Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Henry Aristide ``Red'' Boucher, 88, who died June 19, 2009. Mr. Boucher was a civic and political institution in his adopted home state of Alaska. He also was a dedicated family man with 12 children, 27 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. I became aware of Mr. Boucher through a family friendship with his daughter, Jennifer McNelly, and her family, who live in my district. Mr. Boucher moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1958, after serving the United States Navy for 20 years. The New Hampshire native's move to Alaska was strongly influenced by a suggestion from a young Senator by the name of John F. Kennedy, for whom Mr. Boucher had campaigned. The future President told Mr. Boucher, ``There is great potential in the northern territory.'' Just eight years after he arrived in Fairbanks, Mr. Boucher was elected mayor and held the position for four years. During his term, he guided the city through one of its greatest natural disasters, the flood of 1967. After his term as mayor, Mr. Boucher served as Alaska's lieutenant governor from 1970 to 1974 under Gov. Bill Egan. He also served as a representative in Alaska's state house from 1985 to 1990. While his passion for politics will never be questioned, his legacy is likely to be the baseball team he founded in 1959, the Alaska Goldpanners of the Alaska Baseball League. The Goldpanners are well- known for carrying more than 200 future major league players on its rosters through the years. Mr. Boucher also was a staunch supporter of telecommunications and led a campaign to increase Internet access in remote villages. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of this great American and extending our sympathies to his family and the people of Alaska.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Stroke Comeback Center and the critical health care services that it provides to stroke survivors and their families. The Stroke Comeback Center (SCC) is a non-profit organization that provides ongoing rehabilitation and therapy to help combat the devastating damage that strokes can cause. The mission of the SCC has been to pick up where traditional health care coverage leaves off by providing affordable speech and language therapy programs to stroke victims in a caring and supportive environment. The SCC was founded in 2004 by Darlene Williamson and John Phillips based on the premise that stroke victims who suffer with communications problems can continue to improve with treatment and therapy. This theory went against the conventionally held belief that stroke survivors reached their maximum potential within the first few months of recovery. In addition, most insurance companies cover only short term treatment, which can limit access to therapy and thereby inhibit recovery. The SCC addresses these issues in a proactive and effective manner. Fees charged for services are on a sliding scale and are up to 75% less than at other facilities. No individual is ever turned away due to inability to pay. The programs offered by the SCC include group programs to assist with improvement of communication skills, computer assisted training, individual sessions and caregiver support meetings. The growth of the SCC is a tribute to the success of its programs. In 2005, the SCC had five groups meeting two days per week. There are now 21 groups meeting four days per week. Since opening, the SCC has provided more than 7,000 hours of therapy to stroke survivors. The SCC works closely with the American Heart Association, the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, the National Rehabilitation Hospital and the George Washington University Department of Speech and Hearing Science. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Stroke Comeback Center and its dedicated staff and volunteers. The services and programs offered by the SCC fill a void in the rehabilitation process and significantly improve the quality of lives of stroke survivors and their families.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rotary Club of Burke, Virginia, on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary and to pay tribute to its significant contributions to the community. The world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, Illinois, was formed on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris. The name ``Rotary'' is derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices. The Rotary Club concept thrived in its early years, and, by 1921, there were chapters on six continents. In 1922, the name ``Rotary International'' was adopted. The objective of Rotary International is to encourage and foster the ideal of community service as a basis of worthy enterprise. International understanding, goodwill and peace are fostered through the shared commitment to service of Rotarians from 166 countries. The Rotary Club of Burke was organized by Brian Tilbury and was chartered by Rotary International on June 30, 1984. Since that time, the Burke Rotary has grown in not only the number of active members, but also in the areas of community service. The Burke Rotary participates in Polio Plus, which is dedicated to the eradication of polio in countries such as Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Nigeria. Closer to home, The Rotary Club of Burke is a dependable ally in the Toys 4 Tots Program and the Northern Virginia Literacy Council. It also encourages involvement in the Medical Reserve Corps, a Fairfax County, Va., program that trains volunteers to provide vital services in the event of a public health emergency. The Rotary Club of Burke has partnered with the Rotary Club of Annandale to provide scholarships to deserving students who wish to pursue vocational training at Northern Virginia Community College. This partnership now provides six scholarships each year and has allowed approximately 40 individuals to continue their education and learn a marketable skill. The quality of life for each of these students and their families will be forever improved because of this opportunity. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating The Rotary Club of Burke on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary and to express our gratitude for their contributions here at home and abroad.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to speak in support of this historic legislation. Congress has never faced a challenge of such magnitude, complexity, or urgency. Global climate change is an existential threat that undermines our national security and imperils our coastal cities, agricultural heartland, and economic vitality. After enduring eight years of intransigence, denial, and fealty to special interests, we are poised to transform the marketplace and spur a new generation of technological and industrial innovation. By creating incentives for clean energy we will jump-start job creation and investment in production of advanced batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, geothermal systems, carbon capture and storage, and cellulosic biofuels. The dozens of companies that support this legislation have told us that they are poised to make these investments. Although we have seen an alarming rise in greenhouse gas pollution, we also know that it is not too late to act. From New Orleans to Glacier National Park to the Everglades, by acting now we will protect America's iconic places and our national identity. I thank Chairman Waxman, Chairman Markey, and their committee for leading the effort to write this legislation. Like many of my colleagues, I ran for Congress in order to restore economic growth, reform health care, and address global warming. We have made progress on the first pledge and are embarking on the second. With my vote for this bill I redeem my pledge to begin to address global warming and ask my colleagues to join me. I also wish to thank Chairman Waxman, Chairman Markey, and the staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee for their collaboration in drafting this bill. When this discussion draft was released in March, the American Clean Energy and Security Act did not provide dedicated funding for local governments through the State Energy and Environmental Development (SEED) or Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) programs. I wrote to Chairman Waxman and requested that a portion of funding through these programs be dedicated to local governments, to support local efforts to improve buildings' efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. The Committee responded to my request by dedicating SEED funding to local governments and by ensuring that REEP funding would support local weatherization programs. These important changes ensure that Northern Virginia localities can continue to lead efforts to reduce residents' electric bills and greenhouse gas pollution. These changes are very significant for Virginia. According to the Congressional Research Service, Virginia will receive between $108 and $216 million in SEED funding in 2012. As a result of the changes I requested, between $13.5 and $27 million should flow directly to local government programs to reduce pollution. In my letter to Chairman Waxman, I also requested reforms to the transmission line siting process in order to protect environmental and cultural resources. Northern Virginians know that we must act to correct deficiencies to the 2005 Energy Policy Act, which created a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor process that granted unprecedented authority for federal agencies to site transmission lines without regard for the impact on environmental and cultural resources or property values. Fortunately, the manager's amendment that is incorporated in the American Clean Energy and Security Act takes the important first step of ensuring that state and federal environmental agencies and land managers have a seat at the table in the planning process. Although additional reform of the transmission siting process is still needed, this change will better enable us to protect important Northern Virginia resources such as Manassas National Battlefield Park, Prince William Forest Park, and Shenandoah National Park. I also applaud Chairman Waxman for incorporating an amendment proposed by the Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus, of which I am a member. This amendment ensures that the Federal government will derive 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. This proposal, which Chairman Waxman incorporated into the manager's amendment, is particularly important for Northern Virginia because it will result in renewable energy deployment to power Federal facilities in the National Capital Region. This is important because we must move to clean energy generation if our region is to achieve ground level ozone reductions, which are essential for public health, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. Finally, I thank Mr. Waxman for incorporating language that expresses the sense of Congress that the International Civil Aviation Association limit aviation-related emissions worldwide. Following Committee passage of H.R. 2454, the Washington