Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 725) to change the address of the postal facility designated in honor of Captain Humayun Khan.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 829 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1450 Montauk Highway in Mastic, New York, as the Army Specialist Thomas J. Wilwerth Post Office Building. Army Specialist Wilwerth's life was defined by a call to service. While still a junior in high school, Thomas felt the call to serve his country in the years after 9/11, and he made the decision to join the Army to defend his country. After finishing his senior year, during which he also served in the Army Reserves, Thomas was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division based out of Fort Carson, Colorado. In December 2005, Thomas was deployed to Iraq, and he served selflessly with his division as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While on deployment, he was tragically taken from us on February 22, 2006, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. At just 21 years of age, Thomas' tragic death serves to remind us all of the human cost of war. He demonstrated in his short life, Mr. Speaker, the kind of commitment and service to this great country that is an example to all of us. Naming a post office in his honor in his hometown of Mastic, New York, is the least we can do as a country to honor and remember a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to all of us. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 829) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1450 Montauk Highway in Mastic, New York, as the ``Army Specialist Thomas J. Wilwerth Post Office Building''.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Zeldin indicated, there is nothing we can do, not this action, that can really make up for the loss of a loved one, even in the time of war. But we can, as a grateful Nation, explain our appreciation and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice that was made, and that is what we are doing today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 540, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 770 Ayrault Road in Fairport, New York, as the ``Louise and Bob Slaughter Post Office''. Representative Louise Slaughter was a groundbreaking Member of this House. She served here for 32 years. She was the first female chairwoman of the Rules Committee, and she coauthored the landmark Violence Against Women Act. She was also a dear friend. Born in Harlan County, Kentucky, in 1929, Louise Slaughter was the daughter of a blacksmith. After graduating from high school, she went on to earn a bachelor's degree in microbiology and a master's degree in public health, both from the University of Kentucky. After moving to upstate New York and marrying her beloved husband, Bob, Louise became active in local community groups and, eventually, in politics. She served a number of years in local elected offices and in the New York State Assembly. Louise was first elected to Congress in 1986, where she eventually rose to become the top Democrat on the powerful Rules Committee. Tragically and very sadly, Louise died in March of last year, and she is sorely missed by all of us. Naming a post office in her honor in her hometown of Fairport, New York, is maybe the least we could and should do to honor the distinguished career in public service of this remarkable woman. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 540) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 770 Ayrault Road in Fairport, New York, as the ``Louise and Bob Slaughter Post Office''.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter).

Mr. CONNOLLY

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

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I thank my dear friend from New York (Mr. Engel), the distinguished chairman of our committee, for his support. I thank my dear friend from Illinois (Mr. Kinzinger), the Republican manager today, for his support. And I salute my friend from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) who has steadfastly cosponsored this resolution in previous Congresses to make a powerful bipartisan statement. I rise today, Madam Speaker, in support of H.R. 596, the Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act, which we introduced together, as I said, with Mr. Chabot of Ohio. This bill states unequivocally that it is the policy of the United States not to recognize the Russian Federation's claim of sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the United States Government from taking any action that could possibly apply recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea. Putin's forcible and illegal annexation of Crimea, the first forcible seizure of territory in Europe since World War II, undermines Ukrainian sovereignty and threatens the stability of Europe. Acquiescence on the part of the United States would threaten the security of all sovereign nations. Who is next? Moldova, Georgia, the Baltic States? It is the longstanding policy of our country not to recognize territorial changes elected by force, as dictated by the Stimson Doctrine established in 1932 by then-Secretary of State Henry Stimson, a Republican under a Republican President, Herbert Hoover. We upheld that doctrine with the issuance of the Welles Declaration in 1940, which stated emphatically that the United States would not recognize the illegal annexation at that time of the Baltic States by the Soviet Union. That policy remained in effect for 50 long years. Some thought it quixotic. For more than those 50 years, we stood by those Baltic republics of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, sometimes