Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the staff and volunteers for Action in Community Through Service Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Service (ACTS SAVAS) as they celebrate 30 years of assistance and advocacy on behalf of survivors of sexual assault in Prince William County, Virginia. There are more than 235,000 sexual assaults every year in the United States. That is one assault every two minutes. Forty-four percent of survivors are under the age of eighteen, and eighty percent of survivors are under the age of thirty. Sixty percent of sexual assaults are not reported and ninety-seven percent of attackers will never spend a day in jail. These are staggering statistics, and they illustrate the challenges faced by ACTS SAVAS. There are few safe havens for these survivors. ACTS SAVAS provides survivors with a safe, secure place to go and receive counseling from experts who can assist with the healing and recovery process. SAVAS was first established in 1983, and in 2012, it joined Action in Community Through Service. ACTS SAVAS is the only center of its kind serving the Greater Prince William community. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones with the resources necessary to heal and move forward, while working towards ending all forms of sexual assault and combating human trafficking. ACTS SAVAS has provided assistance to more than 15,000 individuals in the areas of crisis intervention, a 24-hour hotline, court companions for victims, adolescent and adult support groups, and community education and outreach. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking the staff and volunteers of ACTS SAVAS for their many contributions during 30 years of service to the Greater Prince William community. ACTS SAVAS engages an issue that threatens to undermine safety and trust in our community. For providing survivors of sexual assault with the resources they need to recover, ACTS SAVAS is certainly a vital service and is deserving of our highest praise.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding group of first responders and public safety officers who have been honored with the Second Annual Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce ``Above and Beyond'' Award. These awards honor Fairfax County Firefighters, EMTs, Police Officers and Sheriff's Deputies who give back to the Greater Springfield area by providing service to the community outside their normal duties. In addition to the immeasurable contributions made every day in the line of duty, these men and women have distinguished themselves through their extraordinary efforts in the community, which largely go unseen. They willingly volunteer their personal time, energies, and support to activities for the betterment of our children, our neighborhoods, and our quality of life. It is my honor to enter the names of the following individuals into the Congressional Record: Master Deputy Sheriff Rodney Harrison has served the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office for 26 years. Through his church, MDS Harrison makes an annual trip to Africa for the purpose of ministering and donating educational materials and clothing. In addition, twice a year the Sheriff's Office provides security for a portion of the will of President George Washington between Mount Vernon and the Circuit Court. MDS Harrison willingly participates and uses this opportunity to educate others on the history of the will and how to safely transport this important historic document. Officer Long Dinh, Jr., endured traumatic head injuries when responding to a call on duty in 2013. However, these injuries did not deter him from continuing to serve his community. He has applied his language abilities to the Habitat for Humanity Restore program by creating tutorials and helping to train volunteers. His tremendous contributions to the program have been recognized by the Director of the James Lee Senior Center. In March of 2014 Officer Dinh returned to the police force. Auxiliary Police Officer Thomas Oliver has volunteered his services since 1999. In addition to his regular duties, APO Oliver participated in over 70 community events for vehicle or crime prevention displays in 2013. He has assisted in ``Operation Hands-On,'' which is a new process developed to obtain information on cases previously closed. He helped follow up on these cases and has educated members of our community on how to keep themselves secure. Officer Paul F. Stracke has just completed his second year with the police force. He began his service at age 18 when he attended the Fairfax County Volunteer Fire Academy and obtained an Emergency Medical Technician certification. Apart from his police duties, he continues to work 60 hours every quarter at Fire Station #14 to maintain his firefighter status. Officer Stracke was nominated in 2013 for a lifesaving award and received the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Award in 2013. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating and thanking each of the brave men and women who go above and beyond the call of duty to serve our community. They are part of the bravest and the finest who collectively ensure that Fairfax County remains one of the nation's safest communities in which to live, work, and raise a family. Moreover, the volunteer service exhibited by these honorees is one of the hallmarks of what has made Fairfax the thriving community it is today, and because of their efforts, that tradition will carry on for future generations.