Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, we just heard a terrible cry on behalf of the wealthy in the United States, that top 2 percent. Tax them, and it will kill jobs, put people out of work. If you want to know the real victims of sequestration, the real victims of the Republican fight to protect that 2 percent at all costs, it's the homeless, it's the poor, it's the lower income, and it's the vulnerable amongst us. Most of the debate up until now about the fiscal cliff has focused on defense cuts and expiring tax cuts justifiably, but the ramifications for local safety nets are equally portentous. In my district, for example, Fairfax County recently kicked off its annual hypothermia prevention program. During my tenure on the county board, I worked with faith, business, and community leaders to open houses of worship and other places to offer shelter from the cold and a hot meal for the homeless, individuals, and families. It saves lives. Last winter, the program served more than 1,000 clients in one of the wealthiest districts in the United States. Sequestration threatens support for this and other Federal homeless prevention efforts. The McKinney-Vento homeless prevention program would be cut by as much as $156 million. You didn't hear anything about that just now. You didn't hear anything about that just now, and it would leave more than 145,000 more people out in the cold and at risk of dying from hypothermia. Similarly, families in every State rely on low-income heating assistance, which stands to lose as much as $270 million in sequestration. That may not seem like much, but that program has already been cut by the Republicans by 30 percent. Millions of Americans in every State rely on this support, including 145,000 in my home State of Virginia. The picture gets even worse when you look at the looming cuts to Federal housing assistance. Programs like the Community Development Block Grants, section 8 housing, and rental assistance for the needy and senior citizens already have sustained dramatic cuts over the last 2 years under Republican control. The HOME Investment Partnership Program, which supports homeownership and rental assistance, was cut by more than $600 million, or 38 percent, last year alone. It faces another $82 million cut in sequestration. Prince William County, in my district, was one of the hardest-hit by foreclosures, and it has an acute shortage of affordable housing right now. Cuts in Federal housing support would further exacerbate that situation just as the local housing market is beginning to recover. There is an old proverb about someone always getting ``left out in the cold,'' but in this case, people literally will be left out in the cold if we allow sequestration to go forward. Mr. Speaker, the cuts in housing assistance are just one piece of the local safety net threatened by sequestration. I recently met with the disability community in my district, and they, too, are anxious about losing the vital support that allows disabled loved ones to live independently. One local organization, for example, is providing work opportunities and rehabilitative services to more than 650 disabled adults in our community. Whether it's performing custodial services, packing medical kits for our troops, working in food services or other duties, these Ability One workers are making a positive difference in providing autonomy for individuals in our community. I and many of my colleagues here in the House, both Democrats and Republicans, are Ability One champions, and we know firsthand the positive effect this program has had, not only on the individuals, but on their families and their friends. Employment opportunities for the disabled and revenue from their work reached an all-time high last year, but that momentum is at risk because of looming cuts through sequestration. Community service boards, for example, could lose as much as $52 million, which would reduce services for more than 1.5 million people in America. You heard my colleague talk about maybe a few hundred thousand jobs being at risk if we cut taxes for the rich. What about these people? What about the real cuts and real effects on real people in America? What has been troubling to the residents of my district is the fact that, up until now, the Republican alternative to these cuts has been to shift even more of the burden, not less, onto the social safety net programs. The sequestration replacement bill, which was pushed through earlier by House Republicans, cuts $261 billion from safety net programs. It eliminates social service block grants, which support Meals on Wheels for 1.7 million seniors. Where is the concern for that? It also provides child care assistance for low-income parents who are returning to work. That plan cut $36 billion in nutrition assistance for at-risk families. In my district, the demand for nutrition assistance has jumped by 135 percent since the recession, and it has gone up by 73 percent in the Commonwealth of Virginia during that same time period. Mr. Speaker, we cannot afford to turn our backs on these families. Sequestration is a real threat. We need to have a compromise and a deal now to help these families.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend David J. Robertson on the occasion of his retirement from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, where he has served with distinction for the past 26 years, culminating in his appointment as executive director a decade ago. The Council of Governments functions as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the National Capital Region, and it is comprised of 21 regional governments representing Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. COG and its leadership play a key role in coordinating the regional response on issues ranging from Chesapeake Bay preservation to affordable housing and from homeland security to transportation planning. Those activities are financed by the member jurisdictions, federal and state grants, and private sector funds. Dave has been a mainstay at COG, where he began as a regional planner in 1986. Throughout his tenure, Dave has held a series of roles, both technical and managerial, and prior to being named executive director, he was head of COG's Department of Human Services, Planning and Public Safety. In a region with overlapping local, state, and federal interests and competition, Dave has proven adept at keeping the organization's staff and membership focused on the mission of addressing our shared challenges to improve the lives of our collective constituents. It was my great pleasure to serve on the GOC board of directors while I was a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. I also chaired the COG board in 2000 and collaborated with Dave on a number of projects, including my initiative to increase telework among the regional governments. In addition, I chaired COG's Emergency Preparedness Council, where Dave was instrumental in coordinating response and preparedness efforts not only among the local governments, but also with the states and the federal government, which is no small task as each major weather incident or natural disaster reminds us. In addition to his role at COG, Dave also served on a number of regional organizations, including the American Red Cross of the National Capital Region, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the American Planning Association, the International City/County Management Association, and the Washington Region for Justice and Inclusion. Prior to his tenure with COG, Dave worked for the National Association of Home Builders and former member of Congress David Bonior of Michigan. He received a Master of Urban Planning degree from George Washington University, and also holds a Bachelor's degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dave Robertson on his many accomplishments and thanking him for his tremendous service to the Council of Governments and the National Capital Region. Thanks to Dave's leadership, we spent more time focusing on those challenges that unite, rather than divide us, and that continues to serve as a lesson for us all to follow. We wish Dave the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I share the pain of the many Prince William County residents and activists who are mourning the loss of the News & Messenger. For the first time in 143 years, the Prince William community will no longer have a daily ``newspaper of record'' to document the births, deaths, and daily comings and goings of life in this vibrant county of nearly half-a-million people. A community