in the face of ridicule. Today, they are independent nations and members of the NATO alliance. The collective wisdom of the previous and current administrations, Congress, our European allies, and the American public is that similar principles must be adopted with respect to Crimea. Crimea was Putin's original violation in Ukraine, and we have limited credibility objecting to Russia's subsequent invasion of the Luhansk and Donetsk areas of that country. If we do not take a stand with respect to Crimea, then we are just quibbling over the price. What has happened in Ukraine--Russia's forcible and illegal annexation of Crimea, invasion of the eastern part of the country, and continued occupation--has precipitated an international crisis, and the resulting conflict has claimed more than 10,000 lives. Russia has subjected Crimeans who refuse Russian citizenship to discrimination in accessing education, healthcare, and employment, and Russian authorities have attacked travel rights and the free press. The matter of rejecting the forcible and illegal attack on sovereign territory is so important that we should be satisfied with nothing less than absolute clarity about our position, which is that we support Ukraine's sovereignty over Crimea. The Obama administration established a nonrecognition policy toward Russian sovereignty over Crimea and levied sanctions against individuals and entities enabling Russia's illegal occupation. Our allies in Europe have stood with us, shoulder to shoulder, in emphasizing and enforcing those sanctions. Congress codified the Obama Crimea sanctions and has repeatedly used the power of the purse to prohibit the use of government funds for any action that could possibly recognize de jure or de facto illegal annexation of Crimea. The fiscal year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act included similar language to that contained in our bill today, in order to prohibit the use of defense funds in a manner that could be construed as recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea. That language has remained in the NDAA ever since. In the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, Congress reiterated its support for the Stimson Doctrine and its application to the illegal invasions by Russia and occupations of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia, Crimea and Eastern Ukraine, and the Transnistria region in Moldova. The United States must lead the way in refusing to recognize or legitimize Russia's illegal acts and its forcible annexation of Crimea. That is why I am so proud to offer this bill, along with Mr. Chabot, that expresses the will of Congress as loud and as clear as we can, and I urge my colleagues unanimously to support it.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Chairman/CEO Roger Krone and the 32,000 employees of Leidos on the occasion of the company's 50th anniversary. Founded in 1969 by Dr. J. Robert Beyster as Science Applications Incorporated (SAl), the company that would become Leidos was a result of Dr. Beyster's lifelong commitment to innovation. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1924 and raised in the midst of the Great Depression, Dr. Beyster watched as his family struggled through incredible hardships to provide for themselves. He joined the Navy after graduating from high school and served on a destroyer during World War II. With the help of the GI Bill, he attended the University of Michigan after his naval career and earned several degrees, including his Ph.D. in nuclear physics in 1950. After earning his doctorate, Dr. Beyster spent five years working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory before spending a dozen years with General Atomics in San Diego. His time there came to an end shortly after Gulf Oil acquired General Atomics. Dr. Beyster felt that senior management had little interest in the research his department was performing. He resolved to create a company where that would never be the case and which nurtured a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. That vision led to the creation of SAI, which changed its name to SAIC in 1984. I served as Director of Community Relations for SAIC from 2002 to 2008 and will always remember fondly my time with the company. I was pleased to be present in Congress in 2009 when SAIC made the decision to relocate its headquarters from San Diego to my district in Tysons. I'm not sure anyone, including Dr. Beyster, could have foreseen the growth that this company would experience. What began as a $50,000 loan with Dr. Beyster's house as collateral has evolved into a $7 billion Fortune 500 powerhouse. In 2013, SAIC bifurcated its company into two entities; Leidos, the solutions-focused parent company and a services business spin-off which carried on the SAIC name. I am confident that both of these companies will continue the fine legacy that has been left by Dr. Beyster, Roger Krone and so many others over the last 50 years. The impact of Leidos and SAIC is not solely confined to a profit margin or a balance sheet. Both companies have received numerous accolades for their work in their communities, including being named one of the Best Places to Work by the Human Rights Campaign in 2017, receiving an Annual Corporate Equality Index Score of 100 percent and being named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute just last year. When I served as Director of Community Relations, I saw firsthand the engagement in and care for the community that SAIC/Leidos exhibited. The community was not merely where their facilities were located; it was their home and they treated it accordingly. We could all stand to learn from their example. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Leidos on this momentous occasion and in wishing them great success in all their future endeavors. I have no doubt that they will continue their myriad contributions to our economy, our government and our community for many more decades to come.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the educators serving in the Prince William County Public Schools Division on obtaining certification or recertification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Founded in 1987, the National Board was established by teachers for teachers as the premier vehicle for defining and recognizing accomplished educators. Today, this independent nonprofit organization remains dedicated to supporting excellence in education and is governed by classroom teachers, school administrators, school board leaders, governors, state legislators, higher education officials, teacher union leaders, and business and community leaders. A National Board Certification denotes the most respected professional certification available in the education field. Obtaining certification and completing the renewal process is a personal and public statement of one's commitment to the evolution of effective instruction methods. In order to obtain the distinction, teachers must display a mastering of the standards established by the National Board by successfully completing a rigorous multicomponent assessment that demonstrates that he or she has acquired the knowledge, skills, and practices required of an accomplished educator. Certified educators support a vision of teaching based on the following five core propositions: 1. Teachers are committed to students and their learning; 2. Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students; 3. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning; 4. Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience; and 5. Teachers are members of learning communities. I extend my personal congratulations and appreciation to the following 2018 National Board Certified Teachers for receiving their respective certifications and renewals: Amber Tiernan, Patriot High School Amanda Proch, Gifted Education Amy Ivory, Colgan High School Christina Sherman, Marumsco Hills Elementary School Julie Faith, Stonewall Jackson High School Carolyn Ciminelli, Old Bridge Elementary School Leah Krucelyak, Beville Middle School Ashley Marland, Covington-Harper Elementary School Andrea Wilkey, Featherstone Elementary School Allan Weberg, Potomac High School Todd Hayes, Hylton High School Chris Proch, Woodbridge High School Melonie Yielding, Ellis Elementary School Timothy L. Wilson, Mary F. Williams Elementary School Shannon Speights, Dumfries Elementary School Amy Wise, Rippon Middle School Jennifer Roberts, Piney Branch Elementary School Susan Bowden, West Gate Elementary School Melissa Callaghan, Cedar Point Elementary School Krista Oldenburg, Benton Middle School Connie Schumacher, Stonewall Middle School Kathleen Hugh, Woodbridge High School Stephanie Ryan, Coles Elementary School Donna C. Morgan, Professional Development Ashley Abraham, Brentsville District High School Kristen Augsburger, Battlefield High School Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending these teachers for their commitment to education, professional development, and the students of Prince William County Public Schools. The world- class education provided to our students is due to the tireless efforts of teachers who make excellence the standard and I thank them for their invaluable contributions.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the incoming 2019 officers of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. OWLVFD is located in Prince William County, Virginia, 25 miles from our Nation's Capital. The OWLVFD goes on an average of 20,000 runs per year, aiding 80,000 residents in a 27 square mile area. Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1938, the OWLVFD is comprised of committed community members who volunteer their time, energy, and financial resources to ensure the safety of the families and property in and around Woodbridge. During its 80 year history, the Department has continued to expand and there are now three stations staffed by approximately 250 volunteers who serve and protect an ever- growing local population. From their bravery in action to their presence with the youth in the community, OWLVFD is readily available for the families of Woodbridge. It is with great honor I include in the Record the names of the following Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department Officers: Department President--Dave Williams. Department Chief--James McAllister. Executive Vice President--George Smith. Membership Secretary--Scott Shaw. Board of Directors--Michelle Bauer, Kevin Lewis, Melissa Payne, Rebecca Barnes, Zach Wessolleck, Jonathan Baldwin, Michael Clark, Anna Smith. Election Officer--Sabrina Brandon Ricks. Treasurer--Debbie Haight. Sergeant-At-Arms--Rick Moore. Assistant Chiefs--Kurt Bolland, Ernest DeSantis, Steve Godin, Wayne Haight, Rick Michaels. Rescue Chief--Ed Craig. Fire Captains--Ben New, Justin Witt. Rescue Captain--Stephanie Powers. While a new executive board has been elected and new officers sworn in, the mission of OWLVFD remains the same. The volunteers of the OWLVFD continue to put themselves in harm's way for the benefit of the residents of the area and have educated and mentored the youth in Woodbridge, not only teaching fire safety education, but also strengthening community relations. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the men and women of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department for their service to our country and steadfast commitment to their community and in congratulating the newly-elected officers and board members. I thank them for their dedication and to all I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Vienna Business Association (VBA) and to congratulate the incoming members of the 2019 Board of Directors. Vienna is known for its local charm and strong small business community. Money Magazine and CNN have both rated Vienna as one of the best places to live in the United States. The vibrant community spirit exhibited by its residents and local businesses has fostered an exceptional quality of life that is cherished by so many. The Vienna Business Association is the voice of the greater Vienna business community. It promotes business opportunities and development through networking and increased interaction between the commercial and residential communities within the town. Its members help maintain Vienna's small town feel by hosting and supporting many annual community events. The VBA has thrived thanks to the diversity of its members and the leadership of its Board. I am pleased to include in the Record the following names of the incoming members of the 2019 Board of Directors: Incoming Chairman: Mark Sweeney. Incoming Board Members: Ann Cole, Kari Cannistraro, Michael Amouri, Karen Thayer, Bettina Lawton, Preeti Swaminathan, Jeff Bollettino, Greg Kunstbeck, Tim Fricker, Holly Siebold. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the incoming board members and in commending the Vienna Business Association for their commitment to promoting the business community while encouraging social responsibility. I wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce and to congratulate the incoming 2019 board members. Tysons has drastically transformed during the past 56 years from a sleepy, rural area to one of the most vibrant regions in the country. This change began when the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved plans for the Tysons Corner Shopping Center in 1962. When the mall opened in 1968, it was hailed as the largest enclosed mall in the world. Since then, there has been a dramatic influx of technology companies, government contracting firms, and other corporations. Tysons has become the premier business district of the Washington Metropolitan Area and is one of the largest employment centers in the United States. With the opening of Metro's Silver Line and ongoing redevelopment, the region is expected to continue adding not only businesses but also high-density residential housing. 45 million square feet of transit- oriented development is already present in Tysons and more is on the way. The mission of the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce is to be the unified voice of the business community while ensuring that its ties and commitment to the community are strengthened. The Chamber actively promotes local non-profits and community organizations as well as youth educational programs, and it sponsors multiple events each year in support of these activities. The growth of the Chamber has been the result of the diversity of its members and the leadership of its Board. I am pleased to include in the Record the names of the incoming 2019 board members: Chairman of the Board: Tucker Gladhill At-Large Members: Alex Levy, Andrew Clark, Anthony Anikeeff, Audrey Lustre, Chris Tomseth, David MacGillivray, Diana Villareal, Dr. Michelle Walker, Frederick Keown, Gina Gagliardi, James Lawson, Jeffrey Krashin, Jonathan LaCroix, Kara Shelton, Kara Mayle, Kathleen Kelley, Kathy McNeill, Kevin Corey, Maureen Loftus, Maureen Caufield, Miriam Tadross, Rod Loges, Rodney Lusk, Samim Ardeishar, Sanjay Srikantiah, Suzan Zimmerman, Timothy Klinkner, Uppasna Chand, Virginia Case, Walter Kim. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the incoming board members and in commending the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce for its commitment to promoting the business community while encouraging social responsibility and civic engagement. I wish the Chamber the very best for its continued growth and success.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nominees for the 2018-2019 Prince William County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award. Teachers who meet the criteria for the award are those who instill in students a desire to learn and achieve, understand the individual needs of students, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of subject matter, and have the ability to share it effectively. The selected winner will be named the Prince William County Teacher of the Year. As the second largest school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Prince William County Public Schools educates 90,000 students in ninety-eight schools. The impact of these teachers is apparent as PWCS is ranked the highest in the entire state with their on-time graduation rate. Each Teacher of the Year Award nominee exhibits excellence in teaching by serving as an effective leader in and out of the classroom, fostering strong rapport with parents and peers and providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students to learn and develop. I extend my personal congratulations to the following nominees for the 2018-2019 Prince William County Teacher of the Year Award: Simon Bhagwandeen, Potomac High School; Leslie Browngold, Gravely Elementary School; Marianne Burns, Patriot High School; Garrett Carlson, Colgan High School; Pamela Clute, Potomac High School; Jennifer Diehl, Buckland Mills Elementary School; Gail Drake, Battlefield High School; Gail Drake, Battlefield High School. Julie Faith, Stonewall Jackson High School; Lauren