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce. The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will recognize 25 individuals, one investigative team, and one Operational Task Force in a variety of categories including, the Silver or Bronze Valor Award, the Merit Valor Award, and the Investigative Merit Award. The 12 members of the team investigating a case of arson at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I submit the names of the following award recipients: 2014 Investigative Merit Award: Lt. Dave Cooper, Lt. Brad Miller, and Lt. Angel Tyson of the Fire Marshal's Office; Supervising Special Agent Steve Avato, Special Agent Chad Campanell, and Special Agent Paul Parisi of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Detective Saemi Kitchens, Detective Maria Cervantes, Crime Analyst Supervisor Dawn Locke-Trillhaase and Detective Jason Callahan of the Prince William County Police Department; Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Claiborne T. Richardson II; and Special Agent Keith Palli of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2014 Valor Award Recipients, and thank each of the men and women who served on the team investigating a case of arson at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce. The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will recognize 25 individuals, one investigative team, and one Operational Task Force in a variety of categories including, the Silver or Bronze Valor Award, the Merit Valor Award, and the Investigative Merit Award. Two members of the City of Manassas Police Department are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I submit the names of the following award recipients: 2014 Merit Valor Award: Officer Trey Cram and Police Officer First Class Brett Stumpf. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2014 Valor Award Recipients, and thank each of the men and women who served in the City of Manassas Police Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of citizens of Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Christine Zinser, a constituent of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, and to commend her for being the driving force behind Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia. In 2011, Ms. Zinser's son Philipp was preparing to graduate from Robinson Secondary School and had made the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. She approached the school to request that her son, and other seniors who had decided to enlist, be recognized during the graduation ceremony or any other end of year award event. Unfortunately, the school denied her request even though other students would be recognized for various accomplishments. Ms. Zinser, along with another parent, Carolyn Kellam, decided to take matters into their own hands. If the school would not recognize their children, they would organize an event to do so. They contacted Braddock District Supervisor John Cook who readily agreed to allow the event to be held in his office. Ms. Zinser then contacted my office to see if she could count on my support and I enthusiastically agreed. Together we held a ceremony on June 9, 2011 in honor of the young men and women who had chosen to enlist in our Armed Forces upon graduation from Robinson Secondary School. Following that first ceremony, Ms. Zinser doubled her efforts to include enlistees from the entire Northern Virginia region. She continued to lobby the school system, and due directly to her unwavering efforts, many schools now recognize the students who have decided to enlist, including her son's former high school. She partnered with an organization called Our Community Salutes and formed the first parent-established chapter of that organization. Ms. Zinser also assisted with establishing chapters in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Ms. Zinser has been featured on television and in newspapers raising awareness and support for our young men and women. In February, 2012, Ms. Zinser was quoted as saying: ``I really feel like these kids are a forgotten spoke in the wheel of recognizing our military families. We laud those returning from war, mourn those who have fallen, show unflinching support for the families of active duty military personnel, compassion for those who sustain injuries and immense respect for our veterans. But the young men and women who choose to serve, especially when our nation is at war, go unrecognized.'' This year marks the 4th Annual Our Community Salutes ceremony during which we will honor 129 local high school students who have decided to serve our country in uniform. These students will join the 1% of our population who have enlisted, knowing that they may be putting themselves in harm's way to protect and defend our country. It is my honor to join Christine again, as I have each year, and be among the first to say to these young men and women: ``Thank you.'' Ms. Zinser's son Philipp still serves in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is stationed at Camp Pendleton and is currently deployed to Afghanistan, where he will serve for the foreseeable future. His leadership and professionalism have been recognized, and he has attained the rank of Corporal. I thank him for his service, and pray that he stays safe while serving in a dangerous arena. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Christine Zinser and in commending her for her tireless efforts to appropriately honor the young people in our community who choose to serve. I also would like to thank Christine's partner, Sandra Coffman, for her unyielding support and dedication. Their commitment to Our Community Salutes and to our young warriors will leave a lasting legacy and is worthy of our highest praise.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce. The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will recognize 25 individuals, one investigative team, and one Operational Task Force in a variety of categories including, the Silver or Bronze Valor Award, the Merit Valor Award, and the Investigative Merit Award. One member of the Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department is being honored this year for his exceptional service. It is with great pride that I submit the name of the following award recipient: 2014 Silver Medal of Valor: Assistant Chief Steven R. Godin. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2014 Valor Award Recipient, and thank each of the men and women who serve in the Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a dedicated group of men and women in Northern Virginia. For the past 30 years, each member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has selected two people from his or her district who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service, heroism, or other exceptional commitments and accomplishments to our community. Since the program's inception in 1984, more than 570 individuals have been granted the honor of being named a Lord or Lady Fairfax by his or her representative on the Board of Supervisors. The Board also traditionally recognizes these individuals during a reception held in conjunction with the annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival in June. This year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will recognize those individuals who have made tremendous impacts through their support of our public schools, parks, youth sports leagues, arts community, public safety, and human service programs. It is nearly impossible to fully describe the diversity of accomplishments by the honorees. Their efforts contribute greatly to the quality of life for the residents of Fairfax County and should be commended. It is my honor to enter the names of the following 2014 Lords and Ladies Fairfax into the Congressional Record: At Large: Lady Mary Keeser and Lord Rohil Bhinge Braddock District: Lady Monica Jackson and Lord Anthony J. Vellucci Dranesville District: Lady Lauri Lacorte and Lord Jay Donahue Hunter Mill District: Lady Baba Foster Freeman and Lord Michael Amouri Lee District: Lady Tawny Hammond and Lord George F. Towery Mason District: Lady Terry O'Hara Lavoie and Lord Jan Reitman Mt. Vernon District: Lady Mary J. Porter and Lord Colonel Gregory D. Gadson Providence District: Lady Merni Fitzgerald and Lord James M. Scott Springfield District: Lady Karen Brown and Lord Paul Liberty Sully District: Lady Lu Ann Maciulla McNabb and Lord Phillip W. Allin I also commend the following recipients of the James M. Scott Community Spirit Award and the Celebrate Fairfax! Festival Volunteers of the Year Award: James M. Scott Community Spirit Award: Fairfax Water Celebrate Fairfax! Festival Volunteers of the Year Award: Galen and Tara Munroe Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude to these men and women who volunteer their time and energy on behalf of our community. The selfless commitment of these individuals provides enumerable benefits to their fellow residents and serves to strengthen and enrich the Fairfax County community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the tremendous contributions of George Mason University Professor Donna R. Sterling, whose work to improve the research in and development of effective science and math curricula has benefitted elementary and secondary school students across the nation. Ms. Sterling is a Distinguished Service Professor and Director of the Center for Restructuring Education in Science and Technology at George Mason's College of Education and Human Development. GMU, which is located in the 11th Congressional District in Fairfax, Virginia, is now the Commonwealth's largest public university with 34,000 students, a full-time faculty of more than 1,800, 11 schools, and degrees in 198 fields of study. Over the past 22 years, Ms. Sterling's research has been instrumental in helping to improve science teaching in elementary and secondary schools and higher educational institutions throughout the Commonwealth and across the country, while simultaneously increasing the profile of George Mason University. She has served as principal investigator for numerous teacher development and research grants and has authored more than 100 articles, books, and reports. Her portfolio includes the award-winning ``New Science Teachers' Support Network'' for provisionally-licensed science teachers and ``Science Camp'' for training pre-service and experienced teachers to conduct problem-based learning with children. Through the years, her research has garnered more than $50 million in funding support from multiple public and private sources, including the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, the Virginia Department of Education, ExxonMobil, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Micron, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Carnegie Institution of Washington. A recent project used her research for the basis of the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (or VISTA). The project received one of the largest Investing in Innovation (or i3) grants from the U.S. Department of Education. It also marked the largest grant in GMU's history and brought together six Virginia universities, the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition, and private corporate partners to support the improvement of K-12 science education. In addition to her research work, Ms. Sterling has been an active member of the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition, where she has developed policy recommendations and white papers for improving K-12 science education, the development of science leaders, and the preparation of outstanding teacher and student programs. She earned her Doctor of Education degree in science education from The George Washington University, and she completed her early research and career training under two noted Nobel Prize recipients--Linus Pauling and Melvin Calvin who between them received three Nobel prizes. She is regarded by her peers as a pioneer in classroom curriculum development to engage young students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (or STEM). She also has served as a role model and mentor to generations of graduate students--particularly young women--by inspiring and supporting them as they pursue careers in teaching, research, and leadership roles in the field of STEM education. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the distinguished career of Dr. Donna Sterling and in thanking her for her innovative and lasting contributions to classroom instruction. Her ability to inspire graduate students in scientific discovery--pushing them to question, hypothesize, and verify new knowledge through real experimentation and persistence--have been a hallmark of her passion for science education. She continues to support an ever-expanding network of former students who now are inspiring the next generation of young women and men to unlock the mysteries and wonders of our world through scientific discovery.