newspaper serves many roles for its readers. It is a necessary watchdog on local government. Its pages chronicle the triumphs and defeats of a community and its citizens. Its opinion pages reflect the varied views of county residents on issues of concern. It showcases the exploits of generations of high school athletes and awards bestowed on student scholars. And it provides a portal for local businesses to advertise their wares and services and local organizations to promote their activities. No longer will the people of Prince William have a daily newspaper they can turn to and find out what happened at the previous night's Board of Supervisors, planning commission, or school board meetings. No longer will reporters localize the actions of the Congress or the White House so their readers understand how national policies and legislation will affect the county and its citizens. And no longer will proud parents be able to clip a story or photo about their child's game- winning goal, touchdown, or homerun and paste it in a scrapbook for the next generation to enjoy. The News & Messenger, and the Potomac News and the Manassas Journal Messenger before it, have served a vital role in Prince William County for generations. Over the decades, the paper's reporters and editors made it their business to become experts on their Prince William community, its government, and its characters. They've had the unique role of digging deep into the fabric of their community and reporting what they saw in an unfiltered manner and without interference. Since Prince William voters elected me to Congress, I've had the pleasure of dealing with the News & Messenger and Potomac News reporters and editors on many issues, and the honor of winning the endorsement of the paper's editorial board. I can say, unequivocally, that the staff of the News and Messenger were professionals in every sense of the word and they've made lasting contributions to the community they have served. To Keith Walker, Aleks Dolzenko, Kari Pugh, Kip Hanley, Amanda Stewart, and all of the other staff members, past and present, who gave life and breath to the News & Messenger, I say thank you for a job well done. I also wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. As the News & Messenger's 143-year run draws to a close, I join with Prince William residents in bidding farewell to this venerable publication. The newspaper will be missed, and most of us won't realize how much we miss it until it's gone.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of the 2012 LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Awards. LifeCircle Alliances, a non-profit organization based in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a leader in promoting and enabling independent living for older adults with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities, including our Wounded Warriors. LifeCircle Alliances has formed public-private partnerships to create innovative long-term care solutions, enhance existing programs, and address workforce, mobility and transportation issues. The goal of these efforts is independence for life; ensuring that our older adults and adults with disabilities are able to live independently and with dignity in their communities of choice. The LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Award celebration recognizes the efforts of six outstanding caregivers, who tirelessly provide dedicated care, day in and day out. The recipients of the 2012 Kudos Awards are: Stephanie Mensh--Stephanie Mensh has been a caregiver for Mr. Paul Berger for 25 years. Additionally, she has volunteered her time supporting stroke and TBI survivors and their families. She also provides support and advice to other caregivers by hosting a support group as well as providing individual support by phone, email, and in person. Liza Ruiz--The loving mother of two daughters, Mrs. Ruiz has been caring almost daily for her 65 year old daughter, Cynthia, who was brain injured at birth and her husband who has been diagnosed with dementia. For many years, she did this while working as a full-time employee of the federal government. Mrs. Ruiz was instrumental in helping to establish the Northern Virginia Training Center, which opened in 1973. Maureen Renault--A dedicated and tireless caregiver, Maureen Renault has taken on the daunting task of caring for her mother, a resident at Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care Center. During this time Maureen has been actively involved in her mother's care at the center in addition to her needs at home. Steven Nehl-Care-giving is an around the clock job for Mr. Nehl. He cares for his autistic son, Michael, and wife, Joanne, who is continuing to recover from two brain aneurysms. Since the time of her illness in 2008, Joanne is unable to work and Mr. Nehl may only maintain short-term positions due to the tremendous requirements of his time at home. Cecilia Ortega-Shew--For almost two decades, Cecilia Ortega-Shew has given selflessly to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In her role as a mental health clinician and program clinical manager for Inova Juniper Group, she helps pregnant women have healthy, HIV-free babies and continues to counsel people on the difficulties of living with HIV. She inspires young staff to be better clinicians and instills in them a passion for caring for those with HIV. Natascha Dixon Edelin--Passionate and dedicated to helping women and children in need, Natascha Dixon Edelin tirelessly works to assist the battered women of Fairfax, Virginia and honor them for their strength, courage and commitment. She partnered with the co-founders of the Duffy House in 2011 to organize the ``Duffy House Day of Pampering'' for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse which provided, at no charge, a much needed day of respite for approximately 50 women and 80 children. Her continued work with the Duffy House brings joy into this special community. I congratulate this year's winners and recognize each of them for their dedication and personal sacrifices. These individuals are examples of the many caregivers who put the needs of their families, friends and colleagues above their own. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the 2012 LifeCircle Alliances awardees and in thanking the volunteers, staff, and partners of LifeCircle Alliances for their efforts in providing assistance to not only those in need of care, but to those who provide the care here in our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize William H. ``Bill'' Lauer for receiving Devotion to Children's Community Legacy Award. As a native of the Washington area, Bill has followed the age- old advice to ``bloom where you are planted'' and set a model example for using your talents to help not only yourself but also your neighbors. Devotion to Children is a Northern Virginia nonprofit organization dedicated to working with other community partners to provide high- quality education and child-care programming for low-income families and children under the age of six. The Legacy award is presented annually at its Red, Heart and Soul Gala to recognize someone who has promoted public awareness of the organization and local needs, provided funding for programs and services, collaborated with other community organizations to support local children, or engaged in other activities that support the organization's mission. Bill Lauer has done each of those and so much more. To many people, Bill may be known more for his professional accomplishments. He has spent the last four decades working in the residential and commercial real estate market. Bill worked for some of the region's premier homebuilders early in his career, including Gulf Reston, which led the visionary development for the new town of Reston. Bill founded Tetra Partners in 1981 and has amassed a distinguished record in the real estate industry. He is a former president and Life Director of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, which recognized him with its highest honor, the Emil Keen Award, for 25 years of exemplary work within the industry. He is a past president and board director for the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties Northern Virginia Chapter. He also has played a role with several of the local chambers of commerce and was a charter member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance. Those are no doubt noteworthy achievements, but it is Bill's charitable activities that have proven invaluable to the community and that serve as an inspiration to a new generation of