Donald Beyer

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, I rise this afternoon to honor the lifetime contributions of Marie Ridder to Virginia and to our Nation. Marie, a distinguished journalist and one of the most passionate conservationists I have ever known, celebrated her 99th birthday just a few weeks ago. I believe her children have finally gotten her to agree to stop driving herself to every one of her many engagements. Marie Ridder began her career as a journalist by covering the reconstruction of post-World War II Europe for the Philadelphia Bulletin. Over the years, she wrote for The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and for Knight Ridder publications. Not just a writer, Marie edited Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle, and also Conde Nast magazines. I became close with Marie when she hosted my first political event more than 36 years ago. When everyone else was skeptical, including my own family, she believed in me. Marie is passionate about saving our landscapes and our environment. She has been the champion of the Piedmont Environmental Council for decades. She has served on the boards of the League of Conservation Voters and the Trust for Public Land. She is also a master gardener. While working in her garden high above the Potomac River, she was bitten by a copperhead a few years ago and rushed to Sibley Memorial Hospital for the antivenom. When she was struck again by a copperhead a few years later, the emergency room doctor noted that he had only treated two snake bites in his life; both were Marie. It will come as no surprise that he was, yet again, the attending physician on her third snake bite. I do my best to avoid her garden. Marie's public service history is both remarkable and intriguing. She was the deputy to the national director of Head Start where she also served as the direct liaison to First Lady Lady Bird Johnson for 4 years. Later, she led the Sasha Bruce House, a compassionate home for lost children in our Capital City, the abused, abandoned, neglected, and runaways. Marie has won many awards in her fight for democracy, and in 2019, I was privileged to award her the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to empowering women. On a recent visit to her McLean home, we were regaled with the most recent bow and arrow and deer story in her garden--that same cursed garden. It was in season, of course. Megan and I are most fortunate to count Marie Ridder as our beloved friend. Our America is the long beneficiary of her creativity, her energy, and her tireless commitment to others. When you earn her trust, Marie will even tell you about her date with John F. Kennedy.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not perfect, but no bill ever is. This act is win-win-win. There will be 400,000 children who will be lifted out of poverty. There will be 200,000 new affordable homes built. Research and development, the absolute essential investment for economic prosperity, will be incentivized again. Politics is the art of the possible. In a divided Congress, this is the best we can accomplish. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent Amy Falk Sheldon for her outstanding work at the National PTA. As Director of Resource Development Amy made an immeasurable difference in the lives of PTA leaders across the county. She tirelessly dedicated her time to PTA's mission to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Beginning in 2015, Amy collaborated with local PTA leaders to develop corporate alliances and create partnerships which delivered engaging and educational opportunities for members. Amy is a dedicated humanitarian having worked at the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry and American Association of University Women. She is also a board member of the Washington Area Women's Foundation. I am proud the National PTA is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia and congratulate Amy for her service to the organization, its staff, partners, and affiliates.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to honor the extraordinary career of Ken Smith, who at one time was from Delaware and then Virginia and now makes his home in Florida. A long time ago, in the faraway land of Delaware, Ken was a young policy assistant to Governor Pete du Pont, after serving as a staff aide during the Nixon administration. His career in education had started in 1973 when President Nixon appointed him vice chairman of the National Advisory Council on the Education of Disadvantaged Children. Governor du Pont and Ken made the startling discovery that there was enormous economic, social, and cultural potential residing in adults who had dropped out of high school but were never realized because of educational and career blockages. These were smart kids, but kids who, for whatever reason, had to quit school and go to work. With the Governor's blessing and leadership, Ken created Jobs for Delaware's Graduates, a model program for intervening with the young women and men most likely to drop out, saving them not just to get them to graduation but to land them in good jobs or at least postsecondary education. Jobs for Delaware's Graduates worked so well, Governor du Pont shared its success with Republican and Democratic Governors across the country, and many created their own programs. Vice President Walter Mondale was so impressed, he asked them to replicate it across the country. They needed a national leader, and Ken Smith was chosen to be the first--and for more than 40 years the only--CEO and President of Jobs for America's Graduates. Jobs for America's Graduates launched in four States, including Virginia, and was bipartisan from the very start. Ken wisely cultivated Governor after Governor from both parties to grow the programs in their States, knowing that this was the most secure path to sustained