Fenner, Swans Creek Elementary School; Amanda Grant, Ashland Elementary School; Amy Hardt, Buckland Mills Elementary School; Elizabeth Hoffmann, The Nokesville School; Carl Hood, Alvey Elementary School; Kristen Keskel, Ashland Elementary School; Jennifer Kimble, Graham Park Middle School; Kathy Lamont, Antietam Elementary School; Pamela Lansberry, King Elementary School; Christy Lazer, Bull Run Middle School; Elizabeth McKeown, Pennington Traditional School; Ashley Meyer, T. Clay Wood Elementary School. Melissa Morgan, Chris Yung Elementary School; Jeanie Noel, Freedom High School; Norman Pattarozzi, Osbourn Park High School; Emily Ramirez, Brentsville District High School; Rebecca Schelling, Antietam Elementary School; Brian Shepard, Battlefield High School; David Shuler, Battlefield High School; John Spaulding, Independence Nontraditional School; Jennifer Tallman, Lake Ridge Middle School; Crystal Watt, Ashland Elementary School. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the nominees for the Prince William County Public Schools 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year Award and in thanking them for their dedication to our children. Their continued service will ensure that Prince William County Public Schools students continue to receive a world-class education in a vibrant learning environment.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2019, of which I am a proud cosponsor, delivers on the promise to reform American democracy by protecting voting rights and our elections, improving the transparency of campaign finance, and promoting ethics and accountability. Key to safeguarding voting rights is ensuring that our voting system is secure and free from interference by foreign actors. My amendment to H.R. 1 would help States implement voting system security improvements in order to enhance the integrity of our Federal election infrastructure. Adapted from the FAST Voting Act, H.R. 1512, which I recently reintroduced with my colleague, Representative Jim Langevin of Rhode Island, this amendment to H.R. 1 would award supplementary grants to State applicants based on evidence of previous election security reforms and plans for implementing additional innovations. This race-to-the-top model would incentivize States to adopt best practices, including providing voting machines that are less than 10 years old, maintaining offline backups of voter registration lists, and providing a secure platform for disseminating vote totals. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, in the 2016 Federal elections, voters relied on outdated voting equipment that was more than a decade old in 43 of the 50 States, Mr. Chairman. My amendment would also instruct the Election Assistance Commission, when evaluating State grant applications, to consider evidence of collaboration between relevant stakeholders, including local election officials, in developing the grant implementation plan and the State's plan to evaluate the effectiveness of its grant activities. We now know that Russia directly targeted State voter databases and software systems in 39 States during the 2016 Federal elections. That effort by Russia and additional foreign entities to conduct robust influence operations persisted, sadly, in the 2018 midterm elections, and the U.S. intelligence community expects such attacks to continue through the 2020 Federal elections. Numerous witnesses before the Homeland Security Committee testified on the ongoing need for investment to protect us from such attacks. The need to strengthen the integrity of our voting system is crystal clear, Mr. Chairman. We have a moral obligation as Members of Congress to protect the sacred nature of the results of every election, and it is urgent. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this simple but, I think, helpful amendment to move us toward voter security in the next election and enhance cybersecurity for all of our Federal election infrastructure. Mr. Chairman, I am delighted to see there is no opposition here on the floor, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of George William ``Billy'' Ellis, .former Chief of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Ellis recently passed away at the age of 81 following a brief illness, surrounded by his friends and loved ones. My congressional district includes the town of Vienna, Virginia, a vibrant and active community of 16,000 residents. In 2013, Money Magazine ranked it the third best place to live in the nation. If you were to ask the residents of Vienna, they would unanimously say that it should have taken first place. There are many reasons why residents of Vienna take such pride in their town-the annual town festivals and concerts, the incredible Vienna Youth sports program, the outstanding schools and services, and even a local restaurant that serves the best chili dogs. Perhaps the most important reasons are the community spirit that is so prevalent, and the willingness of the residents to work together for the betterment of all. This of course includes the men and women who protect the town as members of law enforcement and the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Ellis joined the Vienna Volunteer Department at the age of 18. For more than 50 years, he epitomized the spirit of volunteerism, devoting his time and energy to serving his community. In 1980, he became the chief of the department, a position he held until 2001 when he and his wife, Joan, decided to move to Culpepper County where he lived up until his passing. But even a move to a quieter community couldn't keep Chief Ellis away from a fire station. Following the move, he quickly joined the Salem Volunteer Fire Department and spent many more years driving apparatus to emergencies. Serving others was in his DNA. Chief Ellis was preceded in death by a son, Charles. He leaves behind a wife of 58 years, Joan Scott Ellis, his sons David (Jennifer) and Robert (Lori), his daughter Jennifer, and his four grandchildren, Alison, Jacob, Ashley and Hunter. He also leaves behind an incredible legacy of charity, commitment and dedication in a community that will be indebted to this great man for years to come. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the selfless dedication and commitment to serve of Chief George William ``Billy'' Ellis, and in extending my deepest condolences to his family. May you rest in peace, Chief Ellis.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize NACHA--The Electronic Payments Association, and to congratulate them on their recent designation as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Virginia by the Virginia Business and Best Companies Group. Determined by a statewide survey competition, the annual list honors the best places of employment in Virginia. NACHA's designation as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Virginia is a fitting acknowledgment of its many contributions to Virginia's economy, workforce, and business community. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, NACHA proudly employs 61 Virginians, and three of their 42 Direct Members are based in the Commonwealth: Navy Federal Credit Union, Capital One, and ePayResources. NACHA serves as trustee of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Network, enabling payments such as direct deposit and direct payment via ACH. Today, NACHA's work is more important than ever, as more than 80 percent of U.S. workers now receive their regular pay using Direct Deposit via ACH, and consumers now pay 800 million bills each month with Direct Payment via ACH. In 2018 alone, 23 billion ACH payments, valued at a total of $50 trillion, moved across the ACH Network. I am thrilled to recognize NACHA's commitment to creating and fostering an award-winning work environment, and I commend them on their efforts to strengthen the ACH Network. I am proud to represent in Congress one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Virginia. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing NACHA's successes, and in congratulating them on the well-deserved honor of being named one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Virginia.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nominees for the 2018-2019 Prince William County Public Schools Principal of the Year Award. Principals who meet the criteria for the award are those who effectively manage, demonstrate, and encourage creativity and innovation, foster cooperation between the school and community by maintaining an open dialogue with students, parents, faculty, and staff, and exemplify commitment to providing a quality education for all students to learn and develop. The selected winner will be named the Prince William County Principal of the Year. As the second largest school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Prince William County Public Schools educates 90,000 students in ninety-eight schools. The efficiency and impact of these teachers is apparent as PWCS ranked the highest in the entire state with their on- time graduation rate. I extend my personal congratulations to the following nominees for the 2018-2019 Prince William County Public Schools Principal of the Year Award: Neil Beech, Osbourn Park High School; Mary Jane Boynton, Parkside Middle School; Hamish Brewer, Fred Lynn Middle School; Kathryn Forgas, Coles Elementary School; Latiesa Green, Potomac View Elementary School; Sheila Huckestein, Saunders Middle School; Richard Nichols, Stonewall Jackson High School; Jennifer Perilla, Tyler Elementary School; Amy Schott, Rockledge Elementary School; Aerica Williams, River Oaks Elementary School. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the nominees for 2018-2019 Prince William County Public Schools Principal of the Year Award and in thanking them for their dedication and leadership to the students, teachers, and faculty to ensure a bright future for all who pass through the doors of their schools. Their continued service is truly commendable and worthy of our highest praise, and their efforts ensure that our Prince William County students are provided a world-class education in a vibrant learning community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations (the ``Federation'') and to congratulate its recently elected officers who will serve in leadership positions for the 2018-2019 term. Founded in 1940 and re-incorporated in 1995, the Federation is a coalition of civic and homeowners associations who work together to promote and support initiatives that will benefit the community as a whole. The Federation realized early in its existence that by joining with other civic and homeowners associations from every comer of the county and speaking with one unified voice, its influence and contributions would be far more powerful and effective. The Federation is comprised of thousands of volunteers who actively participate in matters of local and state government that impact their communities. Individual members serve on countless task forces , boards and commissions to help preserve the quality of life that is enjoyed by all who call Fairfax County home. As a former two-term President of the Federation, I understand that those who volunteer their time, energies, and talents to civic activities play a vital role in making Fairfax County one of the best places in the nation in which to live, work; and raise a family. The Federation would not