community leaders. Bill has been an active and financial supporter of local Habitat for Humanity and Ronald McDonald House, and he is a member of the board of Reston Interfaith. I was pleased to have him serve on the Affordable Housing Task Force that I launched during my tenure as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Through that effort, he worked to help expand rental and home ownership opportunities for low-income families. Bill and I also worked together on my homeless prevention initiative, and he continues to serve on the governing board of the Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness. Thanks to the efforts of Bill and the Partnership, Fairfax has been one of the few communities to actually reduce homelessness during the Great Recession. And, of course, Bill is active with Devotion to Children. During the past decade, Bill has worked to expand awareness of the growing need for affordable child care and early childhood resources, and he has not only supported those efforts with his own resources but also recruited his colleagues in the private sector to join in the cause. Bill also has helped develop new partnerships with Devotion to Children, Reston Interfaith and the Reston YMCA, including an evening child care program to help those parents taking nighttime classes. Mr. Speaker, based on Bill's lifetime of professional and charitable accomplishments, this recognition could easily have been renamed the ``devotion to community'' award. I want to personally thank Bill for his tireless efforts to assist at-risk families and children across Northern Virginia, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bill on this well-deserved recognition. His work is a reminder to us all that our community's strength and success is the product of every child and every family having an opportunity to succeed.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of local Fairfax County historians and to congratulate the recipients of the 2012 Fairfax County History Commission Awards. Established in 1969, the Fairfax County History Commission continues to pursue its goal of helping to identify, document, record, and preserve Fairfax County's historic past. Most recently, the Commission has focused on local aspects of the Civil War Sesquicentennial. The Commission consists of a 20 member board appointed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The History Commission annually recognizes research and achievements in Fairfax County history as well as historic preservation. It is my honor to enter the names of the following 2012 recipients of the Fairfax County History Commission Awards into the Congressional Record: The Nan Netherton Award: C. Denise Barrett for her work in chronicling the history of the Lakewood Estates neighborhood in Southwest Fairfax Country. The C.J.S. Durhan Award: Lisa Friedrich Becker for her nomination of the Sydenstricker School to the National Registry and efforts to renovate that site. The Beth Mitchell Award: David G. Farmer for his collection of Flint Hill Cemetery records going back to 1875. The Distinguished Service Award: Evelyn Fox for her work on the play and subsequent video ``Capitan John Smith: A History of McLean & Great Falls, Virginia.'' The Lifetime Achievement Award: Suzanne Levy for her more than 30 years of service in the Virginia Room of the Fairfax City Library and her devotion to promoting history, genealogy and historical preservation. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 2012 Fairfax County History Commission Awards recipients and in commending the Commission's continued efforts to preserve, identify, document and record the history of Fairfax County.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, for any negotiation to be successful, both parties involved must first identify things on which they can agree. Fortunately, we already have agreed: middle class tax cuts need to be protected. Sixty percent of Americans agree that extending the middle class tax cuts and letting those for the wealthiest expire is a good compromise and the right thing to do. Some of our Republican colleagues agree, saying we ought to give 98 percent of all Americans an early Christmas present by extending the middle class tax cuts. Sadly, other Republicans do not share that holiday spirit. In their zeal to protect the tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 percent, they are willing to present themselves as the grinch that stole Christmas. Let's not let another opportunity pass. Let's show that we were listening on election day to our constituents who want us to work together to protect the middle class and the economy and get something done for America. Sign the discharge petition.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, my friend from Michigan. Mr. Speaker, this is the second time this bill has been brought before this House for consideration, so it's clear my Republican friends recognize the urgency for expanding the number of visas for high-skilled workers, particularly students with STEM graduate degrees--a worthy goal. Yet rather than simply increase the number of visas, my Republican colleagues once again are presenting us with a false choice. Just like the previous bill, which failed, this one deceptively expands the number of STEM visas, but only at the expense of the successful Diversity Visa program, which has been the primary pathway used by generations of immigrants in American history. This bill not only eliminates that program, but it would also reduce the total number of available visas by preventing unused slots from rolling over to be transferred to another visa program. That just shows my colleagues still haven't gotten it from the recent election in which immigrants and minorities played a growing role, and it casts doubt on whether we're going to be able to come together to achieve meaningful immigration reform, frankly, with that attitude. The business community, particularly the high-tech employers in my district in northern Virginia, they get it about the need to expand the STEM program. But here again, this bill fails the reasonability test by creating a new process in which employers have to file an application with the State or Federal Government to certify that issuing that STEM visa is in the national interest. Talk about unnecessary regulation. And now the manager's amendment delays implementation of the bill by a year. We already know the economic benefits of expanding the high- skilled visa pool, and employers have said we can't afford to wait any longer. Mr. Speaker, this does not have to be a zero-sum game. If my Republican colleagues truly want to help our employers and our economy, we could bring up a clean version of this bill, one for example which was introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren). Or we could bring up another bipartisan bill, the Startup 2.0 Act, which I am proud to cosponsor with our colleague, Michael Grimm of New York. That would not only expand the number of visas for STEM graduates, but also those entrepreneurs looking to start up a business and create jobs right here in America. Here is an opportunity for us to fulfill the mandate from the election and actually compromise on something that will benefit the economy. This bill, sadly, does not meet that test.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, Americans turned out in record numbers this past election day, November 6, to exercise our most cherished and fundamental right, the right to vote. No doubt my colleagues heard from their constituents who endured, in many cases, outrageously long lines. I spoke with voters who reported having to wait two or more hours, and in some cases up to 5 hours, to cast that precious vote. In most cases, the absence of early voting and the shortage of voting machines and well-trained election volunteers were the primary culprits leading to unacceptably long lines. Whether one lived in a blue or red State, or voted in an urban, suburban or rural precinct, residents at polling places in more than a dozen States, including Florida, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Montana, Tennessee, Hawaii, Arizona, Rhode Island, and my own Commonwealth of Virginia, encountered significant, yet avoidable, barriers to casting their ballots. This is not a Republican or a Democratic problem. Voters from both parties were affected. This is truly a national bipartisan challenge, if not a crisis. And to quote President Obama: ``It's one we have to fix.'' I think about the employee who struggles to manage his commute or her commute and work schedule