villeneuve with the Congressional Award Bronze Medal) ALAMOSA, CO—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (CO-03) presented Sean Villeneuve, a student from Ortega Middle School, with the Congressional Award Bronze Medal in recognition of his initiative and achievements in several areas. “Through his service to his community and dedication to personal growth, Sean has demonstrated commendable leadership and has become a role model for his peers,” said Tipton. “The Congressional Award is a way for us to recognize young people in our communities for their positive actions. Sean has no doubt made his family, school and community proud, and perhaps most importantly, gained valuable experiences that will benefit him for the rest of his life. I encourage students across the 3rd District to follow Sean’s lead and learn more about the Congressional Award, get involved, and make a difference in their communities.” From Sean’s Congressional Award Citation: In earning his Congressional Award Bronze Medal, Sean volunteered countless hours of Voluntary Public Service volunteering at the Alamosa Food Service Program at his middle school. Through this experience, Sean learned how to prepare food properly and valuable customer service skills. For his Personal Development Goal, Sean worked towards improving his Leaderships, Aerospace, and Fitness skills through the Civil Air Patrol Program. In addition to working on these skills, Sean also worked towards obtaining new life skills in personal finance, career exploration, and college preparation in visiting Adams State University and Trinidad State Junior College. For his Physical Fitness goal, Sean worked to improve his physical fitness and athletic skills by participating on the football team and basketball team and by running every day. Finally, for his Expedition, Sean researched and planned a 2 day, 1 night trip to Taos, New Mexico, to explore the history of the city. Sean created a budget and packing list, and visited various museums while he was on his exploration. By participating in the Congressional Award program, Sean has gained self-confidence and more friendships, and has experienced helping others. Background: The Congressional Award is a public private partnership created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative and service in America’s youth, ages 14 to 23. The Congressional Award provides a unique opportunity for young people to set and achieve personally challenging goals that build character and foster community service, personal development and citizenship. Learn more about the Congressional Award and how to participate HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/nucla-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton,Nucla Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-08-01,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Nuclaon Monday, August 11. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-administration%E2%80%99s-implementation-over-1800-regulations-violated-transparency,Tipton: Administrations Implementation of Over 1800 Regulations Violated Transparency Provision,2014-07-30,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) flagged reports today that the Obama Administration, starting in 2012, implemented over 1800 rules and regulations—including 43 rules identified as major—without first reporting them to the House, Senate and General Accountability Office as required under the 1996 Congressional Review Act. The discovery was made by a retired Congressional Research Services employee who published a study this month on the regulations implemented in violation of the law. The study is available HERE. “The infuriating findings of this report show that this Administration is once again demonstrating a complete disregard for transparency. By failing to follow requirements under the law to disclose new rules and regulations, they have in some cases obstructed the people’s representatives from providing oversight of Executive Branch rules and regulations that directly impact the economy and Americans’ lives. This is once again a betrayal of Americans’ trust,” said Tipton. “This Administration continues to shirk transparency at seemingly every opportunity, and I am working with my House colleagues to defend the rights of the American people and hold the Administration accountable for its abuse of power. Regulations that were implemented by the Executive Branch without notification as required under the 1996 Congressional Review Act should be overturned and be required to go through the channels established by the law with the chance for transparent and public discussion on their costs and impacts.” The House is voting today on legislation to move forward with a lawsuit against the Executive Branch for failing to implement provisions under the Affordable Care Act. “The U.S. Constitution has a system of checks and balances so that when one branch of the federal government oversteps its bounds and abuses its power, it is the duty of the other branches to take action,” said Tipton. “The House is taking action to rein in this Administration’s abuse of power and failure to enforce the laws of the land. The House has also passed the REINS Act to enhance transparency and accountability in the rule-making process by requiring Congressional approval of any regulation with an annual economic impact of over $100 million. This would provide greater regulatory certainty for hardworking Americans, and we continue to urge the Senate to join us in taking action on this commonsense legislation that will strengthen the economy and curb out-of-control bureaucratic expansion in Washington.”   Read more on the REINS Act HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-questions-epa-deputy-waters-us-rule,Tipton Questions EPA Deputy on Waters of the U.S. Rule,2014-07-30,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) questioned  (EPA) Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe during a House Small Business Committee hearing on the EPA’s controversial new rule to redefine waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act. During the hearing, Tipton submitted a letter to the record from the Waters Advocacy Coalition, representing various industries, sectors and interests that would be affected by the waters of the U.S. rule. The letter in part objects to the insufficient analysis offered by the EPA on the impacts this rule will have. The letter’s 39 signers, include the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Gas Association, the Foundation for Environmental and Economic Progress, the National Association of Homebuilders, the National Pork Producers Council and many others. “The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“the agencies”) proposed the rule to “clarify” which waters are federally regulated and which waters remain under the jurisdiction of their respective states. The agencies assert, ‘Because fewer waters will be subject to the CWA under the proposed rule than are subject to regulation under the existing regulations, this action will not affect small entities to a greater degree than the existing regulations,’” the letter states. “We believe the agencies have dramatically underestimated the impact of the proposed rule on small business entities. In reality, the proposed rule establishes broader definitions of existing regulatory categories, such as tributaries, and regulates new areas that are not jurisdictional under current regulations.” See the full letter HERE. Tipton’s questions to Perciasepe focused on getting clarification on what the EPA’s redefinition of waters of the United States actually encompasses. Perciasepe’s responses were broad and did not shine additional light on what surface waters would not be impacted under the new rule. Watch Tipton’s Q&A with Perciasepe HERE. “The EPA’s claims that the redefinition of waters of the United States is simply to provide clarity, and not expand any regulatory authority, are in practice, untrue,” said Tipton. “Even the EPA Deputy Administrator couldn’t provide a clear explanation of what that agency’s redefinition of waters of the U.S. actually encompasses. However, we need to look no further than the rule itself which redefines waters of the U.S. from ‘navigable waterways’ to virtually every form of surface water, regardless of how permanent or temporary the flow is, to get an idea of what it encompasses. This rule has drastic implications for private water users who would now be subject to EPA review for even the most basic projects or access to their water, where they previously were not. That sounds like an expansion of regulatory authority to me, and it sounds like a significant broadening of the EPA’s regulatory scope over surface water in this country. It will have severe impacts on all who rely on privately held water rights, and reeks of massive federal water grab.” Background: The EPA’s proposed rule to redefine “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to include virtually every form of surface water including tributaries and ditches is a drastic expanse of its regulatory reach. Tipton has been at the forefront in Washington in fighting to protect private water rights from federal takings and interference. Tipton’s Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 3189) passed the House with bipartisan support and is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-reforms-create-transparency-endangered-species-listings,House Passes Reforms to Create Transparency in Endangered Species Listings,2014-07-29,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, the House passed legislation co-sponsored by Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) to increase transparency under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by providing updates to ensure that the best publicly available scientific data is being utilized by the federal government when making listing decisions. “Under the existing, outdated process, the federal government is not required to publicly disclose scientific data being used, or even consider data submitted by state, county and tribal governments when listing under the Endangered Species Act. If federal agencies are utilizing the best possible science to ensure the protection of a species, then there should be nothing to hide. Given the abysmal recovery success rate of two percent for the 1,500 species currently listed, I have more than a hunch that better scientific data is available and should be put to use—which is exactly why we need transparency. Despite copious testimony from biologists that localized preservation efforts, which take into account the unique topography and ecology in each specific region, are the most effective ways to establish a thriving species population, federal bureaucrats continue to insist on one-size-fits all approaches that oftentimes encompass millions of acres across numerous states. It’s well past time that the Fish and Wildlife Service be held to a more transparent and accountable standard,” said Tipton. “We are seeing this lack of transparency right here in Colorado with regard to the proposed sage grouse ESA listings. Not only have federal agencies refused to disclose the scientific data on which they are relying to determine potential listings, they have failed to even provide preservation goals to the state, despite repeated calls to do so. The legislation we passed today in the House will bring greater transparency to the ESA process by requiring federal agencies