economic growth and to overcome the poverty that cursed our least educated. Today, Jobs for America's Graduates is helping 75,000 young people per year in over 1,450 high schools, middle schools, and out-of-school programs in more than 40 States. I had the great privilege of chairing Jobs for Virginia's Graduates for 14 years, always bipartisan. It is now led by the Honorable Eileen Filler-Corn, the first woman speaker in the Virginia House. JVG is serving the kids with barriers to success in over 50 Virginia high schools today. Ken Smith wisely created a national board to oversee the growth of this most successful high school dropout prevention program. The board chair is always a Governor, and it alternates between a Democratic and Republican every year. We are honored to have Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa chair the board this year. She succeeded Governor John Bel Edwards last year. A fun fact is that the Jobs for America's Graduates board has more Governors than any other board, including the National Governors Association. Ken's leadership and advocacy over 40 years has inspired many highlights, from Governor George Bush installing the program in every high school in El Paso, to Governor Mike Pence expanding all throughout Indiana. Our own Virginia Governor, Chuck Robb, served as national chairman; and our current Governor, Glenn Youngkin, has kept this commitment in his budget. Remarkably, with Ken Smith at the helm, over 1,400,000 young men and women have graduated from high school, exceeding expectations they and their families had rarely hoped for. In more than 40 years, Jobs for America's Graduates has never had a graduation rate below 90 percent, and today, the current graduation rate is above 95 percent. Throughout his career, Ken has been appointed by multiple Presidents to serve as an education adviser given his deep connection and commitment to helping youth. Thanks to Ken could not be given without saying thank you to his family, of course, who supported him throughout his career. Nora, his wife; Tara and Jennifer, his daughters; and most recently, his two granddaughters continue to support his work. I have known many good human beings in my life. I get to serve in this House, where the great majority of us, Democrats and Republicans, serve because we are trying to make the world and America a better place. I have almost never met a man who has had as great a lifetime impact on far more than 1 million young people than Ken Smith. He has given his life to others and changed those lives with his love, hard work, and his courage. Ken Smith, in your deserved pretend retirement, I salute you and thank you for your inspiration and your service.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, l rise to recognize an extraordinary constituent of mine, Braylon Meade. Braylon's dedication to athletics, commitment to academics and service to others is an inspiration to our entire community. Kind, positive, and contagious work ethic are just some of the several descriptions of Braylon's outstanding character. As a student at Washington-Liberty High School Braylon displayed commitment to academics taking all International Baccalaureate classes. Outside of the classroom he dedicated himself as both a football and basketball player for the Generals. One coach remarked, ``Braylon went above and beyond to make himself the best athlete that he could be. He was the kind of player that, if you asked him to run through a brick wall, he'd do it and not complain.'' Off the court, Braylon served his community by coaching youth sports, organizing a basketball tournament to raise funds for cancer research, and volunteering at a local food pantry. As a fan, Braylon's dedication to the Maize and Blue was unmatched-- ultimately gaining acceptance into the University of Michigan. As his birthday approaches and we enter the holiday season, I wish Braylon's mother Rose, father Kris, sister Kerry, brother Bryan and countless friends, teammates and classmates peace knowing and feeling the love that surrounds Braylon.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I seek to recognize Mr. Howard W. Smith III, who is retiring after a remarkable 43 years of dedicated service at Walker & Dunlop Inc. Howard's journey began in Alexandria, Virginia, where he graduated as a proud alumnus of Episcopal High School in '76 and later from Washington and Lee University in '80. Howard started his career at Walker & Dunlop in 1980 and now serves as the company's President. Over his 43 years, Howard has been a successful loan originator and rose through the leadership ranks at W&D as COO and a member of the Board of Directors. As President, Howard oversees the company's entire nationwide loan origination and investment sales operations. Howard has mentored dozens of colleagues at W&D and has been integral to the growth and success of the company throughout his distinguished career. I know his colleagues and fellow board members will deeply miss his sage advice, his humor and his vast knowledge of the industry. In addition to his accomplished W&D career, Howard is deeply engaged with his community and alma maters. He actively contributes to the academic landscape as a member of the advisory board to the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics at Washington and Lee University. He also served as a Former Trustee and Finance Committee Chair of Episcopal High School and as the Former Senior Warden of Christ Church Georgetown. Howard is the proud husband of Page Lane Smith; together they have built a family in the heart of Washington D.C. with their five children Martha Macon Ashburner Smith, Marion Hungerford Smith, Howard ``Worth'' Smith IV, Anne de Graffenried Smith, and Elizabeth ``Syndey'' Smith. I am honored to congratulate Howard as he retires from an extensive and accomplished career, and I wish him the best of luck in this new chapter of his life.