be nearly as successful and effective without the leadership of its officers. It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the following newly elected Federation officers: President: William S. Barfield. Bill resides in the Braddock District and has an extensive history of civic engagement including serving as President of the Country Club View Civic Association, Chairman of the Braddock District Council of Community Associations, founding member and vice-chair of the Braddock District Land Use and Environmental Committee, and 2nd Vice President of the Federation. First Vice President: Matt Dunne. Matt and his family live in the Mount Vernon District. He is active in the Stratford Landing Citizens Association and serves as the Educational Liaison to the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens' Associations. Second Vice President: Alejandro Mattiuzzo. Alejandro and his wife live in the Mason District and he is an accounting professional by trade. He has served as Treasurer for the Federation and is committed to using his skills to best suit the mission of the organization. Treasurer: Leslie Braun. Leslie resides in the Sully District and has served on the Franklin Farm Community Association Board and the Foxfield Community Association Board. In addition, Leslie served for more than two years as Treasurer of the Northern Virginia Section of the American Society of Quality. Recording Secretary: Flint Webb. Flint resides in the Providence District and is a member of the Dunn Loring Gardens Civic Association. In 2011, he received the Providence District Council's Community Service Award. In addition, he has served as Chair and Co-chair of the Environmental Committee of the Federation and has represented it on the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee Technical Advisory Committee. Corresponding Secretary: Erica Yalowitz. Erica resides in the Providence District and serves on the board and various other committees of the Rotunda Condominium Association where she resides. She is the current Vice-President of the Providence District Council and a member of the Emerging Leaders Council of the Tysons Partnership. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking all of the individual members of the Fairfax Federation of Civic Association and in congratulating the 2018-2019 officers on being elected to lead this dynamic organization. I commend them for their efforts on behalf of the community and wish them continued success.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Paul Recklau on the occasion of his retirement from the General Services Administration following a 40-year career in the federal government. I thank him for his life-long dedication to public service and to our country. Paul Recklau was born and raised in Feasterville, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1978 with a degree in Accounting. He began his career in civil service in January of 1979 in a 16-month training program at the Savannah Army Depot in Illinois. Paul trained to be a QUASAS, a Quality Assurance Specialist, Ammunition Surveillance, which is the oldest career program in the Department of Army. Paul then got his first duty assignment at the Pueblo Army Depot in Colorado continuing to gain experience as an ammunition inspector and an explosives safety expert. After serving a couple of years there, he received his second assignment at the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant in Texas. He was then transferred to Longhorn Ammunition Plant in Karnack, Texas to act as a GS-11 level QUASAS. Paul then spent 6 years at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in Kansas, south of De Soto. In 1988, only 9 years into his career, he was promoted to a GS-12 and acted as Chief of Quality Assurance at the plant. In 1990, he moved into a new role as an Industrial Specialist for the Defense Logistics Agency in Columbus, Ohio. For 9 months, Paul commuted to Dayton, Ohio and performed his duties at the Defense Electronic Supply Center. Upon returning to Columbus he became a Contract Specialist. In 1999, he was promoted to a GS-13 as an Acquisition Specialist for the Military Traffic Management Command in Northern Virginia. Then, Paul started at the General Services Administration in 2002 working for the Federal Systems Integration and Management Center (FEDSIM) as an IT Specialist. Approximately 2 years later he was promoted to a GS-14 Senior Project Manager. After 10 years at FEDSIM, Paul moved to the Office of Strategy Management within GSA and finally in 2014, ended up in the Office of General Supplies and Services as a Program Analyst where he ended his career on March 1, 2019. Throughout his career, Paul successfully worked with other federal employees as well as outside contractors to complete projects and keep day to day processes running smoothly. Civil servants like Paul are vital to the continuous operation of the government and I am grateful to Paul for spending the entirety of his career in service to our country. Paul resides in Woodbridge, Virginia with his wife, Maureen, who has been a reading tutor at a local Prince William County public elementary school for 15 years. Their daughter, Jean Recklau, is a junior at the University of Virginia studying Public Policy. In retirement, Paul plans to travel and complete home improvement projects around the house. In addition, he will continue to serve on his local homeowner's association board of which he has been a member for 18 years, including 4 years as president. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating my constituent, Paul Recklau on his retirement and in wishing him all the best in the future.