to disclose scientific data, cooperate with state and local governments, and ensure that the listing process works to the best interest of a species and impacted communities, and not for self-serving bureaucratic ends or to advance the goals of special interests.” In an April House Natural Resources Committee hearing, Dr. Rob Roy Ramey II, a biologist from Nederland, Colorado, testified that the lack of transparency raises serious concerns about the data being relied on for ESA listings. Read Ramey’s full testimony HERE. Additional testimony on the effectiveness of localized species preservation efforts versus blanket approaches can be found HERE. “When data are not publicly accessible, legitimate scientific inquiry is effectively eliminated as no third party can independently reproduce the results. Such secrecy does not further the goal of species recovery,” testified Ramey. “Such secrecy also puts the evidentiary basis of some resource agency decisions outside the realm of science and in clear violation of the Information Quality Act. And finally, it has the effect of concentrating power, money, and regulatory authority in the hands of those who control access to the data.” Background on the House-passed ESA legislation courtesy of the House Natural Resources Committee: The 21st Century Endangered Species Transparency Act (comprised of four ESA bills—H.R. 4315, H.R. 4316, H.R. 4317 and H.R. 4318—passed in Committee in April) would: Require data used by federal agencies for ESA listing decisions to be made publicly available and accessible through the Internet, while respecting state data privacy laws and private property. (Sec. 2 reflects the text of H.R. 4315 as reported) Require the federal government to disclose to affected states data used prior to an ESA listing decision and it would require the “best available scientific and commercial data” used by the federal government to incorporate data provided by states, tribes, and local county governments. (Sec. 3 reflects the text of H.R. 4317) Require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to track, report to Congress, and make available online the federal taxpayer funds used to respond to ESA lawsuits, the number of employees dedicated to ESA litigation, and attorneys’ fees awarded in the course of ESA litigation and settlement agreements. (Sec. 4 reflects the text of H.R. 4316) Prioritize species protection and protect taxpayer dollars by placing reasonable caps on attorneys’ fees to make the ESA consistent with existing federal law. For example, the federal government limits the prevailing attorneys’ fees to $125 per hour in most circumstances, including federal suits involving veterans, Social Security, and disability. But under the ESA, attorneys are being awarded huge sums, in many cases, at a rate much as $600 per hour. (Sec. 5 reflects the text of H.R. 4318) More information on ESA and today’s legislation is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/alamosa-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton,Alamosa Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-07-25,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Alamosa on Monday, August 4. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/event/leadville-town-hall-meeting-congressman-scott-tipton-0,Leadville Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Scott Tipton,2014-07-25,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Scott Tipton will hold a town hall meeting in Leadville on Wednesday, August 6. During the meeting Tipton will answer questions from constituents and provide an update on the work that he’s doing to encourage economic growth and job creation in the 3rd District. The meeting will last approximately one hour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/small-agriculture-businesses-advocate-new-sba-size-standard,Small Agriculture Businesses Advocate For New SBA Size Standard,2014-07-24,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Size Standard Said To Be Outdated And Inequitable WASHINGTON, DC – The Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade, under the chairmanship of Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO), today held a hearing to examine the small business size standard for agricultural businesses. The purpose of the hearing was to determine whether the current standard accurately reflects the structural and economic realities of modern small agriculture production operations and evaluate whether it should be changed to better fit today’s industry and increase participation in federal procurement, as well as improve regulatory analysis of how new rules affect small businesses.   The Small Business Act authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish small business size standards, which are normally either employee or revenue-based. Unlike the size standards established for all other industries by the SBA, the size standard for agriculture enterprises are statutorily established. In 1984, SBA lowered the size standard for small agricultural enterprises to $100,000 in annual receipts from $500,000. Congress believed this was too low, and would exclude the vast majority of family farms, so in 1985 the size standard was increased to $500,000. In 2000, Congress updated the size standard to $750,000 in annual receipts. ""Today’s hearing provided a necessary dialogue about whether the agriculture size standard is adequate for today’s economy,” said Chairman Tipton. “The wrong size standard may harm legitimately small agricultural producers by denying them access to SBA programs, such as the federal contracting programs and loan programs. Additionally, many federal agencies view these standards as the default small business size standard when considering their obligations under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which requires agencies to analyze how their rules will affect small entities. In the coming months, this Committee will continue exploring solutions to the problems we heard today, including whether the current statutory standard needs be updated and the best process for doing so.” Materials from the hearing are available on the Committee’s website HERE. Notable Quotes: Mark Oestman, Owner of Oestman Farms, LLC in Eckley, Colorado said, “I believe that the Small Business Administration should seriously consider substantially raising the arbitrary $750,000 [size standard] in receipts that currently exists for agriculture producers. The dynamics of today’s farms and farmers, especially those who farm as their sole source of income, have changed dramatically and I believe the limit should as well. Due to factors largely out of a farmer’s control, my total receipts and expenses can change dramatically from year to year, and I believe that SBA standards should take many of those factors into consideration and increase the standard.""   Ken Keesaman, Owner of KK Farms Red Angus in Osborn, Missouri said, “The evolution of today’s livestock industry has shifted and in order for family businesses to survive we have expanded and diversified our operations. In terms of agriculture, today’s small business has changed and it is appropriate for the size standards applied by the Small Business Administration to more accurately represent today’s small operations. It is my understanding that agriculture is the only industry where the statute establishes our size standard. With that being the case, Congress must change the statue and consider alternatives to the current size standards so they more accurately reflect today’s small businesses.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-works-enhance-transparency-and-empower-students-higher-education,Tipton Works to Enhance Transparency and Empower Students in Higher Education,2014-07-24,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Stressing the need for greater flexibility and transparency in higher education, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted to advance three pieces of legislation this week to promote innovative competency-based learning, and provide students and parents with information needed to make sound decisions on academic programs and tuition financing options. The Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act (H.R. 4983) seeks to streamline and improve existing federal transparency efforts to reduce duplication and confusion, and provide more accurate information to students on higher education consumer information including student success rates and total cost of programs. The Empowering Students through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act (H.R. 4984) will promote financial literacy and ensure that students have a complete picture of the loan, aid and grant programs available to them to finance their tuition and make sound financial decisions. “Deciding to go to college, choosing a program, and figuring out how to pay for it are among the most important decisions a young person can make, and for most, the decisions will have a lasting impact on their lives for many years,” said Tipton. “This legislation will empower students and their parents to make the best possible decision by ensuring that they have access to clear and accurate information on total costs of the program from start to finish and the best financing options available to meet the needs of their unique situation. With this information in hand, students will be in a much better position to choose the program that works best for them, and repay their student loans. Given the tough economy and competitive jobs market, every advantage that a student has available to them, from when they first enter college to when they graduate, is important to their overall success. ” Tipton also voted to pass legislation that seeks to provide higher education institutions with greater flexibility to better meet the educational needs of individual students. The Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act (H.R. 3136) would allow higher learning institutions to measure students’ learning based on their competency with the subject matter, rather than solely on the amount of time they spend in the classroom (credit hours). “By allowing colleges and universities to develop innovative programs that measure student success based on what they learn and what they know, rather than on how long they are seated in a classroom, students would be able to receive a higher quality, more personalized and cost-effective education that truly meets their needs,” said Tipton. In January, 2014, Tipton joined his Colorado colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Education asking that he join them in support of this concept at the Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global). The members wrote: “CSU-Global’s proposal will utilize Credit by Exam (CBE) and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) programs to decrease students’ time to completion and the cost of a degree, while also allowing students who demonstrate competencies based on their professional experience and non-collegiate learning to obtain credit for their learning…We urge you to support CSU-Global’s application to be an experimental site and would welcome an opportunity to work with you on this endeavor.” See the full letter HERE. Learn more about H.R. 3136, H.R. 4984 and H.R. 4983.