on election day, or the senior citizen who may not have had the stamina to stand in line for 5 hours, or the young working mom waiting to vote, worried about the fact that she won't get to the front of the line in time to pick up her kids at daycare. The experience of our constituents on election day amount to a modern-day poll tax on all Americans that must be eliminated. Twelve years after the 2000 Presidential election exposed the deep structural problems that plague our decentralized voting system, our troubles appear to have worsened, not improved. Long waits in the cold or the heat, confusing and conflicting instructions from poorly trained election officials, a paucity of voting machines or malfunctioning machines showing their age, a shortage of paper ballots, absentee ballots that failed to reach civilian and military voters in time were among the litany of voting problems that came to a head on election day. I saw the problem firsthand at polling places in my district as I visited with voters in one Prince William County precinct who had been waiting in line for more than 4 hours in the cold. That's why I joined with Congressman Jim Langevin to introduce the Fair, Accurate, Secure and Timely Voting Act of 2012, the FAST Act. A Senate companion bill was introduced by Senators Chris Coons of Delaware, Mark Warner of Virginia and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island. Representative Langevin and I have significant experience serving at the State and local levels, and we strongly believe that the Federal Government often works best when it leverages those laboratories of democracy at the local and State levels to test innovative solutions and governing reforms and best practices that might have applicability at the Federal level. Consistent with this principle, our bill avoids overly prescriptive requirements and, instead, offers States a menu of options and financial incentives to adopt voting reforms. Our FAST Voting Act recognizes that modernizing the Nation's voting system will require collaborative and coordinated efforts at the State, Federal, and local levels. It creates a competitive grant program, similar to the President's Race to the Top schools initiative, and rewards those States that aggressively implement the most effective and promising reforms to expand the franchise. The menu of reforms includes flexible voter registration opportunities, including same-day registration; early voting, with a minimum of at least 9 days before the election; no-excuse absentee voting; assistance to voters who do not speak English as a primary language; assistance to voters with disabilities, including the visually impaired; effective access to voting for members of the Armed Services; formal training of election officials, including State and county administrators and volunteers; auditing and reducing waiting times at polling stations; creating contingency plans for voting in the event of a natural or other kind of disaster. To be clear, the FAST Act is the latest in a series of proposals to reform how our elections are administered. Given the renewed interest among the public, Members of Congress, and the President, we ought to at least move forward with hearings to debate the merits of these proposals. This is the world's greatest and oldest democracy. How can any of us be satisfied with the scandalous operations that occurred in all too many voting places that impaired the ability of Americans, free Americans, to freely cast their vote? We ought to clean this up. It's a solvable problem, and it ought to be solved on a bipartisan basis.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Those of you watching on C-SPAN just heard from my friend from Tennessee the unwillingness of the Republican side of the aisle to even recognize that elections have consequences, that, in fact, the President won reelection decisively. Democrats made gains in the Senate and gains here in the House. It's time to put aside the talking points. It's time to come together for this country. Mr. Speaker, Speaker Boehner actually said it well. He said the mandate from the election of last week is ``for us to find a way to work together on solutions to the challenges we face as a Nation.'' I can't agree more. Elections have consequences, and our ability to avert the fiscal cliff, in which expiring tax cuts and across-the-board spending cuts are on a collision course to derail this economy, requires us to respect that directive from voters. Yet, once again, lines are being drawn--you just heard it--over what types of revenue will be considered or what cuts are considered too steep. I hope I was not the only one astounded by the comments of the CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, who recently said, ``the oil and gas industry will not be singled out for punitive treatment.'' How fascinating. Perhaps I could introduce him to the Federal workforce, our Federal employees who are, so far, the only group to be singled out for punitive treatment, to the tune of $75 billion of deficit reduction. They understand the principle of shared sacrifice and have patiently been waiting for everybody else to actually share in it. Mr. Speaker, our chances for success in fending off the fiscal cliff become even slimmer if we start removing options from the table, as my friend from Tennessee just did, before we've even sat down at that table. America voted for and deserves a divided government that actually works. The last time I checked, divided government doesn't mean it's going to be my way or the highway, or your way or the highway, or Grover Norquist's way or the highway. Divided government can and has succeeded in the past when leaders have done that thing which we have not been able to achieve very often in these last 2 years: compromise. That is the singular message from our voters this year, compromise. Work together to move the economy, our families, and our Nation forward. I've repeatedly heard that mantra from across my community, whether it's from seniors, teachers, small businesses or my own neighbors. And now the Nation's business leaders are starting to echo that call. In fact, the head of the Business Roundtable, the former Republican Governor of Michigan, and other top CEOs are asking Congress to do just that, compromise. In addition, the Task Force of American Innovation, comprised of our Nation's top technology companies, is urging us to preserve Federal investments in education and R&D, which are the bedrock of future innovation and competitiveness. And this week even the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said it was open to a compromise that included revenue. These are the constructive voices I hope my colleagues listen to as we approach negotiations on the fiscal cliff. Politics is the art of compromise and, working together, we can reduce our Nation's deficit and preserve strategic investments in those programs that fuel economic growth and competitiveness. Even in the midst of the Civil War, President Lincoln and the 38th Congress authorized the Transcontinental Railroad, the Homestead Act, and the land grant college and university system. They understood we had to invest in the future, while also dealing with the crisis of the present. No doubt, we all have something to lose if we do not succeed. So perhaps, by each of us giving a little, we can revive this economic recovery, restore faith in our ability to govern responsibly, and deliver on that mandate we just got last week from the voters. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. When it comes to the fiscal cliff, I actually hope you're right. I hope you will be so busy that you will have no time to think of anything else. But I do want to congratulate you on this rule and on your tenure here in the House. You will be missed. The Jackson-Vanik amendment, Mr. Speaker, was a product of the Cold War when the Communist threat was ever-present and when Communist countries had little or no emigration rights. As our friend from California, Mr. Rohrabacher, just said, we need to recognize that today's Russia, while hardly a perfect place when it comes to human rights and political expression, is not the Soviet Union. We need a positive framework--economic, political, social--to move forward. This PNTR, normalizing trade relations, allows us to wrangle with Russia when we think they're wrong in trade disputes at the World Trade Organization. Absent this normalization, we don't have that leverage. Furthermore, the committee needs to be really commended, as does my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), for creating a statutory framework for addressing one of the most egregious human rights violations in modern Russian history. It involves Sergei Magnitsky. Now, this framework could ultimately be a model, frankly, as we move forward in other parts of the world as well, but it certainly marries a positive trade relationship possibility with vigilant and vigorous human rights enforcement and vigilance. So I commend the committee for marrying the two, for allowing us positively to go forward in our relationship--troubles and all--with modern-day Russia. I urge the passage of the underlying legislation, H.R. 6156.