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce. The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will recognize 25 individuals, one investigative team, and one Operational Task Force in a variety of categories including, the Silver or Bronze Valor Award, the Merit Valor Award, and the Investigative Merit Award. Five officers and one Narcotics Task Force from the Prince William County Police Department are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I submit the names of the following award recipients: 2014 Investigative Merit Award: Narcotics Task Force (Operation Blue Dragon) and Officer Daniel Sekely. 2014 Bronze Valor Award: Lieutenant Carlos Robles and Officer Patrick Balchunas. 2014 Merit Valor Award: Officer Aaron Lintz and Officer Steven Mattos, Jr. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2014 Valor Award Recipients, and thank each of the men and women who serve in the Prince William County Police Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the participants and winners from the Council for the Arts of Herndon's Tenth Annual Technology and the Arts Competition. The Technology and the Arts program grew out of a desire to offer computer savvy teens a way to showcase their abilities in an artistic format. The innovative program challenges students in all Fairfax and Arlington county high schools to create works of animation, digital art, digital music, and digital photography by blending technology and artistry into one cutting-edge masterpiece. Students submit entries at their schools, and teachers select which works will be entered into the contest. Works are judged by professionals and experts in the field, and awards are given in each category. Additionally, this program also showcases how creativity extends beyond the arts into a crucial component of our local and national economies. Technology has been the driving force behind Fairfax County's economic expansion for the past two decades. Knowledge-based enterprises directly employ more than 140,000 people in Fairfax County and some of the world's leading technology firms are headquartered here. America remains the world's leader in technology innovation primarily because of the creativity and ingenuity of these companies. This event is not just about art, it is also about laying the foundation for America's competitiveness in a global market place. I am pleased to congratulate the following winners of the 2014 Technology and the Arts Competition: Arts Council of Fairfax Uphoff Scholarship Award: Frankenstein, Adrian Caballero of Falls Church High School Digital Photography First Prize: Freedom, Chris Aguila of South Lakes High School Second Prize: Mold Me, Madison Schultz, South County High School Third Prize: History of a Gaze (Self Portrait), Anna Smith, Centreville High School Digital Photography Honorable Mentions: Manipulated, Sue Minh Jung, Centreville High School Bundle, Margaret Hollingsworth, Oakton High School Monday's Mist, Gabrielle Bomberg, West Potomac High School Things to Pack, Sarah Wasinger, Fairfax High School Digital Art First Prize: Eye See You, Logan Darr, W.T. Woodson High School Second Prize: Washington DC, Cheyenne Price Oakton High School Third Prize: Welcome to the New World, Angela He, Oakton High School Digital Art Honorable Mentions: Apparition, Tony Lunsford, Mt. Vernon High School Conformity, Jesse Sands, Lake Braddock Secondary Animation First Prize: Mind Games, Max Johnson, Falls Church High School Second Prize: I Draw, Adrian Caballero, Lake Braddock Secondary School Third Prize: The Fast and the Felines, Wesley Rogers, Falls Church High School Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating this year's winners and thanking the Council for the Arts of Herndon for promoting creativity and innovation.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce. The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will recognize 25 individuals, one investigative team, and one Operational Task Force in a variety of categories including, the Silver or Bronze Valor Award, the Merit Valor Award, and the Investigative Merit Award. Three members of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I submit the names of the following award recipients: 2014 Bronze Valor Award: Captain Jason Reese and Captain Brian Ferguson. 2014 Merit Valor Award: Captain Tom Clark. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2014 Valor Award Recipients, and thank each of the men and women who serve in the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce. The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will recognize 25 individuals, one investigative team, and one Operational Task Force in a variety of categories including, the Silver or Bronze Valor Award, the Merit Valor Award, and the Investigative Merit Award. Two members of Virginia State Police are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I submit the names of the following award recipients: 2014 Silver Valor Award: Trooper Charles A. Lanfranchi and Trooper Brandon West. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2014 Valor Award Recipients, and thank each of the men and women who serve in the Virginia State Police. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Prince William County and the Commonwealth of Virginia, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a separate vote on Gingrey amendment No. 29.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Shepherd's Center of Annandale-Springfield (SCAS) and to thank its volunteers for their many contributions to the Northern Virginia community. Established in 2004 by a coalition of religious institutions, foundations and non-profits, SCAS is a non-profit interfaith organization that provides services to help older adults continue living independently. SCAS also offers programs that supply opportunities for enrichment, learning, and socialization. Services are available free of charge to anyone age 50 or older who resides in the local community. The services and programs offered by this extraordinary organization help to ensure that our seniors stay connected to the community through promotion of active lifestyles, ongoing social integration, and availability of resources for older residents to use their experience, training, and skills in significant roles in society. SCAS volunteers provide transportation for seniors who need rides to medical appointments and other essential activities, ``Handy Helper'' services for seniors who need help with basic household tasks, and ``Friendly Calls'' to home-bound seniors. Social and enrichment programs include bi-monthly luncheons featuring musical programs or guest speakers, day trips to local areas of interest, and educational seminars. Last year, SCAS volunteers, board members and staff devoted approximately 2800 hours of their time to serve our seniors. Drivers provided 253 rides for local seniors, taking them mostly to medical appointments. More than 225 lunches were served at six Lunch N' Life programs. 