Airports Task Force asked members of the Northern Virginia delegation to identify a role for the International Civil Aviation Association in limiting emissions, and I asked the Committee to see if they could address the Washington Airports Task Force's request. I believe that the language incorporated in Mr. Waxman's manager's amendment is a step in the right direction, and appreciate his willingness to address this issue at such a late point in the legislative process. In summary, Chairman Waxman, Chairman Markey, and the staff on the Energy and Commerce Committee have been very responsive to my requests for changes to this bill that benefit Northern Virginia. I greatly appreciate their willingness to work with members like me to ensure that this legislation will benefit residents of Northern Virginia and across the country. As important as it is to have sound overarching legislation, I believe it also is essential that the legislative process allow individuals and businesses from across the country to have a role in crafting any bill. Because of the outstanding work by Chairman Waxman, Chairman Markey, and their committee, this bill has evolved to reflect the needs of Northern Virginians and others from across the country. Finally, I would like to offer special praise to my colleague from Virginia, Mr. Boucher. As a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Boucher played a central role in writing the American Clean Energy and Security Act. He is the only Virginia Congressman on that Committee, and I believe he did an outstanding job representing the interests of the Commonwealth. Specifically, he ensured that coal- reliant states like ours can transition to cleaner energy sources without creating price spikes and without negatively impacting regions where coal extraction is important economically. This was a difficult balance to strike, and required the skill and experience of a legislator of Mr. Boucher's caliber. Years from now, when coal extraction and electricity generation is substantially cleaner than today, and when Virginia finally has significant renewable electricity generation, we may look back and thank Mr. Boucher for his role in crafting this legislation that made such a transition possible. Congress has never dealt with such a complex bill of such fundamental importance to our economy, environment, and quality of life. Led by Mr. Waxman and Mr. Markey, the American Clean Energy and Security Act reflects a carefully crafted consensus that has the support of large utilities like Dominion and environmental organizations alike. While forging this consensus the Committee found time to address requests from members representing diverse regions of the nation with competing needs. I thank Chairman Waxman, Chairman Markey, and I am proud to cast my vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Woodbridge Middle School as a leader in education reform. Woodbridge was recently designated as a 2009 School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. The Schools to Watch program was establish in 1999 with the purpose of identifying schools on a path to meeting the National Forum's criteria for high performing schools. There are four categories in which qualifying schools must excel to be selected as a School to Watch. First, students must be challenged academically with clear and well-communicated education goals. Second, a school must work to develop a well-rounded student. This is accomplished through programs that foster healthy physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. Third, a School to Watch must present students with a socially equitable learning environment where diversity, civility, service, and democratic citizenship are valued. Finally, a qualifying school must have organizational structures in place that work to institutionalize the first three criteria. Consistent with the cooperative spirit of the Schools to Watch program, the motto that drives Woodbridge Middle School is, ``We get better together.'' Students, faculty and administration are held accountable for school performance and are encouraged to make the education experience a team effort. The staff is required to follow a set meeting schedule for the purpose of monitoring instructional and support programs. Students who are in danger of failing a course must work with parents and teachers to map out a plan to achieve a passing grade. No one is an island at Woodbridge Middle School where education is a community effort. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding Woodbridge Middle School on this prestigious designation and in encouraging it to continue these proven successful approaches to education. Woodbridge Middle School is a model that provides guidance in how to effectively improve our education system. The students, faculty and entire community benefit when we invest in our nation's future by providing our children with a productive and positive learning experience.