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank my colleague from Massachusetts. I also want to praise my colleague from California. This is one of the last rules Mr. Dreier will be managing here on the floor.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of the 2012 LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Awards. LifeCircle Alliances, a non-profit organization based in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a leader in promoting and enabling independent living for older adults with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities, including our Wounded Warriors. LifeCircle Alliances has formed public-private partnerships to create innovative long-term care solutions, enhance existing programs, and address workforce, mobility and transportation issues. The goal of these efforts is independence for life; ensuring that our older adults and adults with disabilities are able to live independently and with dignity in their communities of choice. The LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Award celebration recognizes the efforts of six outstanding caregivers, who tirelessly provide dedicated care, day in and day out. The recipients of the 2012 Kudos Awards are: Stephanie Mensh--Stephanie Mensh has been a caregiver for Mr. Paul Berger for 25 years. Additionally, she has volunteered her time supporting stroke and TBI survivors and their families. She also provides support and advice to other caregivers by hosting a support group as well as providing individual support by phone, email, and in person. Liza Ruiz--The loving mother of two daughters, Mrs. Ruiz has been caring almost daily for her 65 year old daughter, Cynthia, who was brain injured at birth and her husband who has been diagnosed with dementia. For many years, she did this while working as a full-time employee of the federal government. Mrs. Ruiz was instrumental in helping to establish the Northern Virginia Training Center, which opened in 1973. Maureen Renault--A dedicated and tireless caregiver, Maureen Renault has taken on the daunting task of caring for her mother, a resident at Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care Center. During this time Maureen has been actively involved in her mother's care at the center in addition to her needs at home. Steven Nehl--Care-giving is an around the clock job for Mr. Nehl. He cares for his autistic son, Michael, and wife, Joanne, who is continuing to recover from two brain aneurysms. Since the time of her illness in 2008, Joanne is unable to work and Mr. Nehl may only maintain short-term positions due to the tremendous requirements of his time at home. Cecilia Ortega-Shew--For almost two decades, Cecilia Ortega-Shew has given selflessly to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In her role as a mental health clinician and program clinical manager for Inova Juniper Group, she helps pregnant women have healthy, HIV-free babies and continues to counsel people on the difficulties of living with HIV. She inspires young staff to be better clinicians and instills in them a passion for caring for those with HIV. Natascha Dixon Edelin--Passionate and dedicated to helping women and children in need, Natascha Dixon Edelin tirelessly works to assist the battered women of Fairfax, Virginia and honor them for their strength, courage and commitment. She partnered with the co-founders of the Duffy House in 2011 to organize the ``Duffy House Day of Pampering'' for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse which provided, at no charge, a much needed day of respite for approximately 50 women and 80 children. Her continued work with the Duffy House brings joy into this special community. I congratulate this year's winners and recognize each of them for their dedication and personal sacrifices. These individuals are examples of the many caregivers who put the needs of their families, friends and colleagues above their own. Mister Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the 2012 LifeCircle Alliances awardees and in thanking the volunteers, staff, and partners of LifeCircle Alliances for their efforts in providing assistance to not only those in need of care, but to those who provide the care here in our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for its global recognition at the Omega Psi Phi's 78th Grand Conclave. The Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter earned the honors of International Large Chapter of the Year and the International Social Action Chapter of the Year for 2010-2011. This is the third time the chapter has been named the International Social Action Chapter of the Year since its inception in 2004. The chapter prides itself on establishing community programs to help those in need in the Prince William County community. The chapter's dedication to public and social services can be seen through its annual Coat Drive, Step Out for Diabetes, Voter Registration, and Cancer Relay for Life programs. Earning this distinction is a testament to the chapter's dedication to community empowerment. Members of the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. have made a tremendous impact in their local community through raising $18,963 in support of American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, raising $7,800 in support of American Diabetes Association for Step Out to Fight Diabetes, and donating 160 toys to children in transitional housing due to domestic violence. Omega Psi Phi's cardinal principles are Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. The members of the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter uphold these principles by serving the community and offering a lending hand to their neighbors. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on their civic accomplishments. I thank the fraternity for their service- oriented goals and making a positive difference in the lives of Prince William County residents.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chapter 1270 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) in Woodbridge, Virginia, and to commend its members for raising $16,552 for Alzheimer's disease research in 2011. Founded in 1921, NARFE is the only membership organization solely dedicated to leading an advocacy effort to protect and preserve the benefits of federal workers and retirees. The national organization consists of more than 1,300 chapters nationwide with more than 300,000 members. Chapter 1270 has more than 750 members that make up an active and robust chapter in eastern Prince William County. Alzheimer's is a progressive, degenerative disease and is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Currently, 5.4 million Americans are living with the disease, and projections estimate that as many as 16 million Americans will suffer from Alzheimer's in 2050. This illness also has profound impacts on families and caregivers. More than 60% of caregivers rate the emotional stress of care-giving as very high and one-third report symptoms of depression. Since 1985, NARFE has raised nearly $10 million and funded 56 research projects dedicated to Alzheimer's disease research. The NARFE Virginia Federation of Chapters (VFC) was recognized as the top fundraising Federation in the country at the 32nd Biennial National NARFE Convention in Sparks, Nevada, on August 26, 2012. Luther Santiful, VFC President, William Shackelford, Past VFC President and Donna Shackelford, VFC Alzheimer's Chair, accepted the honor at the opening ceremonies of the convention. During 2011, the VFC raised an incredible $85,555. The VFC and Chapter 1270 are national standouts in Alzheimer's fundraising. The VFC has led NARFE Federations in Alzheimer's fundraising for nine out of the last ten years. Chapter 1270 was the top fundraiser for the VFC in each of the last ten years, and it raised the second highest amount nationwide for the second year in a row. The Federal Government is an active partner in the battle against Alzheimer's. The National Institute on Aging is the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer's disease research and has worked closely with the Alzheimer's Association to identify and standardize strategies for earlier diagnosis and develop effective treatment and prevention. This is an investment that must continue; if nothing is done, the economic toll of Alzheimer's is estimated to exceed $1 trillion in less than 40 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Woodbridge Chapter 1270 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association on this fundraising milestone. I extend my personal appreciation to the members of Chapter 1270 and to members of NARFE nationwide for their continued public service and their commitment to finding a cure for this devastating disease.