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Diane M. Boyle for her 28 years of outstanding Federal service as a civilian attorney for the Department of the Navy (DON) Office of the General Counsel (OGC). Since she began her distinguished career with DON OGC in 1995, Ms. Boyle has served in several positions, including serving in multiple acquisition attorney positions at the Naval Air Systems Command, and service as Counsel, Navy Region Naval District Washington; Deputy Counsel, Commander Navy Installations Command; and Deputy Assistant General Counsel, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Notably, she became a member of the Senior Executive Service in February 2014 when the General Counsel selected her as Counsel for the Office of Naval Research. Later, in December 2019, the General Counsel selected her to serve as the Deputy General Counsel, OGC's ``managing partner.'' During her tenure as Deputy General Counsel, she has impressively managed the personnel, budget, training and oversight of a legal community comprised of more than 1,100 attorneys and professional staff operating in over 145 offices worldwide. Throughout her career, Ms. Boyle has distinguished herself as an extraordinary attorney who has made invaluable contributions to the DON on a variety of complex matters of significant impact to the national defense mission. From advising on the V-22 Osprey acquisition program, to overseeing legal matters in the Navy Trademark and Licensing Program Office, to steering the DON and OGC through the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Boyle has worked tirelessly to provide proactive, accurate, and innovative legal advice on a multitude of legally complicated issues across a broad spectrum of matters. Additionally, Ms. Boyle has brought innovative business acumen to the operations of the DON OGC, ensuring it functions efficiently and effectively. Her character and sustained work ethic has consistently enabled the DON OGC to meet its mission of supporting Sailors, Marines, and civilians executing the defense mission worldwide. The daughter of a decorated Navy Flag Officer, Ms. Boyle has continued that legacy of service and has been recognized for her own outstanding contributions. Among her achievements, she has received the DON Meritorious, Superior, and Distinguished Civilian Service Awards, and many other performance-related accolades. A dedicated civil servant, she is worthy of additional recognition before her fellow citizens as she completes her Federal career. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Ms. Diane M. Boyle as she retires from Federal service.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Arlington Babe Ruth 13U All-Star Team, who won the Virginia Babe Ruth Baseball 13U State championship and represented Virginia in the 2023 Babe Ruth World Series. The team was undefeated in the State tournament, outscoring their opponents 41-7. The team went on to proudly represent Virginia in the 2023 Babe Ruth World Series where they faced regional champions from all over the country. While they came up short in their goal of winning the world series, they should nevertheless be tremendously proud of a wonderful season. It would also not have been possible without a dedicated group of friends, families, and supporters who cheered them on and spent countless hours and hundreds of miles supporting the team. It made Arlington and the rest of the Eighth District proud. I am sure they will go on to even greater things. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating head coach Chris Chiuchiolo, assistant coach Thor Koomey, and their championship team: Sammy Braccia, George Cocker, Ryan DiVincenzo, Nolan Foerster, Luca Feden, Clive Gay, Aden Heinzer, Michael Huff, Booker Lawson, Michael Mastrangelo, Jack Riordan, Charlie Rotz, and Jones Tallent. Go Arlington.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize my constituent, Colonel Glen Helberg, whose dedicated service as a military officer for 20 years exemplifies courage and outstanding leadership throughout a distinguished career. COL Helberg's journey began when he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer after graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1999. His first assignment was with the 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 101st Infantry Division, Ft Campbell, KY, from 2000 to 2002. There, he served as a rifle platoon leader and scout platoon leader and was later deployed to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom. He eventually returned to Afghanistan on deployment twice in 2010 and 2012. After his command, COL Helberg's leadership was called on for various Joint Special Operations Task Forces. Throughout his extensive career, COL Helberg has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Valorous Unit Award (4th Award), among others. In addition to a remarkable career and extensive service to his country, I would also like to recognize COL Helberg as a beloved friend, father, and husband to Colonel Shannon Helberg. For over two decades, the Helbergs have exemplified the sacrifice of what it means to be a military family. Through numerous household moves across the country, changing schools for the Helberg children, and deployments to dangerous places for both Glen and Shannon, the Helbergs have remained steadfast in their dedication to our great nation and to each other. I wish Glen and the Helberg family good luck in their future endeavors and thank them for their untiring service to this country.