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Prince William County Supervisor John D. Jenkins and the years of service that he has selflessly devoted to his neighbors, constituents and friends. Supervisor Jenkins was recently awarded the Occoquan District Good Scout Award by the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. I cannot think of a more appropriate recognition of John's accomplishments in public service than an award based on the credo, ``You are put here to do something for your fellow man and to take an active part in your community and its issues.'' Supervisor Jenkins and his wife Ernestine moved to Prince William County in 1973 and immediately took a role in their neighborhood as the Forestdale representatives to the Dale City Civic Association. Their three sons were educated in the Prince William County Public School system and were Eagle Scouts in local Troop 1378. They have 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Supervisor Jenkins began his life in public office in October of 1982 when he was appointed to fill the vacant Neabsco District Supervisor's seat. He has since been reelected to that position 6 times. He has served two terms as Vice Chairman of the Board of County Supervisors, two terms as Chairman of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, two terms as the State President of the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions, two terms as the State President of the Virginia Association of Counties and two terms as the Chairman of the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board. John has served on boards and steering committees of the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Counties, the National Association of Counties and represents the Board of County Supervisors on the Quantico Marine Corps and Fort Belvoir Base Realignment and Closing advisory committees. Supervisor Jenkins has been a tireless advocate for many organizations throughout his 27-year tenure on the Board of County Supervisors. However, his involvement in the Scouts predates even his time in office, spanning 6 decades and involving countless Scouting causes. Camp William B. Snyder in Haymarket, VA opened its doors in 2006 due in part to the Supervisor's efforts to end its stalled development. He is a fixture at local Scouting promotion ceremonies and often uses his considerable fundraising abilities on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America. His dedication to the Scouts is unquestioned and with his receipt of the Good Scout Award, the Boy Scouts of America recognize his devotion to the people of Prince William County. As a two-tour Vietnam Veteran and the longest serving county supervisor in Prince William County history, his career is one of service to country and community. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding Supervisor John D. Jenkins' dedication to his community. As a public servant he embodies the values the Boy Scouts hope to instill in their youth. He has taught generations of Scouts the nobility of public service and the great potential that it holds to help one's fellow man.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of this year's Fairfax County Human Rights Awards. Jeannie Cummins Eisenhour, Philip N. Reeves, Robert B. Worley, and the Communities of Faith United for Housing will be honored on July 2nd 2009 for their dedication and commitment to the community. Each year, the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission presents the Human Rights Awards to individuals, nonprofits, and business who ``demonstrate accomplishments in eliminating discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age or disability in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, private education and credit.'' Ms. Eisenhour is recognized for her commitment to working with members of the community with disabilities, opening opportunities to them and educating the public on their specific needs. Her distinguished work has aided persons with disabilities throughout Fairfax County and the D.C. area. Her accomplishments include working with the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority to ensure that it amend its universal design policy to accommodate those with special needs. Ms. Eisenhour is not only president of the board for the Coalition for Housing Opportunities in the Community for Everyone, but she also is director of development for RPJ Housing. She uses her positions to work tirelessly on behalf of disability groups to ensure accessible and affordable housing. Philip N. Reeves is recognized for his work as a health services advocate, educator and author. After serving in the Air Force, he worked to develop the Leaders of Tomorrow program which works to eliminate discrimination in nursing and long term care methods. Robert B. Worley is a deserving recipient for his dedicated work on behalf of people in need in Fairfax County and the D.C. area. A leader of the United Way's Fairfax County/Falls Church campaign, he has been an indispensible asset to and dedicated fundraiser for local and regional charities. Mr. Worley has also dedicated his time working with organizations like the YMCA and the American Heart Association, raising funds to help those in need. This year, The Virginia Peters Fair Housing Award and the Human Rights Award are being given to the Communities of Faith United for Housing (CFUH). The CFUH is an advocacy network of faith communities and nonprofit organizations that are committed to increasing the amount of affordable housing in Fairfax County for low-income families and individuals. The CFUH is especially dedicated to providing long term housing to the homeless or those who are dangerously close to becoming homeless. They have dedicated time to educating the public and elected officials on how to do more to provide low-income housing and have worked with the community and the county to create the Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Their work has provided an invaluable service to the community. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring these individuals and their dedicated service to the community. Their commitment is deserving of not only the prestigious Human Rights Award, but of our respect and deep appreciation.