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/witnesses-testify-landowners-need-protection-federal-land-management-agencies,Witnesses Testify that Landowners Need Protection from Federal Land Management Agencies,2014-07-24,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, during a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation oversight hearing, witnesses testified on abuses they have suffered at the hands of federal land management agencies and emphasized that Western landowners oftentimes have no protection or recourse when the government sets its sights on their land. “As Cattle Growers' President, we are dealing daily with individual and collective efforts to remove families like mine from the land. The worst part is that we have no recourse,” testified Jose Varela Lopez, President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association. Read Lopez’s full testimony HERE. Tipton asked Lopez if he had received notification when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began buying-up and locking-down lands surrounding his property which resulted in the decrease of his property value and loss of his ability to utilize his land. “They did not notify me. It’s my understanding that in talking to them recently that normally they do not notify the adjoining landowners because when they make agreements with certain nonprofits like the Trust for Public Land and others, it’s usually a hush-hush deal. They don’t want anybody to know what they’re doing, and so when I found out about all of these things it was after the fact,” Lopez answered. Watch Tipton’s Q&A with the Witnesses HERE Lopez went on to say, “If I had known about this before this happened we could have come to some agreement in doing a land exchange or something like that that would have benefited both of us.” Tipton recently introduced two pieces of legislation that seek to increase transparency and accountability in federal land exchanges and transactions, require notification of land transactions, and help provide landowners with protections when federal land managers make mistakes. “Today’s hearing speaks to something that Coloradans have experienced for far too long—federal land management agency abuse. It seems to be commonsense that landowners should be protected from federal land management agency mistakes and abuses of their power. But unfortunately, when government makes the mistake or acts inappropriately, it’s the American people that suffer, left with no recourse or line of defense to protect their livelihoods as we heard in today’s hearing,” said Tipton. “We’ve seen this in the 3rd District where numerous landowners have been the victims of BLM survey mistakes that in some cases weren’t discovered until after numerous resurveys, sometimes decades later. In these cases, it wasn’t BLM employees that were held accountable for their actions, but the landowners who were forced to pay fines and even charged with trespassing despite having no way of knowing that the BLM surveys were wrong. My legislation takes needed steps to provide landowners with protections to ensure they are not left to suffer the consequences when land management agency employees make mistakes, and would also require that impacted landowners receive proper advance notification whenever the federal government is involved in a land exchange. This will increase accountability and transparency in federal land transactions and give affected neighboring landowners an opportunity to take action to protect their livelihoods.” Lopez testified to the Committee that Tipton’s legislation (H.R. 5074) would be beneficial in cases like his. H.R. 5075, the Resurveys Entitle Adjacent Landowners to Protection (REAL Protection) Act offers commonsense reforms to the BLM resurvey process by creating a more transparent and equitable process of conducting resurveys and advances the rights of landowners by providing safeguards against BLM actions. H.R. 5074, the Land Adjacency Notification and Disclosure (LAND) Act, seeks to improve the transparency, oversight and notification of land exchanges involving U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands or public lands under the jurisdiction of the BLM.  Learn more about Tipton’s landowner protection bills HERE. The full list of witnesses and their testimony is available HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-cautions-epa-wage-garnishing-rule-isn%E2%80%99t-over,Tipton Cautions that EPA Wage Garnishing Rule Isnt Over,2014-07-17,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) warned that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement this week that it was abandoning the direct implementation of a proposed rule to garnish Americans’ paychecks to collect fines shouldn’t be construed as the agency backing away from the rule. The EPA quietly published the rule in the federal register earlier this month, and was attempting to sneak it through without sufficient input or oversight with the intent of directly implementing it on September 2, 2014. In a change of course this week, the EPA announced that because of comments received, it would change the process to a public comment period extended through September 2, before making any final decisions on the rule. “While it’s good that Americans will now have an opportunity to make comments on this overreaching rule, it’s important to note that the EPA is not backing down. Should the rule be implemented, the EPA would be ignoring the due process rights of American citizens by taking directly from their paychecks without so much as a court order. We are continuing our efforts in Congress to keep this rule from ever being implemented and to protect the rights of the American people,” said Tipton. “For every invasive and overreaching rule at the EPA that is stopped or delayed, there are many more forthcoming that seek to restrict the ability of Americans to earn a living, pay their bills, and prosper. We will  continue to fight to stop the wage garnishing rule and others including proposed EPA rules to expand the agency’s regulatory scope over virtually all U.S. surface water and implement a significant backdoor tax on affordable energy—hurting rural communities and families on fixed incomes the most. We must remain vigilant and work together in Congress to thwart this federal overreach at every opportunity.” The EPA announcement follows a scathing letter sent on July 11 by Tipton and a number of his House colleagues, calling for the rule’s immediate withdrawal. In the letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, they outlined their concerns on the proposed rule and called into question its legality. View the letter HERE. Public comments can be made through September 2 at: https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OA-2014-0012",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-votes-stop-abuse-cut-waste-irs,"Tipton Votes to Stop Abuse, Cut Waste at the IRS",2014-07-16,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) voted to protect Americans from suffering further abuse by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Tipton and his House colleagues passed the Fiscal Year 2015 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act (H.R. 5016), today. The bill includes protections for taxpayers against IRS targeting and abuse of power, cuts wasteful spending, and increases accountability and transparency at the agency. “The abuse of power and deception that has occurred at the IRS is the reason Americans are rightfully skeptical of their government. It was deplorable that the IRS targeted specific groups solely because they had different ideologies than the current Administration, and it is appalling that the IRS claims to have lost emails from Lois Lerner and others central to the scandal. While the investigation continues so that those involved will face consequences for their actions, it is important to take steps to prevent this from happening again,” said Tipton. “Today, we took action in Congress to increase accountability and transparency, and cut waste at the IRS. No longer will the agency be able to abuse taxpayers for their ideological beliefs, give out bonuses to underperforming employees, or waste millions of taxpayer dollars on frivolous conferences and videos. These are necessary and positive steps as we work to protect the American people from federal overreach and abuse of power.” The Financial Services Appropriations Act includes provisions to: Target Overreach and Abuse: Prohibits the IRS from targeting individuals for exercising freedom of speech, prevents the IRS from revising or implementing new regulations on non-profits, protects Americans from being targeted based on their ideological beliefs, and prevents the IRS from using funds to enforce the individual mandate in the President’s healthcare law. Cut Waste: Reduces IRS funding by nearly $1.5 billion (15 percent of the agency’s overall budget), bans bonuses for employees that don’t pay their taxes or fail to do their jobs, and prohibits the waste of taxpayer funds on frivolous conferences and videos. Increase Accountability and Transparency: Prohibits the destruction of records, protects confidential taxpayer information, and requires the IRS to train employees in ethics and impartial application of tax law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton%E2%80%99s-language-prohibit-sage-grouse-esa-listing-included-interior-bill,Tiptons Language to Prohibit Sage Grouse ESA Listing Included in Interior Bill,2014-07-15,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Funds cannot be used to list Gunnison or Greater Sage Grouse under the bill WASHINGTON—Today, the House Appropriations Committee included Congressman Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) language to prohibit the use of any funds under the FY 2015 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to be used to list the Gunnison or Greater Sage Grouse as threatened or endangered species. The bill was advanced during a Committee markup today. In April, Tipton wrote House Appropriators: “I am also writing to request that the following language be added to the FY 2015 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill stating: ‘None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to add the Gunnison-Sage Grouse to the list of threatened species or endangered species published under section 4(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1553 (c)).’ The adoption of this language is designed to postpone the [Department of Interior’s ] impulsive march towards listing the Gunnison Sage-Grouse as a threatened or endangered species.  The proposed ESA listing would designate 1.7 million acres in southwest Colorado and southeastern Utah as critical habitat - including private land which would be off limits to most use and development, including agricultural production and grazing, without providing any compensation.  Although this blanket management approach may be convenient for BLM to administer, it fails to account for the unique geography and environment of the region.” See the full letter HERE. Tipton also joined three of his House colleagues on letter requesting similar language for the Greater Sage Grouse. See their letter HERE. The FY 2015 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act included the requested language under Section 117 to prohibit funds from being used to implement of the Gunnison and Greater Sage Grouse. See the bill HERE. Tipton has been a vocal proponent of state and local species preservation efforts in Congress and recently introduced legislation, the Sage Grouse Protection and Conservation Act (H.R. 4716), with his Western colleagues including Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) to prevent the sage grouse from being listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for 10 years. The bill would instead require states to develop conservation management plans to meet the unique needs of the Sage grouse in each state. “The most effective species preservation plans according to biologists and other experts are locally-tailored to take into consideration the unique ecology and topography of the region in which the habitat occurs.  