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Suicide Prevention Month. We know our country is in the midst of a severe mental health crisis, and people are struggling. After declines in the suicide rate from 2019 to 2020, the rates increased almost percent in 2021. Provisional data from the CDC shows that the rate is continuing to rise, up 2.6 percent from 2021 to 2022. According to this data, which is not yet final, we lost about 49,450 people to suicide in 2022. This is a dire situation, but we have tools to help save lives and the opportunity to transform how we as a nation respond to suicide, mental health, and substance use crises. I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the 988 Lifeline has helped connect millions of individuals across the country with support and resources in their darkest hours. Since its transition to the 988-dialing code from the longer, 10-digit hotline in July of 2022, the Lifeline has received almost 5 million contacts (through calls, chats, and texts). Vibrant Emotional Health, the administrator of the Lifeline, estimates that this number could reach 9 million in the next fiscal year (FY24). We must ensure that anyone in crisis--regardless of the time of day, or where they are--has someone to talk to, someone to respond, and a safe place to go. Continued federal investment is critical for the 988 Lifeline to sustain the crisis care continuum and build out the call centers, as well as mobile crisis response teams and crisis stabilization facilities. Suicide does not discriminate and impacts all communities, with some populations being at increased risk. For example, between 2018 and 2021, increases in age-adjusted suicide rates were highest amongst Native Americans (26 percent), with Blacks (19.2 percent) and Hispanics (6.8 percent) also experiences significant increases. Other disproportionately impacted populations include Veterans, people living in rural areas, LGBTQ people, middle-aged and older adults, tribal populations, and youth. Vibrant estimates that about 80 percent of chat and text contacts are initiated by youth and young adults. We must meet children and adolescents where they are and ensure that chat and text capacity is strong enough to meet this great demand. To address mental health challenges among our youth, I will be reintroducing the Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Act, which would help young people support their mental health byestablishing a competitive grant program for middle and high-schools to facilitate student-led suicide prevention programs. A study from Pew Charitable Trusts earlier this year revealed that only about 13 percent of adults in the US are aware of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline represents a chance to change how our country supports those in crisis; it cannot reach its potential if most people are unaware of its existence, and of its numerous resources and supports it can offer them when they need them most. A coordinated, national suicide prevention public awareness campaign is necessary to educate people across the country of what 988 has to offer. That's why I will be reintroducing the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act to support culturally competent advertisements across the lifespan. Suicide prevention has long been an important issue to me. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me this month in raising awareness and supporting legislation that promotes mental health and suicide prevention to help save lives.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize my constituent, Ms. Vera Punke, for turning 108 years old last month. Vera was born on August 29, 1915. She celebrated her birthday with friends and family around, along with an abundance of Arlington dignitaries. Vera has been a highly successful businesswoman, community organizer, co-founder of the Woman's Youth League of Rhode Island, Den Mother, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She has been an exemplary volunteer at The Jefferson community and remains as active, engaged, energetic, and decisive as ever. Vera always remains available to anyone needing a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic listener to anyone just wanting to talk, and an inspiration to anyone who knows her life's story. She lives by her personal motto: ``If I have helped ease one ache or pain, I have not lived in vain.'' Arlington is honored to celebrate her accomplished life and this milestone birthday.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I stand in steadfast opposition to both S.J. Res. 9 and S.J. Res. 24. These resolutions represent a deeply concerning, misguided attempt to undermine the Endangered Species Act. These partisan resolutions are also out of step with what Americans care about. Our constituents are looking for us to lead, to take action to restore a healthy, biodiverse, and climate-stable planet. We took important actions in the last Congress, and we are seeing the results now--funding for cities like Alexandria to transition to electric schoolbuses that are healthier for kids, creating jobs for climate- ready coasts so these communities are resilient to extreme weather, new clean energy manufacturing so that people have jobs and healthier workspaces for a healthier planet for us all. These resolutions are part of an agenda that puts polluters over people. Americans don't want to see politicians interfering to reverse science-based endangered species protections, cementing a species' path to extinction, just like they don't want to see us cementing the country on a path of more fossil fuel pollution, causing extreme weather and the overheating that is destroying the country right now. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle spent 2 years shouting about things like inflation and public safety, but now, in power, they are heading into a 6-week recess focused on stripping protections from bats and lesser prairie-chickens. How does this help inflation? How does it help make people safer? It doesn't. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to see that these resolutions are misguided, even silly, and vote ``no.''