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 2009 Virginia Human Rights Awards. These awards were presented during a recent ceremony hosted jointly with the Prince William County Human Rights Commission. Prince William County has long been an area of growth in our Northern Virginia region. As the county population grew in the early 1990s and the demographics shifted, the Board of County Supervisors recognized the need for a study to examine the county's ability to respond to increasing population diversity. The result of the study was the creation of a Human Rights Ordinance prohibiting discriminatory practices based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, marital status or disability in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit in Prince William County. When the Board of County Supervisors established the Human Rights Ordinance in September of 1992, it created the Human Rights Commission to ensure that ``each citizen is treated fairly, provided equal protection of the law and equal opportunity to participate in the benefits, rights, and privileges of community life.'' The recipients of this year's awards have exhibited a devotion to ``[eliminating] discrimination through civil and human rights law enforcement and [establishing] equal opportunity for all persons within the county through advocacy and education.'' The recipients of the Prince William Human Rights Awards are Betty Covington from Prince William Public Schools and Dexter Fox with Unity in the Community. The Virginia Human Rights Commissioner of the Year is Victor Dunbar, Chairman of the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission. The Staff Member of the Year is Annie Carroll, Deputy Director of the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission. The Virginia Human Rights Commemorative Award for contributions to human rights through the signing of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts will be made posthumously to President Lyndon B. Johnson. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the efforts of these individuals on behalf of harmony and equality in our communities. We are a happier, safer society when we promote fairness and justice. I would like to extend my unconditional support for the Human Rights Commission's mission and my deepest appreciation to those who take up the cause of human and civil rights.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paige Laura Epler from Woodbridge, Virginia, on her graduation from the University of Oklahoma High School. Twelve year old Paige graduated on June 5, 2009 as the youngest girl to earn a high school diploma from an accredited high school. Paige had a 4.0 grade point average; however, she excelled in other areas as well. An extremely accomplished violinist, in addition to playing at her graduation, she was the selected violinist for NASA's 50th Year celebration and at President Obama's Inaugural Luncheon. My colleagues also may know Paige from her passionate efforts to Save the Sharks. Starting at age eight, she has worked to educate people about sharks and dispel the myths that have led to a number of species becoming endangered. Paige has given briefings at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Science Museum of Virginia, and to the United States Congress. Madam Speaker, Paige Epler represents the best this country has to offer, and her dedication to her studies bespeaks of the bright future before her. I congratulate her on her wonderful accomplishment and wish her well in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank my distinguished friend, the chairman of the subcommittee. Heritage programs have proven to be effective vehicles for increasing tourism and conservation. Many citizens have worked with their Members of Congress to designate new heritage areas. Thanks largely to the work of my colleague Frank Wolf, one of these new areas is the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. I appreciate the chairman including funding for this and other new heritage areas in this markup as well as that of the ranking member, Mr. Simpson, and I ask if he foresees an opportunity to revisit that financial support in appropriations cycles. I yield to the gentleman from Washington.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Yes, I agree with the distinguished chairman. In order to maintain and expand upon the existing program, we must ensure that existing heritage areas establish independent funding resources as originally envisioned. My district is the prime example of the importance of Federal funding. The historic village of Buckland is home to a Native American step mound, the home of a Jefferson-era northern Virginia Congressman, homes of an antebellum freeman community, and a Civil War battleground. It is one of the best preserved examples of a village planned on the traditional British axial layout. Many of the local residents have worked together to acquire and protect the historic structures and landscapes in Buckland. However, they cannot do it alone with development pressure in the National Capital Region threatening to degrade this fully intact historic site. This is a prime example of where additional funding could be used to augment substantial private funds to preserve an entire village in this case and surrounding landscape representing American history from the Native Americans to the Civil War and beyond. Madam Chairman, I thank the chairman for his interest and commitment to the heritage partner programs and look forward to working with him in the future.