Colorado has been at the forefront of developing these types of effective local preservation plans for the sage grouse, and these efforts should be given every opportunity to succeed and increase the grouse population without interference from Washington,” said Tipton. “If the goal is truly to protect the sage grouse, then a one-size-fits all listing out of Washington is not the answer. It is not only less effective than locally-tailored plans, but jeopardizes the ongoing work being done in states to preserve and recover the species.” Tipton has also co-sponsored four pieces of legislation (H.R. 4315, H.R. 4316, H.R. 4317, and H.R. 4318) to increase transparency and update the Endangered Species Act listing process. The legislation, which is awaiting a committee markup, would bring greater transparency to the ESA process by requiring federal agencies to disclose scientific data and cooperate with states. This would ensure the best available scientific data is being used to most effectively preserve a species. Read more HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-effort-protect-water-rights-advances-interior-appropriations-bil,Tipton Effort to Protect Water Rights Advances in Interior Appropriations Bill,2014-07-15,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, the House Appropriations Committee included Congressman Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) language to protect privately-held water rights as part of the FY 2015 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Tipton’s language, which was included in the bill advanced during a Committee markup today, prohibits funds from being used by the federal government to take privately-held water without compensation. In March, Tipton and a number of his western colleagues wrote House Appropriators to request that the language be included: Over the past decade, there have been numerous cases when the federal government has attempted to circumvent long-established state water law in order to take privately-held water rights without paying for them. By using the federal permit, lease, and land management process to extort water rights from those who hold rights under state law, the federal government is overreaching, violating private property rights, and the United States Constitution. As you know, water is the lifeblood of the Western United States and all water users including grazers, farmers, ski areas, businesses, tribes and municipalities need certainty that all federal land management agencies, not just the Forest Service, are prohibited from future attempts to take privately-held water rights. Therefore, my colleagues and I are submitting the following report language for consideration in the fiscal year 2015 Appropriations bill to protect privately held water rights from uncompensated federal takings. “None of the funds made available in this or any other Act may be used to condition the issuance, renewal, amendment, or extension of any permit, approval, license, lease, allotment, easement, right-of-way, or other land use or occupancy agreement on the transfer of any water right, including sole and joint ownership, directly to the United States, or any impairment of title, in whole or in part, granted or otherwise recognized under State law, by Federal or State adjudication, decree, or other judgment, or pursuant to any interstate water compact. Additionally, none of the funds made available in this or any other Act may be used to require any water user to apply for or acquire a water right in the name of the United States under State law as a condition of the issuance, renewal, amendment, or extension of any permit, approval, license, lease, allotment, easement, right-of-way, or other land use or occupancy agreement.” See their full letter HERE. The FY 2015 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act included their requested language under Section 438. See the bill HERE. As one of Congress’s most vocal defenders of Colorado and Western water and private property rights, Tipton is leading the charge to stop federal attempts to take or inhibit access to those rights. Tipton is currently fighting to block implementation of proposed EPA and Forest Service regulations that would amount to the largest federal water grab in American history, and recently raised concerns that a proposed ski area permit condition is a façade while the Forest Service continues to attempt to obtain private water rights. In April, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Tipton’s Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 3189), with bipartisan support, to uphold state water law and protect private water rights from uncompensated federal takings. The bill is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate. The Water Rights Protection Act: Prohibits federal land management agencies from implementing a permit condition that requires the transfer of privately-held water rights to the federal government in order to receive or renew a permit for the use of land; Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from imposing other conditions that require the transfer of water rights without just compensation; Upholds longstanding federal deference to state water law; and Has no cost to taxpayers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-introduces-legislation-protect-landowners,Tipton Introduces Legislation to Protect Landowners,2014-07-14,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) introduced two pieces of legislation to protect private landowners from federal land management agency errors, and increase transparency in federal land exchanges and acquisitions. In 2009, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted a resurvey of federal land in Mesa County, Colorado.  The BLM initiates resurveys under the guise that existing boundary lines were inaccurately drawn during the initial survey, which in some instances may have occurred over fifty years ago.  The resurvey resulted in the reclassification of land, originally thought to be owned by a private owner as federal land. The BLM charged that individual with trespassing and the illegal removal of sand and gravel from federal lands, which resulted in a fine of over $250,000.  Unfortunately, this deeply concerning story is not unique. Other private landowners, around the nation and in Colorado face similar situations—forced to relinquish property, believed to be their own, on which they have lived and worked on for generations, and without any just compensation, due to BLM land resurveys. “Landowners, thought to be the legal owners of land not included in the original boundaries, not only unfairly suffer an infringement on their private property rights, but could also be subject to retroactive trespass penalties and fines as the result of mistakes made by the federal government.  The current process is unfair and punitive to landowners who, through no fault of their own, have been victims of survey errors made by the BLM,” said Tipton. “The REAL Protection Act will give Americans needed protections to ensure that when the BLM makes an error, private land owners aren’t penalized and forced to pay the price for the agency’s mistakes.” H.R. 5075, the Resurveys Entitle Adjacent Landowners to Protection (REAL Protection) Act offers commonsense reforms to the BLM resurvey process by creating a more transparent and equitable process of conducting resurveys and advances the rights of landowners by providing safeguards against BLM actions. Tipton also introduced H.R. 5074, the Land Adjacency Notification and Disclosure (LAND) Act, which seeks to improve the transparency, oversight and notification of land exchanges involving U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands or public lands under the jurisdiction of the BLM.  The federal government manages nearly 640 million acres in the United States, including 50 percent in the 11 westernmost states.  Given the federal government’s ownership over vast amount of lands, agencies such as the BLM and the USFS often acquire, convey, or exchange these lands with willing private entities, individuals, or state and local governments. Unfortunately, the notification and oversight process regarding federal land conveyances has been implemented arbitrarily and often times to the detriment of uninformed adjacent land owners. “With the Federal Government controlling such a substantial amount of land, especially in the Western United States, it is vital that the process by which it purchases, sells, or transfers property is transparent and involves a simplified, consistent and fair public notification process,” said Tipton. “By increasing transparency and notification in this process, we can better ensure that the public interest is being served in federal land exchanges and that adjacent landowners receive timely and comprehensive public notification of these pending exchanges. Additionally, to ensure the accuracy of land appraisals, evaluators should be equipped with accurate and transparent information that discloses the land’s intended use by those holding purchasing contracts related to the parcel of land.” Background: H.R. 5075, the REAL Protection Act will: Protect landowners if a resurvey results in the reclassification of federal lands previously thought to be privately owned. The persons thought to be a private owner of such land shall – Be given the right of first refusal to purchase the land for fair market value  minus the value of any significant improvement made to such lands; or Be reimbursed for the fair market value of any significant improvement made to such lands; and May not be charged with willful trespass onto such lands unless the person used such lands with the knowledge that the lands were, in fact, federal land. Require the BLM to notify all property owners with land abutting or adjacent to federal land being resurveyed of the pending resurvey, no later than 30 days before commencement of the resurvey. Additionally, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register no later than 30 days after the completion of the survey. H.R. 5074, the LAND Act will: Require the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to provide advanced written notification to each adjacent landowner to the parcel of land to be acquired. If the acquisition process involves the use of a third-party facilitator, the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as a condition of the approval of the acquisition, must require –  Submission of all purchase contracts and related agreements held by the third-party facilitator related to the parcel to be acquired; and Supervisor review of all purchase contracts and related agreements, the purpose of the conveyance, and other terms and conditions of the acquisition. Require the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to provide advanced written notification to each adjacent landowner to the parcel of land to be conveyed.  