63 seniors enjoyed day trips to local attractions, and 86 attended seven-week sessions of Adventures in Learning on subjects such as A History of the Early Christian Church, The Civil War, Going Green, The War of 1812 and other Lesser Known Wars, Up In Space and Under the Sea, and other topics. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Shepherd Center of Annandale-Springfield for the services which enable older adults in our community to age in place and enjoy their golden years with dignity and independence. I thank the many volunteers and sponsors who generously dedicate their time, efforts and resources to the welfare of our neighbors. The value of their contributions cannot be overstated and are deserving of our highest praise.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015. Under Section 307 of this Act, the Chief Information Officer of the Intelligence Community, along with the respective Chief Information Officers of each element that comprise the IC, are required to conduct an inventory of all existing software licenses--both used and unused-- and then assess the actions that could be carried out to achieve the greatest possible economies of scale and cost-savings in software procurement and usage. My commonsense amendment simply ensures that when those assessments are carried out, the CIOs will examine leading software license management practices. By adopting Connolly #12, Congress will ensure that when the IC examines potential actions to enhance software license management and save taxpayer dollars, four leading practices will be included in the analysis. The management practices contained in my amendment are derived from a recent report issued by the U.S. Government Accountability Office on May 22, 2014, entitled, ``Federal Software Licenses: Better Management Needed to Achieve Significant Savings Government-Wide.'' GAO consulted with software license management experts from the public and private sectors, prior to concluding that Federal agencies are generally not following best practices that could achieve significant cost-savings. These best practices include increasing the centralization of the management of software licenses; increasing the regular tracking and maintaining of comprehensive inventories of software licenses using automated discovery and inventory tools and metrics; analyzing software license data to inform investment decisions; and providing appropriate personnel with sufficient software licenses management training. I urge all my colleagues to support my straightforward amendment that will enhance the IC's ability to spend taxpayer dollars in the most effective and efficient manner possible when procuring and managing software licenses.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 6 graduating seniors in my community for their record of academic and athletic accomplishment and for their admirable decision to enlist in the United States Navy. I also express my appreciation to Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia for providing this opportunity to be among the first to say to each of these young men and women: ``Thank you.'' I have had the privilege of working with Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia since its inception in 2011. That year my office was contacted by one of the founding parents who upon learning that her son and other students at his school who had decided to enlist would not receive any recognition during graduation, joined with other parents to organize the first enlistee recognition ceremony of its kind in the region. The first ceremony recognized a total of 9 students. This year, we will recognize 129 young men and women who have chosen to serve our country in uniform. With graduation season upon us, thousands of young people in my community, and millions across the nation, are preparing for the next chapter in their lives. Some will pursue higher education or vocational training, others will seek to enter the workforce immediately, and many will answer the call to serve their community and their country. The United States of America has distinguished itself from other nations through the entrepreneurship and spirit of our people, the knowledge that we can achieve any goal if we set our minds to it, our inherent compassion and generosity, our fierce patriotism, and the extraordinary sacrifices and dedication to country exhibited by the members of our Armed Forces. The young men and women from our community who will be enlisting possess an abundance of each of these qualities. I join with their families and friends in congratulating and commending the following graduates on their enlistment in the United States Navy: Teresa Bailey, Sullivan Stansfield, Kevin Quintanilla, Yeagwang Kim, Ryan Kokotkiewicz, and Saurav Bhandari. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the courage and dedication of these graduates and in assuring them and their families that the full support and resources of the U.S. Congress and the American people will be behind them on every step of their journey in defense our nation's freedom.