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would clarify that section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act does not preclude Federal agencies from purchasing fuel that is not predominantly derived from tar sands or other high-carbon sources. At the same time, this amendment maintains the intent of section 526 by ensuring taxpayer money is not being used to subsidize highly polluting technologies. Originally contained in the Carbon Neutral Government Act and incorporated in the Energy Independence and Security Act, section 526 precludes Federal agencies from entering into a contract that would result in construction of a refinery of fuel that produces more greenhouse gas pollution than conventional petroleum fuel. This exact amendment, introduced by Mr. Boren of Oklahoma last year, passed the House on a voice vote; unfortunately, it was not adopted by the Senate. This language represents a compromise that preserves the intent of section 526 without tying the hands of Federal agencies that need to procure fuel. Without using carbon capture and sequestration, turning coal into liquid fuel produces up to twice as much greenhouse gas pollution per unit of energy as conventional petroleum fuel, and fuel processed from tar sands generates 14 to 42 percent more greenhouse gas pollution per unit compared to production of conventional petroleum fuels. Section 526 has successfully protected taxpayers from costly and destructive subsidies of highly polluting fuel production. The reality is that fuel derived from tar sands already comprises a small proportion--roughly 6 percent--of much of the gasoline and diesel fuel consumers purchase. Mr. Chairman, this amendment simply clarifies that the hands of the Federal Government are not tied and that Federal agencies can, in fact, procure commercially available fuel that is available to them. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my friend from Florida (Mr. Grayson).

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Just a comment, Mr. Chairman. I thank the support of my friend, but I want to clarify for the record that, as a matter of fact, we already have tar sand oil. About 6 percent of the gasoline supply in the United States already has it. And we already have the liquefication of coal used in the United States, and the bill I hope we will pass tomorrow or Saturday, in fact, will allow a lot more of it. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished Chair of the committee, Mr. Skelton.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to my good friend from California (Mr. Schiff).

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to introduce this amendment with my fellow Virginians Mr. Nye and Mr. Perriello. During the 110th Congress, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act did address cell phone and property lease contracts for active-duty deployed. However, they did not address--they addressed individual cell phone contracts and individual leases. They did not provide that protection to family cell phone plans. As a result, we have servicemembers who are finding themselves having to continue to pay obligations to cell phone companies. Under the motor vehicle section of our amendment, the leasing agent may not charge an early termination penalty, something also not addressed in SCRA last year. This is a practical amendment that will help our active-duty deployed and their families make sure that they are safe and secure from this kind of hounding when they are serving their country overseas.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the economic need for health care reform. Indeed, as my friend from North Carolina just indicated, there are a lot of misleading statistics on health care. In fact, we just heard a few from her. We have heard a great deal about the human costs of failing to reform health care. Forty-six million Americans lack health care insurance. A child without insurance, for example, is 5 times more likely to die of appendicitis than a child that has access to health care insurance. The loss of any life is truly incalculable. However, there are those who would rather avoid talking about that child. They prefer to discuss the dollars and cents of health care. For those who worry only about the cost of reform, I would like to discuss the tremendous economic cost of doing nothing. We know the cost of doing nothing. Without reform, small businesses will pay $2.4 trillion in health care for their employees over the next decade. Reforming the system and controlling costs could save those small businesses $800 billion by 2018 and save 168,000 jobs, unless we do nothing. Currently, 46 million Americans lack health insurance. We know the economic costs of that. In 2008, Federal, State and local governments paid $442.9 billion to reimburse the uncompensated costs for visits to health clinics and hospitals by the uninsured. That places a tax burden on every American of $627 a year, Madam Speaker. If we continue doing nothing, the tax burden in inflation-adjusted dollars will nearly triple by 2030. As health insurance costs continue to rise, and they will, and as more Americans find themselves unable to afford insurance, and they will, those reimbursement costs will, of course, skyrocket. We know the cost of doing nothing, and we cannot afford that cost. Americans have the most expensive health care system in the world. True, the quality of care at the highest levels is second to none. However, the dramatically rising costs each year render more and more people unable to access