If the conveyance process involves the use of a third-party facilitator, the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as a condition of the approval of the conveyance, must require – Submission of all purchase contracts and related agreements held by the third-party facilitator related to the federal land to be conveyed; Submission to appraisers of contact information for prospective end owners of the federal land to be conveyed; and Supervisor review of all purchase contracts and related agreements, the purpose of the conveyance, and other terms and conditions of the conveyance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-gardner-tipton-effort-ensure-delivery-clean-drinking-water-southern,"House Passes Gardner, Tipton Effort to Ensure Delivery of Clean Drinking Water to Southern Colorado",2014-07-11,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—The House passed the 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations Act (H.R. 4923) which includes an amendment by Reps. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Scott Tipton (R-CO) to ensure the completion of vital projects to deliver clean drinking water. The amendment directs $3 million in the Bureau of Reclamation budget to be made available for ongoing projects, including the Arkansas Valley Conduit, the final piece of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project which once completed, will ensure the delivery of clean drinking water to Southern Colorado. The amendment was adopted by voice vote and passed with the final bill out of the House. Watch Gardner and Tipton speak on the House floor in support of their amendment HERE “The Arkansas Valley Conduit will supply Southeastern Colorado with a constant, safe water supply for families, farmers, and businesses, which is critical for healthy communities and economic growth,” said Gardner. “Increasing funding for the Water Conservation and Delivery fund will provide projects, such as the Arkansas Valley Conduit, with the resources they need to serve the surrounding communities. In Colorado, water is a driving force. We need to do all we can to ensure that the people of Colorado have access to the water for both municipal and agricultural uses.” “This Amendment provides the Bureau of Reclamation the flexibility it needs to allocate funds to advance and complete ongoing work that will provide efficient delivery of water from an existing multi-purpose reclamation project as authorized by Congress in 1962,” said Tipton. “Among the eligible projects within the Water Conservation and Delivery fund, the Arkansas Valley Conduit is the final component of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project - a water diversion and storage project in the lower Arkansas Valley.  Once constructed, the Conduit will deliver clean drinking water to families, producers and municipalities throughout Southeastern Colorado. It is our hope that Reclamation prioritizes projects that resolve water shortage issues in the West while enhancing regional development and promoting job growth.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-condemns-new-epa-rule-garnish-americans%E2%80%99-paychecks,Tipton Condemns New EPA Rule to Garnish Americans Paychecks,2014-07-11,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Signs Letter to Urge the EPA to Withdraw the Rule WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) demanded the withdrawal of a proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule under which the agency would garnish Americans’ paychecks to collect fines.  The EPA, which quietly published the rule in the federal register last week, claims that the rule is not large enough to be subject to a public comment period, and is attempting to quietly move it through without sufficient input or oversight. “It is deeply troubling and unacceptable that the EPA, an agency with an abysmal record of overreach and abuse of its power, is now attempting to sneak through a rule to directly reach into Americans’ pockets and garnish their wages.  It’s equally deplorable that it’s trying to sneak the rule through without any oversight or without even going to the public for comment,” said Tipton. “Apparently, the EPA isn’t satisfied by preventing hardworking Americans from earning a living by restricting their access to the land and to their private property rights, and issuing countless fines—many without legitimate cause or justification. Now the agency, which has time and again abused its power over individual Americans, is attempting to go even further by taking directly from their hard-earned wages without so much as a court order. I will work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to do everything possible to stop this rule from moving forward and protect Americans from federal abuse and overreach.” Tipton joined a number of his House colleagues today in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy outlining their concerns on the proposed rule and urging that it be withdrawn. In the letter Tipton and his colleagues wrote: I am writing to express my deep concerns with a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claim to have authority to ""garnish non-Federal wages to collect delinquent non-tax debts owed the United States without first obtaining a court order.” This claim seems to violate American citizens’ Constitutionally-guaranteed right to due process by placing the burden of proof on the debtor, rather than the agency. The process for challenging fines and wage garnishment is not satisfactory because it allows the agency to decide if the accused can even present a defense. The increasingly punitive nature of the agency is also of concern. According to the agency’s annual reports, the amount of fines collected by the EPA has gone from $96 million in 2009 to $252 million in 2013. Though I agree stakeholders must be responsible and the EPA should enforce rules reasonably, the more than 160 percent increase in a span of only four years indicates that some of these fines may have been excessive.   The EPA has said the rule was not subject to review because it is not a ""significant regulatory action."" But it has recently been reported that a Wyoming homeowner was threatened with a $75,000 fine for building a pond on his property. That might seem like a drop in the bucket to a bureaucratic agency with a multi-billion dollar budget, but for the vast majority of Americans, $75,000 is a lot of money. The proposed rule would make it both more difficult to dispute such fines and provide incentive for the EPA to issue penalties against more Americans. Its impact, therefore, would certainly create “significant” hardships on affected individuals. The agency has fast-tracked the rule to take effect on September 2nd, 2014 absent sufficient opposing comment by August 1st, 2014.  I write to voice my strongest opposition to the rule and the EPA’s inadequate engagement with the public concerning it.  Further, I ask that you reverse your decision and not follow through with this rule.  By doing so, your agency will demonstrate respect for the right to due process under the law that is guaranteed to all Americans by the Constitution. View a signed pdf of the letter HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-and-gardner-urge-feds-keep-hands-vermillion-basin,Tipton and Gardner Urge Feds to Keep Hands off Vermillion Basin,2014-07-09,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressmen Scott Tipton (R-CO) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) outlined concerns over the President’s use of the Antiquities Act to unilaterally designate large swaths lands in western states as national monuments, and warned against any such unilateral action on the Vermillion Basin. In their letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, the members also requested a list of lands being considered for national monument designation or any special designation by the President through the use of the Antiquities Act. We are writing to express our concern regarding President Obama’s use of the Antiquities Act to unilaterally designate massive blocks of land across the West as national monuments.  The unilateral designation of millions of acres, without local input or support from surrounding communities, amounts to a complete disregard for the will of the American people and their ability to have their voices heard. Recently, President Obama used the Antiquities Act to unilaterally designate a 500,000 acre national monument in New Mexico, despite local objections and a lack of local participation in the designation of the monument.  What makes the unilateral action in New Mexico so alarming is that the area impacted signifies what could be just the initial phase to implement an internal Department of Interior document from 2009, titled Treasured Landscapes.  This document includes information that the Administration may take unilateral action to lock-away an additional 13 million acres in Western States, including the Vermillion Basin in Moffat County, Colorado.   Locking away over 13 million acres of Western land by way of the Antiquities Act, without Congressional approval or public input, will restrict access for energy production, recreation, and other job creating economic activities.  Given the breadth of this document and this Administration’s use of the Antiquities Act to date, the local communities that surround Vermillion Basin are deeply concerned. The designation of Vermillion Basin as a national monument would result in a lasting, if not permanent, adverse economic impacts on the communities of Northwestern Colorado, including their ability to sustain and create jobs.  Local elected officials and stakeholders have recently sent letters asking that any consideration of the Vermillion Basin as a national monument be halted until broad consensus and community support from all sectors are secured. Moffat County and the Vermillion Basin area residents have been intimately involved in the national monument conversation for the past 15 years with local solutions and compromise continually being sought.  However, in 2000, various environmental groups proposed that the Vermillion Basin should become a national monument without any input from local elected officials.  In 2007, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and Senator Ken Salazar embarked on a helicopter tour of the area to “envision” the basin for a special designation, again without seeking input from the community stakeholders and locally elected officials.  Finally, in 2010, the local Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office and a diverse group of locally affected interests supported a plan to responsibly manage the Vermillion Basin by balancing multiple uses for the community with environmental protections. Years after the implementation of this locally driven compromise, the Washington, DC office of the BLM challenged and overturned the management plan that the local BLM office and the communities’ agreed upon. The original intent of the Antiquities Act was to provide protections for at-risk lands facing an immediate threat.  However, the lands the President is now targeting, such as the Vermillion Basin, already have such protections in place. We are proponents of a bottom-up approach to public lands designations to ensure public participation from local communities.  When the President unilaterally designates a monument under the Antiquities Act without local support, he is essentially imposing his will over the objections of the American people.  