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1338, the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act. I believe I am joined in this opposition by the chair of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Mr. Lucas, and by the chair of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, Mr. Babin. Mr. Speaker, with complete respect to the chair and the ranking member on the Energy and Commerce Committee, if this bill were focused solely on regulating electromagnetic spectrum use and improving the spectrum licensing process in the United States, then this would be a very different speech. Improving the Federal Communications Commission's licensing of spectrum is important. However, H.R. 1338 goes way beyond the FCC's spectrum mission. It would provide unprecedented authority to the FCC to issue rules on ``space safety and orbital debris.'' This is a serious problem and cause for deep concern. Drafting such rules would only detract and divert attention and resources from the FCC's primary mission of assessing applications for spectrum, actions the bill seeks to strengthen. The FCC does not have sufficient expertise to issue appropriate rules on space safety or orbital debris. Further, Federal agencies engage in interagency coordination on orbital debris mitigation based on science and technical research led by NASA. Rather than follow a cohesive and coordinated approach within the Federal Government, H.R. 1338 would give authority to the FCC to do its own thing and to act unilaterally without participating in the interagency coordination that is necessary to prevent a fragmented government approach toward space activities. On something as important as space safety and orbital debris, this is a troubling thought. The issue of space safety and orbital debris is a pressing concern. The administration and stakeholders through two administrations have been coalescing around the Department of Commerce as the lead agency on space safety and related orbital debris activities in coordination with other Federal Government agencies. Congress has appropriated funding for the Department of Commerce to advance civil space situational awareness and related orbital debris activities. This is a critical time for the U.S. commercial space industry. Clear and predictable roles, responsibilities, and regulatory frameworks from the Federal Government are needed. Having the FCC regulate space safety and orbital debris mitigation would duplicate efforts and cause confusion, including for our partners, where the U.S. has led internationally. Rather than supporting the continuing growth and leadership of the U.S. in commercial space, and the interagency process within the Department of Commerce, H.R. 1338 risks undermining it. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment falsely advertised as a compromise. Nobody asked our regional delegation about this, and we are united against adding more air traffic in DCA. DCA is way over capacity. It is the busiest runway in America and one of the shortest. There were 25 million people served last year in an airport designed for 14 million. Mr. Chair, 20 percent of the flights are already more than an hour late, and this will only make it worse. This is a congested, complex airspace--think Capitol, White House, and Pentagon. It is the third highest in aborted takeoffs and landings. These safety concerns will only be magnified. It is not true that this amendment will lower ticket prices. The last time that the perimeter-plus slots were added, prices went up at both Dulles and DCA. If you use Reagan National now, count on spending many more hours lost on the tarmac or at the gate. Mr. Chair, why would you ever vote to make your commute worse? I urge my friends to vote ``no'' on the amendment.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Chairman, as co-chair of the Endangered Species Caucus, I rise today in strong opposition to amendment No. 55 of the National Defense Authorization Act offered by Mr. Biggs of Arizona. We are facing a biodiversity crisis in America and around the world. We should be discussing how better to protect our Nation's wildlife instead of these unconscionable, extreme, MAGA Republican attack on efforts to protect our endangered species. As my friend Mr. Huffman said, this is one of the most successful bills in American history, and this is an absolutely baseless attack on the Endangered Species Act that the Department of Defense has not asked for. No colonels, no generals, no admirals, no captains have said that they have trouble fulfilling their mission because of the Endangered Species Act. The Department of Defense already has a strong natural resources program. They work very closely with the Fish and Wildlife Service, and they have been part of delisting many of the species earlier listed, including, most importantly, the American bald eagle. In the midst of a biodiversity crisis, we need an ESA that remains strong. We need all Federal agencies, especially the Department of Defense, to continue to collaborate with each other to protect our endangered wildlife. Actions to protect these species do not hinder our national security. Managing endangered species in balance with their mission is something that the Department of Defense already does very well. By the way, the Goldwater Range is actually managed not by the Endangered Species Act but by the Department of Defense's own resource management plan. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to reject this unwanted, unnecessary, and destructive amendment.