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 60 graduating seniors in my community for their record of academic and athletic accomplishment and for their admirable decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. I also express my appreciation to Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia for providing this opportunity to be among the first to say to each of these young men and women: ``Thank you.'' I have had the privilege of working with Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia since its inception in 2011. That year my office was contacted by one of the founding parents who upon learning that her son and other students at his school who had decided to enlist would not receive any recognition during graduation, joined with other parents to organize the first enlistee recognition ceremony of its kind in the region. The first ceremony recognized a total of 9 students. This year, we will recognize 129 young men and women who have chosen to serve our country in uniform. With graduation season upon us, thousands of young people in my community, and millions across the Nation, are preparing for the next chapter in their lives. Some will pursue higher education or vocational training, others will seek to enter the workforce immediately, and many will answer the call to serve their community and their country. The United States of America has distinguished itself from other nations through the entrepreneurship and spirit of our people, the knowledge that we can achieve any goal if we set our minds to it, our inherent compassion and generosity, our fierce patriotism, and the extraordinary sacrifices and dedication to country exhibited by the members of our Armed Forces. The young men and women from our community who will be enlisting possess an abundance of each of these qualities. I join with their families and friends in congratulating and commending the following graduates on their enlistment in the United States Marine Corps: Steven Lawrence Allen, Jovina Argueta, Coty Brown, Daniel Bukari, Khizer Butt, Jose Cajar, Patrick Casey, Michael Conroy, Adam Crews, Jason Crites, Michael Daughtry, Hunter Day, Christopher Dullea, Jordan Dunmore, Zachary Frye, Ernesto Garcia, Nina Garrido, Zachary Gingras, Flor Gudiel, Junior Guzman Melendez, Demetrius Higgins, Garrett Humberson, Michael Irwin, Jake Kinder, Brian Knauf, Matthew Levesque, Ariel Jeffrey Magalong, Phillip Mauel, Zachary McCall, Lukas McKennedy, Blake TW Mendenhall, Sergio Miranda Henruquez, Duncan Mungovan, John Munies, Robin Murray, Alex Naupari, Rory Nelson, Omer Nezam, Kevin Nidell, Sanjar Omuraliev, John Peters, Siam Putipong, Jaycee Quispe, Hithem Shaw, Sohrab Ali Shojanezhad, Travis Nathaniel Sievert, Luis Enrique Sosa Lopez, Michael Such, Phillip Suh, Sean Sullivan, Carl Tchatchouang, Destinee Tenakoun, Brandon Thien, Taylor Trahan, Marvin Ventura, George Vera, Damon Villamar, Mark Walker, Andrew Webster, Winfield Wilson. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the courage and dedication of these graduates and in assuring them and their families that the full support and resources of the U.S. Congress and the American people will be behind them on every step of their journey in defense our Nation's freedom.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 13 graduating seniors in my community for their record of academic and athletic accomplishment and for their admirable decision to enlist in the United States Air Force. I also express my appreciation to Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia for providing this opportunity to be among the first to say to each of these young men and women: ``Thank you.'' I have had the privilege of working with Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia since its inception in 2011. That year my office was contacted by one of the founding parents who upon learning that her son and other students at his school who had decided to enlist would not receive any recognition during graduation, joined with other parents to organize the first enlistee recognition ceremony of its kind in the region. The first ceremony recognized a total of 9 students. This year, we will recognize 129 young men and women who have chosen to serve our country in uniform. With graduation season upon us, thousands of young people in my community, and millions across the Nation, are preparing for the next chapter in their lives. Some will pursue higher education or vocational training, others will seek to enter the workforce immediately, and many will answer the call to serve their community and their country. The United States of America has distinguished itself from other nations through the entrepreneurship and spirit of our people, the knowledge that we can achieve any goal if we set our minds to it, our inherent compassion and generosity, our fierce patriotism, and the extraordinary sacrifices and dedication to country exhibited by the members of our Armed Forces. The young men and women from our community who will be enlisting possess an abundance of each of these qualities. I join with their families and friends in congratulating and commending the following graduates on their enlistment in the United States Air Force: Joshua Gragg, Jaren Gregory, Erin Harmon, Skylar Johnson, Calvin Kim, Alan Menacho, Joshua Mims, Patrick Moon, Christopher Pidgeon, Shaun Reardon, Cassidy Smith, Carlos Soto-Flores, and Jackson Sullivan. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the courage and dedication of these graduates and in assuring them and their families that the full support and resources of the U.S. Congress and the American people will be behind them on every step of their journey in defense of our Nation's freedom.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 50 graduating seniors in my community for their record of academic and athletic accomplishment and for their admirable decision to enlist in the United States Army. I also express my appreciation to Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia for providing this opportunity to be among the first to say to each of these young men and women: ``Thank you.'' I have had the privilege of working with Our Community Salutes of Northern Virginia since its inception in 2011. That year my office was contacted by one of the founding parents who upon learning that her son and other students at his school who had decided to enlist would not receive any recognition during graduation, joined with other parents to organize the first enlistee recognition ceremony of its kind in the region. The first ceremony recognized a total of 9 students. This year, we will recognize 129 young men and women who have chosen to serve our country in uniform. With graduation season upon us, thousands of young people in my community, and millions across the nation, are preparing