Thank you, Mr chairman. I rise today to honor the life of connie kurtz and going rights activist who passed away recently at the age of eighty one connie was born and raised in brooklyn New York, where she met and fell in love with the woman who would become her wife Ruth the berman Ruth ian County became a couple in 19 74 long before same sex couples were afforded equal rights rudy was a school counselor In in 19 eighty eight, they found themselves at the forefront of the gay rights movement when they joined two other couples and sue the New York Department of education for domestic partner benefits for same sex couples. Their advocacy led to the city, extending health care benefits to same sex couples in 19 94 rue de and county's activism did not stop there. They continue to fight for lgbt rights, including rights for older lgbt Americans. They recognized the unique Healthcare, social and emotional and housing needs of our aging, lgbt population and they sought to help minimize these disparities. I'm honored to have introduced the roofing connie gao elder Americans act with my colleagues, congressman ted and congressman charlie crist. This legislation defines going seniors as vulnerable population requires the health and human services assistant Secretary of aging to Data on the unique needs of this population and provides grants for service organizations that are working to improve the health and long term outcomes of the aging lgbt population. Since county's popping passing rudy has about two continue to continue her activism. Ruth. He said, of her wife connie, took on responsibilities as an active it with the belief that her role had a beginning, a Middle and an end working to Yes, the ruby and connie gao older Americans act was last political action before she passed away on may. 20 seventh two thousand eighteen I hope Congress will any Congress will honour connie by passing this loss so, like connie all lgbt older adults, can age with the dignity and respect they deserve. Let's make this happen. I couldn't agree with her more today in honor of life in courage, all of my colleagues to join me in Co sponsoring this legislation, together, we can take another step toward equality for lgbt older Americans. They can