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record a Proclamation honoring Dr. Magalie Emile-Backer. Whereas, Dr. Magalie Emile-Backer is a native of the Republic of Haiti and migrated to the United States as a child. Whereas, beyond science, Dr. Emile-Backer is an entrepreneur, investor, trusted community leader and advocate for global diaspora communities. From research to her community advocacy in global development, her life's work and vision is to leave a legacy of economic freedom in low middle income countries (LMICs) and to service the vulnerable by being a vessel for God's work. Whereas, as a community advocate, Magalie spearheaded COVID-19- related initiatives throughout the African-Caribbean diaspora to address vaccine hesitancy, economic impacts of COVID and other civil society engagement programs including World AIDS Day, Malaria Nothing but Net campaigns, COVID townhalls, and advocacy for recent Census, etc. Whereas, she is a global health advocate committed to health systems strengthening in the U.S., particularly, in developing nations. Her life's work is improving global health and eradicating poverty through creative community-based development solutions for economic empowerment. Whereas, since 2010, Magalie and her husband Firmin Backer, Co- Founded the Haiti Renewal Alliance (HRA), a non-profit based in the Washington, DC area committed to promoting business development and foreign/diaspora direct investment for the socioeconomic growth of the Caribbean, especially, Haiti. HRA's motto is building sustainable institutions through infrastructure and trade opposed to perpetuation of aid and charity. Whereas, HRA convenes, connects and brokers through strategic community engagement partnership models. In 2021, HRA launched another platform in partnership with USAID, diaspora partnership accelerator (DPA), in response to the growing call to action around diaspora direct funding models. HRA's Diaspora Framework and integration models provide innovative solutions in a resource constraint global development landscape. Whereas, after the 2021 Haiti Earthquake, through her advocacy for empowering localization, she helped raise 1M through HRA's corporate donor strategy and other govt donor grants to help direct funding to diaspora locally led projects. Whereas, the campaign also help create OneDiaspora, a network of diaspora, private sector and local NGOs committed to strengthening community-based initiatives and localization priorities. HRA has become a leading institution focused on strategic global development consulting, effective community-based engagement, particularly, diaspora and private sector integration for sustainable growth and investment. Whereas, Dr. Magalie Emile-Backer has over 20 years experience conducting research in the biopharmaceutical industry and federal government. She is currently a Director in Vaccine Safety, at Moderna Therapeutics, supporting the manufacturers global health safety surveillance for the COVID-19 pandemic and global expansion of its innovative mRNA science portfolio. Prior to Moderna, Magalie has served as a biomedical research SME at NIH and supported the nation's COVID-19 response within ASPR/HHS. Whereas, Dr. Emile-Backer holds a clinical doctorate from Howard University, Bachelors from Temple University and postdoctoral fellowship training from Rutgers University, and Hoffman Laroche Pharmaceuticals, as well as, several certifications and publications in major scientific journals. Magalie serves on several community, scientific and county boards (e.g. Alexandria Commission on HIV, Myocarditis Advisory board and Fairfax Health systems). Please join me in congratulating Dr. Emile-Backer for her extensive work recognizing Caribbean Heritage Month.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, to accompany the introduction of H.J. Res. 76, I am including in the Record statements and letters of support for the Redesignation of Arlington House from the descendants of the estate. Congressman Beyer: I am writing to express my support for the redesignation of the National Park Service site currently known as `Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial' as the `Arlington House National Historic Site.' The memorial to Lee was established in two pieces of legislation 18 years apart. Public Law 84-1071, passed in June 1955, dedicated the memorial and stated that ``Lee, whose name will ever be bright in our history as a great military leader, a great educator, and a great American.'' It went on to say that ``he was a truly great man through the simple heritage of his personal traits of high character, his grandeur of soul, and his unfailing strength of heart.'' The 1972 legislation established public law 92-333 which gave the site its current name, `Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial'. I continue believe this redesignation is long overdue. The name Arlington House National Historic Site is not only inclusive, it is consistent with how the National Park Service manages and interprets this iconic, historic property. I am a descendant and historian of the Syphax family. Syphaxes were enslaved on the Arlington House plantation by both Robert E. Lee and George Washington Parke Custis before him. Although I disagree with how the earlier legislation characterizes Lee, I disparage neither Lee nor the Custises. I do, however, work hard to give agency to the Syphaxes and all of the Arlington House plantation enslaved community. Their lives and stories are equally as important to the history of this site as is those who enslaved them. Their stories are educational, inspiring and uplifting. Their stories are intertwined with the Lees and Custises. The stories and history told completely