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize my dear friend, Supervisor John D. Jenkins, who passed away on February 6, 2019. John was the longest serving incumbent supervisor in Prince William County, proudly serving as the Neabsco Supervisor for 36 years. In 2009, I entered a tribute to John Jenkins into the United States Congressional Record in recognition of his dedication to the community and his work with the Boy Scouts of America. I am sad to do it again under these circumstances, but honored to do so for a great man and the legacy he is leaving behind. John Jenkins dedicated his life to public service. John served honorably and with distinction in the United States Army for more than 25 years, including two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was highly decorated, earning a National Defense Service Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters. He retired from the Army in December, 1980, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1973, John moved to Dale City with his beloved wife, Ernestine. Although he was still serving in the U.S. Army, he immediately became involved in the community by joining the Dale City Civic Association. John and Ernestine also mentored area youth. They were involved in the Dale City Little League, Dale City Sports Club, Boy Scouts of America, and Gar-Field Senior High School Athletic Boosters Club. John also devoted countless hours to assisting veterans through his leadership in several veteran service organizations. In 1982, two years after his retirement from the U.S. Army, John was appointed to the Board of County Supervisors to fill the Neabsco District seat which was vacated by James McCoart. While serving the constituents of the Neabsco District was always John's primary objective, he was also able to effect change and shape progress for all of Prince William County. He advocated successfully for the construction of the Dale City Recreation Center, the McCoart Administration Center, Pfitzner Stadium, the county's Boys' and Girls' Home, the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center, Chinn Park Regional Library, and many more major civic investments including numerous schools, public safety facilities, and senior centers. John worked tirelessly to improve our local schools and the quality of public education. He was a champion of economic and infrastructure development in the county. But what everyone loved most about John was his care for all people. Regardless of sex, race, or creed, John supported all rights. As a life-long civil and human rights supporter, John asked the board to initiate a local investigation of a Dale City restaurant for refusal of service based on race. Then just last year in 2018, John supported a vote on the board to make June ``LGBTQ and More Pride Month.'' Throughout his tenure, John worked for the people of Prince William County, making sure their next day was better than the last. Through the past four decades John was both elected and appointed to several distinguished committee seats. John served two terms as Vice Chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors as well as two terms as Chairman of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, State President of the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions, State President of the Virginia Association of Counties, Chairman of the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board, and Chairman of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission. John served as a member of the Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board and was appointed by two governors, Governor Mark Warner and Governor Tim Kaine, to serve as a member of the Virginia Geographical Information Network (VGIN) Advisory Board. In addition, John served on numerous boards and steering committees, including the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Counties, and the National Association of Counties, and represented the Board of County Supervisors on the Quantico Marine Corps and Fort Belvoir Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC) advisory committees. John received numerous awards in recognition of his life-long commitment to service including the Robert W. Baker Award and the Blue Victory Award. In addition, in 2015 the Virginia Railway Express honored him for his key role in establishing a commuter rail service by having his name placed on the front of a VRE locomotive. Gar-Field High School also honored John for his support of athletic and academic programs as a booster club president, parent, and county supervisor. John is survived by his wife Ernestine who is also a dedicated community activist as well as a former public school employee, who worked in Prince William County Public Schools for 30 years as a teacher's assistant and staff member. Ernestine has been John's rock for more than six decades. She was just as involved in John's public service as anyone. John is also survived by his three sons, Warren, Mark, and Gordon and numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, Prince William County and the entire northern Virginia region has lost a great leader, mentor, public servant, and icon. John Jenkins' life was one spent in service to his country and his community. He could and would move heaven and earth for his constituents. John knew your name, he knew your kids' names, he probably even knew your grandkids' names. He cared about people and made sure they knew it. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the memory and honorable service of Supervisor John D. Jenkins. He was my dear friend, mentor, a colleague, and his absence will create a void in Northern Virginia that will be impossible to fill.