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleagues, Rep. Frank Wolf and Rep. Jim Moran, to recognize and commend Terrence D. ``Terre'' Jones on the occasion of his retirement after 17 years of distinguished service as President and CEO of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Terre's career in the performing arts spans more than 40 years, and he leaves a rich legacy both on and off the stage that will benefit the arts community and Northern Virginia for years to come. During his tenure, Terre helped fulfill and then expand Wolf Trap's mission of providing a world-class platform for aspiring and accomplished artists alike at the majestic Filene Center and the 18th century Barns at Wolf Trap. Thanks to his innovative spirit, the Foundation continues to set new attendance and fund-raising records. As the guiding force behind America's only National Park for the Performing Arts, Terre has positioned Wolf Trap as a leader not only in the arts, but also in connecting education, technology and environmental stewardship through the arts and inspiring passion for those pursuits in a new generation. And though its artistic scope is on the national and global stages, Terre has made sure that Wolf Trap also is a resource for our local communities. In 2003, Terre helped lead the fund-raising effort to establish a National Center for Education on the Wolf Trap campus. Wolf Trap's education programs focus on early childhood arts education and also serve as a resource for the entire community, particularly local school children. More recently, Wolf Trap received a competitively awarded grant from the U.S. Department of Education to demonstrate the effectiveness of the arts in advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning for young children. Terre also has strengthened Wolf Trap's connection to its environmental roots. In 2007, he launched the Foundation's ``Go Green'' program with the stretch goal of making Wolf Trap carbon neutral. To date, the program has decreased the park's carbon footprint by 20% and cut landfill waste in half. Wolf Trap has been designated as a Climate Friendly Park by the EPA and National Park service. Terre also led the effort to establish the National Council on the Arts and Environment and a partnership with the Aspen Institute on a nationwide Summit on the Arts and the Environment. Prior to taking the helm at Wolf Trap, Terre served as CEO and artistic Director of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He previously served as General Manager of Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis, Assistant Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Butler University, and he also founded the Bradford Repertory Theater in Vermont. Throughout his distinguished career, Terre has received local and national recognition. He received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from his alma mater, the University of Kansas, was named Washingtonian of the Year in 2006 by Washingtonian Magazine, and was recognized by his peers with the Fan Taylor Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Performing Arts Presenters. During his tenure as Foundation president, Wolf Trap also has received numerous awards and accolades. Beyond these accomplishments, we want to recognize Terre's exemplary role not just as an arts advocate and executive, but also as an individual. When asked in an interview what he loves most about his job, he said: ``People--I don't think you could do this job if you didn't enjoy people and didn't like being around people.'' We can all recognize and appreciate Terre's unequivocal commitment to his craft and our community. Mr. Speaker, Terre Jones has left a tangible, lasting imprint on the rich history of our National Park for the Performing Arts, and his legacy will continue to inspire a new generation of artists. We wish Terre, his wife, Polly, and their family the continued success as he enters this next act of his life, and we ask our colleagues to join us in expressing our appreciation for his tremendous contributions to the arts, our nation and the Northern Virginia community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, is it possible that I missed some fundamental shift in philosophy during the Republican Convention last month? I thought my Republican colleagues actually favored states' rights and empowering our governors. I thought my Republican colleagues wanted to eliminate ``job killing'' government regulations. I thought my Republicans colleagues were focused on the economy and putting people back to work. Well, the Obama Administration's proposal to grant waivers to states under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program would do those very things. It will reduce some of the more burdensome regulations associated with TANF, it will provide states with the flexibility they have been seeking to pursue more innovative strategies, and it will set a standard requiring participating states to move 20% MORE people from welfare to work. That sounds like a JOBS bill to me . . . and a bipartisan one no less. Republican governors from Utah and Nevada recently requested these waivers, and 29 Republican Governors, including Governor Romney, have sought this kind of flexibility in the past. If that weren't enough, some of my Republican colleagues even voted to grant similar waivers when they were proposed by fellow Republicans in 2002, 2003 and 2005. So why then are my Republican colleagues not supporting this common- sense, bipartisan proposal? Because it undermines their election-year narrative for attacking the President--a narrative on this very issue that multiple fact checkers have labeled as bogus. This resolution of disapproval is nothing more than an exercise in crass political cynicism. If my Republican colleagues were serious about helping the economy, we'd be celebrating this as a bipartisan accomplishment that will put more people back to work. Instead they will vote against their own principles just to deny this President any semblance of a victory . . . even if it means keeping people out of work. You know, I had a friend who once said, ``If you're going to be a phony, at least be sincere about it.'' No wonder the American people view this Republican Congress with such disdain. I urge my colleague to reject this resolution.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleagues, Rep. Frank Wolf and Rep. Jim Moran, to recognize and commend Terrence D. ``Terry'' Jones on the occasion of his retirement after 17 years of distinguished service as President and CEO of the Wolf Trap Foundation. Terry's career in the performing arts spans more than 40 years, and he leaves a rich legacy both on and off the stage that will benefit the arts community and Northern Virginia for years to come. During his tenure, Terry helped fulfill and then expand Wolf Trap's mission of providing a world-class platform for aspiring and accomplished artists alike at the majestic Filene Center and the 18th century Barns at Wolf Trap. Thanks to his innovative spirit, the Foundation continues to set new attendance and fund-raising records. As the guiding force behind America's only National Park for the performing arts, Terry has positioned Wolf Trap as a leader not only in the arts, but also in connecting education, technology and environmental stewardship through the arts and inspiring passion for those pursuits in a new generation. And though its artistic scope is on the national and global stages, Terry has made sure that Wolf Trap also is a resource for our local communities. In 2003, Terry helped lead the fund-raising effort to establish a National Center for Education on the Wolf Trap campus. The nonprofit focuses on early childhood arts education but serves as a resource for the entire community, particularly