Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-22

TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL FELIX A. ABEYTA

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Context

On 2026-04-22, Senator John W. Hickenlooper (D-CO) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL FELIX A. ABEYTA" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, defense. It referenced legislation: S1932.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL FELIX A. ABEYTA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1932] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL FELIX A. ABEYTA Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great American and an exceptional member of the U.S. Space Force, Lt. Col. Felix Abeyta. A true champion for our Nation and expert communicator, this Colorado native and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate brings over 15 years of distinguished uniformed service. He has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unparalleled ability to navigate complex legislative landscapes in service to our country and the 119th U.S. Congress. He left an indelible mark as the first guardian dedicated to the U.S. Senate, providing that vital link between Congress and the Space Force as he effectively advocated for critical defense priorities. Throughout his military career, he has demonstrated exceptional and unrivaled excellence in a myriad of positions critical to U.S. defense and national security worldwide. As a legislative liaison and action officer in the Department of the Air Force's Senate Legislative Liaison Division, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta expertly advised Department of the Air Force senior leadership, developing strategic opportunities to advance Air and Space Force priorities on Capitol Hill. His leadership facilitated seamless collaboration on behalf of the Department of the Air Force across 64 congressional offices, expertly resolving 103 requests for information. He supported numerous congressional engagements and delegations to showcase Department equities in the United States and abroad. Most notably, his strategic acumen during key hearings on Space Force capabilities was instrumental in securing a $32 billion investment from Congress and forging a stronger relationship between the Department and the Senate. Through his tireless efforts, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta secured direct engagement between Members of Congress and key decision- makers, including the Secretary of the Air Force, resulting in successful advancements of critical Space Force initiatives. Leveraging his deep expertise in Space Force acquisitions, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta secured congressional alignment for the future of space-based global satellite communications for 12 service vehicles, degrading adversary jamming capabilities and protecting critical national security objectives. Finally, as the sole guardian on the Department of the Air Force Senate liaison team, he effectively advocated for Department priorities. Collaborating with U.S. Space Command, he arranged 10 visits to 31 space-based locations for key decision-makers, highlighting capabilities, and the quality-of-life concerns of guardians. His efforts have expanded the U.S. Space Force Caucus by 25 percent on the Hill. Due to his direct involvement, advocacy, and stewardship, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions and ensured the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded. After serving in this crucial role and becoming a fixture on Capitol Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta will move on to become the system program manager for the Space Launch Procurement Branch, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA. Felix and his wife Zantia have instilled a legacy of service for their three children Dylan, Tillman, and Charlotte. They have sacrificed much as a family in service to our Nation. I am thankful for Felix's service and his work with my office and the Senate over the past year on issues of vital importance to the defense of the United States. I salute this American patriot whose selfless service has kept our country safe and strong. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL FELIX A. ABEYTA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1932] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL FELIX A. ABEYTA Mr. HICKENLOOPER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great American and an exceptional member of the U.S. Space Force, Lt. Col. Felix Abeyta. A true champion for our Nation and expert communicator, this Colorado native and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate brings over 15 years of distinguished uniformed service. He has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unparalleled ability to navigate complex legislative landscapes in service to our country and the 119th U.S. Congress. He left an indelible mark as the first guardian dedicated to the U.S. Senate, providing that vital link between Congress and the Space Force as he effectively advocated for critical defense priorities. Throughout his military career, he has demonstrated exceptional and unrivaled excellence in a myriad of positions critical to U.S. defense and national security worldwide. As a legislative liaison and action officer in the Department of the Air Force's Senate Legislative Liaison Division, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta expertly advised Department of the Air Force senior leadership, developing strategic opportunities to advance Air and Space Force priorities on Capitol Hill. His leadership facilitated seamless collaboration on behalf of the Department of the Air Force across 64 congressional offices, expertly resolving 103 requests for information. He supported numerous congressional engagements and delegations to showcase Department equities in the United States and abroad. Most notably, his strategic acumen during key hearings on Space Force capabilities was instrumental in securing a $32 billion investment from Congress and forging a stronger relationship between the Department and the Senate. Through his tireless efforts, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta secured direct engagement between Members of Congress and key decision- makers, including the Secretary of the Air Force, resulting in successful advancements of critical Space Force initiatives. Leveraging his deep expertise in Space Force acquisitions, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta secured congressional alignment for the future of space-based global satellite communications for 12 service vehicles, degrading adversary jamming capabilities and protecting critical national security objectives. Finally, as the sole guardian on the Department of the Air Force Senate liaison team, he effectively advocated for Department priorities. Collaborating with U.S. Space Command, he arranged 10 visits to 31 space-based locations for key decision-makers, highlighting capabilities, and the quality-of-life concerns of guardians. His efforts have expanded the U.S. Space Force Caucus by 25 percent on the Hill. Due to his direct involvement, advocacy, and stewardship, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions and ensured the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded. After serving in this crucial role and becoming a fixture on Capitol Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Abeyta will move on to become the system program manager for the Space Launch Procurement Branch, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA. Felix and his wife Zantia have instilled a legacy of service for their three children Dylan, Tillman, and Charlotte. They have sacrificed much as a family in service to our Nation. I am thankful for Felix's service and his work with my office and the Senate over the past year on issues of vital importance to the defense of the United States. I salute this American patriot whose selfless service has kept our country safe and strong. ____________________