This disconcerting development speaks to the urgent need to update the Antiquities Act and give the American people a voice in the process. We respectfully request that any Presidential use of the Antiquities Act to designate public lands as national monuments, such as the Vermillion Basin, be fully vetted through a locally driven bottom-up process involving those affected by such a designation change.  Additionally, we also request a list of lands being considered for national monument designation or any special designation by the President through the use of the Antiquities Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-announces-opposition-colorado-national-monument-status-change,Tipton Announces Opposition to Colorado National Monument Status Change,2014-07-07,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Citing a lack of community consensus and support, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) announced today that he will not draft or introduce any legislation that attempts to change the status of the Colorado National Monument to a national park, and will also actively oppose any attempts to do so in the House of Representatives. Tipton has stated throughout a two year community exploratory effort that local support and community consensus was required for any consideration of a change in the status or management of the Monument. Tipton and Senator Mark Udall recently completed a 90 day period during which they solicited comments from the community on a proposal, crafted by a citizen working group, to change the Monument to a national park. The comments submitted to the offices clearly indicated that there was no consensus in the community on the issue, that the majority of Mesa County residents who submitted comments are opposed to national park status, and that there are significant concerns and uncertainty within the community over how regulation and Executive Branch rule-making could impact the local economy and existing industries should the status of the Monument change. Additionally, thousands of petition signatures on the Monument have been delivered to Tipton and Udall’s offices that also show a lack of local consensus or support for a change to the Monument’s status. “While the Colorado National Monument is here for all of us to enjoy and explore, it is most intimate to the people of Mesa County and is integral to this community. From the beginning, I approached this process from the standpoint that should the community, with consensus from all sectors, want to change the Colorado National Monument to a national park, then I would, as their representative, listen to their input with the condition that it be done in a way that would have no adverse impact to existing industries or economic development,” said Tipton. “This process has made it clear that not only is there no community consensus on the issue, but that there are many concerns regarding potential adverse impacts the change could impose on the local economy with regard to increased regulation and federal government scrutiny.” As part of the 90 day comment period, Tipton and Udall held a public listening session on May 17, during which the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel covered the lack of community consensus, reporting that, “Speakers on both sides of the issue, meanwhile, demonstrated that two years of discussion has done little to heal the fracture in the Grand Valley on the future of the monument.” The Mesa County Board of Commissioners spoke to that division in a letter to Tipton and Udall on June 30, 2013 writing, “The Mesa County Board of Commissioners have been present at various meetings and events in which our constituents have been discussing the proposed conversion. It is clear to us that not only is there no consensus within our community but more polarization appears to be present with every dialogue we hear.” During the May 17 public listening session and throughout the comment process many Mesa County citizens, both against and for park status, voiced concerns that the community could be negatively impacted should anything change with regard to current management and regulation of the Monument including air quality standards, buffer zones and travel on the Monument. “The likelihood for legislation to pass both the House and Senate without impacting current air quality standards, buffer zones and travel on the monument is miniscule. Even if it did, it doesn’t pass the straight-face test to assume that it wouldn’t draw the attention of agency bureaucrats and generate a slew of litigation from outside groups pushing for more stringent restrictions that could drastically impact existing industries in Mesa County,” Tipton said. “Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the letter of the law would be followed by federal agencies. We’ve seen federal regulators circumvent Congressional intent in the law countless times in order to impose more restrictive rules and regulations—look no further than the EPA and Forest Service attempts currently underway to redefine their own regulatory scope in order to restrict access to private water rights. These types of agency actions create great uncertainty for impacted communities, restricting investment, job creation and prosperity. A change in the status of the Monument could at the very least create an increased level of uncertainty over future regulatory impacts to the Mesa County area, and possibly more stringent regulations in and around the Monument. When it comes to growing economic opportunity and creating jobs, it is done successfully through less regulatory uncertainty, not more.” With a clear lack of community consensus or support for a change to park status, and abounding concerns and uncertainty that national park status could be detrimental to the region, Congressman Tipton opposes a change in status. “In a region that has experienced firsthand the adverse impacts that federal agency decisions can have on the economy and access to public lands, the community’s concerns that a national park could attract additional scrutiny from federal regulators is well-founded. Just last month, without any notice or public consultation, the National Park Service announced that it would no longer allow the transport of vital fuels on Monument road to the residents of Glade Park. While the Park Service backpedaled on this overreach for the time being, it was a betrayal of the community’s trust and illustrative of the significant impact that agency decisions can have on the local community,” said Tipton. “From the beginning of this process I have said that any change in the status or management of the Monument must be community-driven and locally supported with broad community consensus. The lack of local support and consensus closes the issue and I will not draft nor introduce legislation to change the status of the Monument, and I will actively oppose any outside attempts to do so in the House of Representatives.” Timeline: May 19, 2011: At the request of local industry and economic development groups including CLUB 20, the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce, West Slope COGA, and others Congressman Tipton and Senator Udall announce the formation of a community group to consider turning the Colorado National Monument into a national park.  The group was comprised of 16 community leaders, and ended up making no recommendation on whether or not to change the status of the Monument citing a lack of consensus in the community on the issue. June 8, 2013: At the continued urging of local industry and economic development groups to continue the conversation on the Colorado National Monument and potential park status, Congressman Tipton and Senator Udall announce a citizen working group comprised of five members tasked with drafting recommendations to be incorporated should legislation be crafted to change the Monument to a national park. April 1, 2014: Congressman Tipton and Senator Udall announce a 90 day public comment period on the recommendations made by the citizen working group regarding park status. May 17, 2014: Congressman Tipton and Senator Udall hold a community listening session in Grand Junction on the working group proposal. June 30, 2014: Completion of the 90 day public comment period.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/happy-independence-day,Happy Independence Day,2014-07-03,2014,2014-07,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Independence Day message from Congressman Scott Tipton: On this profound day, we remember the roots of our freedom and how on July 4th, 1776 in Philadelphia, our founding fathers took a stand against tyranny and set in motion a nation unlike any the world has ever known—a nation founded on the sacred principles that “all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” On the eve of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail: “I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means.” John Adams’s words have been proven true countless times through the courage, selflessness and sacrifice of America’s brave men and women in uniform, past and present, who have stood in defense of our nation and fought against tyranny on battlefields around the world. They have toiled for the cause of liberty and have given so much of themselves in defense of these states. They have done so because like Adams, and all of us united in celebration today, they could see that even on our darkest days when the costs to preserve our cause is high, America is worth protecting. Today, we step back from focusing on our nation’s challenges to take time to celebrate our day of deliverance from tyranny and give thanks for all of the good that has come to the world as a result. We put politics aside and come together as Americans to pay tribute to the special men and women who have made our freedom possible through their service to our nation, and join with our families and friends at barbeques, picnics, fireworks shows, concerts and the like to enjoy our Independence. From my family to yours I want to wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-tipton%E2%80%99s-all-above-energy-plan-effort-lower-gas-prices,House Passes Tiptons All-of-the-Above Energy Plan in Effort to Lower Gas Prices,2014-06-26,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation with bipartisan support to lower rising gas prices. The Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America that Works Act (H.R. 4889) includes Congressman Scott Tipton’s (R-CO) plan to responsibly develop all of America’s energy resources according to the needs of the American people (H.R. 1394). “As Americans make plans to celebrate our nation’s Independence next week and prepare for summer trips, they’re noticing rising gas prices. Many people are facing gas prices above $3.50 a gallon and some are already paying over $4 a gallon at the pump. These rising fuel costs have a ripple effect across our economy, impacting families, small businesses and seniors on fixed incomes the most. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case,” said Tipton. “Colorado and our Western neighbors are home to vast energy reserves that, if tapped and developed responsibly, could fuel our nation’s economic recovery and ensure the United States remains competitive in the world market.  