that quality care. As chairman of Fairfax County, Virginia, Board of Supervisors, one the primary concerns I heard from county retirees was the rapidly rising cost of health care. Senior citizens and those on fixed incomes were especially concerned that the ever-growing premiums were forcing them to choose between health care and other necessities. Private industry is also feeling that pinch. Companies such as IBM have begun to eliminate retiree health care benefits altogether, precisely because of rising health care costs. In 1960, health care costs in the United States were 5 percent of our Gross Domestic Product. Today, they represent 18 percent, and if we do nothing, the costs will rise to a staggering 34 percent of our entire GDP by 2040. Madam Speaker, our children will be paying seven times more for health care costs than we paid in 1960. That level of cost increase is unconscionable and unsustainable. Workers currently receiving employer-provided health insurance are increasingly faced with two devastating scenarios; either the level of care they receive is reduced to counter the costs, or their health care costs rise each year, far outpacing their rise in wages. For many workers, they see both in a double whammy of paying more for less. This is evident in the growth in the average employer-sponsored health insurance family deductible. In just 7 years year, Madam Speaker, from 1999 to 2006, the average deductible grew 50 percent. For firms with less than 50 employees, the deductible increased from roughly $1,300 in 1999 to over $2,000 in 2006. Currently 43 percent of those smaller firms offer their employees health care coverage. As costs continue to rise, this number will shrink and more Americans will find themselves uninsured and unable to afford affordable options. If we can continue to do nothing, government spending on health care will suffer equally. Spending on Medicare and Medicaid, currently 6 percent of GDP, will rise if we do nothing to 15 percent by 2040. Studies have shown that slowing the cost growth in health care by 1.5 percentage points a year will result in dramatic decreases in the Federal budget deficit. By 2030, Federal deficits would be 3 percent of GDP smaller than it otherwise would have been, saving us hundreds of billions of dollars a year, something my friend from North Carolina just indicated she was concerned about. If we do nothing, we condemn our future to rapidly increasing budget deficits and a dearth of funding available for other essential government functions. Madam Speaker, I support comprehensive health care reform.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. On June 27, 2009 the department will hold its 60th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet, marking its 60th year of service to the residents of Prince William County. Prince William County has changed drastically since the Coles Department was established in 1949 as the Independent Hill Volunteer Fire Department. At that time, the early fire notification system consisted of a 110 foot fire tower that looked out over Prince William County's largely wooded landscape. Just six community volunteers handled the department's workload in those early years. After years of expansion and the construction of a new fire station in 1979, the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad continues to be an invaluable resource for the Prince William community. The membership has grown to 45 life, active, junior and associate members. These members are business executives, police officers, professional firefighters, information technology professionals, tradesmen and other civil servants in local and federal government. Each year, they dedicate tens of thousands of volunteer hours to promoting and protecting the safety of their friends and neighbors. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the members, past and present, of the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. The dedication of these community volunteers has ensured that the Coles Department will remain a vibrant and robust organization, delivering vital services to residents during an emergency. And to every member of the Coles District Volunteer Fire Department, I say, ``Stay Safe.''

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the recipients of the 2009 Literary Council of Northern Virginia Awards. Founded in 1962, The Literary Council of Northern Virginia is a non- profit educational organization that recruits and trains volunteers to teach adults who need help reading, writing, speaking and understanding the English language. The Literacy Council provides a wide range of programs including programs for English speaking adults who need help with reading and writing, ESOL programs for those in our community for whom English is not their native language and Family Learning Programs to teach English proficiency to parents and their children who are between the ages of two and 12. Each year, The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia recognizes a few of its outstanding adult learners, volunteers and/or community partners. This year, a special award will be given to student essay contest winners, the theme of which was ``Hope for the Future''. It is my great honor to recognize the following recipients of the 2009 Literacy Council of Northern Virginia Awards: Recipients of the Community Partners Awards are: Alexandria Community Trust, The Wish You Well Foundation, and the Richard Byrd Library (Fairfax County). Recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Awards are: Kay Habeger, Michael Wolff and Monica Simone. Recipients of the Student Essay Contest Awards are: Jieun Jang, Albert Costanzo, Wei Yang Tsai, Gloria Cruz, Hala Elnoby, and Deepa Kulkarni. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the contributions of The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia and congratulating each of the 2009 Award recipients. Their dedication, hard work and commitment improves the quality of life for the students as well as the community by providing the program participants with the life skills that are necessary to become an active and productive member of society.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maud Robinson on her retirement and to recognize the significant contributions she has made to the community as a member of the Vienna Town Council and throughout her years of civic involvement. Maud Robinson has lived a life of commitment to her community and her country. During World War II, she proudly served with the United States WAVES. A few years after the war, she moved to Vienna, Va., where she has lived for nearly 60 years. Throughout this time, Maud has been an active community supporter, donating her time and energies to The Ayr Hill Garden Club, the Vienna Rotary Club, Historic Vienna, Inc. and many other civic organizations. In 2000, Maud was appointed to the Vienna Town Council. Her late husband, Charles A. Robinson Jr., died earlier that year after serving 38 years on the Council, the last 24 as Mayor. Maud Robinson won re- election in 2001 and again in 2005. During her term she has been known for her historic preservation efforts, fiscal conservatism and the maintenance of the ``small town'' atmosphere that makes Vienna a very special place. Always acting to improve the quality of life for the residents of Vienna, Maud has been a constant presence at Fairfax County Board of Supervisor meetings, revitalization meetings and everywhere else where her dedication to her community would have a positive impact on fellow Vienna residents. After serving on the Vienna Town Council for the last nine years, Maud has decided to not seek reelection and enjoy some well deserved leisure time. The community will be eternally grateful for her many contributions, and her strength and determination will be missed. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Maud Robinson on the occasion of her retirement and in thanking her for her years of service to the community and our country.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Richard J. Baumgartner. Mr. Baumgartner has served the children of Northern Virginia as an educator for thirty- seven years. Mr. Baumgartner has consistently been a strong advocate of quality education for all children and appropriate compensation for teachers. As an educator, Mr. Baumgartner witnessed first-hand the expansive growth of Fairfax County and its public school system. Mr. Baumgartner's career has led him to excel in a variety of capacities within Fairfax County Public Schools. In fact, during his tenure, Mr. Baumgartner had the unique opportunity to serve on the initial opening faculty at three different elementary schools. He was a valuable asset to these schools and their principals during the difficult process of establishing a new school. Mr. Baumgartner was a strong advocate on behalf of teachers in Fairfax County while serving as President of the Fairfax Education Association from 2000-2002 and 2004-2007. During his first term, Mr. Baumgartner worked with the school administration to examine the effectiveness of National Board Certification. Mr. Baumgartner also succeeded in helping change policy with regards to the Virginia Retirement System. Significant highlights of Mr. Baumgartner's second term include getting salary credit for instructional assistants who become teachers and implementing a nationally recognized teacher working conditions survey. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our gratitude to Richard J. Baumgartner for his thirty-seven years of service to the students and staff of the Fairfax County Public School system and in wishing him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, after making three hundred thirty nine straight recorded votes, I missed my first vote on the floor of the House of Representatives today as I attended the high school graduation of my daughter, Caitlin Rose Connolly. While I take my responsibilities as a member of Congress seriously and make an effort to ensure my constituents are represented on every vote, nothing would have kept me from witnessing my daughter's graduation. I would like to take this time to congratulate my daughter, Caitlin Rose Connolly, all of the graduating seniors at W.T. Woodson High School, and all other graduates in the class of 2009. Completing high school is a tremendous achievement. I am certain that the parents, family, friends and teachers of all of the graduates are as proud of their students as I am of Caitlin. I would also like to take this moment to indicate how I would have voted on those votes that I missed. On H.R. 2470, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 19190 Cochran Boulevard FRNT in Port Charlotte, Florida, as the ``Lieutenant Commander Roy H. Boehm Post Office Building,'' I would have voted, ``aye.'' On H.R. 780, the Student Internet Safety Act of 2009, I would have voted, ``aye.'' On the Motion to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair, I would have voted, ``aye.'' On H.R. 2247, the Congressional Review Improvement Act, I would have voted, ``aye.'' On H.R. 403, the Homes for Heroes Act of 2009, I would have voted, ``aye.''