can help our country better understand slavery at the Arlington House plantation and have the ability to help generate important and necessary conversations that can help repair and heal from a painful, divisive past. This redesignation is important to the entire country, not just Arlington House descendant families, the state of Virginia and Washington, D.C. It is important to all Americans. During the short time our on line petition (RedesignateARHO.org) has been collecting signatures, citizens from every state in the country and 9 other nations have expressed their support for the site redesignation. I live in Loudoun County, VA. I intend to share this message with my own elected officials. Your colleague, Representative Jennifer Wexton, and Senator Tim Kaine, have both co-sponsored and sponsored legislation in the House and Senate, respectively. In addition, I will attempt to seek the support of Senator Mark Warner as a co-sponsor of the Senate legislation. Thank you again Congressman Beyer for your leadership on this effort. Please don't hesitate to call on me if you would like to discuss this legislation further or I can help in some way. Respectfully, Stephen E. Hammond.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and congratulate Ms. Mary Begley for her 28 years of service as principal of Arlington Science Focus Elementary. Ms. Begley has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to the success and well-being of students, teachers, and staff. Principal Begley has consistently exhibited exceptional leadership, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting academic excellence. She has shown exemplary professionalism, integrity, and compassion in all interactions with students, parents, and the wider community. Principal Begley has played a vital role in the growth and development of Arlington Science Focus since its inception, implementing innovative educational programs and initiatives that have positively impacted student achievement. Principal Begley has cultivated a supportive and inclusive school culture, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting diversity and inclusion. Principal Begley has been a hands-on source of inspiration and motivation, encouraging students and staff to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. Principal Begley has been instrumental in establishing strong relationships with parents, collaborating with them to create a collaborative and nurturing learning environment. Principal Begley has been the recipient of numerous awards for her work, including Arlington County Principal of The Year; the National PTA's Outstanding Principal; the Greater Washington Reading Council's Administrator of The Year; and the Jaycee's Woman of The Year, among many other distinguished honors. U.S. Representative Don Beyer of the 8th Congressional District of Virginia, including the Arlington Science Focus school community, expresses his deepest gratitude and appreciation to Principal Begley for her outstanding leadership, commitment, and dedication to the school. I recognize Principal Begley's significant contributions to the success and growth of the school and acknowledge her tireless efforts to create a positive and enriching educational experience for all. I extend warmest wishes to retiring Principal Begley for a well-deserved retirement, filled with joy, good health, and fulfillment in all future endeavors. The Arlington Science Focus community pledges to carry forward the values, principles, and achievements fostered by Principal Begley, ensuring the continued growth and success of the school. Once again, I ask that we recognize and thank Ms. Begley for such an impactful tenure and wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I stand in opposition to this bill. It is nothing more than a disingenuous attempt to undermine the Federal unemployment insurance program, which provided a critical lifeline to millions of Americans during the pandemic. My Republican colleagues say they are concerned about unemployment fraud. I am, too. However, this bill does nothing to claw back stolen UI funds. In fact, it would go a long way toward stopping the ongoing successful work by the Federal Government to fight fraud and hold criminals responsible. It would rescind $2 billion in funding provided to the Department of Labor to strengthen the UI system and improve fraud detection and prevention and replace it with a bizarre set of incentives for States to go after ordinary workers who were overpaid, through no fault of their own, years after the fact. The Department of Labor assistance facilitated by the American Rescue Plan made a huge difference in my State of Virginia. Following the guidance, we were able to make a significant dent in the unemployment insurance appeals backlog that has plagued our State system for years. There is no question our unemployment system needs improvement, but this bill would make the system more vulnerable to fraud.