for the next chapter in their lives. Some will pursue higher education or vocational training, others will seek to enter the workforce immediately, and many will answer the call to serve their community and their country. The United States of America has distinguished itself from other nations through the entrepreneurship and spirit of our people, the knowledge that we can achieve any goal if we set our minds to it, our inherent compassion and generosity, our fierce patriotism, and the extraordinary sacrifices and dedication to country exhibited by the members of our Armed Forces. The young men and women from our community who will be enlisting possess an abundance of each of these qualities. I join with their families and friends in congratulating and commending the following graduates on their enlistment in the United States Army: Matthew Ainslie, Daniel Alt, Chardai Adora Anderson, Gustabo Arguera Granados, RaJhan Jubar Atkinson, David Barber, Dustin Barnes, Luke Battle, Anthony Boothby, Nathaniel Macques Bradford, Andrew Brown, Lam Hoai Bui, Jamie Nicole Cabling, Matthew Carrero, Thomas James Cleary, Gloria Cruces-Johansson, Caleb Downing, Oscar Gonzalez, Daniel Hemmingson, Kyle Hodges, Mitchell Henry Johnson, Romulo Grame Jovero, Nershon Kamara, Hunter McConchie, Adam Moore, Christian Josue Morales, Lisdeth Morales, Paul Nosegbe, Julius Osei Nyanin, Andrez Obando, Jacob Olave, Alexander Parada, Lisa Vianey Perez, Richard Reese, Edward Robinson, Adriana Roca, Ivonne Aracely Rojas-Telleria, Elijah Jeremiah Scott, Javil Glendon Zanniek Seaton, Billy Gene Sims, Gregory Sorbara, Peter Jordan Stefanov, Philip Suarez, Samuel Crawford Taylor, Avery Tillman, Mark Tull, Elliot Wood, Stephen Wooldrige, Edwin Xicotencatl, Clement Yeboah. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the courage and dedication of these graduates and in assuring them and their families that the full support and resources of the U.S. Congress and the American people will be behind them on every step of their journey in defense our nation's freedom.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the Penderbrook Community Association located in Fairfax County, Virginia, for earning the 2013 Community Association of the Year Award (Very Large category) from the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute. The Penderbrook Community Association (PCA) consists of 1,776 single family homes, townhomes, and condominiums located in the heart of the Fair Oaks area about 20 miles west of Washington, DC, and it is home to over 4,000 residents. The PCA is a Master Association, which unites seven separate land bays with exceptional amenities including a fitness center, swimming pool complex, golf course, tennis courts, basketball courts, clubhouse, boardroom facility, and tot lots. The association amenities serve as a hub for a wide variety of community events that offer something for everyone who calls Penderbrook home. In addition to the topnotch amenities, PCA emphasizes frequent and robust communications with residents. The PCA employs an interactive website for instant correspondence, a weekly email newsletter to inform residents of local issues, meetings, and events, and an onsite office to manage day-to-day operations and provide immediate assistance to residents. Resident input and involvement is solicited, encouraged, appreciated, and recognized. Open lines of communication also are utilized in an ongoing effort to solicit association volunteers for various committees and projects. Volunteerism leads to true community ownership, fosters friendships, and motivates neighbors to serve the common good. The PCA prides itself as an association that gives back to the community. The clubhouse hosts the annual Fairfax County Police Foundation Santa's Ride Banquet, biannual blood drives, and serves as a Fairfax County election polling facility. The PCA annually donates use of the facilities to the Special Olympics for event practice, and the Penderbrook Clubhouse is an official collection site for Toys-for-Tots. Each year the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute honors communities that demonstrate excellence in all facets of association operation and governance, and which best represent common-interest community living. There are four categories: Very Large (1,000+ units), Large (500-999 units), Medium (150-499 units) and Small (1-49 units). The Penderbrook Community Association was selected based upon a review of the community's governance, board procedures, financial management, committee structure, crime prevention efforts, community communications, and insurance preparedness. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Penderbrook Community Association for earning this honor and in thanking the volunteers and Board Members who devote countless hours toward the ultimate goal of creating an ideal home and serving our entire community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the NOVA-Annandale Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra was originally formed in 1994 as a collaborative arrangement between the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Annandale Campus and the Reunion Music Society. Led by award-winning Music Director Christopher Johnston since 1996, the NOVA-Annandale Symphony Orchestra has performed a wide range of music embracing different cultures and heritages and is the ``Orchestra-in-Residence'' at the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center on the Northern Virginia Community College's Annandale Campus. Over the years, the orchestra has grown in size, repertoire, and prominence in the greater Northern Virginia community. The Orchestra is composed of members of the community, as well as NOVA students for whom the ensemble is a laboratory for the orchestral repertoire. The Orchestra performs a wide variety of music from around the world, demonstrating its versatility and its goals of presenting compositions of little-known composers and offering programs of seldom-heard music representing a range of cultures. Throughout its two decade history, the orchestra has performed on and off campus, premiered numerous works, created scholarships, provided opportunities for young soloists, and generated unique multi- cultural events designed to reach diverse audiences. It is most unusual for a community college to maintain a full symphony orchestra, and the orchestra's quality and enduring place in the Northern Virginia community are now widely recognized. At the orchestra's anniversary concert this year, the symphony orchestra will perform a concert entitled ``Scotland and the Sea.'' Included in the program is the debut of a symphonic work by students of the Fairfax Academy for Communications and the Arts. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the NOVA-Annandale Symphony Orchestra on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary and in thanking the musicians, volunteers and supporters for their efforts to preserve and enrich the music and culture of Northern Virginia.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th anniversary of Northern Virginia Family Service and to commend the 2014 Community Champion and Legends of Northern Virginia honorees. Since its founding by community volunteers in 1924, NVFS has addressed the growing needs of communities throughout our region. NVFS works to improve the lives of its clients through a variety of programs in five mission initiatives: housing, child and family enrichment, health access, emergency assistance, and workforce development. Today, more than 36,000 individuals and families receive assistance each year. In 2013, NVFS led a coalition of nonprofits that trained volunteers to help the public learn about and sign up for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. In just a few months, these volunteers held more than 2000 enrollment sessions with clients. The Community Champion Award is a recognition given each year to someone who has made immeasurable contributions to children and families in Northern Virginia. This year, this award will be presented to Lauren E. Peterson. Following her family's philosophy of giving back to the communities in which it lives and works, Ms. Peterson has consistently been involved with major charities in the Washington Metropolitan area. She was a Member of the Northern Virginia Family Service Board of Directors for 12 years. Her current charitable activities include: Vice Chair, Life with Cancer Board; Secretary, Washington International Horse Show; Board Member, Teach for America; Board member, Charity Works; Board Member, Inova Foundation; Committee Member, Inova Cancer Services; and Committee Member, Rainbow Therapeutic Riding. Sidney O. Dewberry will be honored as a Legend of Northern Virginia for decades of leadership in commercial, civic, charitable, and academic endeavors in the Washington D.C. region. In 1956, Mr. Dewberry founded a planning, engineering, and surveying firm that bears his name and is widely known as an industry leader in the greater Washington metropolitan area. He is a founding member and former chairman of the Engineers & Surveyors Institute, and the George Mason University Urban Systems Engineering Institute, now known as the Civil Engineering Institute. He is Rector Emeritus of the George Mason University Board of Visitors, a past member of the Governor's Commission for the Future of Higher Education in Virginia, a member of the Virginia Business- Higher Education Council and former Trustee of the George Mason University Foundation. His leadership activities also include having served on the board of The Greater Washington Board of Trade, as chairman of the Governor's Regional Economic Development Advisory Council for Northern Virginia, as a director of the Air & Space Heritage Council, member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, chairman of the Arlington County, Virginia, Planning Commission and chairman of the Fairfax County, Virginia, Engineering Standards Review Committee. For his service, he has received numerous accolades, including the George Mason University Mason Medal and ``Northern Virginian of the Year'' by New Dominion magazine. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending NVFS for 90 years of service to our region's most vulnerable families and congratulating this year's deserving honorees. I also thank the staff, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners for their dedication and ongoing support of NVFS.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 30th Anniversary of Our Daily Bread. Our Daily Bread (ODB) is a non-profit organization whose primary focus is combatting hunger and poverty in Fairfax County, Virginia. The organization began in 1984 as a temporary homeless shelter that rotated among several churches in the area. As permanent organizations and programs developed to assist the homeless in Fairfax County, ODB recognized a need that was going unmet--serving those families who, while not homeless, were in financial crisis and in danger of ``falling through the cracks.'' ODB's leadership observed that many people work hard but live paycheck-to-paycheck. Any kind of unexpected expense, such as a car repair, rent hike, or medical cost can throw them into a financial crisis. Today, the families ODB helps are likely to be members of the working poor, the elderly, disabled, and those who unexpectedly found themselves in crisis due to job loss, debt, or health issues. More than half of those served are children. ODB's programs offer the temporary assistance families need to recover from a crisis, stay in their homes, and maintain their self-sufficiency. ODB strives to prevent homelessness with a three-tiered approach; providing food assistance, financial assistance, and, ultimately, financial literacy training. ODB also provides back-to-school supplies for low-income school children and holiday assistance. These programs meet the short- term food and financial needs that often accompany job loss and ill health, while also educating clients about ways to prepare for such financial crises in the future and return to self-sufficiency. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Our Daily Bread for 30 years of service to and in thanking the staff, volunteers, community partners, financial supporters and sponsors for contributing their time, energy, and resources to this worthwhile organization.

Mr. CONNOLLY

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