By promoting a common-sense regulatory framework, embracing domestic energy research and all-of-the-above development, and applying environmental and safety standards already on the books rather than adding costly new mandates, we can help meet America’s energy needs right here at home, providing energy and economic security that will benefit American families.” Watch Tipton Speak on the House Floor in Support of H.R. 4889 HERE Tipton’s full remarks are available HERE. Tipton’s Planning for American Energy Act (H.R. 1394), is listed as title II of H.R. 4889. Without repealing a single environmental regulation or review process, Tipton’s bill would establish a true all-of-the-above American energy plan, putting into place common sense steps to create a framework for using federal lands to responsibly meet America’s energy needs. The bill specifies that all energy resources including wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, oil, natural gas, coal, oil shale and minerals needed for energy development be included in the plan. Under the legislation, the non-partisan Energy Information Administration provides the projected energy needs of the United States for the next 30 years to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture on which they then base four year production plans. “America’s energy capabilities are being strangled and rising gas prices are one of the consequences. This doesn’t have to be. A true all-of-the-above energy strategy that unleashes our abundant resources will lead to affordable energy for families and small businesses for years to come,” said Tipton. “Our Nation and the future prosperity of its citizens requires a true all-of-the-above domestic energy plan that responsibly increases production on federal lands while reducing red-tape. That is exactly what H.R. 4899 will accomplish. This legislation puts people to work, keeps energy costs low for families and businesses, and strengthens our national security.” Learn more about H.R. 4889 HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-subcommittee-examines-oil-production-and-refining-solutions,Tipton Subcommittee Examines Oil Production and Refining Solutions,2014-06-26,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – The Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade, under the chairmanship of Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO), today conducted a hearing to examine the disparity between the growing rate of domestic crude oil production and a limited refining capacity, as well as how that mismatch impacts small energy businesses, energy costs, and the broader economy. “In contrast to a decline in oil production on federal lands, oil production on private lands is growing rapidly. However, the U.S. is not able to enjoy the full economic benefits from this surge because our refining capacity can’t keep up due to bureaucratic barriers,” said Chairman Tipton. “To address our unstable energy and gas prices, we must unleash our abundant energy resources.” “Today’s discussion on solutions to this emerging problem, whether its easing regulations on refiners or lifting the export ban on domestically produced crude oil, was substantive. The testimony also confirmed that Washington must remove expensive and time-consuming construction and operational permitting requirements and regulations so our energy industry can safely produce and refine oil in a cost-efficient manner, which will reduce foreign imports of crude oil, create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and help drive down gas prices for overstretched consumers and small businesses.” Materials from the hearing are available on the Committee’s website HERE. Notable Quotes: Mr. Russell Smith, Senior Vice President of Quantum Energy in Williston, ND said, “If there is a bottom line message in my testimony today, it is that government regulations have a very real impact on our business and our business planning for the future. Perhaps most important is that uncertainty about overall federal policy toward crude oil refining and market availability has an indisputable impact on how all investors view business opportunities in this sector.”   Jared Blong, CEO/President of Octane Energy in Midland TX said, “While some may think that this [oil and natural production] growth can be attributed exclusively to the “majors” – that is, the larger, independent or integrated oil and gas companies -- let me suggest that the vast majority of the nearly 10 million Americans who work in the energy sector are small business entrepreneurs like me, dedicated to conservation, innovation, efficiency and stewardship -- and our contributions are and will continue to be, instrumental to America’s energy future.” Kevin Book, Managing Director of ClearView Energy Partners, LLC in Washington, DC said, “My testimony today suggests that even as many Americans celebrate the renewed production of light, sweet crude oil, current production trends may be creating an unstable equilibrium. Domestic crude supply appears poised to outgrow its available outlets under current export policy, creating uncertainty for upstream and downstream investments. Producers may soon see deeper discounts relative to global prices, while refiners must consider whether to commit capital to new infrastructure predicated in large part on these feedstock discounts. In my view, moving as quickly as possible towards a clear and durable policy decision regarding crude oil exports appears to in the interest of all parties.” *This release was sent in conjunction with the House Small Business Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/witnesses-agree-tipton-epa-forest-service-regulations-jeopardize-access-water-rights,"Witnesses Agree with Tipton that EPA, Forest Service Regulations Jeopardize Access to Water Rights",2014-06-24,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) questioned witnesses on the impact that the proposed U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Groundwater Directive and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waters of the U.S. rule will have on Western water users including farmers and ranchers, ski areas, municipalities and others during a Water and Power Subcommittee hearing titled, ""New Federal Schemes to Soak Up Water Authority: Impacts on States, Water Users, Recreation, and Jobs."" USFS Chief Tom Tidwell and Bureau of Reclamation Acting Commissioner Lowell Pimley were invited to testify at the hearing but declined to appear to answer questions on the proposed rules. Tipton questioned Lawrence Martin from the National Water Resources Association (NWRA) on the burden the rules would place on agriculture producers and other users as they attempt to utilize their water rights. Martin told Tipton that the rules add a great deal of uncertainty, delays and costs even for the most basic projects. “I think I would probably have to hire a hydrologist or a hydro geologist just to make a determination every time I needed to do a little bit of work on a canal or a ditch to figure out if it was excluded or not excluded,” said Martin. “It’s going to delay very needed and very good projects.” Watch Tipton’s Q&A with the Witnesses HERE. Martin also testified that the Forest Service Directive runs contrary to the long-standing federal policy to defer to states on regulating groundwater, and will impact pending reserved water rights claims in states including Colorado. “This is a disturbing onslaught coming out of this Administration. First we had the Blueways Order, then the conditional use of permit on ski areas. Now we have the regulatory scheme coming out of the EPA, which is essentially the biggest water grab in American history in my estimation, being supplemented by the Forest Service with their groundwater directive,” said Tipton. “This is of deep concern throughout the West where water is a private property right. We have state law and priority-based systems which have worked well to provide clean, affordable water for many uses including drinking, irrigation for farmers and ranchers, clean, renewable hydropower, recreation, and other uses. The rules put forward by the EPA and Forest Service not only undermine state law and priority-based systems, but create severe uncertainty, add costs and delays to critical water projects, and jeopardize the ability of private water rights users to access their rights and maintain their livelihoods.” In testimony submitted to the record, Farm Family Alliance Executive Director Dan Keppen testified on the need for Congressman Tipton’s legislation to help protect private water rights from some of these federal abuses, stating, “Thankfully, with the leadership from your Subcommittee, the House has passed the “Water Rights Protection Act”, which would put a halt to the conditioning of permits and leases on the transfer, relinquishment, or other impairment of any water right to the U.S. by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture.” Tipton has been at the forefront in Washington in fighting to protect private water rights from federal takings and interference. Tipton’s Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 3189) passed the House with bipartisan support and is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate. Witness testimony from today’s hearing can be found HERE. Background: This week Tipton raised concerns that the Forest Service Groundwater Management Directive reinforces the current policy under Manual 2441.32 (Possessory Interests), which instructs the agency to continue to claim water rights of permittees, to obtain water rights in the name of the United States, but this time in the context of a massive watershed-wide groundwater policy. The scope of the overall policy combined with the directive to “obtain water rights under applicable state law for groundwater and groundwater dependent surface water needed by the Forest Service” could give regional Forest Service staff the agency approval to go after any water right arising on and off Forest Service lands that they deem necessary to carry out the broad objectives of the manual. Read more HERE.   The EPA’s proposed rule drastically expands the agency’s regulatory reach by redefining “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to include virtually every form of surface water including tributaries and ditches. The Forest Service’s proposed Groundwater Directive, released in May, expands its reach over groundwater, and seeks to establish new bureaucratic hurdles to interfere with private water users’ ability to access their water—including their ability to access water from tributaries or streams that could potentially feed into groundwater. View the full Forest Service Directive HERE. Combined the rules could have a severe impact on water users’ abilities to access their private water rights. Tipton recently questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Robert Bonnie during a House Agriculture Subcommittee hearing on the impacts of the EPA and Forest Service rules on agriculture producers’ ability to access their water. Read more HERE. The Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 3189): Prohibits federal land management agencies from implementing a permit condition that requires the transfer of privately-held water rights to the federal government in order to receive or renew a permit for the use of land; Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from imposing other conditions that require the transfer of water rights without just compensation; Upholds longstanding federal deference to state water law; and Has no cost to taxpayers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-forest-service-waging-multiple-assaults-water-rights,Tipton: Forest Service Is Waging Multiple Assaults on Water Rights,2014-06-23,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) called the latest Forest Service permit condition for ski area water rights insufficient to protect water users from agency abuses, and stressed the need for the Senate to pass the Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 3189) to provide long-term certainty that private water users need, and protect them from federal attempts to infringe on their private property. The House passed Tipton’s locally-driven bill with bipartisan support in March. Tipton also blasted the Forest Service for saying one thing while doing another as the agency continues to wage an assault on private water rights through backdoor efforts to obtain rights granted by long-held state water law. “The Forest Service’s latest ski area permit condition does nothing in terms of providing certainty or protecting water users from future federal agency abuses. It’s the fourth variation of the ski area permit clause put forward in the last ten years, and there’s nothing to stop the agency from revising it again. The Forest Service is once more claiming the permit condition is needed to prevent water rights from being sold off and used improperly. Aside from the problem that this is an overreach by the federal government, the Forest Service’s concern that these water rights are being sold off or used improperly has no basis in reality.  