local school children. More recently, Wolf Trap partnered with the U.S. Department of Education on a project to integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education into the arts. Terry also has strengthened Wolf Trap's connection to its environmental roots. In 2007, he launched the Foundation's ``Go Green'' program with the stretch goal of making Wolf Trap carbon neutral. To date, the program has decreased the park's carbon footprint by 20% and cut landfill waste in half. Wolf Trap has been designated as a Climate Friendly Park by the EPA and National Park Service. Terry also led the effort to establish the National Council on the Arts and Environment and a partnership with the Aspen Institute on a nationwide Summit on the Arts and the Environment. Prior to taking the helm at Wolf Trap, Terry served as CEO and artistic Director of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He previously served as General Manager of Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis, Assistant Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Butler University, and he also founded the Bradford Repertory Theater in Vermont. Throughout his distinguished career, Terry has received local and national recognition. He received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from his alma mater, the University of Kansas, was named Washingtonian of the Year in 2006 by Washingtonian Magazine, and was recognized by his peers with the Fan Taylor Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Performing Arts Presenters. During his tenure as Foundation president, Wolf Trap also has received numerous awards and accolades. Beyond these accomplishments, we want to recognize Terry's exemplary role not just as an arts advocate and executive, but also as an individual. When asked in an interview what he loves most about his job, he said: ``People--I don't think you could do this job if you didn't enjoy people and didn't like being around people.'' We can all recognize and appreciate Terry's unequivocal commitment to his craft and our community. Mr. Speaker, Terry Jones has left a tangible, lasting imprint on the rich history of our National Park for the Performing Arts, and his legacy will continue to inspire a new generation of artists. We wish Terry, his wife, Polly, and their family the continued success as he enters this next act of his life, and we ask our colleagues to join us in expressing our appreciation for his tremendous contributions to the arts, our nation and the Northern Virginia community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and commend Captain (Ret.) Thomas Boyce of Alexandria, Virginia for his 28 years of honorable service to the United States Navy and for his subsequent 30 of support to the Navy in the private sector. Captain Boyce's long career both in the Navy and in business speaks to his deep patriotism and commitment to protecting our nation. He is a veteran of the wars in both Korea and Vietnam, and his tremendous sacrifice and dedicated service to this country truly merit our highest praise. CAPT Boyce graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951. After receiving his commission, he served in Korea aboard several minesweeping ships. From 1962 to 1964 he served aboard the USS Semmes, a ship for which he served on the commissioning team and helped oversee the construction. He credits the ship's command with instilling the esprit de corps needed for the USS Semmes to become one of the most successful missile firing ships in the Navy. From 1964 to 1970, CAPT Boyce served under the Naval Surface Missile System Office while assigned shore duty. During the early 1970s, he served aboard the USS Niagara Falls, a fast combat logistics ship that replenished ports in Vietnam. CAPT Boyce finished his naval career in 1979 at the Naval Air Systems Command. After retiring, CAPT Boyce began an equally long career working for a naval contractor applying his unique skill set to managing the building of twenty LMSR ships. Used extensively by the Navy, LMSRs have significantly expanded the Navy's sealift capabilities and have been integral to the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. CAPT Boyce recently retired for a second time and is looking forward to spending time with his wife, Barbara, and continuing his work on the board of the USS Semmes DDG-18 Association. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise to join me in recognizing and thanking Thomas Boyce for his committed and selfless service to our country.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Mosby Woods neighborhood in Fairfax, Virginia. The mid-20th century was a time of rapid change in the Washington, DC suburbs. The booming post war economy brought many thousands of new residents to the area. As a result of this growth, the population of the Town of Fairfax grew from 1,946 in 1950 to 13,385 by 1960. During the summer of 1961, the Yeonas Development Corporation began construction of Mosby Woods. The name of the neighborhood was inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Civil War and commemorates Colonel John S. Mosby, who was active throughout Northern Virginia. In February of 1962, the first residents moved into their new homes. The Mosby Woods Community Association was incorporated in the summer of 1963. Over the years it has represented the community before the City of Fairfax and Fairfax County Governments. The Association also has provided social opportunities and sponsored community events, such as the annual neighborhood picnic, the Halloween parade and the holiday house-decorating contest. In 1981, after twenty years of being divided by the City/County boundary, the neighborhood was finally united in the City of Fairfax. The boundary change effort, led by the Mosby Woods Community Association, is an example of successful civic activism benefiting the entire community. Many residents have lived in the neighborhood twenty, thirty, or even forty years, and a number of original owners are still in the homes they bought in the 1960s. In recent years, second-generation residents have been returning to the neighborhood where they grew up to raise their own families. When asked why they made this decision, the answer is typically ``it's a great place to live.'' Much of that ``greatness'' is attributed to the quality of the home construction, the Fairfax County Public School system, the benefits of living in Fairfax City and the ``small town'' feel of the neighborhood. Mosby Woods is a village in a small city in a huge metropolis. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Mosby Woods neighborhood in Fairfax, Virginia, and in congratulating the Mosby Woods Community Association for its long history of civic leadership and community involvement. I wish the residents of Mosby Woods the best as they celebrate the history of their community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Paul Robert Chenevey and Sandra Jean Chenevey on their 50th wedding anniversary on August 11th. Paul and Sandra are both professional musicians. Paul was an orchestra conductor and a Professor of Music for more than 40 years at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Sandra was a piano instructor at Grove City College, Slippery Rock University, and at Westminster College. In addition to their shared love of music, Paul and Sandra share a passion for travelling the globe, and recently journeyed to Antarctica, fulfilling their goal of visiting all seven continents. It is fitting, therefore, that Paul and Sandra celebrate their momentous anniversary with another trip, this time to the Washington, D.C. region, to spend time with their children, Stephen Michael Chenevey of Alexandria, Virginia, and my constituent, Catherine Anne Chenevey of Gainesville, Virginia. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Paul and Sandra on their 50th anniversary, and in wishing them many more, wherever their travels may take them.