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to congratulate Dr. Liza Burrell-Aldana, principal of Mount Vernon Community School in Alexandria, VA on being named 2023 Washington Post Principal of the Year. Dr. Burrell-Aldana has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills through both typical and exceptional circumstances. As the principal of the only full dual language school in Alexandria City Public Schools, Dr. Burrell-Aldana believes that all students have the capacity to achieve their dreams, and that bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism are key to students' future success in a global society. Her belief in the power of dual language education has guided her leadership in the transformation of Mount Vernon Community School into a high-performing, multicultural and multilingual school in which administrators, faculty, staff and families work collaboratively to implement the mission and vision of the school. Dr. Burrell-Aldana has led the adoption of new and innovative instructional approaches that emphasize the integration of content and language instruction so that all students are able to succeed in an academically rigorous learning environment. These approaches emphasize critical-thinking, hands-on learning, engaging in metalinguistic analysis of the two program languages, academic discussion and writing, and inquiry. Her efforts have led to significant academic growth between 2018 and now for various student groups, despite the unprecedented learning interruptions experienced in school years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, as well as the challenges faced with the reopening of schools in 2021- 2022. Dr. Burrell-Aldana's voice, vision, and experiences are unique, and represent a much-needed perspective in K through 12 education. Through her steadfast leadership and powerful vision of bilingualism and biculturalism, Dr. Burrell-Aldana has fostered a school experience and community that values and celebrates students' linguistic and cultural assets, and truly believes in the potential of all students. On behalf of the residents of Virginia's 8th Congressional District, I congratulate Dr. Liza Burrell-Aldana on her outstanding achievement.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I, alongside my colleagues, Representative Ivey, Representative Hoyer, Representative Raskin, and Delegate Holmes Norton, wish to honor The Greater Washington Community Foundation for 50 years of service in the region. The Greater Washington Community Foundation will commemorate this momentous milestone on May 3, 2023, with philanthropists, nonprofits, businesses, and community members at the Smithsonian's National Museum for African American History and Culture. In 1973, a group of prominent business and civic leaders--including Henry ``Hank'' Strong, Polly Shackleton, Davidson Sommers, Bishop John Walker, and Joseph Whyte--came together to establish a local community foundation to ``promote a permanent source of philanthropic capital for the Washington Metropolitan region.'' Over time, the Greater Washington Community Foundation has grown to become the largest local funder serving this region, with more than $1.5 billion invested to build equitable, just, and thriving communities in D.C., Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Northern Virginia. Under the leadership of CEO Tonia Wellons, the Greater Washington Community Foundation continues to galvanize philanthropic resources and strategically invest in solutions to a wide range of issues impacting our communities--from education to housing stability, food security, workforce development, and crisis response. The Greater Washington Community Foundation is now committed to leading our community in a movement that will help increase economic mobility and close our region's racial wealth gap to create a better future for our region where everyone prospers. Please join the regional delegation and I in honoring the 50th anniversary of the Greater Washington Community Foundation on May 3, 2023. We urge all the citizens of the greater Washington area to join in celebrating this very special occasion.

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I believe almost all of us are here to make America stronger, to serve the people who sent us here. This act will do exactly the opposite. It will hurt the 33,000 American solar installers who will lose their jobs. It will raise energy costs for families everywhere, but especially in the Sun Belt. It will hurt all Americans who hope to use the solar tax credit. It will hurt the energy companies, the businesses that built major solar installations in the last 8 months that will be subject to a retroactive tariff of 254 percent. It will harm our endangered planet. It will handcuff us in our fight against climate change. Mr. Speaker, the act will not help our growing domestic solar panel manufacturers that are already sold out till the end of the pause. It won't hurt China, which has abundant buyers in the rest of the world. This is the same China that ships a million packages a day duty-free to the United States because of our $800 de minimis exception. Mr. Speaker, this is an act that only creates losers. There are no winners. I urge my friends to vote ``no.''

Mr. BEYER

Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the default on America act. America always pays its bills. It is important that we have serious negotiations and that we take responsible action to address our continuing deficits. Mr. Speaker, $31 trillion in public debt is a frightening number, but it is a debt we accumulated over Republican and Democratic Presidents, Republican and Democratic Congresses, two unpaid for wars, major tax cuts, and costly increases in healthcare. It is reckless and irresponsible to use the alleged leverage of a national default to address our debt--first, because the leverage is imaginary. This bill is dead on arrival in the Senate. Second, the leverage already exists. Kevin McCarthy is Speaker. The Republicans have a 222-213 majority in the House. The last thing we want to do is plunge our Nation into the threat of a default or an actual default. The responsible thing to do is to pass this clean debt ceiling relief and move on to the appropriations process where the debt can be properly addressed.