Even Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell has testified in Committee that there were no instances of this having occurred in the past,” said Tipton. “The Administration’s track-record of infringing on private water rights and blocking user access to those rights warrants intense skepticism of any agency proposal. The Forest Service’s rhetoric with this latest ski area condition doesn’t match the agency’s actions on the whole. Even as it attempts to persuade that all is well and that it is backing away from using permit conditions as a means to confiscate private water rights, the Forest Service is actively attempting to obtain private water or block access to it through back-door administrative actions. These actions include doubling-down on a current Forest Service policy to obtain water rights in the name of the United States (including rights from permittees) in its proposed Groundwater Directive and under an existing manual. The Forest Service is saying one thing with the ski area permit condition, and doing the exact opposite through other administrative actions. As it currently stands, there is no certainty or protection for ski areas or any other private water rights users.  One thing however is certain—as long as the Forest Service continues to go after private water rights, it will have a fight on its hands from me.” Despite the Forest Service’s insistence that under the new ski area permit condition it will no longer require the transfer of water rights, Forest Service manual 2441.32 (Possessory Interests), which is currently being enforced, instructs the agency to continue to claim water rights of permittees. Section 2541.32 of the 2007 Forest Service Water Uses and Development Manual directs: “Claim possessory interest in water rights in the name of the United States for water uses on National Forest System lands as follows: Claim water rights for water used directly by the Forest Service and by the general public on the National Forest System. Claim water rights for water used by permittees, contractors, and other authorized users of the National Forest System, to carry out activities related to multiple use objectives.  Make these claims if both water use and water development are on the National Forest System and one or more of the following situations exists: a. National Forest management alternatives or efficiency will be limited if another party holds the water right. b. Forest Service programs or activities will continue after the current permittee, contractors or other authorized user discontinues operations.” See the full manual HERE. The Forest Service Groundwater Management Directive reinforces the policy under Manual 2540 to obtain water rights in the name of the United States, but this time in the context of a massive watershed wide groundwater policy. The scope of the overall policy combined with the directive to “obtain water rights under applicable state law for groundwater and groundwater dependent surface water needed by the Forest Service” could give regional Forest Service staff the agency approval to go after any water right arising on and off Forest Service lands that they deem necessary to carry out the broad objectives of the manual. “While the Forest Service would like to give the impression that it is backing away from obtaining private water rights with its latest ski area permit condition, the policy currently in effect at the agency combined with its new Groundwater Management Directive indicates that nothing is farther from the truth, and that it is actually gearing up for an even greater attempt to obtain private water,” said Tipton. “Until legislation like the Water Rights Protection Act is signed into law, private water rights users including ski areas, agriculture producers, municipalities, recreationalists and others will continue to be at risk of abuse from federal land management agencies. I strongly urge my colleagues over in the Senate, including the Senators from Colorado, to join me in standing up for private water rights and pass this needed legislation which already cleared the House with bipartisan support.” The Water Rights Protection Act (H.R. 3189): Prohibits federal land management agencies from implementing a permit condition that requires the transfer of privately-held water rights to the federal government in order to receive or renew a permit for the use of land; Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from imposing other conditions that require the transfer of water rights without just compensation; Upholds longstanding federal deference to state water law; and Has no cost to taxpayers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://tipton.house.gov/press-release/tipton-epa-forest-service-rules-imperil-farmers%E2%80%99-and-ranchers%E2%80%99-access-water-rights,"Tipton: EPA, Forest Service Rules Imperil Farmers and Ranchers Access to Water Rights",2014-06-19,2014,2014-06,Republican,House,CO,Scott Tipton,T000470,tipton.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Robert Bonnie during a House Agriculture Subcommittee hearing to review the Interpretive Rule Regarding the Applicability of Clean Water Act Agricultural Exemptions.  During the hearing, Tipton contested Bonnie’s claims that agriculture producers’ access to water would be protected as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) attempts to expand its regulatory reach through a proposed rule that redefines “waters of the United States” from “navigable” waterways to virtually every form of surface water. Tipton emphasized that while the EPA Clean Water Act Rule covers all surface water, a new proposed Forest Service Groundwater Directive will expand that agency’s regulatory overreach to include all groundwater—including access to streams and tributaries that feed into it. Combined, these two administrative actions could drastically restrict farmers and ranchers from accessing their water rights on all fronts. Watch Tipton’s Q&A with Bonnie HERE. During the hearing, Tipton contested Bonnie’s claim that the Interpretive Rule to the EPA’s proposed Clean Water Rule (put forward without any public comment) would protect farmers’ and ranchers’ access to water, and pointed out that the Forest Service Groundwater Directive would essentially negate any “protections” the Interpretive Rule provides. A partial transcript of their exchange follows: TIPTON: As you were going through your testimony, you were saying that it (the Interpretive Rule) applies to established farming areas. What if there’s an adjacent field that hasn’t been farmed, and a farmer or rancher buys that, does it then apply? BONNIE: If it’s not a ‘waters of the U.S.’, they’re free to farm and ranch. TIPTON: I don’t know what’s not going to be applicable to the ‘waters of the U.S.’ This is the biggest water grab in American history coming out of the EPA. Mr. Bonnie, the USDA has stated that the Interpretive Rule only applies to adjacent and neighboring waters.  It’s also been said that when USDA is able to show a hydrologic underground connection, however tenuous, you will regulate those waters, even though it falls outside of your stated application of the Rule.  Can you explain to me how those two statements don’t conflict? BONNIE: Groundwater in the proposed Clean Water Act Rule is not regulated. I think it’s an exemption that’s fairly clear. TIPTON: You need to get ahold of the Forest Service, they’re just putting out a directive. BONNIE: The Forest Service is putting out a directive that will clarify and provide some consistency across the way we address groundwater as part of resource management plans, projects and other things. The purpose of that directive is to provide greater consistency across the Forest Service. It doesn’t provide any new authorities to regulate groundwater. Purely, I think about consistency. TIPTON: My interpretation of it is that a farmer or rancher could divert legally out of a stream to fill a stock pond or irrigate a field, and will be in violation. BONNIE: Stock ponds are specifically exempt under the Clean Water Act. TIPTON: Not if you’re looking at that Groundwater Rule. The EPA’s proposed rule drastically expands the agency’s regulatory reach by redefining “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to include virtually every form of surface water including tributaries and ditches. The Forest Service’s proposed Groundwater Directive, released in May, expands its reach over groundwater, and seeks to establish new bureaucratic hurdles to interfere with private water users’ ability to access their water—including their ability to access water from tributaries or streams that could potentially feed into groundwater. View the full Forest Service Directive HERE. Combined the rules could have a severe impact on water users’—including agriculture producers—abilities to access their private water rights. Full witness testimony from today’s hearing is available HERE. Background: In May, Tipton and his colleagues urged the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to withdraw the proposed rule that could amount to the largest federal water grab to date. Additionally, Tipton joined Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy highlighting the impacts the rule will have on small businesses. Tipton first raised concerns in March over the impact the rule could have in Colorado and on the rights of all water users. Tipton also joined his colleagues in a letter to House Appropriators requesting that no funds in the FY 2015 Energy and Water Development Appropriations and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bills be made available to implement the new EPA draft rule. Read that letter HERE. Tipton has been a staunch defender of Colorado and Western water and private property rights since being elected to Congress. Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Tipton’s legislation, with bipartisan support, to uphold state water law and protect private water rights from uncompensated federal takings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z