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and commend Master Chief Petty Officer (Ret.) John Robert Brinkheide, of Dale City, Virginia, for his more than 20 years of honorable and courageous service to the United States Navy, his subsequent 17 years of service supporting the Department of Defense in the private sector, and his continued service to our community. We are fortunate to have among us veterans with MCPO Brinkheide's sense of duty and continued commitment to public service. MCPO Brinkheide enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1962 and completed electronics school the same year. From 1962 to 1964 he served aboard the USS Semmes, a ship he describes as truly unique, tied together by a crew committed to its mission and one another. His service aboard the USS Semmes instilled in him his sense of professionalism and ethics that guided him throughout the entirety of his military and professional career. He attended advanced electronics school in 1965 and then served for three years in Vietnam aboard an in-river LST. After completing his tour in Vietnam, MCPO Brinkheide served aboard the USS America from 1969 to 1976 and was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer. MCPO Brinkheide's last few years at sea were served aboard the USS Nashville as the Electronics Material Officer from 1976 to 1980. MCPO Brinkheide spent his last year with the Navy working on strategic communications for the Naval Electronic Systems Command performing oversight of electronic equipment acquisitions. After retiring from the Navy in 1981, he began a long career working for a contractor supporting the Department of Defense, specializing in systems acquisitions. Since retiring from the Navy, Mr. Brinkheide has actively worked to better his community through the Knights of Columbus and served as the Grand Knight of the John Paul I Council of Dale City, Virginia, from 2006 to 2007. MCPO Brinkheide also worked tirelessly for 24 years to help organize and implement the Prince William County Tree Trimming Day of Remembrance, a ceremony held to honor those who died in alcohol and drug-related vehicle crashes. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise to join me in recognizing and thanking John R. Brinkheide for his steadfast and selfless service to our country and for his ongoing contributions to the betterment of our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, Republicans have pursued an obstructionist agenda since taking control of this body, cynically willing, seemingly, to risk even harm to our economy for political gain. The refusal of House Republicans to even consider compromise has resulted in the 112th Congress becoming among the least productive Congresses ever. The 112th Congress looks like a Potemkin Congress when it comes to measured productivity. Consider the most simple, straightforward metric: the number of laws passed per Congress. The legislative output of this Congress, a mere 173 public laws passed, is a pittance when compared to the 900 public laws passed by what was called the do-nothing Congress of the Truman era, or the 333 public laws passed in an era of divided government in the 104th Congress. Or consider one of our most fundamental constitutional responsibilities, funding the government. Once again, the 112th Congress distinguishes itself for sheer incompetence, having managed to pass zero appropriations bills. The 112th Congress looks even worse when directly compared to the Democratic-led 111th Congress, which boasted a productivity level on par with the legislative records during the era of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Lyndon Baines Johnson in the thirties and sixties, respectively. The landmark legislation enacted in the 2-year period between 2009 and 2010, from the Recovery Act, the health reform bill, financial regulation, put the meager output of this current Congress to shame. Further, beyond these big three, at least a dozen other important bills were passed during that time period, including legislation addressing fair pay, student loans, consumer protection, national service, stem cell research, and food safety. The American people are tired of business as usual. They are tired of Congress waiting until the last possible moment to avert yet another disaster. They are certainly tired of this House returning from a 37- day summer vacation only to hold a couple of show votes this week before rushing Members out of town again next week, leaving in their wake a sea of critical work that remains undone. Our country faces serious, daunting challenges that demand action now, which is why I advocated canceling the August recess. The House now has an opportunity to take decisive action in the coming days on at least two major deadline issues facing Congress: passing a 5-year farm bill and enacting comprehensive postal reform. Despite the 112th Congress being among the least productive and the most dysfunctional in history, the Senate, not known for its speed, has managed to engage in constructive cooperation and addresses both of these issues in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner. On two of the most urgent matters facing this Congress, the Senate has exposed the extreme intransigence of this House Republican majority. Two Republicans, a Democrat, and an Independent, developed the 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2012 which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. On the vital 5-year reauthorization of the farm bill, the Senate again developed a reform bill, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012, and also passed it with a bipartisan supermajority. Compromise is at the heart of these bipartisan measures, which are far from perfect and contain provisions I would oppose. However, both bills contain provisions vital to saving the postal service, safeguarding the health of Americans and the American agricultural industry, and providing a critical safety net for American families. In my perfect world, we would pass my Reform the Postal Service for the 21st Century Act. And I'm sure in the House Republicans' perfect world, we'd pass their House Postal Reform Act of 2011. But in the real world, I do not believe either of our constituents sent us here to stubbornly fight for the partisan perfect at the expense of the American good. If Republican leadership are willing to compromise on behalf of the American people, they will take up and pass the bipartisan bills, S. 1679 and S. 3240, this week or next. I realize I risk appearing naive for even proposing compromise by taking up and passing Senate bills. But my own experience with my predecessor in the 11th District of Virginia gives me hope. As many of my colleagues are aware, even though former Congressman Tom Davis is a Republican and I'm a Democrat, we get together and we like to say that we belong to the same political party--the party of getting things done. We have roots in local government and that's the ethos of local government, and I appreciate his generosity in working with me in the transition to the 111th Congress. I recall one extended transition meeting at a local Denny's. We were talking. There was a waitress that was going back and forth. We kind of thought she would recognize us, maybe want to say ``hello.'' In fact, she said, ``You need to move on. I need that table.'' That's where the American people are. They want us to move on and get our business done so they can get on with theirs.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ed Wenzel for his passion, effort, and success in preserving our nation's historic Civil War battlegrounds. Mr. Wenzel recently received an honor from the national Civil War Trust on behalf of his preservation efforts for a Civil War battlefield site in Chantilly, Virginia. The Ox Hill Battlefield Park was dedicated in 2008 thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of Mr. Wenzel. Mr. Wenzel spent 22 years working to preserve the grounds on which the Battle of Chantilly--referred to as the Battle of Ox Hill by the Confederacy--occurred on September 1, 1862. It was during this battle that the Union army lost commanders Major General Philip Kearny and Major General Isaac I. Stevens, but it ultimately succeeded in slowing General Stonewall Jackson and the Confederacy's advancements and ended the Second Manassas campaign. In 1915, monuments were built in commemoration of both Major Generals Kearny and Stevens on the site. During my tenure on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I was proud to work with Mr. Wenzel and members of the Civil War Roundtable to raise awareness of the County's Civil War heritage, to erect new historic markers, and create a new five-acre public park highlighting the monuments and the battle significance in the history of our County and our Country. Additionally, Mr. Wenzel played a major role in the Save the Battlefield Coalition, which successfully opposed construction of a shopping mall at Manassas battlegrounds in 1988, and he was a founding board member of the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ed Wenzel for his most recent accolade and in thanking him for his tireless pursuits to protect such important aspects of our Nation's rich history.